10/3: Canada Covered

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