10/3: Canada Covered: Recent Episodes
Postmedia
10/3 brings you the biggest stories in Canada told by Postmedia's national network of award-winning journalists. Hosted by Dave Breakenridge, 10/3 updates twice a week.
The prime minister’s official residence is crumbling. Has been for years. There’s talk of potentially fixing or replacing it after a lot of political debate about it. But is there actually the will in this country to replace it? And how much would it cost? Independent journalist Tom Spears joins the show to discuss the problems plaguing the nearly 160-year-old home, the potential bill for the taxpayer, and why there seems to be little political desire to do anything about the property. Background reading: Pierre Poilievre dismisses federal plan to replace or abandon 24 Sussex Joseph Clarke: The case for keeping 24 Sussex Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When a safe injection site opened in their Toronto neighbourhood, residents initially had to contend with just discarded needles. But over the years, the streets around the South Riverdale Community Health Centre have become home to open drug use, fights and this summer saw an innocent bystander struck down by gunfire among drug dealers. Independent investigative journalist Derek Finkle joins the show to discuss the impact the site has had on the neighbourhood, how police have been unable to respond to the issues, and why it potentially took the killing of a local resident to force authorities to act. Background reading: The needles and the damage done: Inside our neighbourhood’s battle over unsafe injection, crime and murder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Canada’s power couple, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Sophie Gregoire Trudeau announced they’re officially separating after 18 years of marriage. This makes Justin Trudeau only the second prime minister whose marriage has ended in office, after his father Pierre. National Post political reporter Ryan Tumilty joins the show to discuss the announcement, why it has caught the attention of so many Canadians, and whether it has any political ramifications for the PM. Background reading: Sophie Grégoire Trudeau has already moved out of PM's residence — how her life will change Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
While the overwhelming majority of hospital visits in Canada go as expected, there are still thousands of errors every year that in some cases can have lasting, even deadly consequences for patients. And while there are estimates, the true scale of medical errors is unknown. National Post health reporter Sharon Kirkey joins the show to discuss what kinds of errors we’re seeing in hospitals, why issues in the health-care system could be contributing to the problem, and what recourse patients have. Background reading: One in 17 Canadian patients harmed by mistakes that sometimes turn deadly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
With conflict raging between Ukraine and Russia, the role of NATO, and member states’ commitments have become top of mind for many. One key issue is getting countries to meet defence spending targets, and one country missing the mark is Canada. National Post politics reporter Catherine Levesque joins the show to discuss why Canada is falling short of its targets, why this is a problem that has plagued successive governments and why there’s pressure now to step up spending. Background reading: Why Canada keeps missing its NATO spending target — and why Conservatives aren't promising to meet it 'Not for lack of trying': Peter MacKay on why Conservatives couldn't meet NATO's defence-spending commitment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Canada has a reputation for being a welcoming place for people fleeing war or hardship in their home countries. But scenes out of Toronto, showing refugees sleeping in tent encampments because there’s nowhere for them, are contradicting the image the federal government would like people to have. National Post columnist Sabrina Maddeaux joins me to discuss why Toronto is struggling to help refugees and asylum seekers, what help is being offered to them and how the housing crisis is helping to make the problem worse. Background reading: Sabrina Maddeaux: Liberals 'resettling' asylum seekers by dumping them on the pavement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The sky-high cost of real estate in the Vancouver area has people in the Lower Mainland looking at creative solutions to be able to afford their own homes. For some, that has meant going halfers on a house with total strangers, splitting the mortgage and the space. Vancouver Sun reporter Lori Culbert joins the show to discuss why this is taking off in Vancouver, what some of the pros and cons are, and how co-homeowners are managing the arrangements. Background reading: How pricey is Vancouver real estate? Strangers are pooling money to buy houses Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s a tale of two towns. Both nestled in the picturesque Rocky Mountains. Both a hot tourist draw in winter and summer alike. But Jasper and Banff, situated along Alberta’s western border couldn’t feel more different. National Post reporter, and producer of this podcast, Tyler Dawson joins the show to discuss the factors that saw Banff take off to become a glitzy destination for globe-trotters, why Jasper feels a little more rugged, and why locals in the smaller centre may prefer it that way. Jasper versus Banff: Why one mountain town soared and the other didn't Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The $20 million gold heist at Pearson airport in April caught headlines because of the brazen nature of the crime, but it also struck some as eerily similar to another 70 years ago. The theft of gold bars from Toronto’s airport had gone unsolved for seven decades, until now. National Post reporter Adrian Humphreys joins the show to discuss how he was able to identify the culprits of the 1952 gold heist, how they likely got away with it, and why there probably wasn’t a happy ending to this underworld tale. Background reading: 'My dad got the gold': I solved the great Toronto airport heist of 1952 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A longtime member of the Ontario Provincial Police has finally been fired after being convicted of multiple offences, including several assaults, drug charges and a sexual assault which he recorded on his phone. Jason Redmond was sentenced to six years for the sexual assault and is awaiting sentencing for assaulting another female victim. Sabrina Bedford, a reporter with the Brockville Recorder and Times, joins the show to discuss Redmond’s history with the OPP, what led to his downfall in law enforcement, and why there are changes coming to make it easier to fire disgraced cops. Background reading: A bad cop stayed on the payroll for years, committing rape and other serious crimes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Canada Revenue Agency is going after a trio of former Blue Jays stars, to the tune of millions of dollars. The players, Jose Bautista, Josh Donaldson, and Russell Martin are fighting with the taxman relating to what amounts to a dispute over taxes and retirement income. National Post political reporter Chris Nardi joins the show to discuss what the issue is, why these players may have run afoul of Canadian tax rules, and why the case could potentially make it harder to attract top athletes to Canada. Background reading: Hosing Bautista: Why the CRA is going after former Blue Jays for millions in taxes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ten years ago this month, Calgary and many other southern Alberta communities were hit with unprecedented flooding. Five people were killed, more than 100,000 were forced out of their homes, and the damage toll was in the billions of dollars. Calgary Herald Deputy editor Monica Zurowski joins the show to discuss the impacts of the flood, how people are still affected a decade later, and whether officials are prepared for another disaster of that scale. Check out the Calgary Herald for full flood anniversary coverage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When politicians retire, or lose an election, unless they’re very high profile, they tend to drop quickly from the public’s attention. Despite developing a network of contacts and building a busy calendar while in office, once the political fanfare goes away, it can be a lonely and isolating life for many. National Post political reporter Bryan Passifiume joins the show to discuss how former MPs cope with life after politics, why it can lead to depression, and what the public may not understand about the return to civilian life. Background reading: From power to powerless: The high costs of a political life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the era of big league sports, how does the Canadian Football League compete against all the options out there for fans? It’s something surely on the mind of CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie as the league is set to kick off the 2023 season, with teams looking to improve on attendance and gain new fans. Postmedia national sports columnist Scott Stinson joins the show to discuss the overall shape of the league, why it struggles in some markets, and whether expansion plans will come to fruition. Background reading: As the CFL kicks off with big plans, the storied league struggles for relevance 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 ActLearn 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
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
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
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
Amid a summer of troubles in Canada’s airline industry, Calgary and Vancouver staff of big player WestJet could soon walk off the job. The strike would be the latest in a line of disruptions Canadian travellers have faced this summer as they take to the skies after two years of pandemic restrictions. Calgary Herald business reporter Josh Aldrich joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss why these WestJet workers could be heading to the picket line, how it potentially adds to existing problems, and when travellers could see an end to delays and cancellations. Background reading: Potential strike action at WestJet could add to air travel woes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics arrives in Canada in the coming days, with a focus of the trip being reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and an apology for abuses committed at church-run residential schools. The visit comes amid declining influence and attendance for the church, a change that has been happening over decades. National Post reporter and Michelle Lang Fellow Jessica Mundie joins host Dave Breakenridge to discuss the significance of the Papal visit, how some Catholics reconcile their faith with the church’s dark history, and what the state of the church is in Canada today. Background reading: The state of the Catholic Church in Canada, amid scandals and declining attendance
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In recent weeks on 10/3, we've highlighted a new true crime podcast from Postmedia and Antica productions, called True Crime Byline. The show looks at some of the biggest criminal cases in the country, and what it was like for the journalists who covered them. True Crime Byline is available now, wherever you find this podcast, but have a listen to the first episode right here: This isn't a story about Robert Pickton.
Most Canadians know the name Robert Pickton, the pig farmer from a Vancouver suburb who goes by Willy and was convicted of murdering six vulnerable women, although he once bragged to an undercover officer that he had killed 49 female victims. We know Pickton’s name in the same way we know the names of most notorious murderers who make headlines for their heinous crimes. But there are so many other people whose names we should also know: the 33 women whose DNA was found on his farm; the hundreds of family members — parents, siblings, children — who continue to mourn for these women and who, in some cases, are still fighting for answers and justice; and the advocates who keep on lobbying for changes to laws and societal attitudes, so that vulnerable women can be better protected in the future. This story began long before we heard Pickton’s name, and has carried on long after he was sentenced to life in prison. Listen to this podcast for the heart-breaking history of Canada’s most prolific serial killer case, as told by Vancouver Sun reporter Lori Culbert. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The race to replace Erin O’Toole as leader of Canada’s Conservatives took a surprising turn with the party’s leadership committee removing Patrick Brown as a candidate. It’s alleged that a private corporation had paid members of Brown’s campaign staff, which would be a violation of Canadian election law. National Post political reporter Ryan Tumilty joins host Dave Breakenridge to discuss how these allegations came to light, whether Brown has any recourse, and how this changes the race in the remaining two months. Background reading: Patrick Brown disqualified from Conservative leadership race Patrick Brown whistleblower comes forward, claims Brown knew of improper payments 'Brown campaign knew full well' the allegations, Tory officials say in letter to members Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As candidates duke it out over who is best to lead the Conservative Party of Canada, many in the conservative movement are asking what the party itself should look like, and how to best position itself to beat the Liberals in the next election. After three straight losses, many see the next campaign as being mission-critical for the party. Tasha Kheiriddin, principal at Navigator LTD and author of new book The Right Path, joins host Dave Breakenridge to discuss how Conservative politics have become a reaction to Justin Trudeau’s policies, what sorts of policies would best expand the party’s voting base, and why the “Freedom” message may turn off some Canadians. Background reading: Trudeau's true legacy — stoking the woke, an excerpt from The Right Path Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on Roe v. Wade has set off a spate of controversy over whether access to abortion will be severely limited or outright banned in many states. And, as their closest neighbour, the issue has spilled over into Canada. National Post columnist Sabrina Maddeaux joins Dave to discuss why the fallout from the Roe decision could have ramifications for Canadian women who work, study and travel in the U.S., and why some feel the federal government should pass legislation to protect access here. Background reading: Yes, overturning Roe v. Wade affects Canadian women Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The inquiry into Canada’s worst mass shooting has developed into a political scandal, with allegations the head of the RCMP interfered with the investigation to help push Liberal firearms policy. In notes uncovered by the Mass Casualty Commission, it appears that Commissioner Brenda Lucki demanded Nova Scotia RCMP release the types of guns Gabriel Wortman used to kill more than 20 people in advance of the rollout of new gun control measures. National Post reporter Tristin Hopper joins Dave to discuss how these notes came to light, why this is problematic for the RCMP and the government, and the inquiry itself has been faced with its own set of credibility issues. Background reading: The Lucki affair just keeps getting worse Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Early in the race to replace Jason Kenney as leader of Alberta’s conservatives, the conversation has turned to the province’s place in Confederation, with one frontrunner pushing an aggressive strategy. Danielle Smith is proposing an Alberta Sovereignty Act, which would allow the province to supersede federal law deemed not to be in Alberta’s interests. National Post reporter Tyler Dawson joins Dave to discuss the thinking behind the “Free Alberta Strategy,” how it could potentially be used, and why some feel it’s a constitutional crisis waiting to happen. Background reading: UCP leadership contender Danielle Smith wants Alberta to ignore federal laws it doesn't like Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Openness and transparency are key tenets of our justice system. But what happens when more and more information is locked behind a publication ban? In a first-of-its-kind investigation, reporters Adrian Humphreys and Talha Hashmani looked into the rising number of discretionary publication bans in both criminal and civil cases. Adrian joins Dave to discuss why more publication bans are being granted, how these bans intrude on the notion of open courts, and how that can erode credibility in the justice system. Background reading: Secrecy in the courts — Exclusive study reveals increasing use of publication bans in Canada Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What is it like to cover some of the most notorious criminal cases in Canadian history, to dig into a story, and follow the details as it winds through court? How do the really big cases affect the reporters on those stories? Kathleen Goldhar, host of True Crime Byline, a new podcast from Postmedia and Antica Productions, joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the new show, what listeners can expect, and why stories like this resonate with people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A decade after she died by suicide, the case against Amanda Todd’s alleged tormentor has landed in a B.C. courtroom. Dutch national Aydin Coban is facing a number of charges in what the Crown prosecutor is calling a horrific case of sextortion. Vancouver Sun reporter Susan Lazaruk joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss what the Crown is alleging Coban did to Amanda Todd, how they’re trying to prove their case, and what court has heard in the trial so far. Background reading: B.C. girl Amanda Todd victim of 'persistent campaign' of 'sextortion': Crown
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A Canadian airline crew has been stuck in an ongoing nightmare, ever since they alerted police in the Dominican Republic to the presence of cocaine in a compartment on their charter aircraft. For their efforts, they were jailed, subject to threats and have been ordered to stay put in the Caribbean nation. National Post reporter Tom Blackwell joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss how the crew found themselves in this mess, what their experience in jail was like, and whether there is any political maneuvering to get them back home. Background reading: 'A living hell': Canadians who reported cocaine in plane urge Trudeau to lobby for their freedom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ontario voters handed Premier Doug Ford and the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario a renewed mandate with even more seats than the last election. The PCs managed a strong win despite the fact that less than 50 per cent of voters turned up at the polls. The loss also has both main opposition parties looking for new leaders. National Post politics reporter Bryan Passifiume joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss how Ford and the PCs managed such a decisive win, how the opposition parties regroup, and what may explain the low voter turnout. Background reading: Doug Ford PCs roar to a second majority win in Ontario Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Canada’s gun laws are facing a host of updates, including a freeze on new handgun sales and imports. The bill replaces an earlier version previously proposed by the feds, and also includes a mandatory buyback of assault-style guns previously targeted by the government. National Post political reporter Chris Nardi joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss what’s covered under the bill, how this could impact current handgun owners, and why politics may make this an easier sell for the Liberals. Background reading: Liberals table bill to 'freeze' the purchase, transfer or importation of handguns indefinitely Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Quebec’s controversial new language bill was passed in the legislature last week. It governs wide swaths of Quebec life, including college spaces and in what language people can access healthcare. Montreal Gazette columnist Allison Hanes joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss why the bill is so controversial, how it could affect relations between Anglophones and francophones, and whether it offers Quebec’s premier a federal punching bag when voters go to the polls in September. Background reading: Hanes: After divisive Bill 96 debate, what happens next for Quebec anglophones?
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ontario voters go to the polls in just a few days, but it hasn’t exactly been a barn-burner of a campaign. Despite trying to make a dent in Doug Ford’s support in opinion polls, the Liberals and the NDP still trail the PCs. National Post columnist Sabrina Maddeaux and Toronto Sun columnist Brian Lilley join Dave Breakenridge to discuss why voters may be feeling disengaged, how the leaders have fared so far, what we can expect in the waning days of the campaign, and what’s at stake for the opposition leaders. Background reading: Sabrina Maddeaux: Doug Ford's pro-development agenda proves to be an asset Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The debate of whether mercy killing can be used as a defence in a murder case is once again in the spotlight after a domestic homicide in Ottawa. Richard Rutherford, a former principal dancer with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and officer with the Canada Council for the Arts, was found dead in his home Easter weekend. His longtime spouse Phillipe Hebert has been charged in his death. Ottawa Citizen reporter Andrew Duffy joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss events that led up to Rutherford’s death, why the couple’s friends think it was an act of mercy, and how such acts are viewed by the Canadian legal system. Background reading: The 'tragic and profoundly human' story of Richard Rutherford and Philippe Hébert Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Alberta’s governing United Conservative Party is looking for a new leader after Jason Kenney announced he would be stepping down. Kenney made the announcement after receiving a bare majority of support in a scheduled leadership review. Calgary Sun columnist Rick Bell joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss why Kenney fared so poorly with members of a party he built, what’s next for the UCP, and how this shapes the remaining year before the next election. Background reading: Bell: What the hell? Kenney is sticking around until God knows when Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Canada’s top court has struck down a section of the criminal code that could allow for extreme intoxication to be used as a defence in violent crimes. The ruling upheld the acquittal of a Calgary man who attacked a university prof after consuming alcohol and magic mushrooms. Calgary Herald reporter Bill Kaufmann joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the initial court case, the Supreme Court ruling and why some are concerned about a lack of protection for victims. Background reading: Supreme Court says MRU student's magic mushroom assault defence was valid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ontario voters go to the polls June 2, and the much-anticipated election campaign got off to a slow start last week. Much debate centred around highways and transit, as the Liberals and the NDP tried to make a dent in the PCs polling lead. National Post columnist Sabrina Maddeaux joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss how the major parties have fared so far, why the province’s COVID-19 response has not been a bigger issue, and what we can expect in the coming weeks. Background reading: Sabrina Maddeaux: Liberal plan won't fix Ontario's ludicrous elevator crisis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Been feeling the pinch on your utility bills this year, or maybe at the grocery store? You’re not alone. Canada has been hit with rising inflation, which has meant people are paying more for, gas, food and just about everything else. Edmonton Journal columnist Keith Gerein, who has been exploring the impact of inflation on people’s day-to-day lives, joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss where people are really feeling a cash crunch and what’s driving some of these higher costs. Background reading: Groundwork: Edmontonians definitely feeling the sting of affordability, but some more than others Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Devastating floods and fires in B.C. last year showed the havoc these disasters can bring to communities. But it also laid bare how vulnerable some communities are to widespread destruction from future emergencies. Vancouver Sun reporters Gordon Hoekstra and Glenda Luymes join Dave Breakenridge to discuss an investigation that reveals just how unprepared some B.C. communities are, what’s keeping communities from doing the necessary work, and how disaster-plagued residents feel heading into another flood and fire season. Background reading: Fire & Flood: B.C. is facing two extremes — is your community ready? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Ontario election campaign is set to get underway this week, but the Ford government gave it the unofficial kickoff, with a campaign-style budget. Rebuilding the economy after COVID will likely be a key theme during the campaign, but so could the government’s response to the pandemic, which still looms over the political landscape. Toronto Sun columnist Brian Lilley joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss how the budget telegraphs the PCs election campaign, what we can expect from the Liberals and the NDP, and whether upstart right-wing parties pose any serious threat to Doug Ford. Background reading: Ford looks poised for another majority but campaigns still matter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The NHL playoffs are set to kick off in a return to near normalcy after two years under the shadow of COVID-19. And as the post-season looms, many are wondering whether this is the year Auston Matthews or Connor McDavid will lead their teams to glory, whether the Calgary Flames will up their game, or if the Lightning is poised for a three-peat. National post sports writer Scott Stinson joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss why this post-season is so important to the league, what match-ups to keep an eye on in the first round, and what teams could surprise fans this year. Background reading: Fans might want to prepare themselves for the possibility that the Leafs will lose in the first round Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Conservative leadership contestant Pierre Poilievre has wound up an early front-runner in the race to replace Erin O’Toole. The famously combative MP has played up the fight for freedom as one of his key messages, but he has also given a lot of focus to an issue gaining traction across the country: Housing affordability. National Post columnist Chris Selley joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss why housing could be a winning issue for Poilievre, how his approach separates himself from the Liberals, and how the race could change between now and September. Background reading: Chris Selley: Even in downtown Toronto, Pierre Poilievre's 'freedom' message resonates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Since last fall, residents of Iqaluit have faced uncertainty over the city’s water supply. The problem, sparked by the discovery of fuel in the water, has left residents in the remote community wary of officials and demanding transparency about how this happened. Emma Tranter, who covers Iqaluit for the Canadian Press, joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss how the discovery was made, why there is a lack of trust among people in Iqaluit, and why they could be waiting for answers. Background reading: 'The devil is definitely in the details': How fuel could have entered Iqaluit's water Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the wake of the fall of Kabul and the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, Canada has attempted to resettle thousands of refugees, including people who risked their lives helping Canadian Forces during the war. However, many have faced bureaucratic roadblocks in their attempts to reach the safety of Canadian soil. National Post political reporter Bryan Passifiume joins host Dave Breakenridge to discuss the struggle faced by a Canadian veteran and his now pregnant wife, a former interpreter who is stuck in Pakistan, what has slowed her arrival in the country, and what is being done to get her and others here. Background reading: Pregnant wife of Canadian veteran stuck in Pakistan trying to push through Canadian immigration red tape Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tech giants like Facebook and Google could soon be forced to share online revenues with Canadian news publishers under legislation tabled by the Trudeau government. The legislation follows a similar law in Australia, and seeks to ensure that news outlets are compensated for work shared on the platforms, which control a large majority of advertising revenues. National Post political reporter Anja Karadeglija joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the motivation behind the legislation, how it will be enforced, and what reaction has been in the industry. Background reading: Liberal bill requires digital giants to negotiate fair rate with Canadian news publishers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Trudeau government’s latest budget talks of stability and sustainability, while trying to address issues of affordability and economic recovery. But does it do all the things Canadians had hoped it would? National Post columnists Jesse Kline and Sabrina Maddeaux join Dave Breakenridge to discuss budget highlights, where it fell short, and how the Liberal-NDP pact factors into the government’s spending plan. Background reading: Jesse Kline: Chrystia Freeland's budget isn't prudent — it's merely less irresponsible than expected Sabrina Maddeaux: Chrystia Freeland's budget crushes millennial home-buyer dreams Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Canada’s men’s national soccer team has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1986, buoyed by strong performances from stars like Alphonso Davies, Cyle Larin and Jonathan David. Despite some international success in the 1980s, our men’s program struggled for many years before turning things around to reach the biggest tournament in the sport. Postmedia national soccer writer Derek Van Diest joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss why our national program stalled for many years, how we managed to turn things around, and what our chances are at the World Cup. Background reading: Canada draws Belgium, Croatia and Morocco at FIFA World Cup in Qatar Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Among political issues that have been decided by parliament in the last decade, few are as controversial as Medical Assistance in Dying. While many Canadians feel it has given loved ones a sense of autonomy, and has spared them prolonged pain at the ends of their lives, there are some in the medical community who say changes to legislation that expand the practice are a step too far. Dr. Ferrukh Faruqui, a family care physician and freelance writer joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the current legislation, changes that could be coming, and why there is unease among the medical community and some families who have had loved ones who have died by MAiD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
COVID-19 has been the top health story around the world for two years now, but in Canada, there has been growing health concern looming. For the last several years, cases of syphilis have skyrocketed in the country, and the COVID pandemic has actually made things worse. National Post health reporter Sharon Kirkey joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss what’s driving these cases, why it has doctors concerned, and what they’re advocating governments do about it. Background reading: Syphilis, the centuries-old sexually transmitted scourge, is surging in Canada Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The fight within Alberta’s United Conservative Party over Jason Kenney’s leadership took another twist when the planned in-person vote in April was turfed in favour of mail-in ballots. This has created further controversy, with some of Kenney’s own MLAs suggesting he step down, triggering a leadership race. Calgary Sun columnist Rick Bell joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss why Kenney is facing a leadership review now, why the switch to mail-in voting has caused so much controversy, and what’s at stake for Kenney if he fails to get a resounding majority. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A few short months after Canadians elected a minority government, the Liberals and the NDP announced they were forming a pact to keep the Liberals in power until 2025. The move, announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as an agreement that will provide stability, will see the NDP support the government on confidence matters. National Post political reporter Christopher Nardi joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss what each of the parties had to give up to formalize this pact, why it could potentially hurt the NDP in the next election, and whether it gives the Conservatives any advantages in the long run. Background reading: Opposition parties lambaste Liberals, NDP for deal keeping Trudeau in power until 2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Alberta has seen deaths from drug overdoses climb higher than ever before. That culminated in a record year in 2021, with more than 1,700 deaths. Edmonton Journal reporter Anna Junker joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss Alberta’s grim milestone, what’s driving these deaths, and what advocates want to see from the provincial government. Background reading: Toxi-City: Deadly drugs in Edmonton — Overdoses are happening across all neighbourhoods and families are bearing the brunt of the crisis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave an impassioned plea to Canada’s parliament this week. Zelenskyy is seeking support from NATO leaders to create and enforce a no-fly zone over his country, which raises the prospect of wider conflict. National Post political reporter Ryan Tumilty joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss Zelenskyy’s speech, the mood in the House of Commons, and what Canada is willing to do, short of that no-fly zone. Background reading: Zelenskyy begs Canada to help 'close the sky' in address to House of Commons John Ivison: Canada hands embattled Zelenskyy hollow words and symbolic 'courage'
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The war in Ukraine has forced millions from their homes amid Russian bombardment. Many of these refugees are heading west to Poland, where organizers are working to keep up with seemingly endless arrivals. National Post columnist Adam Zivo spent time on the ground in Warsaw and Lviv and he joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the effort to help refugees flooding into Poland, what the situation is like on the ground in eastern Ukraine, and the human toll of this war on those who are being displaced. Background reading: Adam Zivo: Heartache at Warsaw train station as thousands of traumatized Ukrainian refugees pour in Adam Zivo: The Ukrainians supplying the military with Molotov cocktails and camouflage netting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The race to replace Erin O’Toole as leader of the federal conservatives got a little more crowded this week. Ontario MPP Roman Barber, federal MP Leslyn Lewis and former Quebec premier and federal PC leader Jean Charest all announced their candidacies. Charest joins the race as a possible contender to Pierre Pollieve’s frontrunner status. National Post political reporter Catherine Lévesque joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss why Charest is joining the race after 10 years outside of politics, how he hopes to distinguish himself as a potential challenger to the Trudeau government, and how the race changes now that the field is filling out. Background reading: New federal Conservative leader to be chosen on Sept. 10, candidacy must be declared by April 19 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As the world has reacted in horror to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, global attention has been captured by the steely resolve of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He has positioned himself as a rallying force amid a deadly crisis, in contrast to the authoritarian Vladimir Putin. National Post reporter Joseph Brean joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss Ukraine’s unlikely hero, the stark differences between Zelenskyy and Putin and how his command of image and messaging is helping him win support worldwide. Background reading: Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed: How a Ukrainian actor's charisma became a weapon of war Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A pair of Canadian men have been convicted in Australia for their roles running a multi-million-dollar criminal drug network. The pair are the latest Canadians lured by a lucrative drug market only to be swept up down under in a high profile drug sting by Australian authorities. National Post reporter Adrian Humphreys joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss how the men got involved in the criminal underworld, how they were ultimately brought down, and how Australian authorities want Canada to do more to address the problem of our criminals doing business on their shores Background reading: Two Canadian gangsters' big plans as narco bosses undone by undercover sting down under Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Canada has joined the international community with a series of escalating sanctions and measures targeting Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine. This has included economic sanctions, military supplies and a ban on Russian products. National Post political reporter Ryan Tumilty joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss Canada’s anti-Russia efforts, the international co-operation in support of Ukraine, and what’s at stake if these measures aren’t successful. Background reading: Canada sending body armour, helmets, gas masks as war in Ukraine continues Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Since the start of the pandemic, misinformation and conspiracies about COVID-19 or the government response to it have spread widely online. But a new report from the federal intelligence service suggests that extremist groups could be using that worldview to recruit and attempt to destabilize government, Ottawa Citizen writer Tom Spears joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the groups the intelligence service is warning about, what kind of messaging they’re spreading, and why experts are concerned. Background reading: How political extremists took advantage of COVID-19 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Olympic Winter Games wrapped up in Beijing without a major COVID incident, and Canada wound up with a respectable 26 medals. Despite some judging controversy and questions over whether we might wind up with a bronze in figure skating down the line, Canadian officials feel we fared rather well. Postmedia national sportswriter Dan Barnes joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss our surprise medallists, where we fared worse than expected, and where the Canadian Olympic Committee needs to focus in advance of Italy in four years. Background reading: Canada's Olympians come up with 26 (maybe 27) medals at Beijing 2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After weeks of blockades in Ottawa and border crossings in several provinces, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked the Emergencies Act to deal with what the PM calls an “illegal obstruction.” What was purported to be a protest against vaccine mandates for truckers has dragged on, and public opinion polls have shown a growing frustration with the blockades, and for the government’s handling of the issue. National Post columnist John Ivison joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss how we got to this point, why Trudeau may have overreached with the Emergencies Act despite public support, what happens after the blockade ends. Background reading: John Ivison: Trudeau’s intolerance of 'unacceptable views' has brought us to this moment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Olympics are supposed to be an event that fosters competition and fair play while encouraging athletes to strive to do their best. But the Winter Games in Beijing have shown that there’s a disconnect between the ideal, and reality. National Post columnist Sabrina Maddeaux joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss why Russia continues to flout rules, problems with Olympic judging, and the optics of allowing the Chinese regime to host the Games. Background reading: Sabrina Maddeaux: Russian Kamila Valieva's young age doesn't excuse doping leniency at Beijing Olympics Sabrina Maddeaux: The Beijing Olympics judging isn't winning any medals. That needs to change Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As the women’s Olympic hockey tournament hits the elimination round, Canada and the U.S., as expected, have been the dominant teams. But is a tournament where two teams shine brighter than the others involved good for the games? Postmedia national sports writer Scott Stinson, who is part of our team covering the Olympics, joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss why the rivalry between the Canadians and the Americans is fun to watch, elevates the Games, and ultimately helps women’s hockey. Background reading: Scott Stinson: Canada and the United States put on a dazzling show, worthy of the Olympics
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The federal Conservatives are looking for a new leader after Erin O’Toole was dumped in a vote by members of his caucus. This comes on the heels of a disappointing election result, and as the party reckoned with its response to the convoy that has occupied swaths of downtown Ottawa for nearly two weeks. In a special panel discussion, National Post Comment Editor Carson Jerema and National Post Columnist Adam Zivo join Dave Breakenridge to discuss why O’Toole was sent packing, what the race to replace him will look like, and how the party needs to position itself to be successful. Background reading: O’Toole’s divisive leadership style comes back to haunt him Erin O'Toole did everything he could to lose the Conservative leadership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Despite rising case numbers, and in some cases even rising hospitalizations, some jurisdictions are lifting COVID-19 restrictions. Denmark, the UK and Ireland are among some of the countries rolling back public health measures, and some officials in Canada are hinting we could be approaching that stage here. National Post reporter Tristin Hopper joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss why the mood is changing, where Canada would need to get to in terms of cases to follow those other countries, and how officials prepare people for the switch. Background reading: Health officials are hinting at ending COVID restrictions (and not because of the truckers) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Olympic Winter Games kick off this week in Beijing, and Canada looks to match the high bar our athletes set in South Korea in 2018. With NHLers not taking to the ice, and some key athletes from past Olympics retiring, not to mention an ongoing pandemic, it’s shaping up to be tough-to-predict couple of weeks. Postmedia national sports writer Scott Stinson, who is part of our team covering the games, joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss who our strongest medal hopefuls are, where we could see some surprises, and how COVID-19 could play havoc on the competitions Background reading: Check out all our Olympic coverage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tensions between Ukraine and Russia have caught the attention of Western allies, including the U.S., the U.K. and Canada. The deployment of an estimated 100,000 Russian troops near Ukraine’s border have some concerned about an invasion on a larger scale than the Crimean annexation in 2014. National Post political reporter Bryan Passifiume joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss our country’s response, why the issue is of concern to Canada, and whether there is a larger role for us to play in bringing about a resolution to the standoff. Background reading: Canada Has vital stake in Ukraine outcome but no 'currency or heft', experts say Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Winter Olympics in Beijing are set to kick off next week, with Canadian athletes looking to match their medal haul from South Korea in 2018. But what goes into making an Olympian. A lot of training and a lot of money. Postmedia national sportswriter Dan Barnes joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss how Canada’s Olympians are funded, how successful the Own the Podium program has been, and how we’re expected to fare at these games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When Canada appears at the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Winter Games in Beijing in early February, there won’t be a delegation of diplomats and politicians cheering them on. Canada is among a number of Western nations following through on a diplomatic boycott of the games over China’s record of human rights abuses. The move is the latest in a series of tensions with the global superpower. Tasha Kheiriddin, a National Post columnist and principal with Navigator LTD, joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss issues with Canada-China relations, the importance of the boycott, and what this means for politics here at home. Background reading: Tasha Kheiriddin: A diplomatic boycott of Beijing is a no-brainer, except in Ottawa Tasha Kheiriddin: Reinstate Canada-China committee to push back against Beijing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Facing rising COVID 19 cases in the Omicron wave, and public frustration with those choosing not to get vaccinated, Quebec premier Francois Legault announced what amount to a tax on those who don’t roll up their sleeves. The move comes as hospitals fill up, and politicians are concerned the health system will be overwhelmed in the coming weeks. But it has not been without controversy. National Post political reporter Chris Nardi joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss why the Legault government proposed this new measure, what the criticism has been, and whether a tax is the right measure to crack down on the unvaccinated. Background reading: Quebec plans to hit unvaccinated with a 'significant' tax Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Amid rising cases of the Omicron variant, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced renewed restrictions to try to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. These latest moves were met with stiff criticism, notably the switch to online learning for students to start the new year. National Post columnist Randall Denley joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the new restrictions, why they were controversial, and whether the election this spring will be a referendum on Ford’s handling of the pandemic. Background reading: Randall Denley: Flying blind, Doug Ford pulls old lockdown levers that won't work anymore Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After NHLers sat out the winter Olympics in South Korea four years ago, there was a lot of hype surrounding their return next month in Beijing. But rising COVID-19 cases in the league, and the postponement of games forced the league and the players association to pull the plug on the professionals’ Olympic plans. Postmedia national sports writer Rob Longley joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss how big a blow this is for the games, what it means for the hockey tournament, and how big a shadow Omicron is casting over these Olympics. Background reading: Beijing Olympics organizers 'regret' NHL player pull-out With or without NHL players, Beijing Olympics still on schedule: Pound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2021 was an eventful year in Canadian politics. On top of COVID-19 and a federal election, we had a new cabinet, a scandal in the armed forces, and heightened tensions with China. And that’s not even the half of it. Tasha Kheiriddin, a columnist for the National Post and principal with Navigator Ltd, joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the biggest stories of the year, who were some of the big winners in 2021, and what to watch out for in 2022 Background reading: Tasha Kheiriddin: Get ready for tax hikes to pay for Liberal spending Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Just as the COVID-19 pandemic was hitting Canada, Saskatchewan was rocked by a huge spike in overdose deaths, driven by the appearance of fentanyl in the drug supply. At the same time, the province has also been grappling with the highest rates of HIV infection in Canada. Zak Vescera from the Saskatoon Star Phoenix joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss what communities are being hardest hit by this crisis, how the pandemic has hurt efforts to address it, and what gaps need to be addressed to stem the tide. Background reading: Trapped a seven-part series Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The word capitalism evokes strong feelings in some, not all of them positive. But the guiding values behind the notion — freer markets and innovation — have been integral in societies stretching back millennia. National Post politics editor Mick Higgins joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the history of capitalism, why it gets a bad rap, and how it can be a force for good. Background reading: The Capitalist Manifesto: How many millions of people escaped poverty, lived longer and got TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
While Canada is still contending with the delta variant, attention has shifted to Omicron. While there is some suggestion cases of it could be milder than past variants, there are indications it is much more transmissible, and researchers are still studying how serious it actually is. National Post Health Reporter Sharon Kirkey joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss what we’ve learned about Omicron, what is still unknown, and why officials are still cautious despite some promising signs of milder infections Background reading: Do we dare hope COVID-19 is becoming milder with Omicron? 'Hope isn't science' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As countries around the world move to limit fossil fuel use and reduce carbon emissions, coal is an obvious target. Despite efforts in Canada to reduce its own coal use, the world is a way off from moving past coal as a way to generate heat and electricity. Financial Post reporter Bianca Bharti joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss why coal use is up, and some of the obstacles to achieving a coal phase-out. Background reading: Coal's last boom? World's dirtiest fuel isn't being put out of business anytime soon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The dismissal of misconduct charges against Calgary police officers have some calling for changes to how cases are investigated. The case follows another incident in which the Crown opted not to lay charges against an officer after a prisoner at the arrest processing unit was injured. Calgary Herald reporter Bill Kaufmann joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss these incidents, what advocates are calling for, and what police say they’re doing to ensure change. Background reading: Outrage as charges dropped against Calgary police officers accused of misconduct in double pedestrian fatality probe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As the world scrambles to contain and study the new Omicron variant of COVID-19, Canada has reported its first few cases. As of Monday morning, there were two confirmed cases and four possible instances of Omicron in Ontario, discovered after the federal government announced a travel ban from several countries in Africa where the variant has spread more widely. Ottawa Citizen Health Reporter Elizabeth Payne joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss what we know about these initial cases, why Omicron has officials concerned, and whether it poses worries about resistance to vaccines, as the country races to inoculate schoolkids against the virus. Background reading: Two more cases of new variant confirmed in Ottawa, as WHO warns of 'very high risk' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
One of Canada’s most well-known environmental activists, known for spouting off against governments of all stripes and our use of fossil fuels, is back in the news again for comments he made. Critics have accused David Suzuki of condoning or inciting ecoterrorism when he suggested we could see pipelines blown up because people are frustrated by the government’s action on climate change. National Post reporter Tyler Dawson joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss Suzuki’s comments, the fallout, and whether this kind of rhetoric wins any supporters. Background reading: 'Pipelines will be blown up,' says David Suzuki, if leaders don't act on climate change Tasha Kheiriddin: David Suzuki's 'blown up' pipelines comment is a winking incitement to eco-terrorism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The devastation of flooding in B.C. is on a scale unlike anything Canada has ever seen. Major infrastructure has been destroyed, supply chains have been cut off and ecological systems have been disrupted. National Post columnist Terry Glavin joins Dave Breckenridge to discuss how the disaster showed gaps in the province’s emergency preparedness, why B.C. may not be through the worst of it, and why this is a disaster Canadians can’t ignore. Background reading: Terry Glavin: The scale of the disaster unfolding in B.C. is unprecedented Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Facing scrutiny amid a massive sexual misconduct scandal, the Canadian Forces will be reviewing how it trains and interacts with foreign military personnel after it was revealed officials met with a unit with ties to neo-Nazis. The review was sparked after concerns were raised by Jewish groups of the alleged involvement of Canadian troops training with a battalion in Ukraine with links to Neo-Nazis, as well as warnings by soldiers last year that Canadians trained with some Iraqi forces involved in torture and rape. David Pugliese who covers the military for the Ottawa Citizen joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the review and why the military's responses and other signs for a need for a culture change in the forces. Background reading: Canadian officials who met with Ukrainian unit linked to neo-Nazis feared exposure by news media: documents
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced an emissions cap for Canada's oil and gas sector as he looks for the country to get to net-zero by 2050. But what does that mean for Alberta's oil patch as big players plan their own transition to net-zero, and does it set up another political battle between Alberta and Ottawa? Calgary Herald, Business Columnist, Chris Varcoe, joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the industry response to the announcement, how smaller players are handling the news and how hydrogen could play into Alberta's plans to reduce emissions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A campaign is underway to honour a Canadian veteran with the country's highest military medal for his actions in Afghanistan 15 years ago. Jesse Larochelle saved a platoon of his comrades outside Kandahar but his heroics took a horrible, physical and emotional toll on him. Senior National Post features writer Joe O'Connor joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss what happened in October 2006 when Jesse Larochelle saved his fellow soldiers and the push to see him given the Canadian Victoria Cross. Background reading: Ghosts of Afghanistan: The story of a Canadian war hero Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Heather Stefanson is the first woman to be premier in the history of Manitoba, after winning the Progressive Conservative leadership race after the departure of Brian Pallister. But her victory is being challenged by runner-up Shelly Glover, who says there were irregularities in the vote and she is the rightful premier. Winnipeg Sun columnist Josh Aldrich joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss some of the problems with the leadership vote, why Glover feels she has won, and what Stefanson’s first priorities will be as premier. Background reading: Two people think they're the rightful premier of Manitoba, and the PCs have themselves to blame Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau unveiled his newest cabinet last week, and there were some new faces in prominent positions, and some surprise demotions. Melanie Joly and Anita Anand were among a number of women promoted to senior positions, while embattled Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan and Mark Garneau were among key demotions as the Liberals get set to return to the House of Commons in a few weeks. Tasha Kheiriddin, National Post columnist and principal with Navigator LTD, joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss what we can expect from this cabinet in terms of priorities, how this sets the Liberals up for the next election, and how the cabinet signals who could be in the running to eventually replace Justin Trudeau. Further reading: Tasha Kheiriddin: Trudeau is already setting up the next election with a Big Government cabinet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The hockey world has been rocked by allegations that the Chicago Blackhawks failed to adequately address the sexual assault of a player by a video coach during the 2010 Stanley Cup season. Former first-round draft pick Kyle Beach revealed himself to be the player at the centre of a lawsuit against the club and an internal investigation launched by the team. National Post sports columnist Scott Stinson joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the details of the investigation, who has been held accountable, and how the culture of hockey needs to change to protect players from abuse. Background reading: Scott Stinson: The Chicago Blackhawks scandal is another indictment of the culture of hockey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rogers is perhaps best known from your cellphone bill or the radio station you listen to, or its role as part owners of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. But at the heart of it is a family, one that is engaged in a fight over the future of one of Canada’s biggest telecommunications firms. Barbara Shecter, a business correspondent for the Financial Post and National Post joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss what sparked the dispute within Rogers, what’s at stake for the company, and why this fight is headed to court. Background reading: Rogers rift takes new twist as both family factions claim control of the board What the Rogers boardroom drama means for investors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Canadians will have a nationally standardized vaccine passport for international travel, the prime minister announced last week. The documents will be based on provincial data after provinces have rolled out similar documents for use at restaurants and events. National Post political reporter Ryan Tumilty joins Dave to discuss why the feds opted to let the provinces continue with their own passports, and when we can expect them to be fully rolled out, and we also get an update on the vaccine mandates for MPs hoping to return to the house of commons. Background reading: Trudeau leans on provinces for international COVID vaccine passports for Canadians Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Albertans voting in municipal elections had three provincial initiatives on the ballot. Key among those was a referendum on equalization. The Alberta government has been pushing for equalization reform for quite some time, but there are questions about whether the referendum does anything. National Post reporter Tyler Dawson joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss why the debate isn’t a simple yes or no question, what a yes vote actually means, and why this vote is so important to Alberta Premier Jason Kenney. Read more: Majority of Canadians believe equalization is unfair to Alberta: poll Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Last week, nearly a month after winning a third mandate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced when the government would be getting back to work. The PM said he would name a new cabinet before the end of October and that parliament would resume in late November. On Thursday, Dave Breakenridge sat down with National Post political reporter Brian Platt to discuss some of the big priorities for this new minority government, what we can expect on the COVID-19 file, and how a vaccine mandate for MPs could spark controversy among the opposition Conservatives. Background reading: The first 100 days: Major battle over free speech, internet regulation looms when Parliament returns Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor are back in Canada after more than 1,000 days detained in China. Their release highlighted the tense relationship between Canada and China, and also it impacts our politics and our economy. National Post reporter Tom Blackwell joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the state of Canada-China affairs, the political fallout in Canada, and the fate of another Canadian languishing in a Chinese prison. Background Reading: Canada's ambassador to Beijing urges businesses to seize opportunities in a rising China Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After two seasons impacted by COVID-19, the NHL looks to play a full slate starting on Tuesday, even amid a fourth wave of the pandemic But despite the sense of normalcy that comes with a return to the ice, the league is reckoning with the departure of one of Canada’s biggest on-ice stars. Postmedia’s national hockey columnists Michael Traikos joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss why it’s so important to the league to hold a season, how the NHL has managed the COVID vaccine situation and the news that star goalie Carey Price has entered the player assistance program Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The treatment of Joyce Echaquan, recorded on her phone as she languished in a Quebec hospital bed, sparked a national outcry about racism in the healthcare sector. Now, a coroner’s report has found that racism played a role in her death. Montreal Gazette columnist Allison Hanes joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the findings of the report, how it highlights long-standing issues in Quebec, and how the premier’s response could stall efforts to address them Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The debate among police organizations about the existence of systemic racism is complicated. While there has been much talk about racism in policing since the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police in 2020, there is still pushback from across the thin blue line. The debate in Vancouver has shown where these divisions lie. Vancouver Sun columnist Dan Fumano joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the complaint made by a long-time officer alleging systemic racism in the force, how the VPD has reacted and how the debate, dating back to last year, has put the chief at odds with Vancouver’s mayor. Background reading: 'Institutional systemic racism within the VPD,' veteran officer alleges Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A mere two weeks after restating Alberta wouldn’t see a vaccine passport, Premier Jason Kenney announced a vaccine passport amid rising cases of COVID-19’s fourth wave. Kenney deemed it necessary at this point as Alberta’s health system faced record numbers of hospitalizations and ICU admissions. The move has also created political pressure within his own party. Edmonton Journal political reporter Lisa Johnson joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the new measures the premier brought in, the criticism he’s facing from the public and within the UCP and how bad things have gotten in the health care system Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The federal election left a bad taste in the mouths of many voters, and has left us right back where started. We’re facing a minority parliament, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau getting another term in office. National Post political reporter Chris Nardi joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the factors that led us to another minority for the Liberals, the post-election relationship between Trudeau and Quebec’s premier, and whether Erin O’Toole’s future as Conservative leader is in jeopardy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Canada’s election campaign hit the homestretch this past week, as leaders made their final pitches to voters as to why they should be given the opportunity to govern. But will we see a change in Ottawa, or will this election leave us back where we were before? Tasha Kheiriddin, a columnist for the National Post and principal for Navigator LTD, joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss how the leaders fared this race, what the big issues for voters have been, and what’s next for the main party leaders come Tuesday. Background reading: Tasha Kheiriddin: Why Maxime Bernier's rise could secure Trudeau's re-election Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Despite not winning any seats in its first election campaign in 2019, Maxime Bernier’s People’s Party of Canada is back for the 2021 vote, trying to paint itself as a true conservative alternative. But the PPC has been dogged by controversy over past ties to white supremacists, its opposition to measures to stem COVID-19 and its courting of anti-vaxxers, and the involvement of members in angry groups mobbing the prime minister. National Post columnist Rupa Subramanya joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss what the draw is for some candidates, how the party reconciles itself with its own fringe elements, and whether it stands to play spoiler for other parties in this election. Background reading: Rupa Subramanya: The People's Party of Canada's rise is more complicated than anti-Trudeau rage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
All five major party leaders faced tough questions and each other in the two official debates. Liberal leader Justin Trudeau was the main target for his four opponents, as he faced attacks over broken promises and calling the election. But was the debate voters deserve? National Post columnist Sabrina Maddeaux joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss how each of the leaders fared, how the debates set the stage for the homestretch in the campaign, and why Canadians deserve more from the debate organizers. Background reading: Sabrina Maddeaux: Expensive Conservative platform shows they are no longer the no frills party Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Faced with rising COVID-19 cases and flagging vaccination rates, the Alberta government brought back some familiar measures, like a mask mandate, and a 10 p.m. booze cutoff. But Premier Jason Kenney also courted controversy by announcing vaccine holdouts would be offered $100 to get the shot. Calgary Sun columnist Rick Bell joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the announcement, the political fallout, and whether Alberta will follow other provinces with a vaccine passport. Background reading: Bell: Earth to Kenney — Wake up! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The election campaign has passed the halfway point, and things are starting to heat up. Leaders squared off in the first French debate, which saw arguments over the snap election call, vaccines and sexual misconduct, and the Liberals unveiled their platform. In the second of our election panels, Tasha Kheiriddin, principal with Navigator LTD and a columnist for the National Post, and Warren Kinsella, president of the Daisy Group and a columnist for the Toronto Sun, join Dave to discuss the first leader's debate, the Liberals’ campaign platform, and whether the Grits have to go negative to stem their falling support. Background Reading: Tasha Kheiriddin: Erin O'Toole looked prime ministerial during first leaders debate KINSELLA: Breaking down the wins and losses in the first leaders' debate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Despite rising vaccination numbers, Canada is contending with a fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, fuelled by the Delta variant. Cases and hospitalizations are rising across the country, as provincial governments look to bring in new measures such as vaccine passports and old measures like masking. National Post health reporter Sharon Kirkey joins Dave to discuss why Delta is proving so tricky, where we need to get to in terms of vaccinations, and what the fall could bring. Background Reading: With the rise of Delta, are vaccines still enough to end the pandemic? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The resurgence of the Taliban has thrown Afghanistan into chaos and has put thousands of lives in danger, as those who helped Canada and its military allies fear for their safety. But after Canada stopped its evacuation flights last week, many are wondering what can be done to help those left behind. Toronto Sun reporter Bryan Passifiume walks us through the chaos people faced trying to get out of Afghanistan, the potential political fallout for the Liberals, and whether there’s more Canada can do other than wait. Background reading: Those Canada left behind begin dangerous exodus to Pakistan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Canadians go to the polls on Sept. 20, and this election campaign was pitched by Justin Trudeau as a chance to have a say in the direction of the country in the next 17 months. Based on the first third of the race, do we have a sense of what that will look like? In the first of a series of election panels National Post columnist Sabrina Maddeaux and Edmonton Sun columnist Lorne Gunter join Dave to discuss how the leaders have fared in the first few days of the campaign, why the Liberals have looked unprepared, and how Erin O’Toole and Jagmeet Singh have positioned themselves against Justin Trudeau. Background reading: Sabrina Maddeaux: Sorry Trudeau, thinking about monetary policy is thinking about families GUNTER: Erin O'Toole showing himself to be an effective campaigner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister surprised many political watchers with his sudden resignation announcement, less than two years since his PC party won a resounding mandate from voters. The move comes amid questions about his handling of the pandemic, as well as controversial comments about colonization and residential schools from within his government. Winnipeg Sun columnist Josh Aldrich joins Dave to discuss Pallister’s rise to the premier’s office, his legacy for Manitoba and whether the pandemic changes will affect how he is remembered. Background reading: Pallister's legacy not defined by recent struggles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Imagine being arrested and charged with a pair of murders, but you weren’t the person responsible. That was the case for an Ontario man, who spent more than two years in jail suspected in a pair of 2017 killings linked to the criminal underworld. National Post senior reporter Adrian Humphreys joins Dave to discuss the slayings, how police zeroed in on suspects and one man was left holding the bag while two other suspects skipped town. Background reading: 'The fall guy': How an Ontario man got blamed for two Mafia murders he didn't commit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Less than two years since Canadians handed the Liberals a minority government, we’re heading back to the polls again. Justin Trudeau hopes to see his party win a majority government, despite many wondering whether there’s any need to take Canadians to the polls now. National Post columnist and Ottawa bureau chief John Ivison joins Dave to discuss Trudeau’s motivation to call an election, what issues this race could focus on, and what’s at stake for his main opponents Jagmeet Singh and Erin O’Toole. Background reading: John Ivison: Even Trudeau's overblown rhetoric can't justify September election Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
At the Tokyo games, Canada put up its best performance outside the Soviet boycotted 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. We hit new heights in terms of medals, while athletes set new national benchmarks, even after a year delay and interruptions to training due to the pandemic. Postmedia national sportswriter Scott Stinson joins Dave to discuss Canada’s successes, some missteps, and how the Tokyo games were as unpredictable as could have been imagined. Background reading: An unpredictable year delivered an unpredictable Olympics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A break-in on a rural Alberta property left a resident of the home badly beaten and the intruder dead. The tragedy unfolded after the intruder had already broken into the home twice and released by Mounties. Calgary Herald columnist Licia Corbella joins Dave to discuss the deadly confrontation, the toll it has taken on the residents of the home, and why the intruder was let go, only to return to the home once more Background reading: It's time to replace RCMP with an accountable Alberta police force Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Canadian swimmer Penny Oleksiak made history at the Tokyo Games by becoming our most decorated Olympian. She collected her seventh medal in the pool, and at just 21 years old, it’s not a stretch to think she’ll add more hardware in Paris just three years from now. Wes Gilbertson, covering the games for Postmedia, joins Dave to discuss Oleksiak’s jump to prominence at the 2016 Games, what her performance in Tokyo says about the strength of our swimming program, and what the future could hold. Background Reading: Penny for her thoughts: Oleksiak returns home riding the wave of her Olympic success Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Since they have been introduced, COVID-19 vaccines have been seen as the ticket out of the pandemic. But as the delta variant takes hold in Canada, and second-dose uptake slows, debate has grown around whether we should introduce vaccine passports, as has been done elsewhere. Tasha Kheiriddin, a columnist at the National Post and principal at Navigator LTD., joins Dave to discuss how a vaccine passport works, whether it’s a good incentive to increase vaccinations, and why there is pushback among some premiers. Background reading: Bring on the vaccine passports, and bottoms up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Two of the most notable athletes at the Tokyo games have made headlines, but not for their podium finishes. Tennis phenom Naomi Osaka and gymnastics star Simone Biles both made early exits from the games, and both have cited concerns over their mental health. National Post columnist Sabrina Maddeaux joins Dave to discuss the significance of Osaka’s loss and Biles’ departure from the team and all-around competition, why mental health in sports needs to be discussed now and why the win-at-all-costs mentality is potentially harmful to athletes. Background reading: Sabrina Maddeaux: It's no surprise Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka hit their limits at Olympics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, non-essential travel between Canada and the U.S. has been shut down. But there are signs we could see a return to cross-border traffic by the end of the summer, with both Canada and the U.S. offering re-opening dates. National Post political reporter Anja Karadeglija joins Dave to discuss the plan for reopening, how crucial the border is for business and whether the Delta variant could put a stop to all of it. Background reading: U.S. border closure makes 'no sense' as Canada starts to reopen for fully vaccinated Americans: critics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After a year delay, and mounting concern due to rising COVID cases, the Tokyo Olympics are upon us. Thousands of athletes, officials and media are descending on the city, and while everyone is hoping things go smoothly, not everyone is happy about the games going ahead. Postmedia national sports writer Scott Stinson, in Tokyo for the games, joins Dave to discuss the mood in Tokyo, concern over rising COVID cases and whether measures are enough to contain possible spread, and whether this whole situation makes bidding for an Olympics even less appealing. Background reading: In the pandemic Olympics, how many dreams of glory will be stopped by COVID? In the pandemic Olympics, how many dreams of glory will be stInside Olympic quarantine life — snooping on the neighbours, drowning in trail mixopped by COVID? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada’s big cities will be facing a number of economic challenges, and two of the biggest in the west will be doing so with fresh leadership. Calgary and Edmonton will elect new mayors in the fall as Naheed Nenshi and Don Iveson bid farewell. The National Post’s Alberta correspondent Tyler Dawson walks us through what both mayors will be most remembered for, how those races are shaping up, and what challenges their successors will face. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After the controversy-plagued tenure of Julie Payette, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Mary Simon will be Canada’s next Governor General. Our country’s first Indigenous vice-regal comes with an impressive diplomatic resume and extensive experience as a First Nations advocate. And it comes as Canada is reckoning with reconciliation. National Post political reporter Chris Nardi joins Dave to discuss the significance of the appointment, how Simon feels coming into the role, and the challenge of restoring public confidence after the Payette scandal. Background reading: Mary Simon achieves historic milestone as first Indigenous Governor General of Canada New Governor General proved the elder Trudeau wrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What happens when you get over an infection, but it never really goes away? For thousands, perhaps 10s of thousands, of people across Canada, recovering from COVID hasn’t actually meant recovering, but instead a long journey of potentially debilitating symptoms, with no end in sight for them. Vancouver Sun reporter Lori Culbert joins Dave to discuss how widespread long-COVID is, how debilitating it can be for some patients, and how provinces are approaching treating them. Background reading: Long-suffering long-haulers need more services, research to end symptoms, advocate says Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When Canada’s Olymians arrive in Tokyo later this month it won’t be the games that they, or anyone was expecting. While events are going forward, Japan is limiting who can come into the country, and of course there’s the whole concern lingering due to a global pandemic. Postmedia national sports writer Dan Barnes joins Dave to discuss how the pandemic changed training and qualifying for athletes, how Canada is preparing to keep them safe at the Tokyo games, and how some are feeling heading into the COVID Olympics. Background reading: Modern pentathlete Kelly Fitzsimmons lone Canadian trying to qualify for Tokyo Despite pandemic, sport climber Sean McColl has firm hold on training for Tokyo Canadian swim team headed for Tokyo Olympics a blend of resilience, experience Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
An Alberta woman who admitted to fatally shooting her husband is now fighting to have her 18-year sentence for manslaughter reduced. In 2017, Helen Naslund admitted to shooting her abusive husband Miles in the head in 2011, and hiding his body with the help of one of their sons. Edmonton Journal reporter Jonny Wakefield joins me to discuss the events that led to the killing, why the sentence was as long as it is, and why Helen’s appeal is arguing the sentence shows the justice system doesn’t understand violence against women. Background reading: 'Women who kill to survive': Court hears appeal from Helen Naslund, sentenced to 18 years for killing abusive husband Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves on the site of a former residential school in Saskatchewan has once again renewed focus on Canada’s track record on reconciliation and its treatment of First Nations peoples. The find is the latest in a series of discoveries since 215 unmarked graves were found at a Kamloops site, drawing international attention on Canada. National Post reporter Chris Nardi joins Dave to discuss what led to the latest discovery, how the local First Nations community has responded, and whether people are starting to re-think early estimates of how many kids died at residential schools. Background reading: ‘Like a crime scene’: 751 unmarked graves reported found at former Saskatchewan residential school Survivors and historical archives chronicle abuse at Marieval residential school The Indian Residential School Survivors Society emergency crisis line is available 24/7 for those that may need counselling support. That’s at 1-866-925-4419. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Just when we think we have a handle on the pandemic, we get thrown another curveball. COVID-19 cases in Canada are on the decline, vaccinations are up, and provinces are starting to re-open, but a new variant has taken hold here, potentially leaving us vulnerable to a new spike in infections. National Post health reporter Sharon Kirkey joins Dave to talk about where the variant has taken hold in Canada, how serious it is, and how it factors into whether Canadians are feeling comfortable about re-opening. Background reading: Race is on for Canada to vaccinate its way out of potential fourth wave driven by Delta variant Entering post-COVID world sparks anxiety for some, but uneasiness is normal reaction: experts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As the COVID-19 pandemic has dragged on, some businesses have raised concerns over their ability to keep workers on staff due to shutdowns, but also due to government benefits and COVID anxiety keeping people at home. And as the government looks to roll back some of these benefits, there are concerns that it’s too soon, as it’s unclear whether we’re approaching a true return to normal. National Post political reporter Jesse Snyder joins Dave to discuss why businesses are worried about filling vacant jobs, why the government is rolling back benefits for workers and employers now, and what the political fallout could be. Background reading: NDP renews calls to keep COVID benefit at $2,000-per-month, as part of effort to push 'true left' identity 'Stay home and still get paid': Jobs go unfilled as frustrated employers blame COVID payouts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the plan to reduce Canada’s carbon emissions, Alberta’s oil industry has stuck out as a question mark. It’s a major driver of the economy, but does produce a lot of emissions. But 5 of the biggest players in the oilsands have announced they plan to get to net-zero by 2050. Calgary Herald columnist Chris Varcoe joins Dave to discuss what’s behind the announcement, how the companies plan to get there, and other innovations in Alberta’s energy sector that could help capitalized on low-carbon opportunities. Background reading: A 'watershed event' as energy sector moves on net-zero action, hydrogen complex in Alberta Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Four members of a Muslim family in London Ontario were killed and their young son injured when a driver plowed into them. That driver has been charged with murder and police say it’s a hate-motivated crime based on the victims' religion. London Free Press reporters Jennifer Bieman and Jonathan Juha join Dave to talk about the victims, the police investigation and how this horrific crime has rocked London. Background reading: Alleged hate killings suspect wore body armour. What do experts say that suggests? Suspect in alleged London hate killings laughed during arrest: Witness Family killed in alleged hate attack cared for others physically, spiritually Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As Canada appears to be nearing the end of the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Manitoba is still facing a crisis point at its hospitals. The peak for hospitalizations is expected to hit this week in Manitoba, even as cases are declining, forcing the transfer of patients to other provinces, such as Alberta and Ontario. Winnipeg Sun columnist Josh Aldrich joins Dave to discuss the current strain on Manitoba’s health system, the political fallout for Premier Brian Pallister, and whether Manitoba expects to reopen any time soon. Background reading: ALDRICH: We need to know Manitoba’s plan for a return to normal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Canada’s dark legacy of residential schools has forced back into the spotlight with the discovery of 215 unmarked graves at a site in Kamloops. It has renewed calls for reconciliation, while reminding Canadians that thousands of Indigenous children who were taken from their homes never returned. And it has once again sparked pressure on governments to do their part to find where children may be buried National Post political reporter Ryan Tumilty joins Dave to discuss the push to search other sites across the country, and next steps in Canada’s attempts at reconciliation. Background reading: Trudeau says federal government will help find other residential school gravesites Residential school remains could reveal how 215 children lived — and died, experts say The Indian Residential School Survivors Society emergency crisis line is available 24/7 for those that may need counselling support. That’s at 1-866-925-4419. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The light is at the end of the long COVID-19 tunnel. That is at least the message Canadians are getting from many provincial premiers, who have released re-opening plans as we sit on the cusp of summer. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. National Post reporter Tyler Dawson joins Dave to discuss what’s behind the differing approaches, why we’re getting these plans now, and when we could expect to see normalcy in Canada. Background reading: Saskatchewan shuns a 'Trudeau summer' and plans its own reopening in lockstep with vaccines Most of Alberta's COVID restrictions could be gone by early July, says Kenney Chris Selley: Lockdown-obsessed Ontario sits at the back of the reopening pack B.C. outlines plan to end COVID-19 restrictions; eyes September return to normal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Quebec is in the midst of another debate over language. The CAQ government has tabled Bill 96, which seeks to update the longstanding Bill 101, in an effort to protect the French language in Quebec. But as these things usually go, the government has courted controversy. Montreal Gazette political reporter Philip Authier joins Dave to discuss what the bill covers, concerns being raised over Anglo rights in Quebec, and how this debate has carried over into federal politics. Background reading: Trudeau's comments on Constitution spark backlash among Quebec anglos French in Quebec: 'It's nothing against the English Quebecers,' Legault says of new bill Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Could all the talk about COVID-19 in the last 14 month have made us more fearful of the virus than we should be? There’s no doubt COVID-19 is a serious virus and that public health measures have been needed to try to stem the spread, but along with those have come stress and anxiety — especially among younger people — tied to inflated perceptions of the virus’s risk. National Post reporter Tristin Hopper joins Dave Breakenridge to talk about why this anxiety is hitting younger people, what is driving it, and why better communication and policy from leaders could help address it. Background reading: When COVID-19 anxiety stops making sense Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
COVID-19 has effectively cancelled many activities we enjoyed and even took for granted. Sporting events, dining out, but also, concerts, movies and plays. The arts sector in Canada is a big contributor to the economy but has taken a beating over the last 14 months. Calgary Herald arts reporter Eric Volmers joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss what facets of the arts sector have been hardest hit, what artists have done to stay creative and keep performing, and how quickly we could see concerts and productions once we’re out of the pandemic. Background reading: How 14 months of COVID-19 and lockdowns impacted the arts in Canada Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Conservative infighting in Alberta came to a head last week, when Jason Kenney’s UCP caucus kicked out two of its members. The vote came after one MLA stepped down as chair of the caucus and told the premier it was time to resign. But it’s just the latest in attempts by some MLAs to undermine the premier. Calgary Sun columnist Rick Bell joins Dave to discuss why the MLAs were voted out, whether Jason Kenney is in deeper trouble with the party’s base, and where the party goes next. Background reading: Kenney and crew throw two rocking-the-boat UCP MLAs overboard Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Could a federal bill really seek to regulate your cat videos on YouTube, or dance challenges on Tik Tok? Will it control what you see when you log onto popular streaming sites? That’s been the concern as MPs have debated Bill C-10, which updates Canada’s Broadcast Act. But what will the bill actually do? National Post political reporter Anja Karadeglija joins Dave to discuss the overall intent of the bill, concerns over what it will regulate, and the government’s communication missteps in promoting the legislation Background reading: Bill C-10 amendments allowing regulation of social media content don't violate Charter rights: justice minister Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Notorious NHL tough guy Tom Wilson found himself at the centre of more controversy when he was fined, but not suspended, for violations on the ice in a game against the New York Rangers. The $5,000 penalty for the Washington Capitals forward sparked a brawl-filled rematch, but also plenty of criticism of how the league dealt with the whole incident Postmedia National Sports columnist Scott Stinson joins Dave to discuss the how the league handles frequent flyers, whether Wilson’s kind of play has a place in the NHL, and how they can do better to address similar on-ice incidents in the future. Background reading: The NHL took a pass on punishing Tom Wilson. Did it honestly expect the New York Rangers to do the same?
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Alberta has been battered by the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a case rate higher than any U.S. state or Canadian province. And after weeks of pressure, and various smaller measures, Premier Jason Kenney announced a host of new restrictions this week to try to flatten the curve. Lisa Johnson, who covers provincial politics for the Edmonton Journal, walks us through the new measures, why they’re being brought in now, and the presser Kenney is facing from people both in favour of and opposed to new restrictions. Background reading: Alberta K-12 students to move online, patios and salons closed, fines increased under new COVID-19 measures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Amid growing pressure to address allegations of sexual misconduct in the Canadian Forces, the federal government announced an external review of how the military handles these cases. The announcement follows high-profile allegations against current and former high-ranking soldiers in the Canadian Forces, including the former Chief of Defence Staff National Post Political reporter Christopher Nardi joins the show to discuss why we’re getting a review now, what the review will address, and whether we’ll see meaningful change, or if this review will wind up like past investigations into the culture of our military. Background reading: Yet another review of sexual misconduct in Canadian military assailed as ‘cruel’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As a horrible second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic ravages India, there has been pressure on the Trudeau government to enact travel measures to prevent further spread of variants in Canada. In response to that pressure the government announced a ban on direct flights from India and Pakistan for 30 days. But did it come too late to make a difference? Toronto Sun reporter Bryan Passifiume joins Dave to discuss what the ban covers, why it’s important to keep an eye on COVID hotspots, and whether there are any gaps in the plan. Background reading: Canada suspends passenger flights from India, Pakistan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Canadian Football league has unveiled a bold plan for a return to play this year after missing the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the start of the season has been pushed back later into the summer, the league is eyeing games with fans in the stands, and the latest Grey Cup Ever. Postmedia national sports writer Dan Barnes joins Dave to discuss the plan, why having in-person attendance is crucial to the league, and whether it can survive another lost season. Background reading: Canadian Football League plans 14-game season starting Aug. 5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Trudeau Liberals delivered their first budget since before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with an eye to post-pandemic economic recovery. But it also shows the government eyeing an election. Parliamentary Bureau Chief and National Post Columnist John Ivison joins Dave to discuss the spending priorities of the budget, what it means for Canada’s bottom line long term, and how it potentially disadvantages Trudeau’s biggest rivals come election time. Background reading: John Ivison: A federal budget for you? No, it's out to crush the NDP and shame Conservatives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the debate over provincial restrictions to stem the tide of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been holdouts. Restaurants who ignore bans on indoor dining, hair salons cutting instead of closing. And there have been churches keeping their pews filled instead of abiding by capacity restrictions or moving services to the web. In Alberta, one Edmonton-area church has become a flashpoint in the COVID culture war between the power of the government to impose restrictions and the rights of those opposed to them. Edmonton Journal justice reporter Jonny Wakefield walks us through the history of GraceLife Church, why the community is opposed to limits on worship, and how it could be following a template set out by the pastor at a California mega-church. Background reading: How an Edmonton-area church became the centre of Alberta's COVID-19 fight
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Canada’s economy may have slowed through the pandemic, but the housing market has remained hot. And, unlike past years where price increases have been focused on major centres, we’re seeing growth right across the country, due in part to an exodus to the suburbs. Tristin Hopper from the National Post explains why people are flocking to smaller centres, how that’s affecting the market across the country, and whether this is a bubble that could eventually burst. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
While the country has been consumed with COVID-19, a deadly epidemic continued unabated. Drug overdose deaths linked to the opioid crisis hit record levels in 2020, in part due to the pandemic, and 2021 is shaping up to be another tragic year. Alanna Smith, who covers the opioid crisis for the Calgary Herald, joins the show to discuss the role the pandemic played in a spike in overdoses, what is being done now to limit the death toll, and what’s behind the push to explore safe supply programs and decriminalization. Background reading: How COVID-19 overshadowed the worst year on record for overdose deaths Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The COVID-19 outbreak that has hit the Vancouver Canucks has shown the virulence of the virus and how vulnerable league play is in the face of a pandemic. With the playoffs looming, many are wondering how the league is going to mitigate the danger. Postmedia national hockey writer Michael Traikos joins the show to discuss the impact of the Canucks outbreak, what it means for the rest of the season, and how the NHL could be preparing for the playoffs. Background reading: COVID-19: Canucks winger Jake Virtanen joins NHL protocol list amid variant confusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After a year of the COVID-19 pandemic, many Canadians are feeling the fatigue, but even as vaccines are rolling out, a third wave is setting in. Variant strains have cropped up and appear to be affecting younger people, and it has now become a race between the variants and the vaccines. National Post health reporter Sharon Kirkey walks us through why the variants have changed the face of the pandemic, why it’s crucial to get more vaccines to more Canadians, and what’s driving vaccine hesitancy in this country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Supreme Court of Canada recently held up the federal government’s carbon pricing scheme, striking down challenges from three provinces. While the majority of justices felt the plan was in the national concern, those in opposition felt it “rejects the Constitution and rewrites the rules of confederation,” while stepping into provincial jurisdiction. Columnist Sean Speer walks us through the significance of the minority opinion on the court, the Justice who penned it, and what it could mean for the conservative legal movement in Canada and future debates over the powers of the federal government. Background reading: The Supreme Court Justice who's not afraid to shake things up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As we spend more of our lives online, people are looking at more ways to make money online. From delivering food, to being a YouTube star, to turning your instagram following into cash, the platform economy is growing, and the taxman wants his cut. National Post politics reporter Christopher Nardi walks us through how lucrative business is for some influencers, how Canada Revenue Agency put a team together to track posts from social media influencers, and the ways in which people have been caught ducking their taxes. Background reading: The CRA is watching you — Auditors scouring social media for unreported income from influencers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The killing of Colten Boushie and the trial of Gerald Stanley raised concerns about rural crime and racism across Canada. But the RCMP also faced scrutiny from the start, and new reports offer condemnation of how police handled the homicide investigation, and how they treated Boushie’s family. Saskatoon Star Phoenix reporter Thia James walks through why these reviews were conducted what the reports into the RCMP investigation dug up, and what it means to Boushie’s family. Background reading: Watchdog reports find RCMP discriminated against Colten Boushie's family following shooting death 'We were never going to be swept away': Colten Boushie's mother encourages others to continue fighting injustice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney won a decisive victory in 2019 on the strength of his messaging about the economy and jobs and being a stronger option than the NDP. Halfway through his mandate, and a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, support for the government has dropped and even the party’s base is frustrated. Calgary Sun columnist Rick Bell joins the show to discuss when things started to turn for the UCP, why voters are frustrated, and what Kenney could do to turn things around. Background reading: Bell: Jason Kenney wants to change the channel Bell: Premier Kenney, it's wakey-wakey time Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Subject of a lot of scrutiny last summer, the founders of WE Charity, Marc and Craig Kielburger, again found themselves before a house of commons committee this week. MPs continued to question the brothers about how WE Charity operated and communicated with the government and they responded with accusations that their charity is being dragged through the mud in a “political trial.” National Post Reporter Brian Platt walks us through why this issue is lingering from last year, what the committee is trying to uncover, and whether there were any new revelations. Background reading: Kielburgers accuse MPs of subjecting them to political 'trial' and destroying WE Charity
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Already smarting from the shutdown of the Keystone XL pipeline, Canada’s oil industry is now facing the prospect that a long-operating oil line could be shut down. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has revoked an easement for Enbridge’s Line 5, which ships oil from Alberta, through the U.S. and onto refineries in southern Ontario, but also several U.S. states. This has raised concern, not only in oil-producing Alberta, but in Ontario and Quebec. Financial Post energy reporter Geoffrey Morgan joins Dave to discuss Michigan’s concerns over the pipeline, how the Canadian government is responding, and what the ramifications would be in Canada and the U.S. if Line 5 is shut down. Background reading: Ontario relieved Ottawa fighting for Line 5, but fears pipeline could become politically toxic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The bombshell interview between Oprah Winfrey and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, cast damning allegations on the Royal Family. The pair most notably revealed that comments were made on the skin colour of their son archie and that Meghan was prevented from seeking mental health treatment. The interview garnered wide reaction around the world, and re-opened a long-simmering debate in Canada. What to do with the Monarchy. Josh Traptow with the Monarchist League of Canada joins the show to discuss why the interview was so important, how it impacts the perception of the Royal Family as a whole, and why dropping the monarchy in Canada is not as easy as some think. Background reading: Everything we learned in the Harry and Meghan interview Abolish the monarchy? In Canada, it would be a royal pain in the butt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Parliament is set to debate a bill that will introduce a new definition of hate as it aims to tackle hateful content online. But free speech proponents are concerned the bill could bring back previously repealed provisions of hate speech law that were seen as highly politicized and subjective. National Post political reporter Anja Karadeglija joins the podcast to discuss the what kind of online content this legislation is looking to target, why the feds are bringing this law in now, and why free speech advocates are worried. Background reading: New definition of hate to be included in Liberal bill that might also revive contentious hate speech law Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
While COVID-19 cases have spread throughout the population, cases in continuing and long-term care have grabbed headlines due to the size of outbreaks, and the death toll among the elderly. The pandemic has laid bare problems within the system many will rely on as they age. And reports show a wave is coming as the baby boomers get older Calgary Herald columnist Licia Corbella joins Dave to discuss the toll the pandemic has taken on long-term care, what needs need to be addressed to handle the incoming “grey tsunami” and the potential cost if changes aren’t made. Background reading: The coming grey wave of boomers will overwhelm society if we don't act now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Investigations have been opened into allegations of misconduct against the current and former Chiefs of Defence Staff. Even as the military tries to reckon with a checkered history on dealing with sexual abuse within the ranks, it is looking into claims against retired General John Vance and Admiral Art McDonald. Ottawa Citizen reporter David Pugliese, who covers defence and military issues, comes on to discuss the allegations, what could happen as a result of the investigations, and what this means for the military’s attempts to address abuse. Background reading: Hours before stepping down from top military job, defence chief vowed to get tough on sexual misconduct Sexual misconduct allegations against Gen. Jon Vance show need for independent investigative body, committee hears Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
International travellers returning to Canada amid the COVID-19 pandemic now face a mandatory 72-hour quarantine in designated hotels, and a potentially longer stay at a government isolation facility. The National Post’s Tyler Dawson joins Dave to discuss what these centres are like, why there’s so much secrecy around them, and why people are concerned about the isolation process. Background reading: Welcome to hotel of last resort, the government-run quarantine you really want to leave Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Trudeau government has followed through on more of its gun control plans, with legislation that will allow cities to effectively ban handguns. But do these measures actually achieve the stated goal of making Canadians safer? National Post columnist Matt Gurney joins Dave to discuss issues with delegating bans to cities, why the legislation is targeting the wrong people, and why Liberal actions don’t match their overheated rhetoric. Background reading: Matt Gurney: Only one reason for the Liberals' toothless gun law — they know lawful firearm owners are not a threat Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced global change. We work differently, we shop differently, we interact differently. After a year of living with the virus, Postmedia’s PostPandemic project is taking an in-depth look at the significant social, institutional and economic issues the pandemic has brought to light in Canada. And how it’s re-shaping the country National Post health reporter Sharon Kirkey joins Dave to discuss where Canada is at one year into this pandemic, whether we’re through the worst of it, and what a post-COVID world could look like. Background reading: It's only 'the end of the beginning.' COVID-19 will be with us for years Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Despite assurances that Canada would receive millions of COVID-19 vaccine doses in the first quarter of the year, shipment delays have put the country off target. And every delayed shipment has the potential to further push back the goal of re-opening society, and risks more infections of the virus. National post reporter Tristin Hopper joins Dave to discuss where Canada’s vaccine plan failed, when we could expect to get back on track, and what the health and economic consequences are of a delay. Background reading: How Ottawa utterly botched the COVID-19 Vaccine rollout More death, more deficits: The dire consequences of Canada's vaccine procurement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The federal government has added 13 groups to its list of terror groups, including five ISIS affiliates, and a handful of far right extremist groups, including the Proud Boys. The move comes after parliament voted to call on the government to add the Proud Boys to the list in the wake of its involvement in the Jan. 6 events at the U.S. Capitol. But what does the terror designation actually do? Former CSIS terrorism analyst Phil Gurski joins Dave to discuss the purpose of Canada’s terror group list, where it can be helpful in dealing with extremist groups, but where politics can muddy the process. Background reading: Gurski: Listing the Proud Boys as a 'terrorist entity' is mostly about politics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The night of Sept 30, 2017 will be burned into the memory of Edmontonians for years. That night, a man ran down a police officer before stabbing him, then used a U-Haul truck as a weapon on a busy downtown street. More than three years after the attacks, there are still questions left unanswered. Edmonton Journal justice reporter Jonny Wakefield joins Dave to discuss new details uncovered in the case, why, despite the appearance of an act of terrorism those charges were not pursued, and why we may never get a full picture of the motivations behind these crimes. Background reading — Last night in September: The lingering questions behind the 2017 Edmonton 'terror' attack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A Canadian who authorities allege is one of the world’s biggest drug kingpins, has been arrested in the Netherlands. Tse Chi Lop, also known as brother number three, was nabbed on an Interpol warrant at the request of Australian police, who allege he is the head of an international drug smuggling ring, which has earned him comparisons to the likes of Pablo Escobar and El Chapo. National Post crime reporter Adrian Humphreys joins the show to discuss Tse Chi Lop’s alleged role in this massive drug network, what led to his capture, and his criminal past in Canada. Background reading: Captured Canadian, one of world's biggest drug kingpins, learned the trade from Montreal Mafia Dutch police arrest alleged Asian drug syndicate kingpin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Canadians coming home from abroad are facing tough new restrictions announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The government is hoping to keep cases of new COVID-19 variants at bay as it grapples with a slowdown in vaccine shipments and an ongoing second wave of the pandemic. Ryan Tumilty, who covers federal politics for the National Post, joins Dave to discuss the new restrictions, where Canada’s vaccine shipments are at, and a new report that shines a light on a lack of preparedness at the Public Health Agency of Canada. Background reading: Incoming travellers will face mandatory hotel quarantine while they await COVID tests: Trudeau Poll finds overwhelming support for new travel restrictions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After members showed up at the Capitol Hill riot in Washington D.C. on Jan. 6, the far-right group the Proud Boys have caught the attention of politicians in Canada. Members of parliament passed a motion on Jan. 25 calling on the government to declare the Proud Boys a terrorist entity. But some wonder whether it’s the right approach to crack down on such groups. Freelance investigative journalist Justin Ling, who has spent years investigating extremist groups, joins Dave to discuss the motivation behind the motion, why the move is problematic, and what a better approach could be to deal with the Proud Boys and others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Governor General Julie Payette and the top bureaucrat in her office have resigned amid a review into allegations there was a toxic workplace at Rideau Hall. The allegations claim they were abusive to staff, sometimes reducing them to tears. These resignations have called into question the vetting process that saw the highly accomplished Payette appointed to the position. National post political reporter Brian Platt is on to discuss the allegations in the report, why Payette may not have been suited for the role despite her accomplishments, and where the government goes next. Background reading: GG Julie Payette and Rideau Hall's top bureaucrat resign in wake of damning workplace review Despite resigning, Julie Payette still qualifies for perks such as a $149,484 annual pension for life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Keystone XL pipeline project has long been a sticking point in both Canadian and American politics. It has been a hot potato for successive American presidents, and Alberta Premier Jason Kenney bet big, with more than a billion in investment, plus loan guarantees. But now, the new U.S. president has put a stop to it. Calgary Herald columnist Chris Varcoe joins me to discuss Joe Biden’s motives for cancelling the project, what the ramifications are for Canada’s oil industry, and what it means for Alberta Premier Jason Kenney. BACKGROUND READING: Varcoe: Keystone XL is shot down, and the target turns to other pipelines TC Energy and Alberta face long odds if they sue U.S. government over cancelled Keystone XL Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
President Donald Trump has left office, but his political presence will likely be lingering for some time, both in the U.S. and Canada. And that poses a problem for Conservative Party leader Erin O’Toole. With the threat of a possible election an ongoing concern, O’Toole has tried to distance himself from claims he is ‘far right’ and quash attacks that his party is Trump-lite Dave's guest is Andrew MacDougall, a communications consultant and ex-director of communications to former prime minister Stephen Harper, who wrote for the Ottawa Citizen why Trumpism is a problem Erin O’Toole has to address, and the electoral consequences if he doesn’t. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ontario has been hit hard in recent weeks with growing numbers of COVID-19 cases. In response, Doug Ford has announced a host of new restrictions to try to stem the tide. But will they work? Toronto Sun columnist Brian Lilley joins Dave to talk about what’s driving the new measures, why Ontario didn’t opt for a curfew like Quebec, and where the province it at in terms of its vaccine rollout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
While the new year has brought some hope in the covid-19 fight, with a ramping up of vaccine campaigns, 2021 is also presenting a new set of challenges in the pandemic. Variant strains that can be passed more easily from person to person are cropping up, and there are supply issues when it comes to the vaccines. National Post Health Reporter Sharon Kirkey joins Dave to talk about the concerns around the new virus strains, whether Quebec’s new curfew could help slow infections and the challenges Canada is facing with its vaccine rollout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Prime minister Justin Trudeau has set the lofty goal of Canada being net-zero for carbon emissions for 2050. And as part of that strategy, the country has bet on nuclear power to help get us there. Financial Post energy reporter Geoffrey Morgan joins Dave to talk about why the government is looking at nuclear power, what communities could eventually see mini-reactors at use, and why some are opposed to the technology. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After the National Hockey League finished its season in unorthodox fashion, with playoffs held in hub cities and a Stanley Cup celebration in late September, we’re looking at some semblance of normalcy this season. Fans won’t be in the stands, but the NHL is set to resume with a truncated season in all 31 arenas. But for Canadian fans, things will look a lot different. Postmedia national hockey writer Michael Traikos joins Dave to discuss why people should be excited about the all-Canadian division, what it means to players to have hockey back, and how the league is adjusting while we’re still in the middle of a pandemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We are taking a couple weeks off for the holidays. We hope to see you in the new year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For many many Canadians who grew up in cities, the connection with agriculture and rural life is merely what they drive past on the highway, or produce bought from the store. But for others, it’s a story of their family history. In part two of our look at the series Abandoned Saskatchewan Dave talks to Saskatoon Star-Phoenix sports editor Kevin Mitchell about growing up on his family farm, his return to the abandoned property, and what the decline of rural Saskatchewan means to him. BACKGROUND READING: This old house: Visiting my abandoned home on the Saskatchewan prairie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
To many Saskatchewan is still seen as Canada’s breadbasket. A land of farms and flat stretches of road. But as Regina and Saskatchewan grow into thriving cities, there has been a decline in the rural heartland. In the first of two episodes highlighting the series Abandoned Saskatchewan, Dave is joined by Saskatoon Star Phoenix reporter Phil Tank about when the decline started, what’s driving it, and what the potential implications are for the province. In our next episode we’ll talk with Star Phoenix Sports Editor Kevin Mitchell, who took a journey back to his family’s farm. BACKGROUND READING: 'Change is necessary;' Saskatchewan's long-standing rural-to-urban shift poses challenges Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The opioid crisis was already ravaging B.C., and then covid-19 showed up. This has meant a disruption to drug supplies, more overdoses, and in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside an increase in crime and social disorder. Vancouver Sun columnist Daphne Bramham joins Dave to talk about how COVID-19 crisis has made things worse in the Downtown Eastside, what’s driving an increase in overdose deaths in B.C. and what solutions are being looked at to deal with the opioid epidemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Canada is on its way to having some form of national childcare program. In its recent fall economic update, the Trudeau government announced it was looking at more than $400 million dollars for the provinces to train qualified staff as preview of more money coming in next year’s budget. But is a plan to create more child care spaces the right move? Postmedia columnist Tasha Kheiriddin joins Dave to talk about what the feds are proposing, why it may not meet the needs of kids, and why the government should pursue offering parents more flexibility instead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Early on in the COVID-19 pandemic, Alberta was among the provinces that seemed ready to face the challenge head on, and in many ways, that’s what happened at first. But, as summer turned to fall, Alberta followed many provinces, and countries with mounting case counts in the pandemic’s second wave. And cries have grown louder for the government to do more. The National Post’s Alberta reporter Tyler Dawson joins Dave to talk about when things started to turn for Alberta, how the government is trying to get a handle on things, and why that may not be enough. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
With three major pharmaceutical companies showing success with COVID-19 vaccines in phase 3 trials, a lot of people are getting their hopes up about the beginning of the end of the pandemic. But while other countries could see rollouts in the coming weeks, it could be months before Canadians get their turn. Parliamentary Bureau Chief and National post columnist John Ivison joins Dave to talk about why Canada has to wait, whether the government can do anything to speed that up, and why it could become a political vulnerability for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A lawsuit out of Montreal has revealed unorthodox procedures for dealing with sexual assault allegations on campus. A student at Montreal’s McGill University has filed a lawsuit alleging he was forced to defend allegations of sexual assault which weren’t detailed to him and from an accuser who remained anonymous. Dave is joined by Montreal Gazette crime reporter Paul Cherry to talk about how this case was handled by a student society panel, the public actions taken against the student and how the process was overturned on appeal. Background reading: McGill University student sues school, newspaper, associations and accuser Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
With COVID-19 cases on the rise in Canada, the lingering question that’s on a lot of peoples minds is “When the heck are we gonna get a vaccine for this thing?” Well, some promising signs on this front as a pair of pharmaceutical companies say they have vaccines almost ready to go. Dave is joined by National Post health reporter Sharon Kirkey to talk about why cases are on the rise in Canada, the promise shown by these vaccine developments, and the challenge of getting them distributed once they’re approved. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Erin O’Toole could well be Canada’s next prime minister. He just needs to do something that has happened just once in the last 30 years, win a Conservative majority. And to do that, he’s looking for voters you don’t typically see right-wing parties courting. Union members. Dave is joined by National Post politics reporter Brian Platt to talk about why O’Toole is looking at this voter base as a way to grow support, what the pitch he’s making is, and whether this could actually pave the way to a Conservative win. Background reading: Why Erin O'Toole is gambling on building a new, union-friendly Conservative voting coalition Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Republicans may have lost the White House, but it doesn’t mean their party is battered and bruised. With a conservative majority on the supreme court, and potentially retaining the Senate, the Republicans are in a good place to keep president-elect Joe Biden in check over the next four years. But what does a Republican Party look like without Donald Trump? Nicholas Lemann, a staff writer at The New Yorker, joins Dave to talk about what the mentality is behind Trump’s challenge of the results, how party leaders may be looking to move past this election and position themselves for the midterms in two years. Background reading: The Republican Identity Crisis After Trump Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As a candidate for U.S. president, Joe Biden talked about wanting to get the country off its dependency on oil. But how things will actually play out under President Biden — and what this means for Canada’s energy sector — is still up in the air. Will that stance mean less U.S. oil production, which means an opportunity for Canadian companies? Could Alberta’s oil be hit with a cross-border carbon tax? And where does a green new deal fit in? Geoffrey Morgan, who covers energy and power for The Financial Post, joins Dave by phone to talk about the ramifications of a Biden presidency for Alberta oil, the Keystone XL pipeline and how it could force Justin Trudeau and Jason Kenney to work together for the sake of the energy sector. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Canadian Forces is looking to set up a new propaganda arm to try to influence the behaviour of people in this country. The proposal, revealed in documents uncovered by Postmedia, are an extension of a plan from the Chief of Defence Staff to ‘weaponize’ the military’s public affairs branch Dave is joined by Ottawa Citizen military affairs reporter David Pugliese, who uncovered the story, to walk through what this organization would do, why they’re trying to influence Canadians’ behaviour, and what this could mean for the public perception of the forces. Background reading: Canadian military wants to establish new organization to use propaganda, other techniques to influence Canadians Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It has been 11 years since an Ottawa teen vanished without a trace. Initially thought to be a runaway, there appears to be no indication of what happened to Justin Rutter. Dave Breakenridge is joined by Ottawa Citizen reporter Taylor Blewett about the circumstances around Rutter’s disappearance, why his family has concerns about the investigation, and whether his mother feels she’ll ever get closure. Background reading: 'What happened to Justin Rutter?': The Ottawa teen vanished 11 years ago. His disappearance remains a mystery Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
B.C. Premier John Horgan shocked many, including his governing partners in the Green Party, when he called a snap election last month. And while many felt voters would punish Horgan and the NDP for heading to the polls during a pandemic, breaking an agreement with the Greens in the process, the NDP now has a majority government. Dave is joined by Vancouver Sun legislative columnist Rob Shaw to talk about the motivation behind calling an election, why the NDP didn’t take a hit politically, and what it means now that Horgan has a majority government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Justin Trudeau’s Liberals survived a confidence vote over a Conservative push to dig deeper into the WE Charity affair. Canadians may be spared a fall election, but the political games are far from over. Dave is joined by National Post political reporter Chris Nardi to discuss why the Liberals seemed keen to push us close to a pandemic election, why this move poses a problem for the NDP, and whether this hampers the Conservative efforts to hold the government to account. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The 1984 death of Christine Jessop and wrongful conviction of Guy Paul Morin rocked the country. In a surprise announcement this month, police announced they had identified Christine’s Killer. Dave is joined by Toronto Sun columnist Joe Warmington by phone to talk about the historic case, who it’s believed the killer is, and how police solved this mystery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The story of Barry and Honey Sherman, whose murder nearly three years ago remains unsolved, has taken another twist. The fight over the couple’s estate files has hit the Supreme Court this week. National Post crime reporter Adrian Humphreys joins Dave to talk about how an inheritance proceeding wound up at Canada's highest court, why the family is fighting to have these records kept private and what the legal implications of this case could be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The viral video showing a dying Indigenous woman screaming while she is subjected to verbal abuse by staff at a Quebec hospital has reignited the debate over racism in the health-care system. The recording, made by Joyce Echaquan herself from her hospital bed, has led to the firing of two hospital staff members, and has sparked a coroner’s investigation. But there are many saying that this is a deeper problem than one woman’s death. Dave is joined by Nazila Bettache, an internist and assistant professor of medicine at the Univeristy de Montreal, who co-authored an op-ed on racism in the health care sector. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Already battered by a price roller-coaster in 2020, big players in Canada’s oilpatch have announced plans for cost-cutting or layoffs. Oilsands giant Suncor was the latest to announce changes, with a planned 10-15 per cent cut to its workforce. Dave is joined by Calgary Herald business columnist Chris Varcoe to discuss what’s driving these moves, how deep the industry’s problems go, and what it means for Alberta’s economy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
One of the hardest hit provinces in COVID-19’s first wave, Quebec’s rising case numbers suggest it is into a second wave of the pandemic. The spike in cases in September has meant that premier Francois Legault has had to announce stricter lockdown restrictions in some areas. Dave is joined by Montreal Gazette Assistant City Editor Monique Beaudin to discuss where the spike in cases is coming from, who is affected by the new lockdown, and what measures are being taken. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After proroguing parliament in August, the Liberals delivered just their second throne speech since being elected in 2015. And with the support of Jagmeet Singh and the NDP, the Justin Trudeau’s team avoids having to fight an election battle a year into their second mandate. I’m Dave Breakenridge and this is 10/3. I’m joined by Parliamentary bureau chief and National post columnist John Ivison to discuss whether the throne speech was the big agenda reset Trudeau suggested it would be, and why the NDP decided to back the Liberals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For more than 200 years, science has had a sure-fire way of dealing with many deadly, debilitating viruses. The vaccine. And as we move through theCOVID-19 pandemic, a vaccine is what we’re hinging our hopes on if we want to get back to normal. Dave is joined by National post health reporter Sharon Kirkey to discuss how important a vaccine is to beating the pandemic, how officials could decide who receives it first, and what concerns people may have about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down many sectors in our economy, the federal government has been doling out cash to Canadians. The CERB, or Canadian Emergency Response Benefit, was meant to help people through a very unexpected bumpy ride. But the CERB has sparked renewed discussions about a universal basic income in Canada. Dave Breakenridge is joined by national post political reporter Stuart Thomson about what a basic income would look like, who is pushing this idea, and what some of the potential pitfalls are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A dark chapter in B.C. criminal history has come to a close. Jamie Bacon, the last person convicted in the Surrey Six massacre, has been sentenced to an additional five years on top of time served, for his role in the slayings. Vancouver Sun Crime reporter Kim Bolan joins Dave to look back at the Surrey six killings, discuss what Bacon ultimately pleaded guilty to, and why the case was so complicated in getting to sentencing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When it comes to gun crime in Canada, one question that often gets asked is “where are these guns coming from?” Some of them are ill-gotten Canadian firearms, but many of them are smuggled across the border from the United States, where guns are plentiful. But just how do they get here? Dave is joined by National Post reporter Adrian Humphreys to talk about recent case in the U.S. that breaks down the journey from an Ohio gun show to the streets of Toronto. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, when we were still learning about the virus, Canadians looked to the top doctors for advice. In B.C. and Alberta, people were comforted by the calm demeanours of Doctors Bonnie Henry and Deena Hinshaw. But, as provinces have rolled out back-to-school plans, that comfort has started to fade, with much of the criticism being directed at the health officials. Dave Breakenridge is joined by the National Post’s Tyler Dawson about where the criticism has come from, why the doctors are the targets, and how much provincial politics play a role. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Floating amid the 2020 U.S. presidential election campaign, is a conspiracy theory that Donald Trump is the only one who can stop a cabal of Satanists who are molesting and trafficking in children. While unique in its details, QAnon shares DNA with childhood allegations of ritual sexual abuse unearthed in a 1980 book by a Victoria woman and her psychiatrist. Dave is joined by freelance writer Jen Gerson about what led to the Satanic Panic conspiracy, why it spread so easily, and what we’ve learned that can help combat conspiracies like QAnon. Read Jen's article for The Capital: The destructive conspiracy theory that Victoria unleashed upon the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After a very lengthy wait Sunday night, Erin O’Toole was crowned leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. He now faces the dual challenge of acquainting himself with voters, while preparing for the possibility of facing Justin Trudeau in a general election… because who knows what can happen with a minority parliament, right? Dave is joined by National Post columnist and Ottawa bureau chief John Ivison about what are the next step for O’Toole after winning the leadership, how he balances the more centrist and right-leaning factions within the party, and how quickly he could have to face voters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For the first time in 101 years, there will not be a Grey Cup winner. And for the first time in 102 years, there won’t even be a CFL season. The Canadian Football League cancelled plans for shortened play in a hub city, after failing to get a loan from the feds. Dave is joined by Postmedia national sports columnist Dan Barnes to discuss why the feds turned down the league, whether we’ll see a 2021 season, and what this says about the health of the league and football in Canada. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After a months-long campaign hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Conservative Party of Canada will soon have a new leader. The deadline for ballots is just days away, and it’s anticipated Andrew Scheer’s successor will be crowned on August 23. Just who that will be is very much up in the air. The National Post’s Brian Platt joins Dave to talk about why Peter MacKay’s front-runner status isn’t a lock, why Erin O’Toole could be vulnerable, and how Leslyn Lewis and Derek Sloan could play spoiler on a ranked ballot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fault lines in the Liberal government were laid bare Monday with the resignation of finance minister Bill Morneau. Morneau had served as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s only finance minister since the Liberal government was elected, but he has opted to step down as MP less than a year into the government’s second term. Dave is joined by the National Post's Chris Nardi to talk about the friction between Morneau and the PM that likely led to his departure, what this could mean for the direction of the federal government, and who Morneau's replacement will be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode is part of Postmedia’s reopening Canada series. Getting kids back to school is seen by many as one of the keys to getting Canadians back to work in the wake of COVID-19. But, as the first day of school looms, many are worried that the first math lesson of the year focused on counting new infections. Dave is joined by National Post health reporter Sharon Kirkey to talk about what we’ve learned so far when it comes to kids and coronavirus, how effective they are at spreading the virus, and what can be done to make a return to the classroom as safe as possible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The reduced sentence for an Edmonton man convicted of five sexual assaults has once again raised concerns about how Canada’s justice system handles cases of sexual violence. Matthew McKnight’s crimes warranted 16 years, the judge said, but ultimately he was handed a sentence of half that amount. Dave is joined by advocate Kristin Raworth, herself a survivor of sexual violence, to discuss why the sentence is concerning and how the justice system is failing victims. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What started as a controversy about ties between the prime minister’s family and a prominent Canadian charity, and a 900 million dollar government contract has turned into an ethics investigation involving Justin Trudeau and one of his senior ministers, as well as more scrutiny on the operations of WE charity. The brewing scandal came to a head last week in key testimony before a parliamentary committee. National Post political reporter Chris Nardi joins Dave to talk about what we learned from the finance committee last week, how there are still conflicting accounts about how this deal came together, and whether the PM has been able to shed any light on the matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Canada’s oil and gas sector took a major hit as COVID-19 shut down travel and a price war cratered the cost of a barrel. But as our economy starts to grow again, things are a little more sluggish in the oilpatch. Dave talks with Calgary Herald business columnist Chris Varcoe about how the industry has rebounded, what the pandemic has done to the bottom lines of some big players, and what the outlook is for the future Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This is the time of summer when parents are thinking about back to school. New clothes for the kids. New school supplies. Watching their children grow. But COVID-19 has added a new dimension to the back to school discussion: how to do so safely, while we’re still in the middle of a pandemic. While some provinces are still working out plans or waiting on school boards to submit theirs, Alberta laid out its guidelines this week. Dave is joined by Edmonton Journal legislature reporter Ashley Joannou to talk about what Alberta classrooms could look like come September, why the government feels there is a need to get kids back in the classroom, and how they hope to manage safety concerns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode is part of Postmedia’s Reopening Canada series, a look at how the country’s economy is recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite diving into a deep recession brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada’s economy is reopening, and showing signs of growth. Experts say while the recession was as deep as anyone can remember, it is relatively short-lived. But how long Canada will take to recover is still an open question. Dave is joined by Financial Post columnist Kevin Carmichael. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What seemed like a noble program in the middle of a pandemic — a grant that would pay students for volunteer hours — has turned into a political nightmare for the prime minister. The Justin Trudeau government’s $900-million Canada Student Service Grant program was awarded to WE Charity, an organization with ties to the PM and his family members. Amid controversy, WE has pulled out of the project, but it has continued to dog Justin Trudeau. Dave is joined by National Post political reporter Christopher Nardi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Among those hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic was the air travel industry, as restrictions on movement and social distancing rules meant no one was flying. Now the economy is starting to re-open, airlines and airports are facing a struggle to coax passengers to return to the skies. Dave is joined by Financial Post reporter and Down to Business podcast host Gabe Friedman. This episode is part of Postmedia’s Reopening Canada series, a look at how the country’s economy is recovering as the COVID-19 pandemic begins to ebb. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Who or what is a Cronk? That’s the question a university of Calgary researcher asked himself when he spotted that word in an 1880s version of a Calgary newspaper. What happened next is the best of all social media stories. Dave is joined by Paul Fairie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When COVID-19 hit, many workers across the country who were able to started working from home. More than three month’s in, and for many, it be a permanent change. But the end of the office isn’t without problems. Dave is joined by Financial Post reporter Vanmala Subramaniam. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Amid calls for sweeping police reform in the wake of the killing of George Floyd, some have been wondering what any changes will mean for community safety? How would a reformed police respond to gang violence? Why is it important that they do? And what needs to be done to steer people from the gang lifestyle? Dave is joined by Jamil Jivani, author Why Young Men: The Dangerous Allure of Violent Movements and What We Can Do About It. Read his recent article, Stigmatize Gang Culture Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Calls for police reform are growing louder in the wake of the killing of George Floyd, and in Canada, the debate is starting to hit city halls and provincial legislatures across the country. In Edmonton, city council is in the middle of a heated public hearing, where councillors are being told story after story of incidents of racism, and demands for action on defunding or reforming the the police service. Dave is joined Edmonton Journal city columnist Keith Gerein. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Back in April, a Liberal MP from southern Ontario was charged with a series of crimes: criminal harassment, assault and break-and-enter. But despite the serious nature of the crimes, and the stature of the man accused, the allegations weren’t uncovered until two months later. Dave BreakenridgeI is joined by National Post crime writer Adrian Humphreys who explains the allegations against the MP, why police withheld the information, and how even the highest reaches of government were kept in the dark. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mobile ordering apps offer consumers a great deal of convenience. No lines, no fuss. But those apps are capable of tracking you and your movements with an almost creepy degree of accuracy. Dave is joined National Post Technology Reporter James McLeod about how he discovered Tim Hortons was keeping tabs on him, even when his app wasn’t on, how much detail they collected and why consumers should be wary. Background reading: How Tim Hortons knows where you sleep, work and vacation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As the world stands up in protest of police brutality in the wake of the killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis cops, talk grows louder of the need for drastic reforms. Among the solutions being discussed are changes to drug policy, an end to street checks or carding, and pulling money from police budgets to put into better mental health and social supports. Many are calling for "defunding" the police. Dave is joined by National Post contributor Josephine Mathias and later by columnist Jesse Kline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The death of George Floyd after a Minnesota police officer kneeled on his neck for several minutes has led to protests all over the U.S. Protests here in Canada have also led to a discussion about systemic racism in this country. Dave is joined by the Financial Post’s Vanmala Subramaniam who discusses what that systemic racism is, why there is debate about it in Canada, and how protests sparked by George Floyd’s death could push our country to change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The conditions at Ontario long-term care and seniors homes were laid bare in a troubling report from Canadian Forces staff who were working in the facilities to help amid the COVID-19 crisis. But those who follow the issue will tell you that these are ongoing issues in part of the health care system that doesn’t always get the attention it needs. Dave is joined by Ottawa Citizen health reporter Elizabeth Payne to talk about how COVID-19 may have made existing problems worse, and how the report, and the pandemic may force real change on long-term care in Ontario and the country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A damning report from Canadian Forces staff who were called in to help at the height of the COVID-19 outbreak has revealed horrible conditions at some Ontario long-term care facilities. The report, which focused on conditions at five Toronto-area centres, detailed cockroach infestations, inadequate nutrition, rotten food, and one instance of a resident choking to death after being fed while lying down. Ontario premier Doug Ford called it the hardest day he’s had as premier. I talk with the National Post’s Chris Selley about what the premier is proposing to do now, how COVID-19 makes this situation worse, and later we touch on the controversy about large gatherings in Toronto parks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The teenager who went on a stabbing rampage at a Toronto massage parlour earlier this year has been hit with terrorism-related charges. The teen’s case marks the first time terrorism charges have been laid in connection with the ideology known as incel, or involuntary celibate, a woman hating online subculture. Dave is joined by the National Post's Joseph Brean. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Masks. Are you wearing one when you go out? As COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, masks are likely to become a big part of day-to-day life. They can help stop the spread of the coronavirus. But how do they affect they way others see us? Or how we see ourselves? What kind of communication challenges will we have? The Montreal Gazette's Monique Beaudin and the National Post's Sharon Kirkey discuss the psychology of masks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
COVID-19 restrictions are being lifted across the country, and provinces are trying to find a path back to normalcy while trying to limit the severity of a probable next wave. While cases have fallen off in some areas, Ontario is letting people out of lockdown while still seeing increases in cases. The National Post’s Richard Warnica joins Dave to talk about why Ontario is lifting restrictions now, what pitfalls they could face, and why Ontario’s recovery is so important to the rest of Canada. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Montreal has been the hardest hit by COVID-19 in Canada. While the rest of Quebec begins to open up, Montreal's date has been pushed back. So why has it been so bad there? The Montreal Gazette's Monique Beaudin and Philip Authier discuss all you need to know about Canada's pandemic epicentre. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Alberta has the dubious distinction of being the source of the largest single COVID-19 outbreak in North America. Roughly 1,500 cases have been linked to the Cargill beef processing plant south of Calgary. There are also several hundred cases linked to a JBS beef plant near brooks Alberta. Dave is joined by Calgary herald columnist Licia Corbella about how the virus spread, who has been affected by the outbreaks, and whether appropriate safety measures have been taken. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Governments in Canada are beginning to plan reopening schools. The evidence is mixed on how much children spread the virus that causes COVID-19. What would reopened schools look like and is it even possible to get children, especially small children, to stay two metres apart? The Montreal Gazette's Monique Beaudin hosts and is joined by National Post health reporter Sharon Kirkey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the wake of the deadly shooting spree in Nova Scotia, and amid a nation-wide shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a ban on a number of assault-style weapons. The move, he says, fulfills an election promise, but there is controversy over who it targets and what is left out. National Post columnist Chris Selley joins Dave to talk about the timing of the ban, and why it may not be the public safety solution that the Liberals want it to be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We’re getting a clearer picture of what happened the night Gabriel Wortman started his killing spree in Nova Scotia. At the end of nearly 12 hours Wortman had killed 22 people before being gunned down by RCMP at a gas station north of Halifax. Dave speaks with the National Post's Christopher Nardi about what sparked the murders, how Wortman evaded detection for as long as he did and what questions remain unanswered. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
People with immunity to COVID-19 could soon be in high demand. For jobs not just in health care, but in retail or restaurants. But should they be given more freedoms than the rest of us? What about the idea of immunity passports? Would this be a responsible way of reopening the economy? Or is it a dystopian nightmare? The Montreal Gazette's Monique Beaudin and the National Post's Sharon Kirkey talk about the science and ethics of using immunity as a way out of the lockdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Canada has for now avoided a worst-case scenario with COVID-19. Our health-care systems are for now managing the crisis, and our social distancing efforts appear to be working at keeping cases down. But that doesn’t mean Canada’s response to the pandemic has been stellar. Dave is joined by National Post columnist Chris Selley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Canadians have spent the last several weeks cooped up in their homes, many unable to work, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With physical distancing measures in place as the weather warms up across the country. Many are wondering how long till we can get things back to normal. Dave talks with the National Post’s Stuart Thomson about what a roadmap to re-opening Canada would look like, how long that could take and what could potentially derail any plans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Canada’s worst mass shooting unfolded over the weekend in horrific fashion. A lone gunman, driving a mock police vehicle, and dressed to look like a Mountie, went on a shooting spree in rural Nova Scotia. There are at least 19 victims across 16 crime scenes, including a Mountie, a teacher, and families hunkered down in their homes due to COVID-19 measures. Today we walk through the early stages of the investigation and how the shooting unfolded. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused havoc in the medical systems of countries around the world. But the social distancing measures have also landed a body blow on the global economy, with Canada seeing a spike in unemployment and a massive government bailout to those affected by the pandemic shutdown. Dave is joined by Emily Jackson who hosts our Down to Business podcast about what industries are really struggling, how the government has responded, and how long the effects could last. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As many as 22,000 Canadians could die from COVID-19, according to federal modelling released Thursday. But how much can these models really tell us? And what are the risks of making them public? National Post health reporter Sharon Kirkey explains all you need to know about COVID-19 modelling. Its strengths and its limitations. Monique Beaudin hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As health care is a provincial responsibility in Canada, much of the focus in the fight against COVID-19 has been on premiers and their health officials. And as he heads Canada’s largest province, a lot of focus has been squarely on the performance of Ontario premier Doug Ford. To the surprise of many, he is handling things quite well. Dave talks with Toronto Sun columnist Brian Lilley about how Ford has managed the public response to the pandemic, and how the crisis has forced co-operation across provincial and political lines. Plus we’ll get you up to date on the latest COVID-19 news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The shooting deaths of Jake Sansom and Maurice Cardinal shocked many in Alberta. The pair, who had just returned from a hunting trip after Sansom was laid off from his job due to the COVID-19 pandemic, were found slain along a rural highway, with no clear reason why. Lauren Boothby from the Edmonton Journal joins Dave to talk about the investigation into the deaths of the two men. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
So should you be wearing a mask? Public health officials in Canada say if you're healthy you don't need to. But, as the COVID-19 pandemic rages, people are starting to question that advice. National Post health reporter Sharon Kirkey explains all you need to know about masks. Monique Beaudin hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Health-care officials around the world are working to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in some countries, testing is playing a big role. Dave talks to the National Post's Tom Blackwell about what countries are having success when it comes to testing, how it's helping in contain the virus, and what Canada could be doing to catch up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Conservative Party of Canada has suspended the race to replace Andrew Scheer as leader after several candidates called for a delay amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Post’s Brian Platt joins Dave to talk about why party officials came to the decision and why not everyone wanted to see it stopped. Plus, we’ll get you up to date on the latest COVID-19 news from the federal government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
There is a race on for effective treatments for COVID-19. Old malaria drugs that may or may not work are being held up as possible treatments. Researchers are busy trying to develop a vaccine, work which is all the more important after a SARS vaccine was abandoned. Guest host Monique Beaudin is joined by National Post health reporter Sharon Kirkey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On Wednesday, both the house of commons and the senate approved an emergency bill to get billions of dollars in aid into the hands of workers, families and businesses taking a hit because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill offers $2,000 a month for Canadians from the Canada Revenue Agency. Dave brings you up to date with the latest on COVID-19. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Canadian Olympic and Paralympic committees announced on Sunday that Canada’s athletes would not be going to the Olympic Games in Tokyo. Team Canada feels that it doesn’t make sense to hold the games now as the world is still dealing with the global outbreak of COVID-19 and would like to see a postponement. Then on Monday, Dick Pound, a Canadian who sits on the International Olympic Committee said that a postponement is all but inevitable. Dave is joined by National Post sports columnist Scott Stinson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Daily life in Canada has been turned upside down. Just a week ago, schools were open and people were still going to work. Much of that has changed as social distancing policies have become more aggressive across the country. It could be months before things begin returning to normal. Host Monique Beaudin is joined by National Post health reporter Sharon Kirkey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the latest episode, Dave walks through some aspects of the major aid package announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday. 10/3 will have deeper coverage of COVID-19 in subsequent episodes, but we will be starting a new feature called Up to Date, bringing the latest developments to you so you can stay informed. Be sure to subscribe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Beginning Wednesday only Canadian citizens will be allowed to enter the country, and international flights will be restricted to just four airports. No one with symptoms of COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus, will be allowed into the country, regardless of citizenship. Schools are cancelled for most students across the country and workers everywhere are being told to work from home. The federal government is preparing a stimulus package to help guard against the negative economic impacts of the pandemic. Dave is joined by National Post reporter Ryan Tumilty. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The coronavirus outbreak has been declared a global pandemic. More than 120,000 people worldwide have been infected. More than 4,500 have died. Entire countries have been shut down. And people everywhere are being warned to stay home if they feel sick. The NHL paused its 2019-2020 season on Thursday. Concerts, festivals and countless events have been cancelled. Grocery stores are being picked clean of supplies. Guest host Monique Beaudin is joined by National Post health reporter Sharon Kirkey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oil prices already hit by coronavirus fears took a steeper dive after Saudi Arabia announced it would increase oil production and cut its prices This caused havoc for markets around the world and in Canada. Dave is joined by Calgary Herald business columnist Chris Varcoe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jason Kenney endorses Erin O'Toole for Conservative party leader, possibly upending Peter MacKay's ability to run away with the tory crown. Brian Platt and Stuart Thomson talk about what Kenney's endorsement could mean for O'Toole, and the role of social conservatives as kingmakers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The global spread of coronavirus shows no sign of stopping. New cases crop up every day, and health organizations around the world are trying to keep up with containment as well as understanding of the disease. But are we at a point where people should panic? Dave is joined by the Edmonton Journal's David Staples to talk about what affect an outbreak can have on people's mindset, what we can to to be vigilant and why it’s important to listen to the experts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The first deadline to enter the Conservative leadership race has passed, and eight candidates have made the cut. Here’s what we know about each contender and whether they have a shot at staying in the race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the 1990s Nortel was a darling of the Canadian tech sector, but in the 2000s it came crashing down in spectacular fashion. Was it merely a case of a failing business in the wake of the dot com bubble bursting or were there more sinister factors at play. Dave talks with the National Post’s Tom Blackwell about Nortel’s demise and whether Chinese corporate espionage played a role. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today we present the first episode of Postmedia's newest crime podcast, She's Gone. She's Gone tells the story of four women's lives, deaths and the criminal cases that followed. It's hosted by Bre McAdam, Saskatoon Star Phoenix criminal justice reporter, and is available on all your favourite listening platforms, like the one on which you're listening to my voice, right now. Subscribe to She's Gone today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this week's look at the Conservative party leadership race, Brian Platt and Stuart Thomson consider the candidates' reaction to the the rail blockades. Critics say a tweet from Peter MacKay endorsed vigilantism, while Erin O'Toole released a policy that would make rail blockades illegal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The ongoing dispute over the Coastal Gaslink pipeline and its route through First Nations land has posed a major problem for the Trudeau government. Blockades of rail lines in support of the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs who oppose the project have created anger directed at a prime minister whose message has focused on communication as a solution Today national post columnist John Ivison joins me to talk about the politics of ending the blockades and whether this hurts the PM’s vision of reconciliation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Blockades in support of Wet’suwet’en opposition to the coastal gas link pipeline have ground rail traffic to a halt in parts of Canada. But at the centre of it all is a camp of about 50 people in the remote B.C. wilderness. Dave is joined by APTN senior reporter Kathleen Martens about the conflict over the pipeline and why there’s not a simple answer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Protests in support of an Indigenous blockade in northern B.C. have snarled rail traffic across the country. The action against the Coastal Gaslink pipeline has sparked anger among pipeline supporters, and has created political chaos for the prime minister, who cancelled a planned trip to try to deal with the issue. The National Post's Tyler Dawson joins me to talk about the reasons behind the blockades, what the concerns are if they go on for a long time and whether there’s a political solution to the issue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
John Baird isn’t running for the Conservative leadership, and it’s good news for both Peter MacKay and Erin O’Toole. But is it good news for the party? National Post political reporters Stuart Thomson and Brian Platt walk you through the latest news in the Conservative leadership race in our new weekly series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A deadline is looming for the federal cabinet to make a decision on whether to approve a major oilsands project in northern Alberta. The proposed Teck frontier mine has divided opinions, with many suggesting it will hamper attempts by the Justin Trudeau government to meet its own emissions targets, while proponents say it’s in the national interest and necessary to spur economic growth. Dave talks to the National Post's Jesse Snyder about why the project is so divisive, what cabinet is saying about it, and the political ramifications of a yes or a no. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Teacher strikes will hit Ontario classrooms this week amid worsening tensions between the government and the province's unions. Up to a million kids will he out of class. We look at where the two sides are at odds, whether there could be a resolution, and who is winning the support of the public. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jamie Boulachanis, a murderer who recently transitioned to a woman is demanding a Montreal judge grant her request to move to a women's penitentiary. Correctional Service Canada opposes the move and says Boulachanis poses a serious risk of escaping and is a threat to public safety if she gets out. Guest host Monique Beaudin is joined by Montreal Gazette crime reporter Paul Cherry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What was once expected to be a political battle royale involving the superstars of Canada's conservative movement, has turned into a mano-a-mano matchup between two Harper-era ministers. Peter MacKay and Erin O'Toole have emerged as the early front-runners in the race to replace Andrew Scheer, who is stepping down as leader after a disappointing showing in last fall's election. Dave and John Ivison talk about how the race is shaping up now that big names have dropped out, what challenges MacKay and O'Toole could face, and whether new faces could emerge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
An outbreak of coronavirus in China has ramped up fears that we're facing a crisis similar to the SARS outbreak. Cases of this virus have numbered in the thousands this year, but so far there have been just three in Canada. Today, Dave talks with National Post health reporter Sharon Kirkey about how the outbreak started, why this virus has people worried and how Canadian officials have responded. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Gangs in B.C.'s Lower Mainland are turning to rap music to taunt their rivals online over bloody acts of violence. Today Vancouver Sun journalist Kim Bolan speaks to with guest host Dharm Makwana about her investigation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A recent Abacus Data survey found near the top of a list of negative associations with the Conservative party is "racist." Author Jamil Jivani explains why his party needs to tackle its "racism problem." In a column for the National Post Jivani argued that Conservative leadership candidates should be reflecting on how and why the party has a racism stigma, but they haven’t been. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Six-year-old Ljubica Topic was snatched in May 1971 as she played outside her Windsor home. Police discovered her lifeless remains — face and body covered in blood — early the next morning. It is a case that left a cloud over the southern Ontario city for decades. Nearly 50 years later, police say they have solved the case. Dave is joined by by Windsor Star reporter Trevor Wilhelm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After 36 years a convicted child killer is out on bail, awaiting a new trial. Tallio, then 17, pleaded guilty in 1983 to the second-degree murder of a child, but has maintained his innocence ever since. The University of B.C.’s Innocence Project began working on Tallio’s case more than 10 years ago, and his lawyers, now supported by the Legal Services Society, filed a notice of appeal in 2016. His appeal is expected to be heard later this year. Guest host Dharm Makwana is joined by Vancouver Sun reporter Dan Fumano. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After former Canadian reservist Patrick Matthews was revealed to be an alleged recruiter for American neo-Nazi group The Base he disappeared. The mystery of what happened to Matthews was solved Thursday when U.S. officials announced that he had been arrested along with two other purported members of The Base, accused of building a homemade machine gun and stockpiling ammunition. Dave is joined by National Post reporter Tom Blackwell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The race to replace Andrew Scheer as the next Conservative leader officially kicked off Monday, and the contenders will have to come up with $300,000 to get their name on the final ballot. Entry requirements and other rules for the race were announced over the weekend and as expected, the party is raising the threshold from 2017 to try to keep the field smaller than the 13 candidates who were on that race’s final ballot. Dave is joined by National Post politics reporter Brian Platt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A day after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said a plane that crashed and killed 176 people, including 63 Canadians, was likely shot down by a missile, Iran is denying that theory. Dave is joined from Ottawa by National Post reporter Ryan Tumilty who explains why investigating the crash will be especially challenging, given the lack of any diplomatic relationship between Canada and Iran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
An airplane crash in Iran that killed 176 people including 63 Canadians was likely brought down by a "surface to air" missile, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says. Dave is joined by Edmonton Journal reporter Dylan Short who has been covering the story. Edmonton was hit particularly hard by the crash with 27 of the dead coming from the city. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How easy is it to get basic information from your local government? According to an investigation by the Regina Leader-Post and the Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, not as easy as you might think. The papers asked for what should be readily available information from more than 700 municipalities, and the results were somewhat lacking. Andrea Hill joins Dave to talk about the project, what kind of information they were seeking, what roadblocks they hit, and why this matters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney believes the future of conservatism lies in parties like Canada’s Tories moving away from promoting laissez-faire capitalism and instead embracing the growing “reform conservatism” movement in the U.S., which sees a role for government in addressing the challenges of people who have failed to get ahead even as the economy grows. Dave is joined by National Post politics reporter Stuart Thomson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A former high-profile Vice Media music editor who recruited young musicians, models and a former Vice intern to smuggle huge loads of cocaine — hidden in their luggage — on flights to Australia was sentenced to nine years in prison, Tuesday. Dave is joined by National Post crime writer Adrian Humphreys. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other world leaders were caught on video apparently making fun of U.S. President Donal Trump. Trudeau explained he had been talking to Princess Anne, French President Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands about Trump’s announcement Tuesday that the next G7 summit in June would be held at Camp David, the presidential retreat in Maryland, rather than the Trump National Doral golf resort in Miami. Trump called Trudeau "two-faced" in response. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More than 200 former inmates have filed civil claims in court alleging they were sexually abused by retired B.C. jail guard Roderic David MacDougall over his 21-year career when they were teenagers or young men incarcerated for relatively minor crimes. The plaintiffs claim the attacks left them angry and confused, often compounding pre-existing drug and crime problems, and spiralling them into even more difficult lives. MacDougall has maintained his innocence. Guest host Dharm Makwana is joined by Vancouver Sun reporters Lori Culbert and Dan Fumano. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Alberta's United Conservative Party party government is facing growing discontent from public sector worker over the potential loss of thousands of jobs. That is on top of blowback over a bill to fire Alberta's election commissioner who was investigating the UCP. But premier Jason Kenney appears to be riding high after a party convention on the weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A man dumped a bucket of what police believe was liquefied waste — whether animal or human they aren’t yet sure — on a woman just after she left a U of T building on the south edge of campus, Monday. It was the third feces attack on a Toronto campus in four days, all pulled off, police believe, by the same man. Dave is joined by National Post reporter Richard Warnica. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
An undercover officer known only as "UCO Joe" infiltrated a circle of Canadian drug smugglers in 2013. Eventually, the clues led "Joe" all the way to Mexico and Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzman, who in July 2019 would be sentenced to life by a Brooklyn judge for running a $14 billion empire, in the process becoming one of the world’s most notorious drug kingpins. The RCMP noticed, too, that Canadians who entered El Chapo’s orbit kept ending up dead. Brian Fitzpatrick wrote about the RCMP investigation for the National Post. He joins guest host Emily Jackson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In October 2016, a University of Toronto psychology professor named Jordan Peterson gave an impassioned speech to student protesters in front of Sidney Smith Hall. The events surrounding Peterson at the time would spark a larger discussion about free speech on university campuses across Canada that continues to this day. It’s now a widely held belief that campus free speech is under threat from student protesters, campus organizations, and even university officials. Josephine Mathias produced a documentary investigation into free speech on universities. She joins Dave to talk about what she found. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A little over a year after cannabis was legalized in Canada, companies are taking financial losses, amid sluggish sales for some products and a lack of retail space. The Financial Post's Vanmala Subramaniam joins Dave to explain how the cannabis industry went from being unable to meet demand, to have trouble moving their product. She lays out what this means for the introduction of edibles into the market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Don Cherry was fired from Hockey Night in Canada after a rant criticizing "you people" who "come here" but don't wear poppies. Cherry, who refused to apologize, was no longer a relevant hockey commentator, argues Postmedia sports columnist Scott Stinson. The long-time NHL fixture refused to change as attitudes around hockey evolved. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today we bring you episode 1 of the Dark North: Gangs of Montreal. It's a new true crime podcast being produced by the Montreal Gazette and Postmedia. It was pure coincidence but the Hells Angels opened their first Canadian chapter in Quebec just seven weeks before Nicolo Rizzuto took control of the Montreal Mafia. Those events in 1977-78 kickstarted a violent decades-long struggle to control the criminal underworld in Montreal. Subscribe to the Dark North on Apple Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A minority government means Justin Trudeau's agenda could be difficult to implement. National Post columnist John Ivison explains that unlike Stephen Harper, Trudeau may not be satisfied with the more incremental approach to governing that comes with a minority. Ivison also explains possible risks for the NDP of propping up the Liberals, the potential for growing public debt and western alienation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Conservatives have "lost the plot" argues Sean Speer, who was an advisor to former prime minister Stephen Harper. In an essay for the National Post Speer argues that conservatives need to look beyond the policies of the past and apply conservative principles to modern problems. One problem is the transition towards a knowledge economy and the working class people left behind. Speer talks to Dave about this and other issues facing conservatives in Canada, in the wake of 2019 election. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Dark North is a new podcast about crime in Canada. Each season will focus on a different city. Season 1 examines the struggle for control of Montreal's underworld, hosted by Montreal Gazette crime reporter Paul Cherry. Episode 1 traces how the Hells Angels and the Rizzuto crime family came to Montreal. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-dark-north/id1479595886 Or at the Montreal Gazette https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/gangs-of-montreal-episode-1-how-it-began Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Quebec government has unveiled a values test for new immigrants, but it is a watered version of what was promised during the 2018 provincial election. Drawing a sample from a pool of about 100 questions drafted by a private consulting firm hired by the government an immigrant in the qualified worker category could be asked whether women and men have the same rights in Quebec. True or false? There will be 20 questions in all. A pass is a score of 75 per cent (15 questions correct), but in the event of a fail, the person can take the test again two weeks later. Dave is joined by Montreal Gazette political reporter Philip Authier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the wake of Justin Trudeau's return to power after the election, conservative eyes are turning to Alberta where Jason Kenney is confidently leading a right of centre of government. Kenney is benefitting, critics would say fuelling, from increasing talk of separatism and western alienation. His first budget, released days after the federal vote, has faced criticism on the left for cutting too much, but also on the right for de-indexing income taxes, which adds up, critics argue, to a tax hike. Dave is joined by National Post Alberta reporter Tyler Dawson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After an election night that saw Justin Trudeau returned with a strong minority government, federal Conservatives will be conducting a post-mortem on this campaign. They will have to consider everything from their fiscal policies, to their environmental platform, to the performance of their leader. And in each area where they stumbled, they’ll have to decide: Was the problem one of strategy, or tactics? In other words, do they need a whole new approach — or do they need to do a better job of selling their vision? Should they move to the centre or more confidently present their conservative ideas? Dave is joined by Stuart Thomson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A decade-long struggle for control of Montreal's mob continues as mafia leader Andrea Scoppa was gunned down Monday. Scoppa has been described in court as the leader of a Calabrian clan operating within the Montreal Mafia. He rose up in the Rizzuto organization but his status apparently changed after the death of leader Vito Rizzuto at the end of 2013. Police sources worry that more violence is coming. Montreal Gazette crime reporter Paul Cherry joins Dave. We also debut our new true crime podcast, the Dark North. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Justin Trudeau's Liberals may have won the most seats Monday night but that doesn't mean anybody won the election. Andrew Scheer and the Conservatives failed to capitalize on Liberal scandals. Jagmeet Singh and the NDP failed to fully capitalize on a well-fought campaign by a charismatic leader. And the Trudeau Liberals were reduced to a minority government. Dave is joined by National Post reporter Stuart Thomson to break down the results. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Heading into Monday’s election, the Liberals and Conservatives are closer in the polls than any time perhaps since the 1972 election when Pierre Trudeau’s reduced to a minority government. Andrew Coyne joins Emily Jackson to break down what happens if no party wins a majority. Coyne also points out that both major parties are fear mongering about the other in final gambit to win a majority. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Justin Trudeau has offered very little opposition to Quebec's Bill 21 that would prevent people wearing visible religious attire from holding positions of authority in the civil service, such as a teacher. The Toronto Sun's Brian Lilley argues Trudeau would never give a similar pass to other provinces like Ontario and Alberta, currently governed by conservative premiers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Polls are showing that a minority government is a very real possibility, prompting increasing talk of a Liberal coalition with the NDP. To appeal to progressive voters, both parties are targeting the oil and gas industry turning Alberta into somewhat of a villain. Justin Trudeau is vulnerable to on this issue because he purchased the Trans Mountain pipeline. However, he argues that all revenues from the pipeline will be used to transition away from oil and gas while claiming he will fight Canada's conservative premiers. Dave is Joined by National Post Alberta correspondent Tyler Dawson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bloc Quebecois leader Yves-François Blanchet has revived the fortunes of the separatist party in Quebec. Blanchet performed well in both the French and English debates and has aligned the federal bloc with Quebec's right leaning CAQ government. While both the Liberals and the Conservatives were both hoping to expand their seat count in the province, Blanchet's growing popularity means that is less likely. A Justin Trudeau Liberal minority is now a likely outcome after the Oct. 21 election. Maura Forrest from the National Post joins Dave. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Earlier this week, 14-year old Devan Bracci-Selvey was stabbed in front of his Hamilton school while his mother watched in horror. Toronto Sun crime columnist Brad Hunter visited Hamilton and spoke with teachers and students. Bracci-Selvey was bullied constantly since the beginning of the school year. The Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School administration is being accused of being in denial over its bullying problem. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
None of the federal party leaders are taking deficits seriously, National Post columnist Andrew Coyne argues. Failing to put Canada's fiscal house in order means less room for spending during a recession, less wealth for future generations and an inability to make budget priorities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Two weeks out from election day, the six major federal leaders traded blows in the campaign's only English language debate to feature Liberal leader Justin Trudeau. Conservative leader Andrew Scheer called Trudeau a "phoney" who doesn't deserve to govern Canada, while Trudeua accused his opponent of being in service to the rich. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh and Green Party leader Elizabeth May attacked both Scheer and Trudeau from the left, while People's Party of Canada leader Maxime Bernier attempted to flank on the right. But, thanks to an unwieldy debate format, National Post columnist Chris Selley explains why this was one of the worst debates he has ever seen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As the trial draws nearer for the man charged with killing 10 people and injuring 16 using a rented van as a weapon, we're beginning to learn more about the accused. A video and transcript of the police interview with Alek Minassian, hours after the deadly attack offers frightening new details. Toronto Sun columnist Michele Mandel walks us through Minassian’s ties to the incel movement and how it played a role in the events of April 2018. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After a somewhat rocky start, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has started to recover some lost momentum. But in what polls are showing is a two-way race between the Liberals and Conservatives, expectations for the NDP are somewhat muted. Parliamentary bureau chief John Ivison walks us through how Singh has regained some steam, but how his attempts to make the election a class war could backfire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For decades Canadian governments have been making lofty climate change commitments. And for decades, Canada has failed to meet any of these goals. Ottawa Citizen reporter Tom Spears explains why solving climate change is so hard from a technology, as well as a policy point of view. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Cellblock footage shows a London police sergeant kick, punch, stomp and step on a 24-year-old woman, an unco-operative, intoxicated suspect who was cuffed, bound at the ankles and restrained by four other officers, who do nothing to stop the assault. Afterwards, the woman was charged. It was months before the truth was uncovered. London Free Press reporter Randy Richmond doggedly pursued the story for his series on the assault and the London Police Service. For today's show, Randy interviews the assault victim. Background reading: We are the Cops series PLEASE READ OUR SURVEY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Suburban Toronto is usually a bellwether for Canadian elections. National Post reporter Brian Platt visited ridings in Brampton and Etobicoke. He found that the NDP could be a spoiler in Brampton, thanks to Jagmeet Singh's popularity there. In Etobicoke he found voters were concerned about gun violence. In both cases, Doug Ford is only one issue among many, despite what Liberals candidates might say. PLEASE TAKE OUR SURVEY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Multiple years-old photos have emerged of Justin Trudeau wearing brownface and blackface costumes. Trudeau's persona as a progressive who stands up for minorities is being challenged as critics call him a hypocrite. The National Post's Vanmala Subramaniam joins Dave to explain how the controversy unfolded and why blackface and brownface are so offensive. PLEASE TAKE OUR SURVEY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Both the Liberals and Conservatives have accused the other side of being associated with far right activist Faith Goldy. National Post reporter Joe Brean joins Dave to explain how Goldy skidded into the election campaign. PLEASE TAKE OUR SURVEY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As the election kicked off, new details emerged related to the SNC scandal. The Justin Trudeau Liberals have refused to lift cabinet confidentiality even for the RCMP. Dave is joined by Andrew Coyne who explains how this latest development could affect the Liberals chances of re-election. PLEASE TAKE OUR SURVEY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Political parties of all stripes talk about making life more affordable for average Canadians. But will they actually focus on the reasons why wages have stagnated, and why Canada isn't as competitive as it could be? Dave is joined by National Post politics reporter Jesse Snyder. PLEASE TAKE OUR SURVEY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Liberal government’s tally stands at 4,545 spending announcements worth about $12.8 billion, for August alone. That is an unprecedented number of announcements and can tell us a lot about how the Liberals plan to focus their efforts during the election campaign. Dave is joined by National Post politics reporter Stuart Thomson. PLEASE TAKE OUR SURVEY. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is almost at the end of his four-year mandate. And as Canadians get set to head to the polls, there are lots of unanswered questions about how this election will go. Dave is joined by National Post political columnist John Ivison. PLEASE TAKE OUR SURVEY. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is facing a looming battle with unions representing teachers and support staff in the province’s schools. And the situation may get magnified if provincial cuts become fodder for federal liberals in next month’s election. Dave is joined by Toronto Sun columnist Brian Lilley. PLEASE TAKE OUR SURVEY. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It's been nearly two weeks since Kevin O'Leary was involved in a fatal boating collision. Dave is Joined by Toronto Sun crime columnist Brad Hunter who gives an update on the police investigation. PLEASE TAKE OUR SURVEY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Violence in Vancouver’s underworld flared up again this summer, with the death of a prominent member of the Hells Angels. Suminder Grewal, from Surrey’s Hardside chapter, was gunned down at a Starbucks drivethru last month, the second member of that chapter to be killed in less than a year. Dave is joined by Vancouver Sun crime reporter Kim Bolan. Please take our survey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How does a vulnerable teen wind up dying of an overdose, the victim of a bad trip that was filmed and broadcast on social media? Carson Cremeni died in hospital in early august after falling victim to just such a scenario. Dave is joined by National Post features writer Richard Warnica. Background: What came first, cruel intentions or an addiction to creating content? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Anger at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over pipelines, his carbon tax and a seeming lack of support for western issues has spurred some to start talking western separation. Depsite current separatist parties being a non-entity, and Alberta electing staunch federalist Jason Kenney in the spring, the Idea of a “Western Exit” or Wexit is catching the attention of some. Dave is joined by National Post reporter Tyler Dawson. Background reading: Is a Wexit in Alberta's future? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A debate has sprung up in Canada over the controversial practice of gay conversion therapy. Cities and provinces have banned it, and now there is discussion over making the practice a criminal offence. We look at why conversion therapy is seen as harmful to the LGBTQ community, what it entails, and the legal questions around a push to criminalize it. Dave is joined by Edmonton Journal reporter Liane Faulder. Background reading: Conversion therapy: controversy swirls as definitions and dimensions remain elusive Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A scathing report for the federal ethics commissioner has brought the SNC Lavalin scandal back into the news cycle. And with a federal election looming, it could prove problematic for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. We look at what the report says, what new we have learned and what the fallout has been in Ottawa. Dave is joined by National Post federal politics reporter Brian Platt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
China is currently facing scrutiny for its actions against protesters in Hong Kong, but that isn’t the only human rights crackdown raising concern. In the northwest province of Xijiang, millions of people from a Muslim minority group known as Uyghurs have been detained in what the government calls re-education camps and some commentators call concentration camps. Uyghur students in Canada are fearful about the fate of their families back home, and what could happen to them when they eventually have to return to their country. We look at the treatment of Uyghurs in Xijiang province, how it is affecting students here and why they are speaking out. Dave is joined by Ottawa Citizen reporter Jacob Hoytema. Background reading: Uyghur students in Canada fear for their families in China — and their futures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Should estheticians who offer services to women be allowed to refuse service to transgender women who have not yet gone through with reassignment surgery? That’s a question before the B.C. human rights tribunal, and one which has sparked controversy across the country. We look at how this case got started, why it is such a hot-button issue, and what the ramifications are. Dave is joined by National Post reporter Joseph Brean. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Canada’s image on the international stage took a big hit in 2018 with Justin Trudeau’s disastrous, much-mailgned trip to India. But it goes deeper than that, with ambassadors and diplomats worried about how Trudeau’s approach to foreign relations damaging our place in the international community. Dave is joined by National Post parliamentary bureau chief John Ivison. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On July 15, a young couple, Chynna Deese from North Carolina, and Lucas Fowler from Sydney, Australia, were found dead on the Alaska Highway in northern British Columbia. Four days later, the body of 64-year-old Leonard Dyck a lecturer at the University of British Columbia, was found 475 kilometres from the first crime scene. Once believed to be missing persons, 19-year-old Kam McLeod and 18-year-old Bryer Schmegelsky, both from Port Alberni, B.C., are now fugitives on the run from RCMP. Guest host Trevor Robb is joined by Vancouver Sun reporter Stephanie Ip. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
While Australian regulators have banned chiropractors from working on babies, the practice is growing in Canada. And with some training to practice spine manipulation on babies limited to 12 hours over the course of a weekend, some in the Canadian medical community are concerned. We look at the justification for the practice, what evidence there is to support it, and what Canadian regulators have to say. Dave is joined by National Post health writer Sharon Kirkey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
One of the knocks against the federal Conservative party, rightly or wrongly, is that it’s not friendly to women. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has tried to play up this division with initiatives like a gender-balanced cabinet, and targeting the party of Andrew Scheer over issues like abortion. We look at how some Conservative candidates are trying to break the stereotype, what inspired them to run, and what it means to the party in this election. Dave is joined by National Post politics reporter Marie Danielle Smith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A known killer walks out of a mental health facility on a day pass. He doesn’t return and it’s believed he has fled to China. The public isn’t even told this has happened for 11 days. You’d be forgiven for asking what the heck happened here. Because it did happen in Toronto, and officials are still demanding answers. Dave is joined by Toronto Sun columnist Brian Lilley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
With Canadians set to go to the polls this fall, the feds have unveiled plans detailing how they would respond to an attack on our democracy. Authorities in our country have watched the fallout from recent elections in countries like France and the United States and say they want to avoid any similar issues here. We look at the details of the plan, what attacks Canada could expect, and why protecting our elections is so important. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Even in a city already filled with historic buildings, Ottawa’s Chateau Laurier hotel stands out as a favourite for many. But the national historic site has been embroiled in controversy over plans for a large addition at the back of the scenic property. Ottawa city council recently upheld a previously granted heritage permit for the addition, despite public outcry over the design. Many feel it stands out too much, or takes away from the historic look of the hotel. We look at why the addition has been so controversial, what the city’s stance is, and why the building is so important. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is humanity closer to unleashing the horror of the Planet of the Apes? That remains a nightmare scenario for the distant future, but genetic editing potentially takes us a small step closer. Dave talks to the National Post's Sharon Kirkey about how scientists are adding human stem cells to the brains of monkeys, why they’re actually doing this, and what potential ethical issues there are. Get one month of online access to the National Post free at nationalpost.com/podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A potent, addictive drug is making a resurgence on the Prairies, and police are on alert. Within the last couple of years, methamphetamine has once again found itself on law enforcement radar, even as police are still dealing with the opioid epidemic. We look at what cities are dealing with the issue, what police are concerned about and what the draw for users is. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A vacancy rate that has hit rock bottom, ever-rising rents, and a back-and-forth between the city and the province over how to fix the problem. No, we’re not talking about Toronto. Or Vancouver. We’re talking about Charlottetown. The capital of PEI is dealing with a vacancy rate lower than 1 per cent, and rents in some cases have doubled. We look at what’s driving the problem, what measures people are taking to be able to afford rent, and what solutions are being looked at. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you listen to the polling, as of right now Conservative leader Andrew Scheer stands a good chance of ousting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government this fall. But it’s not necessarily a clear path to victory. Dave is joined by Postmedia's Parliamentary bureau chief John Ivison. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We bring the fourth and final chapter in our series on how the Alberta election was won and lost. Today, Emma Graney explains how Jason Kenney was able to tap into the mood of Albertans so successfully. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
At the U.S. Canada border between B.C. and Washington, there’s a park where you can freely meander between countries so long as you don’t leave the stretch of grass. But that free movement has allegedly been exploited by a B.C. man who is accused of bringing people into the country illegally using that park. Dave is joined by National Post reporter Douglas Quan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It is now illegal in Quebec for people in positions of authority to wear religious symbols on the job. Quebec’s Bill 21 looks to defend the idea secularism in the province, but critics say it targets people of specific religions, and excludes them from Quebec society. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ontario Premier Doug Ford campaigned on a slogan of For the People. A year in, has he lived up to that promise? We look at how the first year in office has gone, where the premier has succeeded and where he has stumbled. Dave is joined by National Post columnist Matt Gurney. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today we bring you Chapter 3 of our series on the Alberta election. Edmonton Journal reporter Clare Clancy outlines why the NDP campaign didn't work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced steps towards a federal ban on single-use plastics on Monday. Dave is joined by National Post federal politics reporter Marie-Danielle Smith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We look at why millennials may not be getting busy on the regular and why that’s actually a big deal. Dave is joined by Tristin Hopper. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The final report from the Canadian National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls was released this week. The report concluded that the deaths are the result of genocide. We look at the findings of the report, what the report calls for, and what the next steps for the country are. Dave is joined by National Post reporter Maura Forrest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Here is Chapter 2 on our special series looking back at the Alberta election and how Jason Kenney rose to power. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Toronto Raptors are in the NBA finals. That’s a phrase Canadian hoops fans have been waiting to hear for awhile. Since debuting in 1995, there have been years of futility, followed by years when they seemed so close, only to run into the hurdle that is LeBron James. But now, they’re four wins away from their first NBA title. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Vice Admiral Mark Norman was ultimately vindicated this month prosecutors dropped their breach of trust case against him. He was accused of leaking sensitive information relating to the purchase of a navy supply ship, but the Crown decided there case wasn’t strong enough to carry to trial. In the wake of his court case Mark Norman broke his silence in an interview with the Ottawa Citizen's David Pugliese. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
One newly appointed Senator from Alberta is getting a crash course on politics, pipelines and proper procedure. A Senate committee recently recommended the upper chamber shouldn’t approve Justin Trudeau’s tanker ban, and Senator Paula Simons’ deciding vote sure stoked controversy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today we’re offering you a bit of a bonus. Former federal cabinet minister Jason Kenney is part of a wave of Conservative premiers who have swept to victory in recent months. And in advance of a federal election, Kenney has been sure to use Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as a handy villain in his own electoral narrative. Today, Edmonton Journal Political reporter Emma Graney brings you the first part in a limited series taking a deeper look at Kenney’s rise to power in Alberta. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Police in Quebec are promising a crackdown after a brazen mafia-related murder. Salvatore Scoppa, the brother of an alleged Montreal mafia leader was gunned down in early May at a busy Laval hotel. In the wake of that killing, and following a string of mafia hits in recent years, Laval Police are teaming up with RCMP and Quebec’s provincial police in an attempt to crack down on organized crime. Dave is joined by Montreal Gazette crime reporter Paul Cherry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This may sound a lot like the detention of Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor late last year after Canada arrested an executive with Huawei. The two were formally arrested on May 16 and face charges related to state security. But this is the harrowing story of Canadian couple Kevin and Julia Garratt who had lived in China for 30 years before they were taken into custody. Dave is joined by Vancouver Sun reporter Lori Culbert. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dark new details about Canadian serial killer Bruce McArthur have been unsealed by the courts. The details come from passages within some 6,000 pages of police documents on the investigation into the deaths of eight men who went missing from Toronto’s gay village. Dave is joined by National Post investigative reporter Adrian Humphreys. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Canadian Vice Admiral Mark Norman can declare victory on the legal battlefield and return to his post. The high-ranking Royal Canadian Navy officer will not be heading to trial on a charge of breach of trust tied to allegations he leaked sensitive information about a contract to buy a navy supply ship. The case against him was dismissed in Ottawa on Wednesday. Dave is joined by National Post columnist Christie Blatchford. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Canola is big business in Canada, but for nearly two months, that business has taken a hit because of a ban on Canadian canola by China. That ban is especially hard-felt in Saskatchewan, which grows more than half of what Canada produces. The Chinese regime says it’s because of concerns over pests, but is likely part of a growing trade war that was sparked with the arrest of Huawei exec Meng Wengzhou Dave is joined by Regina Leader Post columnist Murray Mandryk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A reputed mob boss was left clinging to life after he was gunned down last week in Mississauga.
Pat Musitano was shot four times outside his lawyers office, the latest in a number of brazen shootings tied to southern Ontario’s criminal underworld.
Dave is joined Toronto Sun crime writer Brad Hunter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Allegations of sexual abuse have been levelled against a high-profile Canadian track and field coach. Several former athletes have claimed they were sexually abused when they were 15 and 16 years old, while being trained by Ken Porter, who coached in Edmonton in the 1970s and early ‘80s. He was recently suspended from his role as president of the Ottawa Lions track and field club pending an investigation by Athletics Canada. Dave is joined by Vancouver Sun investigative reporter Lori Culbert. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Chinese wireless giant Huawei has been under much scrutiny over security concerns and its ties to the Chinese government. It has launched a major charm offensive as it seeks to have its infrastructure as part of the 5G network in Canada. We look at whose minds Huawei is trying to change, how much urgency there is, and what the concerns are about the company. Dave is joined by Emily Jackson, host of Down to Business, the Financial Post's new business podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Coming April 24: There hasn’t yet been a podcast dedicated to a wide range of Canadian business stories. We want to change that. Down to Business is a new podcast devoted to what you need to know about Canadian business this week in under 30 minutes. Hosted by the Financial Post's Emily Jackson. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jason's Kenney United Conservative Party won a majority government in Alberta's election Tuesday, defeating the NDP.
Throughout the campaign, Kenney presented a vision of Alberta under siege on all sides.
The former Stephen Harper cabinet minister vowed a much more combative approach to dealing with Justin Trudeau's Liberals and anyone else he thinks is preventing Alberta oil from getting to market.
Dave is joined by Edmonton Journal politics editor Sarah O'Donnell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Could foreign actors be trying to meddle in our federal election this fall?
Could it already be happening? Why would an other country want to mess with politics in polite, apologetic Canada?
We look at a recent report into threats posed to our electoral process, The countries we should be worried about, and what the risk to Canada is.
Dave is joined by Vancouver Sun columnist Daphne Bramham. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Being able to watch what you want when you want it, has helped drive the success of streaming services like Netflix and Crave.
But with more services set to come online, Canadian consumers can expect a splintered market of services and more subscriptions to get all the content they want.
We look at what sparked all this change, who the new players are and the looming notion of subscription fatigue.
Dave is joined by Ottawa Citizen reporter Vito Pilieci. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
April 7 marked the anniversary of the death of Logan Boulet, who died a day after many of his Humboldt Bronco’s teammates were killed in a crash involving the team bus.
Boulet survived long enough so that he could fulfill a wish to be an organ donor, something he was inspired to do by a former trainer.
We look at the motivation behind Green Shirt Day and how his parents are hoping to create a lasting legacy out of their son’s final act of giving. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Living up to one of his key election promises, Quebec Premier Francois Legault’s government introduced its secularism bill recently.
One of Bill 21’s most controversial sections deals with religious symbols, and would ban public workers in positions of authority from wearing them.
We look at who the ban affects, what symbols are being banned and how some are saying they won’t follow the new rules.
Dave is joined by Montreal Gazette reporter Rene Bruemmer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Just when you think the SNC Lavalin affair might go away for the Justin Trudeau Liberals, it blows up again.
Most recently, a recorded conversation was released by former justice minister Jody Wilson-Raybould, who previously testified to the justice committee that she felt she was being in appropriately pressured to intervene in a prosecution against the Quebec based company.
Dave is joined by National Post federal politics reporter Brian Platt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Humboldt Broncos bus crash last April killed 16 people and injured 13 others.
While several of the survivors have returned to hockey, other members of the team have faced a long recovery.
One of those players is Ryan Straschnitzki, who was paralyzed from the chest down. Over the past year, Straz has proven to be the picture of determination in the wake of devastation.
Dave is Joined by Calgary Herald reporter Sammy Hudes who authored a series called Bronco Unbroken. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Just who are the people refusing to vaccinate their children?
Why do they believe what they do? And why is it so hard to convince them that vaccines really do work?
We look at these questions and how Ontario is trying tackle the frustrating problem of the online anti-vax campaign.
Dave is joined by National Post reporters Tyler Dawson and Sharon Kirkey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Alberta's election campaign is underway.
United Conservative Party Leader Jason Kenney appeared poised to coast to victory.
But details of a scandal revolving around his 2017 leadership campaign means his character has become a major election issue.
Dave is joined by Edmonton Journal legislative reporter Clare Clancy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Last Friday, a lone gunman burst in on two mosques in Christchurch new Zealand, killing 50 people and injuring 50 more.
The gunman is a self-described eco-fascist who says he was inspired by other white nationalist extremists, as well as a hatred of muslims.
We look at how intelligence agencies view these threats, how the shooting may change that view, and how the online community is connecting these individuals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ontario has a new top cop, but the process to replace the outgoing OPP commissioner was anything but smooth.
Premier Doug Ford found himself in political hot water after a senior officer with ties to the Ford family was initially named the new OPP boss.
We look at why the decision was so controversial, what the fallout has been, and how the Ford government can move past it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
With an election looming in Alberta and a federal ballot on the horizon on for the fall, you're going to hear a lot about carbon taxes in the next few months.
Whether it's the fight between Ontario, Saskatchewan and Ottawa or the NDP and Conservatives, the idea of the of a carbon tax is a political hot potato.
Edmonton Journal reporters Janet French and Emma Graney join dave to dig into the data behind Alberta's two-year-old carbon tax. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jody Wilson Raybould spoke her truth to the parliamentary justice committee, and in the process made some pretty damning allegations about the prime minister, and other high ranking officials.
But what ripple effects will the former justice minister’s testimony have?
We look at why the SNC Lavalin affair could be so damaging to the Liberal government, where the issue could go next, and how this could factor into the fall election.
Dave is joined by Postmedia parliamentary bureau chief John Ivison Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bombshell allegations of political interference by top-level political staffers, and even the prime minister himself hit Parliament hill this week.
Former Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould says she felt there were veiled threats and inappropriate political pressure from people high up in government over the prosecution of Quebec firm SNC Lavalin.
Host Dave Breakenridge is joined by National Post politics reporter Brian Platt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Quebec’s rookie premier, Francois Legault, promised some major immigration reforms as part of his election plan last fall.
But a judge this week struck down part of a bill that would have seen 18,000 applications to a skilled workers program shredded.
We look at why the judge ruled against the province, why the move was so contentious, and where Quebec is at with further reforms.
Dave is joined by Montreal Gazette political reporter Philip Authier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
People who want to see a new pipeline carrying Alberta oil to the west coast got a bit of good news last week.
The National Energy Board released another ruling on the Trans Mountain project that says it’s in the national interest to get the pipe built.
But how far does that get us in the process?
We look at what the ruling said, what hurdles the project still faces, and what the delays say about the approval process for energy infrastructure in Canada. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Western Canadians, many of them upset with Justin Trudeau, his carbon tax and inaction on pipelines, took to the highway over the last week.
The United We Roll convoy did just that, they rolled from Red Deer Alberta to Ottawa, where they stayed for a couple of days.
But the movement did come with a bit of a muddled message.
Dave is joined by National Post reporter Tyler Dawson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We have known for nearly half a century that drinking alcohol during pregnancy can harm an unborn child.
But the rate of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is higher than expected, and could outpace more widely understood disorders such as autism.
We talk with Vanessa Hrvatin, recipient of the 2018 Lang Fellowship in Journalism. We look at how great the risk of FASD is, who is most affected, and how myths and stigma complicate understanding of the disorder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Months before a federal election, the Liberal government is embroiled in a potentially damaging scandal.
This one surrounds a major Canadian company, SNC Lavalin, that is facing charges related to business dealings in Libya, and whether the Prime Minister’s office applied political pressure on then Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould to order federal prosecutors to expedite the case in a manner that would be beneficial to the company.
Dave is joined by National Post reporter Brian Platt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When it comes to disrupting major organized crime activities, getting drugs off the streets is the easy part.
For officers who are tasked with following the money, getting charges laid and getting convictions to stick is a big problem.
Dave and Vancouver Sun investigative reporter Gordon Hoekstra look at how big a problem money laundering is, how criminals are trying to move that cash, and challenges faced by the police and prosecutors who are tasked with dismantling these outlaw operations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Admitted Toronto serial killer Bruce McArthur was addicted to killing, says Toronto Sun columnist Joe Warmington.
McArthur is expected to spend the rest of his life in prison for the brutal murder of eight men from Toronto's gay community.
Warmington joins Dave to discuss the fallout from the case for police. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
You practically can’t go a day without stumbling along a mocking story about an industry or trend being killed by Millennials.
But despite taking a lot of flack from Gen-Xers and Baby Boomers, things aren’t so peachy for those born from the early ‘80s to the late ‘90s.
Dave is joined by Ottawa Citizen reporter Vito Pilieci. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Our police and firefighters and paramedics. They’re the ones who rush to our aid when we’re hurt, or victims of crime, or our homes are burning.
And that work — at crime scenes and traumatic injuries and raging infernos — places a heavy burden on those on the job.
We take a look how the emotional toll cost a veteran police officer his career.
Dave is joined by Windsor Star reporter Trevor Wilhelm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We’re 100 days into Canada's grand legal pot experiment. And despite a lot of predictions ranging from government blunders to total chaos, is it really all that noticeable?
We’ll look at how Canada has fared with legalized cannabis, how the market has grown, what challenges there are to overcome and what the future holds for marijuana in Canada.
Dave is joined by Megan Henderson, executive producer of the GrowthOP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, the man alleged to be the head of the Sinaloa drug cartel, is on trial in Brooklyn New York
He is accused of running an operation that smuggled tons of drugs into the U.S., as well as into Canada.
We look at what was being smuggled into Canada, how far into our country the drug operation reached, and at the men authorities allege were his connections in this country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Obviously the sales job offered by former B.C. realtor Howard Chong was solid, as he’s accused of 10 counts of fraud.
He presented himself as everything from a Chinese pop singer to a rep for a high-end investment firm, a private investigator claims. He’s also now on the lam.
Dave is joined by Vancouver Sun reporter Dan Fumano. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A major pipeline project saw opposition swell last week, and no, it had nothing to do with Alberta oil.
A blockade against a natural gas pipeline from the Peace Country to Kitimat on the West Coast sparked arrests and rallies of support across the country.
We look at who is behind the blockade, what issues they have with the project and what the dispute raises about consultations with First Nations when it comes to energy infrastructure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The trial of Gerald Stanley, and the arrest of Eddie Maurice brought the issue of rural crime to the forefront in 2018.
Amid the discussion last year, many residents in rural communities said they were worried about an increase in property crime, and an overtaxed RCMP that may not be able to respond to calls in far-flung areas.
We sat down to talk about at what drove these concerns, how police were trying to respond, and how rural residents took action. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It has been nine months since the horrific crash between a semi-trailer and a bus carrying players and personnel from the Humboldt Broncos hockey team.
On April 6 2018, the driver of the semi failed to yield at a stop sign along a Saskatchewan Highway and hit the team’s bus, killing 16 and injuring 13.
Now, nine months later, the driver of the truck has owned up for his actions, pleading guilty to all charges.
Dave is joined by Saskatoon Star Phoenix justice reporter Bre McAdam. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
December month marked one year since the slayings of billionaires Barry and Honey Sherman, who were found dead in their North Toronto Mansion on Dec. 15, 2017.
And despite a lot of interest in this case from coast to coast, it seems like there has been little movement on the investigation.
We look back at the killings, what may have stalled the investigation, and where police are at in their effort to catch those responsible.
Dave is joined by Toronto Sun columnist Joe Warmington. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
MPs and cyber security officials are worried Canada’s federal election, slated for next fall, could be at risk.
Like with the 2016 U.S. Presidential election, there are fears that foreign actors could try to influence our next election using social media, or that data breaches could be weaponized for political gain.
We look at what specific concerns are being raised and what’s being done in an attempt to prevent outside forces from subverting Canadian democracy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Despite many similarities and a shared independent streak, Quebec and Alberta have found themselves on opposite sides in a back and forth over the idea of revamping the Energy East pipeline idea.
Dave is joined by Montreal Gazette National Assembly reporter Philip Authier.
Update: Quebec sources 82 per cent of its oil from North American sources, according to National Bank of Canada. A different figure was reported within the episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Should consenting adults be allowed to strap on a pair of leather gloves, step into the ring and beat the daylights out of each other?
Is the entertainment, and payday, worth the risk of potential harm, or even death?
These are questions being raised after a Quebec-based boxing champ wound up in hospital with a life-threatening brain injury.
Dave is joined by Montreal Gazette editorial pages editor Edie Austin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Earlier this month, a top executive for Chinese tech giant Huawei, Meng Wanzhou was arrested in Vancouver at the request of the U.S.
Meng was wanted on fraud charges linked to violating sanctions against Iran.
We look at the fallout being felt in the wake of Meng’s arrest, whether this situation could have a chilling effect on Canada-China relations, and how tied in Huawei is with Canada’s telecoms network.
Dave is joined by National Post reporter Marie-Danielle Smith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In Canadian politics, the legislature Clerk, Sergeant at arms and Speaker of the house aren’t often thrust into the spotlight.
But in B.C. the men in those three roles have been embroiled in controversy since it was revealed that two of them have been suspended from their jobs now the subject of a secret RCMP investigation.
Dave is joined is Vancouver Sun political writer Rob Shaw. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Amid a fiscal crisis caused by the low price of oil, Alberta Premier Rachel Notley took the drastic step to cut oil production.
The move is seen as an attempt to shrink the difference between the price on Alberta oil and global benchmarks.
We look at how industry is reacting, whether it will help Alberta’s financial picture, and how federal policy has played a role.
Dave is joined by Calgary Herald business columnist Chris Varcoe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
General Motors announced Monday it is closing its Oshawa assembly plant, leaving nearly 3,000 people out of work.
We look at what the closure means for the community and what the future holds for Canada's car manufacturing industry.
Dave is joined by Financial Post reporters Emily Jackson and Geoff Zochodne. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Recent court cases on the Prairies have raised the issue of gun culture and rural crime across Canada.
But for many farmers and ranchers, a firearm is not seen as a tool for self defence, but a part of the way of life out in the country.
We look at what rural residents have to say about gun culture, the rural-urban divide in attitudes when it comes to firearms, and whether there are concerns about safety on the farm.
Dave is joined by Regina Leader Post reporter Mark Melnychuk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The price gap on Alberta oil has hit a crisis point.
Business leaders, politicians and everyday Albertans are demanding action to fix a divide that's costing the Alberta treasury and Canadian economy billions.
We look at what's being done to mitigate the damage, what help Alberta is asking for from the feds, and what the Prime Minister has to say.
Dave is joined by Edmonton Journal provincial affairs reporter Clare Clancy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Conservative politicians across Canada are banding together to fight Justin Trudeau's carbon tax.
Last month Trudeau announced that the Liberal government carbon pricing plan will include rebates for people in provinces that do not have their own plan.
Dave is joined by National Post reporters Tyler Dawson and Maura Forrest to discuss the origins of the coalition of provincial politicians opposing the federal liberals, and what it may mean for next years election. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As the world transitions to a knowledge-based, innovation economy, Canada is lagging behind.
The Financial Post has kicked off a deep look at how this trend could endanger the country’s economic well-being, and what is needed to help businesses flourish and grow.
In this episode, we speak with Jim Balsillie, a leader at the heart of the innovation movement about the challenges companies face, and what role the government can play to help Canadian businesses succeed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It looks like Calgary will not be in the mix to host the 2026 Olympic winter games after all.
After months of back and forth, the No side won out in a city-wide plebiscite Tuesday, leaving city council little choice but to scuttle a multi-billion dollar bid.
We look at how the Yes side failed to make its case, and what the no vote says about possible future bids.
Dave is joined by Calgary Herald reporter Ryan Rumbolt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This Sunday, Buglers or trumpeters will stand stoically at ceremonies across the country and their instruments clarion call will usher in two moments of silence.
The plaintive notes of the Last Post will resonate in the hearts and minds of those paying tribute to all those who have lost their lives in service of our country.
Dave is joined by Ottawa Citizen reporter Bruce Deachman to look at the origins of that familiar melody, and why it is so important. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As the trial for Sinaloa cartel kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" guzman kicks off in Brooklyn, the National Post has uncovered the story of a Canadian working as a cocaine smuggler in El Chapo's operation.
Mykahylo Koretskyy, also known as Russian mike and cobra was picked up earlier this year in the dutch territory of curacao, on a 2014 u.s. indictment.
Dave is joined by reporter Brian Fitzpatrick. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The suspension of a B.C. university professor is being investigated over concern his employer violated his academic freedom.
Derek Pyne was suspended without pay over research into the practice of his colleagues publishing in so-called predatory academic journals.
And now the Canadian association of university professors is looking into how Thomson Rivers University handled the incident.
Dave is joined by Vancouver Sun columnist Douglas Todd. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A gunman walked into a Pittsburgh Synagogue last weekend and open fire, killing eight people.
In the wake of Pittsburgh massacre, and the Mosque shooting in Quebec city last year, we look at what is driving hateful rhetoric online, and how we’re seeing a rise in anti-Semitism in Canada.
Dave is joined by Montreal Gazette columnist Bill Brownstein. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Toronto Mayor John Tory easily cruised to a second term as leader of Canada’s largest city last week.
He did so amid a fight with the provincial government over a push from Ontario’s premier to shrink the size of city council in the thick of a campaign.
Dave and Toronto Sun editor-in-chief Adrienne Batra look at how the mayor and the premier are looking to put that fight behind them, and how the changes to city council may help Tory after all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Vancouver, a city reeling amid a housing crisis and being on the front lines of the opioid epidemic, has a new mayor.
Former NDP MP Kennedy Stewart was elected last weekend as Vancouver's first independent mayor in 30 years. During the campaign he took strong positions on housing, and he has been a staunch opponent of the Trans Mountain pipeline.
Dave is joined by Dan Fumano of the Vancouver Sun and Province. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
One week into legalized cannabis, and business is booming on the prairies.
In Alberta, were retail sales are privatized, stores have been lined up out the door since opening day on Oct. 17 and the novelty hasn’t worn off.
One major retail says cannabis sales have even outpaced the company’s liquor business in some stores.
Is that just the novelty factor? Or will the popularity, and product shortages, continue?
Dave is joined by Calgary Herald reporter Bill Kaufmann. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The case against Vice Admiral Mark Norman doesn’t hit court until next summer, but it caused a big ruckus in the House of Commons last week.
Norman, the former vice chief of defence staff is charged with breach of trust for allegedly leaking information related to a shipbuilding contract.
The Tories have been making political hay over whether there was interference on the contract from Treasury Board president Scott Brison.
Dave is joined by National Post political columnist John Ivison Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Other countries use it, Political parties use it, even the Oscars and the NHL awards use it.
But so far, Canada has been reluctant to adopt the idea of ranked ballots for major elections.
That could be changing.
Dave is joined by London Free Press reporter Megan Stacey to look at how London Ontario is making the shift to ranked ballots for its upcoming municipal election, and whether it could spread elsewhere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We are down to the last 24 hours until cannabis becomes legal in Canada.
But that doesn’t mean that all the smoke has cleared when it comes to retail sales and police enforcement of new laws around the black market.
Dave is joined by Megan Henderson of the GrowthOp, Postmedia's cannabis news site, to look at how the legal pot landscape is shaping up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Two of Canada’s most prominent conservative leaders met in Calgary Friday, in front of hundreds of cheering supporters.
Doug Ford and Jason Kenney had one other politician politician top of mind: Justin Trudeau and his planned carbon tax.
Dave is joined by the always-animated Calgary Sun columnist Rick Bell to look at how the rally frames the debate around the federal climate plan, and what it means for elections next year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Last week, Alberta became the province with the highest minimum wage in Canada, with a bump to $15/hour.
Labour groups are happy, but some businesses are feeling the pinch more than others.
Dave and Edmonton Journal food reporter Liane Faulder take a look at how the restaurant industry has been faring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Quebec politics got turned upside down this week, with Francois Legault and his Coalition Avenir Quebec taking down the governing Liberals.
Legault won on a platform of shrinking the size of government, and fixing health and education, but also limiting the number of immigrants to Quebec.
Dave and Montreal Gazette politics reporter Philip Authier look at what the change in government will mean for the province, and for the relationship between Quebec and the rest of Canada. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The U.S., Canada, and Mexico have a new agreement to replace NAFTA, but there’s still political fallout to consider.
We look at how Canada fared, how the Justin Trudeau government looks in all this, and how this could change future trade agreements.
Plus, we catch up on what has apparently been a turbulent first year in office for Julie Payete, Canda’s Governor General.
Dave is Joined by the National Post's Marie-Danielle Smith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Abdulahi Hasan Sharif is charged with five counts of attempted murder in addition to charges for fleeing Edmonton police and possessing a knife. While police initially said they were investigating the events as “acts of terrorism,” no terrorism charges have been laid.
Dave is joined by reporter Jonny Wakefield, who spoke with Sharif's partner recently.
Read more: https://edmontonjournal.com/news/crime/who-is-abdulahi-hasan-sharif-one-year-later-everything-we-know-about-the-alleged-edmonton-attacke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When people think about sports and Alberta, there are two things that immediately come to mind: The Oilers dynasty of the 1980s, and Calgary’s appearance on the world stage as hosts of the 1988 Olympic Winter Games.
It’s a possibility that Calgary and surrounding alpine slopes will once again host the best athletes on the snow
But it’s not without controversy. We look at the debate that has a bid for the 2026 games on thin ice.
Dave is joined by Calgary Herald city hall reporter Meghan P Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A pair of tornadoes touched down in the Ottawa-Gatineau region Friday, the first time a tornado has hit a major Canadian city in decades.
Homes were destroyed, people were injured, but miraculously no one has yet died from the the storm.
The aftermath caused the capital to be eerily quiet on Monday.
Dave is joined by Ottawa Citizen reporters Elizabeth Payne and Tom Spears. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As Canada and the U.S. Negotiate NAFTA behind closed doors, at top U.S. Republican Lawmaker has publicly turned up the heat. The GOP house whip has said there is ‘growing frustration’ in Congress with what he calls Canada’s negotiating tactics. Dave and National Post reporter Tom Blackwell look at what the urgency is in the talks, and what it may take to get a deal done. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The two big drug topics that are front and centre in the minds of Canadians are the coming legalization of marijuana, and the opioid crisis, which has seen thousands die of overdoses from fentanyl and other deadly drugs. Is there anything that can be learned from Portugal, which decriminalized all drugs following a wave of overdose deaths in the 1990s? Dave is joined by Vancouver Sun columnist Daphne Bramham who spent a week in Portugal for a seven-part series on drug policy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As NAFTA talks between Canada and the U.S. roll on, suggestions grow louder that we roll back on supply management in our farming sector That has met with fierce resistance in Quebec, and the issue has become a flashpoint in that province’s ongoing election campaign. Dave and Montreal Gazette reporter Rene Bruemmer look at what’s at stake, and how the Liberal government’s fortunes hang on the outcome of these talks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Just as construction was set to begin on the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, the Federal Court of Appeal threw a wrench into the process. Dave and Edmonton Journal columnist Graham Thomson look at what the court ruling means for the future of the project, and for the future of two of its biggest backers, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Alberta Premier Rachel Notley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On Monday, federal Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould approved the Dräger DrugTest 5000, a device that will soon be available to police forces across the country to combat drug-impaired driving, as the government prepares for cannabis legalization in October. Lawyers from a Vancouver-based law firm say they are ready to challenge the usage of the newly approved saliva-screening device for marijuana in court as soon as it hits the road. Vancouver Sun reporter Behdad Mahichi joins Dave to discuss the concerns raised over roadside drug testing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Conservative Party of Canada headed to Halifax hoping for a display of unity and momentum as electioneering heats up. But outspoken Quebec MP Maxime Bernier rained on their parade in a big way, announcing he was leaving the party. Dave is joined by National Post reporter Marie-Danielle Smith, who explains the long simmering fight between leader Andrew Scheer, and his one-time opponent, and where the conservative movement goes from here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A war of words is waging between Ontario Premier Doug Ford, and Toronto city council. The fight, over shrinking that city’s council, to just 25 seats from a proposed 47, will spill into a courtroom later this month. Dave is joined by Toronto Sun political bureau chief Antonella Artuso to discuss what both sides are saying and how it’s more than just a fight between two levels of government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Since last's month's spree shooting in Toronto that left two people dead and 13 others injured, there has been renewed calls for a handgun ban in Canada. Dave is joined by National Post columnist Chris Selley, who argues why a handgun ban might not have the desired outcome of reducing gun violence in Canada. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As the floodgates on Canada's legal cannabis market are set to open this fall, Mohawks on the Kahnawake territory near Montreal say they don't plan on submitting to outside regulation. Rather than abide by Quebec's system of government-run and taxed cannabis stores, the Kahnawake Mohawk Council will move forward with its own plan to cultivate and distribute weed on the territory. On this episode Dave is joined by Montreal Gazette reporter Christopher Curtis to discuss how the First Nation will implement its plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On Friday morning four people were shot dead in Fredericton, including two police officers. Little is known about the alleged shooter, or what might have motivated these crimes. Dave is joined by Canadian Press reporter Morgan Lowrie who covered the story from the small New Brunswick city. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tweets from the federal government calling on Saudi Arabia to release imprisoned political activists have landed Canada in a growing spat with the Gulf kingdom. The Saudis have expelled the Canadian ambassador, frozen new business deals, and recalled students studying in Canada. Dave is joined by National Post reporter Marie-Danielle Smith to discuss the unusual international incident. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Two Canadian gangsters wound up dead weeks after they allegedly pulled the trigger killing a Turkish drug trafficker in Dubai. Dave talks to Vancouver Sun crime reporter Kim Bolan about the B.C. gang members’ involvement in the international murder plot, how they wound up dead, and how police withheld information about the case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It has been nearly a month since Doug Ford officially became premier of Ontario. On this episode Toronto Sun editor-in-chief Adrienne Batra joins host Dave Breakenridge. They discuss how Ford came to power despite opposition from Ontario's more established Conservatives, and how he seems intent on reversing the legacy of the previous Liberal government as quickly as possible. Dave and Adrienne also touch on Ford's relationship with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Canadian Monika Schaefer is on trial in Germany for Holocaust denial, and has been held in jail for more than six months without bail. Edmonton Journal columnist Paula Simons joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss how the former Green Party candidate and Jasper National Park warden went from social justice warrior to hold her anti-semitic views, and why a case like this is important in 2018. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jaskirat Singh Sidhu, the truck driver charged in the crash that killed 16 members of the Humboldt Broncos hockey team and injured 13 others, made his first appearance in court Tuesday. Saskatoon Star Phoenix justice reporter Bre McAdam joins host Dave Breakenridge to discuss what's next in the court process and the hurdles faced in prosecuting a case like this. Also joining Dave is Calgary Herald and Sun reporter Ryan Rumbolt to explain the Alberta government's plans to overhaul that province's training and safety requirements for truck drivers and trucking companies. Sidhu is from Calgary where the company he drove for is based. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On Friday RCMP announced that they have laid more than two dozen charges in connection with the crash that killed 16 members of the Humboldt Broncos hockey team. Jaskirat Sidhu, a 29-year-old man from Calgary, has been charged with 16 counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death and 13 counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm. Sidhu was arrested Friday without incident at his residence in Calgary. He was remanded and is scheduled to appear next week in Saskatchewan court. On April 6 a semi truck collided with the Humboldt Broncos bus, killing 16 people and injuring 13 others. On this episode host Dave Breakenridge is joined by Saskatoon Star Phoenix sports editor Kevin Mitchell to discuss the charges and the tragedy that led to them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Justin Trudeau responded on Canada Day to allegations he groped a female reporter 18 years ago at a B.C. festival by saying he doesn't remember any "negative interactions" from that time. The issue has plagued the prime minister since Frank Magazine republished a 2000 editorial from the Creston Valley Advance that accused Trudeau of "inappropriately 'handling' the reporter while she was on assignment." The National Post spoke with both the then publisher and the then editor of the small newspaper as part of its investigation into the alleged incident. On this episode of 10/3 host Dave Breakenridge is joined by Post reporters Adrian Humphreys and Marie-Danielle Smith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Canada's auto industry is bracing itself in the wake of threats from U.S. president Donald Trump of steep tariffs.
Windsor Star reporter Trevor Wilhelm says it would be a "nightmare" scenario.
Also joining Dave Breakenridge on this episode are Financial Post reporter Naomi Powell and Detroit Free Press business writer Phoebe Wall Howard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A court has ruled Alberta’s beer taxation system is unconstitutional, and ordered restitution be paid to breweries in Ontario and Saskatchewan.
We look at what sparked the ruling, and why it’s so hard to navigate policymaking around beer drinking.
This week host Dave Breakenridge is joined by Edmonton Journal legislative reporter, Clare Clancy, Calgary Herald business columnist Chris Varcoe and Ottawa Citizen business reporter Vito Pilieci. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Melinda Karlsson, wife of Ottawa Senators captain Erik Karlsson, has accused the fiancee of another player of a targeted campaign of online harassment. Melinda Karlsson has filed an application for a peace bond against Monika Caryk, the longtime girlfriend of Senators forward Mike Hoffman, and Ottawa police are investigating criminal harassment allegations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A deal has been made for the Trans Mountain pipeline to be purchased by the federal government. Alberta's NDP government is celebrating, but the pipeline is still far from complete. B.C.'s government as well as protesters are digging in their heels. In this episode, host Dave Breakenridge is joined by the Financial's post's Geoffrey Morgan, the Edmonton Journal's Emma Graney, and the Province in Vancouver's Mike Smyth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Host Dave Breakenridge introduces 10/3, Postmedia’s Canadian current affairs podcast.
The name of the show represents Canada’s provinces and territories, and each episode will bring you a closer look at some of the biggest stories in the country.
We’ll be talking with the reporters on the ground, getting their insight and analysis, and giving you a better understanding of what’s going on at home and abroad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices