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10/3: Canada Covered

10/3: Canada Covered

594 episodes — Page 2 of 12

How Alberta Mounties solved four murders nearly 50 years later

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

May 22, 202424 min

Why Canadian prime ministers always stay well past their expiration date

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

May 8, 202420 min

Oil begins moving on $34 billion Trans Mountain pipeline expansion

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

May 3, 202421 min

The RCMP said he was a sex-trafficking kingpin

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

Apr 27, 202422 min

Police arrest multiple suspects in Canada's largest gold heist

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

Apr 23, 202420 min

Federal budget aims to please Millennials and Gen Z

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

Apr 19, 202422 min

What we learned from testimony at the Foreign Interference Inquiry

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

Apr 16, 202434 min

Liberal government defence policy boosts military spending

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

Apr 11, 202417 min

What to expect from the April 8 solar eclipse

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

Apr 4, 202420 min

Shocking lapses outlined in auditor general's report on B.C.'s safe supply trial

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

Mar 28, 202424 min

New Liberal 'online harms' bill to make online hate punishable by law

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

Feb 28, 202420 min

Are Canada's homeless encampments here to stay?

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

Feb 23, 202421 min

The secret snitch who brought down the narcos

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

Feb 22, 202421 min

AI photos becoming a growing problem in Canada

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

Feb 18, 202414 min

Manitoba man charged with murder in deaths of common-law partner, children and teen

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

Feb 15, 202417 min

London police speak on Hockey Canada sexual assault case

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

Feb 7, 202417 min

B.C. gangsters at the centre of a global drug trade

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

Jan 31, 202423 min

Court rules Liberals' use of Emergencies Act was unjustified, unreasonable

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

Jan 26, 202422 min

Jordan Peterson willing to risk licence over social media training

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

Jan 24, 202419 min

Rachel Notley announces she’s leaving Alberta NDP leadership

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

Jan 20, 202421 min

Is it time to say goodbye to the RCMP as we know them?

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

Jan 16, 202421 min

Is alcohol consumption in Canada something to be worried about?

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

Jan 11, 202418 min

Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives' new approach to get their message across to Canadians

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

Jan 9, 202420 min

Alleged suicide 'Chef of Death' charged with 14 counts of murder

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

Dec 20, 202320 min

Ontario will soon have more options on where they can purchase alcohol

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

Dec 15, 202319 min

U.S. investigation into alleged plot to kill Sikh activist in New York points to ties to slaying of Nijjar in B.C.

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

Dec 8, 202314 min

Alberta invokes sovereignty act against Ottawa

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

Nov 29, 202327 min

Federal government's mid-year fiscal report less than rosy for Canada's economy

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

Nov 23, 202316 min

Brutal killing of beloved business owner sparks uproar in quiet Ontario city

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

Nov 21, 202319 min

Why did the NHL suspend Ottawa Senators Shane Pinto 41 games for gambling?

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

Oct 31, 202317 min

The inside story of the NHL's original outdoor game

The greatest outdoor show on ice returns to Edmonton with the NHL’s Heritage Classic making a stop where it all started 20 years ago. The inaugural event, played on a chilly November evening at Commonwealth Stadium, sparked an idea that has garnered a host of similar games in stadiums across the league. But it wasn’t necessarily a guaranteed success. Postmedia national sports writer Dan Barnes joins the show to discuss where the idea for the Heritage Classic came from, challenges that the Oilers faced with in getting it off the ground, and the legacy of that game in the league now. Background reading: Heritage Classic: The inside story of the NHL's outdoor game Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 26, 202322 min

Quebec government in hot water over tuition policy for Engilsh students

The Quebec government has courted controversy with a new tuition policy that some feel unfairly targets Anglophones. The government, meanwhile says it’s vital to help protect the French language in Montreal. Montreal Gazette political reporter Philip Authier joins the show to discuss the policy, which universities it affects and why the government is facing pushback on yet another language policy. Background reading: Tuition increase is not a move against anglophones, Legault insists Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 20, 202318 min

Alberta Premier celebrates Supreme Court of Canada ruling federal environmental impact law unconstitutional

Alberta won a round in one of its many battles with the federal government after a key piece of legislation was struck down. The Supreme Court ruled Bill C-69, or the Impact Assessment Act, which affected the approval process for major projects on federal land, was unconstitutional. Alberta had challenged it on the basis that it infringed on provincial jurisdiction. Calgary Herald columnist Chris Varcoe joins the show to discuss what made the act so controversial in Alberta, the Court’s reasoning in its decision, and how this all plays into the back and forth between Alberta and the Trudeau government Background reading: Varcoe: 'Stay in your lane' — After victory against Bill C-69, Alberta emboldened in feud with feds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 17, 202316 min

$20M Toronto airport gold heist revealed in Brink's suit against Air Canada

Six months after a massive heist at Toronto’s airport, a lawsuit is shedding new light on the crime. $20 million in gold and nearly $2 million in cash were nabbed from a cargo facility, and police as yet have not announced any developments in the case. National Post reporter Adrian Humphreys joins the show to discuss the nature of the lawsuit, what it reveals about the heist, and what recourse is being sought. Background reading: New details about $20M Toronto airport gold heist revealed in Brink's suit against Air Canada Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 13, 202315 min

Proposed B.C. law would make drug use illegal in almost all public spaces

Just months after announcing the decriminalization of possession of all drugs, the B.C. government unveiled legislation aimed at curbing open-air drug use. The plan has been met with criticism from harm reduction proponents and skepticism from the NDP government’s political opponents. Vancouver Sun legislative reporter Katie DeRosa joins the show to discuss the motivation behind the law, what locations are being targeted, and how the government reconciles this move with its past announcement on decriminalization. Background reading: Proposed B.C. law would make drug use illegal in almost all public spaces Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 11, 202319 min

Fatal grizzly bear attack on experienced hikers in Banff's backcountry

Albertans were given a grim reminder of the dangers that can lurk in the backcountry with the fatal grizzly attack that took the lives of two experienced outdoors people. The attack, in a remote area of Banff National Park, was believed to be predatory in nature and also saw the death of the couple’s dog. Calgary Herald reporter Bill Kaufmann joins the show to walk us through the attack, what’s believed to have caused the bear’s aggression, and what experts say about whether more can be done to prevent bear-human encounters. Background reading: Couple emptied bear spray can in battling grizzly that killed them, relative says Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 6, 202322 min

NDP seized the opportunity in Manitoba election to win a majority government

Wab Kinew and the NDP steamrolled the PCs in Manitoba this week to win a convincing electoral majority. Kinew becomes the first First Nations premier of a Canadian province, and Heather Stefanson has resigned as leader of the PCs. National Post reporter Tristin Hopper joins the show to discuss why Stefanson failed to resonate with voters, where the PCs stumbled during the campaign, and how the NDP was able to capitalize on that. Background reading: One of Canada's weirdest-ever 11th hour re-election pitches Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 5, 202318 min

Trudeau's handling of Rota affair has very real implications for Ukraine

Canada stumbled into an international incident after parliament honoured a Ukrainian vet who fought on the side of the Nazis in the Second World War. This has created problems not just for the Liberal government, but for our Ukrainian allies. National Post columnist Tasha Kheiriddin joins the show to discuss why the Liberals response to the incident was problematic, the fallout internationally and why this government struggles on international relations Background reading: Tasha Kheiriddin: Trudeau's handling of Rota affair has very real implications for Ukraine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 28, 202322 min

Will Alberta split from Canada and start their own pension plan?

Should Alberta go alone, and split from the Canada Pension Plan, even if it means taking half the total funds for the whole of the CPP with it? That’s the question being asked in Alberta right now as the UCP government looks to consult Albertans in advance of a potential referendum on the issue. Calgary Sun columnist Rick Bell joins the show to discuss why the province is considering it’s own pension plan, what the cost would be, and why some are skeptical of the figures in the province’s own report Background reading: Alberta deserves more than half CPP assets if it exits program: report Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 27, 202326 min

Intelligence links Indian government to killing of B.C. Sikh leader on Canadian soil, Trudeau says

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made waves this week when he announced that Canada has intelligence linking the government of India to the murder of a prominent B.C. Sikh leader on Canadian soil. Trudeau said that Canadian security agencies have been pursuing what he calls credible allegations of the link, but the Indian government has so far called the claims absurd. National Post political reporter Ryan Tumilty joins the show to discuss the killing, why the victim was potentially a political target, and why this is the latest in a long string of tensions between Canada and India. Background reading: Trudeau urges Modi to take murder allegations seriously after India denies 'absurd' claims Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 21, 202319 min

Is the Liberals housing approach enough for Canadians?

Politicians return to the House of Commons this week, and affordability is bound to be a key issue for all parties. The Conservatives and the NDP have been banging the drum for months, and the Liberals have started to make the issue a priority. National Post columnist Sabrina Maddeaux joins the show to discuss new Liberal initiatives on housing, why they fall short, and how the new approach may play into the Conservatives’ hands. Background reading: Sabrina Maddeaux: Liberal 'visionary' housing plan = young people still screwed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 19, 202320 min

Hundreds of kids sick in Alberta's worst E. coli outbreak

Alberta is dealing with what's believed to be its worst-ever E. coli outbreak after kids became sick at a number of Calgary daycares. Now the cases are in the hundreds with two dozen in hospital while health officials investigate the likely source of the outbreak. Calgary Herald reporter Michael Rodriguez joins the show to discuss how it’s believed the bacteria spread, what other issues have been revealed through new inspections, and how this has affected parents and their kids. Background reading: Cockroach infestation among 'critical violations' of kitchen at centre of daycare E. coli outbreak Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 14, 202314 min

Pierre Poilievre in spotlight at first convention as Conservative leader

Canadian Conservatives converge on Quebec City this weekend for the party’s first in-person convention in five years. The event comes as the party is riding high in summer polls and presents an opportunity for leader Pierre Poilievre to cement his standing in the minds of Canadians. National Post political reporter Catherine Levesque joins the show to discuss what main themes you’ll hear from Conservatives this weekend, where there could be controversy for the party, and what’s at stake for both the party and Poilievre. Background reading: 'Anti-woke' general and his wife to endorse Poilievre, talk 'common sense' values at CPC convention Conservatives show signs of new life in Quebec, the graveyard of electoral hopes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 8, 202321 min

Our PM's house, is not a very very very fine house

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

Sep 7, 202315 min

The debate over pronouns in Canadian schools

Two Canadian provinces have sparked controversy with policies that would impact students who want to adopt a new name or pronouns at school. Saskatchewan and New Brunswick have indicated that parents students under 16 have to be notified if their child wants to socially transition at school. National Post reporter Tristin Hopper joins the show to discuss why they want to implement these policies, why groups are opposed to the move, and how Canadians feel about the issue. Background reading: Canadian politicians stampeding away from policy of concealing gender transitions from parents Saskatchewan LGBTQ group files legal action over government pronoun rules Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 1, 202317 min

One Toronto neighbourhood's battle against crime and disorder around a safe injection site

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

Aug 30, 202333 min

The separation of Prime Minister Trudeau and his wife, Sophie

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

Aug 4, 202313 min

What's causing potentially deadly errors in Canadian hospitals

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

Aug 3, 202320 min

Why Canada is lagging in meeting its NATO commitments

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

Jul 24, 202323 min

The crisis that saw refugees sleeping in encampments on Toronto streets

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

Jul 19, 202314 min