10/3: Canada Covered

Notorious killer Paul Bernardo faced the Parole Board of Canada for the third time this week. The man convicted of murdering three girls 30 years ago was again denied parole. National Post reporter Adrian Humphreys joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss Bernardo's parole hearing, the board's decision, and the victims' families' reactions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Randy Boissonnault resigned from Justin Trudeau's cabinet amid controversy over his business dealings and Indigenous identity claims. National Post’s Chris Nardi joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss his departure and what’s next for the Edmonton MP. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For years, Canada has wrestled with an overdose crisis, with thousands of people succumbing to the deadly effects of toxic drugs like fentanyl. But there’s a second brewing crisis involving those who don’t die after overdosing. Ottawa Sun reporter Andrew Duffy joins the show to discuss the effects a non-fatal overdose can have on a person, how that may manifest in an already vulnerable population, and what stresses it puts on the health-care system. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the wake of the NDP ending its agreement to keep the Trudeau government afloat, opposition parties have been jockeying for position as power brokers, trying to advance agendas to either stave off or force an election. The Bloc Quebecois has seized the opportunity on a couple of files, including a pricey increase to pension coverage supported by the NDP and the Conservatives. National Post political reporter Catherine Levesque joins the show to discuss whether the Liberals will accept the wishes of the house, why the Conservatives voted in favour of this increase in spending, and whether it pushes us closer to an election this fall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

B.C.’s election is shaping up to be unlike any in recent memory. The NDP is seeking re-election amid an affordability crisis and health care crunch, while facing renewed opposition after a merger between the former Liberals and the Conservative party. Vancouver Sun politics reporter Alec Lazenby joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the key issues in this campaign, the resurgence of the Conservatives under John Rustad, and whether any former B.C. Liberal MLAs could play spoiler as independent candidates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A prominent Edmonton psychologist goes missing. His body isn’t found. Police believe he was murdered and that his brother had something to do with it. They just have to get him to confess. Regina Leader Post courts reporter Brandon Harder joins the show to discuss how police ensnared a murder suspect in an elaborate undercover investigation, why one brother killed the other, and how it all unfolded. Background reading: The secret in the slough: How undercover cops got a cold case murder confession Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The political marriage between the federal liberals and NDP is over, and that means Canadians could be headed to the polls sooner than expected. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh announced he was leaving the agreement with Justin Trudeau’s Liberals that’s keeping the government in power after more than two years. National Post political reporter Ryan Tumilty joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss why the NDP tore up the agreement, how the Liberals have taken the news, and whether it means we could see an election this fall. Background reading: How and why the NDP decided to break up with the Trudeau Liberals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

A Toronto man who duped hundreds of victims in several countries into giving him money and then even more money in dubious stock schemes or fake coloured diamonds. National Post investigative reporter Adrian Humphreys joins the show to discuss how this Toronto businessman wound up embroiled in massive money scams, how he wound up on police radar, and how he kept his schemes rolling for so long. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Instead of focusing on defending their Olympic title, Canada’s women’s soccer team became embroiled in scandal at the Paris games. Before the opening ceremonies even took place, accusations were levied that people involved with the women’s team had been using a drone to spy on New Zealand’s practice. This has sent ripples through soccer Canada and the sport’s international governing body. Ryan Pyette, in France covering the games for Postmedia, joins host Dave Breakenridge to discuss the repercussions Canada has already faced, what impact the scandal could have on Canada soccer, and whether FIFA cracks down any further. Read more; Where does the Canadian women's soccer team go from here? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The fire that overtook the Jasper townsite late last month left many Canadians reeling. Like Fort McMurray and Slave Lake before it, wildfire hit the iconic mountain destination, destroying a large swath of the community. Edmonton Journal reporter Zac Delaney joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the destruction wrought by the fire, the recovery efforts and how long residents could be waiting before they return. Background reading: 'We saw how bad everything was': RV tour through Jasper interrupted by fire Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joe Biden's resignation as the Democratic nominee for U.S. president, less than six months before the election, caused a stir in Canada and reignited discussions about Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's future, especially since Trudeau has been under scrutiny following his party's loss in a spring byelection and could face further challenges if the Liberals lose another byelection later this year; National Post political reporter Catherine Levesque joins the show to explore these issues and the potential threat to Trudeau's leadership. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

National sports writer Dan Barnes joins the show to discuss Canada's prospects at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where the team aims to surpass their Tokyo medal haul, highlighting strengths in swimming and track while exploring potential medal contenders and anticipating a more traditional Olympic experience post-COVID. Background reading: Gold, silver or bronze? The Canadian hopefuls to bring home medals from Paris Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A break in the city's main water pipe has left Calgary under severe restrictions for over two weeks, raising concerns about water usage and the potential impact on the city's premier summer festival, the Stampede. Calgary Herald reporter Scott Strasser joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the cause of the pipe failure, how the city is handling the situation, and whether there is a risk of the taps running dry. Background reading: 'The show will go on': Stampede to move forward, with water-saving contingencies in effect Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ottawa has been rocked by the fallout from a parliamentary report that suggests MPs have been witting or semi-witting participants in foreign interference. The report, released June 3, also implies one instance of an MP providing privileged information to a foreign operative. National Post politics reporter Ryan Tumilty joins the show to discuss what we’ve learned about the report, the reaction in parliament, and whether we’ll eventually see any of the MPs’ names released. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Peterson, a reporter with the Saskatoon Star Phoenix, discusses the recently released RCMP review of the 2022 mass stabbings in Saskatchewan's James Smith Cree Nation, which examined the force's handling of the incidents and the arrest of the perpetrator, the recommendations made, and whether this review, alongside two coroner’s inquests, provides closure to the community. Background reading: RCMP's review of JSCN mass stabbing finds no 'missing link' in police response, makes 36 recommendations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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

The Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, a major Canadian infrastructure project, cleared a significant hurdle despite numerous delays and legal challenges. Now federally owned, the project aims to transport bitumen from Alberta to the west coast. Calgary Herald columnist Chris Varcoe discusses with Dave Breakenridge the economic implications for Canada and Alberta, the project's troubled progress, and its impact on future infrastructure projects. Background reading:Varcoe: 'We landed the plane': Inside the story of turbulence and triumph to complete the Trans Mountain expansion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Toronto man was jailed for over two years on human smuggling accusations before being released on bail and finding out at his trial that his charges had been dropped. Freelance reporter Luc Rinaldi joins the show to discuss the police's focus on him, the lengthy pre-trial detention, and the impact on his life in Canada. Background reading:The RCMP said he was a sex-trafficking kingpin. 'They destroyed my life' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In an update to the sensational gold heist at Toronto's Pearson airport, where over $20 million in gold was stolen from an Air Canada cargo facility, significant arrests have now been made across Canada and the U.S. National Post reporter Adrian Humphreys joins the show to discuss how police made breaks in the case, ties between the heist and allegations of gun smuggling, and what happened with all that gold. Background reading: Toronto airport gold heist loot was melted in a forge in local jewelry store's basement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trudeau government introduced a new budget focused on affordability and appealing to younger Canadians, accompanied by increased spending and debt. Toronto Sun columnist Brian Lilley joined the show to discuss its outreach to Millennials and Gen Z, its shortcomings, and criticism from traditionally Liberal supporters. Background reading:LILLEY: Key architects of past Liberal budgets slam Trudeau's latest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week, a foreign interference inquiry concluded after two weeks of testimony from MPs, intelligence officers, and even the Prime Minister, investigating potential foreign interference in the 2019 and 2021 elections. Catherine Levesque from the National Post discussed the inquiry's findings on Chinese interference and the government's response to external threats on a recent show. Background reading: Five big takeaways from Justin Trudeau’s testimony about foreign interference Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The federal government announced plans to significantly increase military spending, aiming to expand the Canadian Forces and invest in new equipment. David Pugliese of the Ottawa Citizen joined the show to discuss the budget details, the equipment to be purchased, and how this aligns with allies' expectations on military expenditure. Background reading:Liberal government defence policy boosts military spending, commits to new purchases of helicopters, missiles, aircraft Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This April 8th, a total solar eclipse will captivate parts of North America, particularly Ontario and Quebec, with other regions observing a partial eclipse. Montreal Gazette's Susan Schwartz joins the show to discuss the widespread excitement and influx of visitors eager to experience this rare event. Background reading: Why the April 8 solar eclipse is totally a big deal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two years post-launch, B.C.'s "safer supply" program, aimed to curb the overdose crisis, faces scrutiny from Auditor General Michael Pickup for issues with transparency, access, and potential drug diversion. Vancouver Sun's Vaughn Palmer joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the AG's findings, recommendations, and the political response in B.C. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The "Online Harms Act," a new federal legislation aimed at curbing harmful online content, introduces harsh penalties for severe offenders and raises concerns about its impact on freedom of expression, as discussed by National Post political reporter Catherine Lévesque with host Dave Breakenridge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Homelessness and homeless encampments are a major issue in many Canadian centres. Ottawa Citizen reporter Andrew Duffy and 10/3 host Dave Breakenridge, explore the diverse causes, municipal responses, government efforts, and the potential benefits of examining international solutions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Court documents reveal that five Canadians were charged in a massive FBI drug operation, which took down over a dozen alleged traffickers based on the work of an informant who infiltrated the senior ranks. National Post reporter Adrian Humphreys joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss his investigation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Explicit, AI-generated images of Taylor Swift have reignited the discussion around the nefarious uses of this emerging technology. It has raised questions about how prevalent the problem is, and whether legislation is strong enough to address it. National Post reporter Chris Knight joins the show to discuss cases in Canada, why this is a growing problem, and whether our current laws need to evolve with the technology. Background reading: Canadians have very limited options if fake explicit photos end up on social media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tragedy has struck a small Manitoba community with the deaths of five people. A woman, a teen girl and three small children were all killed over the weekend, and the partner of the woman and father of the three kids has been charged in their deaths. Winnipeg Sun reporter Glen Dawkins joins the show to discuss how the investigation unfolded, what police are saying about the case, and what the reaction has been in the community. Background reading: Manitoba man charged with murder in deaths of common-law partner, children and teen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After weeks of speculation about developments in the case, London police have spoken publicly about its investigation into sexual assault allegations against members of Canada’s 2018 World Juniors team. Five players from that squad have been charged, two years after revelations of a stalled investigation and a lawsuit settled out of court. London Free-Press reporter Dale Carruthers joins host Dave Breakenridge to discuss the history of the case, why we’re seeing charges now, and what police had to say about the six-year delay. Background reading: London police chief apologizes to complainant, defends Hockey Canada probe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Canada is a big importer of illicit drugs, but many Canadians might not know that we’re also sending shipments of drugs like methamphetamines overseas, to Australia and elsewhere in the south Pacific. This is being driven by gangs in Canada, but also Canadians overseas who are highly ranked in drug trafficking networks. Vancouver Sun crime reporter Kim Bolan joins the show to discuss her investigation into Canadian gangs’ involvement in international drug trafficking networks, what authorities in other countries have to say about the problem, and the human toll once these drugs hit the streets. Background reading: B.C. gangsters at the centre of a global drug trade Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Critics of the Liberals’ handling of the Freedom Convoy and its occupation of downtown Ottawa in 2022 were handed some vindication this week. The Federal Court of Canada has ruled that the Trudeau government’s use of the Emergencies Act was unconstitutional. National Post political reporter Chris Nardi joins the show to discuss why the court ruled against the Liberals, whether it opens the government to other legal action, and why the government is looking to appeal the ruling. Background reading: Court rules Liberals' use of Emergencies Act was unjustified, unreasonable Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Outspoken author and academic Jordan Peterson’s legal fight against his profession’s governing body hit a snag in the Ontario Court of Appeal. Peterson was fighting a sanction from the College of Psychologists of Ontario ordering him to undergo remedial social media training. Ontario's highest court declined to hear his appeal of a lower court ruling. National Post reporter Tyler Dawson joins the show to discuss why Peterson was in hot water with the College, what his lawyer tried to argue in court and whether there’s any further recourse. Background reading: Jordan Peterson says he's willing to risk licence over social media training after losing court battle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Alberta premier Rachel Notley announced she is stepping down as the head of Alberta’s NDP. The move, expected after last spring’s election defeat to Danielle Smith’s UCP, sparks a leadership contest that could ultimately shape the progressive movement, not just in Alberta, but in Canada. Calgary Herald columnist Don Braid joins the show to discuss Notley’s legacy, where the provincial party goes from here, and whether the former premier has ambitions beyond Alberta. Background reading: Braid: Rachel Notley announces she’s leaving Alberta NDP leadership, triggering party contest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The RCMP has been under scrutiny for years, regarding how it performs as community law enforcement, how it manages national policing, and even whether it’s an organization capable of change. Some even wonder whether it’s time to say goodbye to the Mounties as they exist now. National Post political reporter Ryan Tumilty joins the show to discuss what shortcomings have been identified within the RCMP, how that affects its ability to carry out its core mandates, and whether the federal government or top brass are committed to change. Background reading: After 150 years, is it time to say goodbye to the Mounties as we know them? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For many Canadians, January marks a time when they reconsider their relationship with alcohol. But looking beyond Dry January, is alcohol consumption in Canada something to be worried about? National Post health reporter Sharon Kirkey joins the show to discuss why Canadians may be re-evaluating their drinking, who is actually drinking more, and how doctors are being encouraged to broach the subject with their patients. Background reading: Canadian doctors to screen for risky drinking as polls suggest it's adults who have a problem Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While Justin Trudeau’s popularity has been waning, and things have been looking up for the Conservatives for quite some time, Pierre Poilievre and the Tories still have to convince Canadians they’re a government in waiting. One new way the Tories have tried to do this has been with a series of videos, putting Poilievre front and centre, some focusing on the leader, some focusing on issues that are resonating with Canadians. But as political communication goes, how effective are they? National Post Parliamentary Bureau Chief Stuart Thomson joins the show to discuss why the Tories are trying this approach, what are the benefits of it, and what pitfalls the party should watch out for Background reading: Poilievre's Conservatives are using the 'selfie' video to remake the Canadian political conversation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Several months after being charged with counseling people to commit suicide, an Ontario man has been hit with fourteen murder counts. Kenneth Law, who police allege sold sodium nitrite, which can be fatal, via an online store, was charged in the deaths of people ranging in age from 16 to 36. Toronto Sun columnist Joe Warmington joins the show to discuss what police have said about the case, whether they’re investigating other charges and how the case could unfold once it reaches court. Background reading: Alleged suicide 'Chef of Death' charged with 14 counts of murder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Beer and wine drinkers in Ontario will see more buying options in the coming years, as the province moves to allow sales in corner stores and all grocery stores. Premier Doug Ford, following through on a campaign promise from 2018, made the announcement this week, suggesting it will give consumers more choice and "start treating people like adults." Toronto Sun columnist Brian Lilley joins the show to discuss why the government is making the changes now, when they’ll take effect, and where this puts Ontario compared to other provinces’ liquor sales laws. Background reading: LILLEY: Here's what's good about Doug Ford's booze sale changes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New information has come to light about the killing of a Canadian Sikh activist in B.C. in June. An indictment filed in New York in the foiled assassination of a Sikh separatist alleges the violence was directed by an Indian government employee, and part of a larger plot that also targeted other separatists in Canada, including Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Vancouver Sun investigative reporter Gordon Hoekstra joins the show to discuss the indictment, what it unveiled about Nijjar’s death and whether Canadian officials. Background reading: U.S. investigation into alleged plot to kill Sikh activist in New York points to ties to slaying of Nijjar in Surrey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The back and forth between Alberta and Ottawa over energy has ratcheted up a notch. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has invoked her controversial sovereignty act over the federal government’s proposed clean energy regulations, claiming meeting 2035 targets is just not possible. Calgary Sun columnist Rick Bell joins the show to discuss what Smith hopes the sovereignty act will accomplish, how the federal government responded, and what could happen next. Background reading: Bell: Smith plays Alberta sovereignty card, sets up battle with Ottawa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The federal government unveiled its mid-year fiscal update this week, but its outlook for the government and the country’s economy is less than rosy. The deficit is expected to grow, while economic growth is expected to slow in 2024. National Post political reporter Ryan Tumilty joins the show to discuss what this means for the country’s bottom line, the political ramifications for the government and what measures are in the update to help Canadians. Background reading: 'There is no more fiscal room': Deficits expected to rise as the government projects dark economic clouds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The killing of a restaurant owner in August caused uproar in the tight-knit community of Owen Sound, Ontario. Sharif Rahman was fatally attacked outside his restaurant, and without arrests in the case, the community is looking for answers. Owen Sound Sun Times reporter Greg Cowan joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the killing, what Rahman meant to the community, and how the community responded. Background reading: Brutal killing of beloved business owner sparks uproar in quiet Ontario city Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Young Ottawa Senators centre Shane Pinto has been handed a major suspension related to the league’s gambling policy. While it’s not clear what exactly his violation of the rules was, the league says there were suspicious activities on his account on a sports betting app. Postmedia’s Ottawa hockey columnist Bruce Garrioch joins me to discuss the nature of the allegations, why the league leveled such a large penalty and what this says about the NHL’s relationship with sports betting. Background reading: Ottawa Senators forward Shane Pinto suspended 41 games by NHL for gambling Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices