10/3: Canada Covered

Amid a summer of troubles in Canada’s airline industry, Calgary and Vancouver staff of big player WestJet could soon walk off the job. The strike would be the latest in a line of disruptions Canadian travellers have faced this summer as they take to the skies after two years of pandemic restrictions. Calgary Herald business reporter Josh Aldrich joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss why these WestJet workers could be heading to the picket line, how it potentially adds to existing problems, and when travellers could see an end to delays and cancellations. Background reading: Potential strike action at WestJet could add to air travel woes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics arrives in Canada in the coming days, with a focus of the trip being reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and an apology for abuses committed at church-run residential schools. The visit comes amid declining influence and attendance for the church, a change that has been happening over decades. National Post reporter and Michelle Lang Fellow Jessica Mundie joins host Dave Breakenridge to discuss the significance of the Papal visit, how some Catholics reconcile their faith with the church’s dark history, and what the state of the church is in Canada today. Background reading: The state of the Catholic Church in Canada, amid scandals and declining attendance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In recent weeks on 10/3, we've highlighted a new true crime podcast from Postmedia and Antica productions, called True Crime Byline. The show looks at some of the biggest criminal cases in the country, and what it was like for the journalists who covered them. True Crime Byline is available now, wherever you find this podcast, but have a listen to the first episode right here: This isn't a story about Robert Pickton. Most Canadians know the name Robert Pickton, the pig farmer from a Vancouver suburb who goes by Willy and was convicted of murdering six vulnerable women, although he once bragged to an undercover officer that he had killed 49 female victims. We know Pickton’s name in the same way we know the names of most notorious murderers who make headlines for their heinous crimes. But there are so many other people whose names we should also know: the 33 women whose DNA was found on his farm; the hundreds of family members — parents, siblings, children — who continue to mourn for these women and who, in some cases, are still fighting for answers and justice; and the advocates who keep on lobbying for changes to laws and societal attitudes, so that vulnerable women can be better protected in the future. This story began long before we heard Pickton’s name, and has carried on long after he was sentenced to life in prison. Listen to this podcast for the heart-breaking history of Canada’s most prolific serial killer case, as told by Vancouver Sun reporter Lori Culbert. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The race to replace Erin O’Toole as leader of Canada’s Conservatives took a surprising turn with the party’s leadership committee removing Patrick Brown as a candidate. It’s alleged that a private corporation had paid members of Brown’s campaign staff, which would be a violation of Canadian election law. National Post political reporter Ryan Tumilty joins host Dave Breakenridge to discuss how these allegations came to light, whether Brown has any recourse, and how this changes the race in the remaining two months. Background reading: Patrick Brown disqualified from Conservative leadership race Patrick Brown whistleblower comes forward, claims Brown knew of improper payments 'Brown campaign knew full well' the allegations, Tory officials say in letter to members Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As candidates duke it out over who is best to lead the Conservative Party of Canada, many in the conservative movement are asking what the party itself should look like, and how to best position itself to beat the Liberals in the next election. After three straight losses, many see the next campaign as being mission-critical for the party. Tasha Kheiriddin, principal at Navigator LTD and author of new book The Right Path, joins host Dave Breakenridge to discuss how Conservative politics have become a reaction to Justin Trudeau’s policies, what sorts of policies would best expand the party’s voting base, and why the “Freedom” message may turn off some Canadians. Background reading: Trudeau's true legacy — stoking the woke, an excerpt from The Right Path Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on Roe v. Wade has set off a spate of controversy over whether access to abortion will be severely limited or outright banned in many states. And, as their closest neighbour, the issue has spilled over into Canada. National Post columnist Sabrina Maddeaux joins Dave to discuss why the fallout from the Roe decision could have ramifications for Canadian women who work, study and travel in the U.S., and why some feel the federal government should pass legislation to protect access here. Background reading: Yes, overturning Roe v. Wade affects Canadian women Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The inquiry into Canada’s worst mass shooting has developed into a political scandal, with allegations the head of the RCMP interfered with the investigation to help push Liberal firearms policy. In notes uncovered by the Mass Casualty Commission, it appears that Commissioner Brenda Lucki demanded Nova Scotia RCMP release the types of guns Gabriel Wortman used to kill more than 20 people in advance of the rollout of new gun control measures. National Post reporter Tristin Hopper joins Dave to discuss how these notes came to light, why this is problematic for the RCMP and the government, and the inquiry itself has been faced with its own set of credibility issues. Background reading: The Lucki affair just keeps getting worse Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Early in the race to replace Jason Kenney as leader of Alberta’s conservatives, the conversation has turned to the province’s place in Confederation, with one frontrunner pushing an aggressive strategy. Danielle Smith is proposing an Alberta Sovereignty Act, which would allow the province to supersede federal law deemed not to be in Alberta’s interests. National Post reporter Tyler Dawson joins Dave to discuss the thinking behind the “Free Alberta Strategy,” how it could potentially be used, and why some feel it’s a constitutional crisis waiting to happen. Background reading: UCP leadership contender Danielle Smith wants Alberta to ignore federal laws it doesn't like Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Openness and transparency are key tenets of our justice system. But what happens when more and more information is locked behind a publication ban? In a first-of-its-kind investigation, reporters Adrian Humphreys and Talha Hashmani looked into the rising number of discretionary publication bans in both criminal and civil cases. Adrian joins Dave to discuss why more publication bans are being granted, how these bans intrude on the notion of open courts, and how that can erode credibility in the justice system. Background reading: Secrecy in the courts — Exclusive study reveals increasing use of publication bans in Canada Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is it like to cover some of the most notorious criminal cases in Canadian history, to dig into a story, and follow the details as it winds through court? How do the really big cases affect the reporters on those stories? Kathleen Goldhar, host of True Crime Byline, a new podcast from Postmedia and Antica Productions, joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the new show, what listeners can expect, and why stories like this resonate with people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A decade after she died by suicide, the case against Amanda Todd’s alleged tormentor has landed in a B.C. courtroom. Dutch national Aydin Coban is facing a number of charges in what the Crown prosecutor is calling a horrific case of sextortion. Vancouver Sun reporter Susan Lazaruk joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss what the Crown is alleging Coban did to Amanda Todd, how they’re trying to prove their case, and what court has heard in the trial so far. Background reading: B.C. girl Amanda Todd victim of 'persistent campaign' of 'sextortion': Crown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Canadian airline crew has been stuck in an ongoing nightmare, ever since they alerted police in the Dominican Republic to the presence of cocaine in a compartment on their charter aircraft. For their efforts, they were jailed, subject to threats and have been ordered to stay put in the Caribbean nation. National Post reporter Tom Blackwell joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss how the crew found themselves in this mess, what their experience in jail was like, and whether there is any political maneuvering to get them back home. Background reading: 'A living hell': Canadians who reported cocaine in plane urge Trudeau to lobby for their freedom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ontario voters handed Premier Doug Ford and the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario a renewed mandate with even more seats than the last election. The PCs managed a strong win despite the fact that less than 50 per cent of voters turned up at the polls. The loss also has both main opposition parties looking for new leaders. National Post politics reporter Bryan Passifiume joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss how Ford and the PCs managed such a decisive win, how the opposition parties regroup, and what may explain the low voter turnout. Background reading: Doug Ford PCs roar to a second majority win in Ontario Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Canada’s gun laws are facing a host of updates, including a freeze on new handgun sales and imports. The bill replaces an earlier version previously proposed by the feds, and also includes a mandatory buyback of assault-style guns previously targeted by the government. National Post political reporter Chris Nardi joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss what’s covered under the bill, how this could impact current handgun owners, and why politics may make this an easier sell for the Liberals. Background reading: Liberals table bill to 'freeze' the purchase, transfer or importation of handguns indefinitely Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Quebec’s controversial new language bill was passed in the legislature last week. It governs wide swaths of Quebec life, including college spaces and in what language people can access healthcare. Montreal Gazette columnist Allison Hanes joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss why the bill is so controversial, how it could affect relations between Anglophones and francophones, and whether it offers Quebec’s premier a federal punching bag when voters go to the polls in September. Background reading: Hanes: After divisive Bill 96 debate, what happens next for Quebec anglophones? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ontario voters go to the polls in just a few days, but it hasn’t exactly been a barn-burner of a campaign. Despite trying to make a dent in Doug Ford’s support in opinion polls, the Liberals and the NDP still trail the PCs. National Post columnist Sabrina Maddeaux and Toronto Sun columnist Brian Lilley join Dave Breakenridge to discuss why voters may be feeling disengaged, how the leaders have fared so far, what we can expect in the waning days of the campaign, and what’s at stake for the opposition leaders. Background reading: Sabrina Maddeaux: Doug Ford's pro-development agenda proves to be an asset Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The debate of whether mercy killing can be used as a defence in a murder case is once again in the spotlight after a domestic homicide in Ottawa. Richard Rutherford, a former principal dancer with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and officer with the Canada Council for the Arts, was found dead in his home Easter weekend. His longtime spouse Phillipe Hebert has been charged in his death. Ottawa Citizen reporter Andrew Duffy joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss events that led up to Rutherford’s death, why the couple’s friends think it was an act of mercy, and how such acts are viewed by the Canadian legal system. Background reading: The 'tragic and profoundly human' story of Richard Rutherford and Philippe Hébert Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alberta’s governing United Conservative Party is looking for a new leader after Jason Kenney announced he would be stepping down. Kenney made the announcement after receiving a bare majority of support in a scheduled leadership review. Calgary Sun columnist Rick Bell joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss why Kenney fared so poorly with members of a party he built, what’s next for the UCP, and how this shapes the remaining year before the next election. Background reading: Bell: What the hell? Kenney is sticking around until God knows when Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Canada’s top court has struck down a section of the criminal code that could allow for extreme intoxication to be used as a defence in violent crimes. The ruling upheld the acquittal of a Calgary man who attacked a university prof after consuming alcohol and magic mushrooms. Calgary Herald reporter Bill Kaufmann joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the initial court case, the Supreme Court ruling and why some are concerned about a lack of protection for victims. Background reading: Supreme Court says MRU student's magic mushroom assault defence was valid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ontario voters go to the polls June 2, and the much-anticipated election campaign got off to a slow start last week. Much debate centred around highways and transit, as the Liberals and the NDP tried to make a dent in the PCs polling lead. National Post columnist Sabrina Maddeaux joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss how the major parties have fared so far, why the province’s COVID-19 response has not been a bigger issue, and what we can expect in the coming weeks. Background reading: Sabrina Maddeaux: Liberal plan won't fix Ontario's ludicrous elevator crisis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Been feeling the pinch on your utility bills this year, or maybe at the grocery store? You’re not alone. Canada has been hit with rising inflation, which has meant people are paying more for, gas, food and just about everything else. Edmonton Journal columnist Keith Gerein, who has been exploring the impact of inflation on people’s day-to-day lives, joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss where people are really feeling a cash crunch and what’s driving some of these higher costs. Background reading: Groundwork: Edmontonians definitely feeling the sting of affordability, but some more than others Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Devastating floods and fires in B.C. last year showed the havoc these disasters can bring to communities. But it also laid bare how vulnerable some communities are to widespread destruction from future emergencies. Vancouver Sun reporters Gordon Hoekstra and Glenda Luymes join Dave Breakenridge to discuss an investigation that reveals just how unprepared some B.C. communities are, what’s keeping communities from doing the necessary work, and how disaster-plagued residents feel heading into another flood and fire season. Background reading: Fire & Flood: B.C. is facing two extremes — is your community ready? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Ontario election campaign is set to get underway this week, but the Ford government gave it the unofficial kickoff, with a campaign-style budget. Rebuilding the economy after COVID will likely be a key theme during the campaign, but so could the government’s response to the pandemic, which still looms over the political landscape. Toronto Sun columnist Brian Lilley joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss how the budget telegraphs the PCs election campaign, what we can expect from the Liberals and the NDP, and whether upstart right-wing parties pose any serious threat to Doug Ford. Background reading: Ford looks poised for another majority but campaigns still matter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The NHL playoffs are set to kick off in a return to near normalcy after two years under the shadow of COVID-19. And as the post-season looms, many are wondering whether this is the year Auston Matthews or Connor McDavid will lead their teams to glory, whether the Calgary Flames will up their game, or if the Lightning is poised for a three-peat. National post sports writer Scott Stinson joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss why this post-season is so important to the league, what match-ups to keep an eye on in the first round, and what teams could surprise fans this year. Background reading: Fans might want to prepare themselves for the possibility that the Leafs will lose in the first round Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Conservative leadership contestant Pierre Poilievre has wound up an early front-runner in the race to replace Erin O’Toole. The famously combative MP has played up the fight for freedom as one of his key messages, but he has also given a lot of focus to an issue gaining traction across the country: Housing affordability. National Post columnist Chris Selley joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss why housing could be a winning issue for Poilievre, how his approach separates himself from the Liberals, and how the race could change between now and September. Background reading: Chris Selley: Even in downtown Toronto, Pierre Poilievre's 'freedom' message resonates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since last fall, residents of Iqaluit have faced uncertainty over the city’s water supply. The problem, sparked by the discovery of fuel in the water, has left residents in the remote community wary of officials and demanding transparency about how this happened. Emma Tranter, who covers Iqaluit for the Canadian Press, joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss how the discovery was made, why there is a lack of trust among people in Iqaluit, and why they could be waiting for answers. Background reading: 'The devil is definitely in the details': How fuel could have entered Iqaluit's water Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the wake of the fall of Kabul and the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, Canada has attempted to resettle thousands of refugees, including people who risked their lives helping Canadian Forces during the war. However, many have faced bureaucratic roadblocks in their attempts to reach the safety of Canadian soil. National Post political reporter Bryan Passifiume joins host Dave Breakenridge to discuss the struggle faced by a Canadian veteran and his now pregnant wife, a former interpreter who is stuck in Pakistan, what has slowed her arrival in the country, and what is being done to get her and others here. Background reading: Pregnant wife of Canadian veteran stuck in Pakistan trying to push through Canadian immigration red tape Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tech giants like Facebook and Google could soon be forced to share online revenues with Canadian news publishers under legislation tabled by the Trudeau government. The legislation follows a similar law in Australia, and seeks to ensure that news outlets are compensated for work shared on the platforms, which control a large majority of advertising revenues. National Post political reporter Anja Karadeglija joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the motivation behind the legislation, how it will be enforced, and what reaction has been in the industry. Background reading: Liberal bill requires digital giants to negotiate fair rate with Canadian news publishers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trudeau government’s latest budget talks of stability and sustainability, while trying to address issues of affordability and economic recovery. But does it do all the things Canadians had hoped it would? National Post columnists Jesse Kline and Sabrina Maddeaux join Dave Breakenridge to discuss budget highlights, where it fell short, and how the Liberal-NDP pact factors into the government’s spending plan. Background reading: Jesse Kline: Chrystia Freeland's budget isn't prudent — it's merely less irresponsible than expected Sabrina Maddeaux: Chrystia Freeland's budget crushes millennial home-buyer dreams Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Canada’s men’s national soccer team has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1986, buoyed by strong performances from stars like Alphonso Davies, Cyle Larin and Jonathan David. Despite some international success in the 1980s, our men’s program struggled for many years before turning things around to reach the biggest tournament in the sport. Postmedia national soccer writer Derek Van Diest joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss why our national program stalled for many years, how we managed to turn things around, and what our chances are at the World Cup. Background reading: Canada draws Belgium, Croatia and Morocco at FIFA World Cup in Qatar Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Among political issues that have been decided by parliament in the last decade, few are as controversial as Medical Assistance in Dying. While many Canadians feel it has given loved ones a sense of autonomy, and has spared them prolonged pain at the ends of their lives, there are some in the medical community who say changes to legislation that expand the practice are a step too far. Dr. Ferrukh Faruqui, a family care physician and freelance writer joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the current legislation, changes that could be coming, and why there is unease among the medical community and some families who have had loved ones who have died by MAiD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

COVID-19 has been the top health story around the world for two years now, but in Canada, there has been growing health concern looming. For the last several years, cases of syphilis have skyrocketed in the country, and the COVID pandemic has actually made things worse. National Post health reporter Sharon Kirkey joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss what’s driving these cases, why it has doctors concerned, and what they’re advocating governments do about it. Background reading: Syphilis, the centuries-old sexually transmitted scourge, is surging in Canada Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The fight within Alberta’s United Conservative Party over Jason Kenney’s leadership took another twist when the planned in-person vote in April was turfed in favour of mail-in ballots. This has created further controversy, with some of Kenney’s own MLAs suggesting he step down, triggering a leadership race. Calgary Sun columnist Rick Bell joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss why Kenney is facing a leadership review now, why the switch to mail-in voting has caused so much controversy, and what’s at stake for Kenney if he fails to get a resounding majority. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A few short months after Canadians elected a minority government, the Liberals and the NDP announced they were forming a pact to keep the Liberals in power until 2025. The move, announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as an agreement that will provide stability, will see the NDP support the government on confidence matters. National Post political reporter Christopher Nardi joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss what each of the parties had to give up to formalize this pact, why it could potentially hurt the NDP in the next election, and whether it gives the Conservatives any advantages in the long run. Background reading: Opposition parties lambaste Liberals, NDP for deal keeping Trudeau in power until 2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Alberta has seen deaths from drug overdoses climb higher than ever before. That culminated in a record year in 2021, with more than 1,700 deaths. Edmonton Journal reporter Anna Junker joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss Alberta’s grim milestone, what’s driving these deaths, and what advocates want to see from the provincial government. Background reading: Toxi-City: Deadly drugs in Edmonton — Overdoses are happening across all neighbourhoods and families are bearing the brunt of the crisis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave an impassioned plea to Canada’s parliament this week. Zelenskyy is seeking support from NATO leaders to create and enforce a no-fly zone over his country, which raises the prospect of wider conflict. National Post political reporter Ryan Tumilty joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss Zelenskyy’s speech, the mood in the House of Commons, and what Canada is willing to do, short of that no-fly zone. Background reading: Zelenskyy begs Canada to help 'close the sky' in address to House of Commons John Ivison: Canada hands embattled Zelenskyy hollow words and symbolic 'courage' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The war in Ukraine has forced millions from their homes amid Russian bombardment. Many of these refugees are heading west to Poland, where organizers are working to keep up with seemingly endless arrivals. National Post columnist Adam Zivo spent time on the ground in Warsaw and Lviv and he joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the effort to help refugees flooding into Poland, what the situation is like on the ground in eastern Ukraine, and the human toll of this war on those who are being displaced. Background reading: Adam Zivo: Heartache at Warsaw train station as thousands of traumatized Ukrainian refugees pour in Adam Zivo: The Ukrainians supplying the military with Molotov cocktails and camouflage netting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The race to replace Erin O’Toole as leader of the federal conservatives got a little more crowded this week. Ontario MPP Roman Barber, federal MP Leslyn Lewis and former Quebec premier and federal PC leader Jean Charest all announced their candidacies. Charest joins the race as a possible contender to Pierre Pollieve’s frontrunner status. National Post political reporter Catherine Lévesque joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss why Charest is joining the race after 10 years outside of politics, how he hopes to distinguish himself as a potential challenger to the Trudeau government, and how the race changes now that the field is filling out. Background reading: New federal Conservative leader to be chosen on Sept. 10, candidacy must be declared by April 19 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the world has reacted in horror to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, global attention has been captured by the steely resolve of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He has positioned himself as a rallying force amid a deadly crisis, in contrast to the authoritarian Vladimir Putin. National Post reporter Joseph Brean joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss Ukraine’s unlikely hero, the stark differences between Zelenskyy and Putin and how his command of image and messaging is helping him win support worldwide. Background reading: Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed: How a Ukrainian actor's charisma became a weapon of war Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A pair of Canadian men have been convicted in Australia for their roles running a multi-million-dollar criminal drug network. The pair are the latest Canadians lured by a lucrative drug market only to be swept up down under in a high profile drug sting by Australian authorities. National Post reporter Adrian Humphreys joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss how the men got involved in the criminal underworld, how they were ultimately brought down, and how Australian authorities want Canada to do more to address the problem of our criminals doing business on their shores Background reading: Two Canadian gangsters' big plans as narco bosses undone by undercover sting down under Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Canada has joined the international community with a series of escalating sanctions and measures targeting Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine. This has included economic sanctions, military supplies and a ban on Russian products. National Post political reporter Ryan Tumilty joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss Canada’s anti-Russia efforts, the international co-operation in support of Ukraine, and what’s at stake if these measures aren’t successful. Background reading: Canada sending body armour, helmets, gas masks as war in Ukraine continues Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since the start of the pandemic, misinformation and conspiracies about COVID-19 or the government response to it have spread widely online. But a new report from the federal intelligence service suggests that extremist groups could be using that worldview to recruit and attempt to destabilize government, Ottawa Citizen writer Tom Spears joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the groups the intelligence service is warning about, what kind of messaging they’re spreading, and why experts are concerned. Background reading: How political extremists took advantage of COVID-19 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Olympic Winter Games wrapped up in Beijing without a major COVID incident, and Canada wound up with a respectable 26 medals. Despite some judging controversy and questions over whether we might wind up with a bronze in figure skating down the line, Canadian officials feel we fared rather well. Postmedia national sportswriter Dan Barnes joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss our surprise medallists, where we fared worse than expected, and where the Canadian Olympic Committee needs to focus in advance of Italy in four years. Background reading: Canada's Olympians come up with 26 (maybe 27) medals at Beijing 2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After weeks of blockades in Ottawa and border crossings in several provinces, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked the Emergencies Act to deal with what the PM calls an “illegal obstruction.” What was purported to be a protest against vaccine mandates for truckers has dragged on, and public opinion polls have shown a growing frustration with the blockades, and for the government’s handling of the issue. National Post columnist John Ivison joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss how we got to this point, why Trudeau may have overreached with the Emergencies Act despite public support, what happens after the blockade ends. Background reading: John Ivison: Trudeau’s intolerance of 'unacceptable views' has brought us to this moment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Olympics are supposed to be an event that fosters competition and fair play while encouraging athletes to strive to do their best. But the Winter Games in Beijing have shown that there’s a disconnect between the ideal, and reality. National Post columnist Sabrina Maddeaux joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss why Russia continues to flout rules, problems with Olympic judging, and the optics of allowing the Chinese regime to host the Games. Background reading: Sabrina Maddeaux: Russian Kamila Valieva's young age doesn't excuse doping leniency at Beijing Olympics Sabrina Maddeaux: The Beijing Olympics judging isn't winning any medals. That needs to change Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the women’s Olympic hockey tournament hits the elimination round, Canada and the U.S., as expected, have been the dominant teams. But is a tournament where two teams shine brighter than the others involved good for the games? Postmedia national sports writer Scott Stinson, who is part of our team covering the Olympics, joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss why the rivalry between the Canadians and the Americans is fun to watch, elevates the Games, and ultimately helps women’s hockey. Background reading: Scott Stinson: Canada and the United States put on a dazzling show, worthy of the Olympics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The federal Conservatives are looking for a new leader after Erin O’Toole was dumped in a vote by members of his caucus. This comes on the heels of a disappointing election result, and as the party reckoned with its response to the convoy that has occupied swaths of downtown Ottawa for nearly two weeks. In a special panel discussion, National Post Comment Editor Carson Jerema and National Post Columnist Adam Zivo join Dave Breakenridge to discuss why O’Toole was sent packing, what the race to replace him will look like, and how the party needs to position itself to be successful. Background reading: O’Toole’s divisive leadership style comes back to haunt him Erin O'Toole did everything he could to lose the Conservative leadership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Despite rising case numbers, and in some cases even rising hospitalizations, some jurisdictions are lifting COVID-19 restrictions. Denmark, the UK and Ireland are among some of the countries rolling back public health measures, and some officials in Canada are hinting we could be approaching that stage here. National Post reporter Tristin Hopper joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss why the mood is changing, where Canada would need to get to in terms of cases to follow those other countries, and how officials prepare people for the switch. Background reading: Health officials are hinting at ending COVID restrictions (and not because of the truckers) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Olympic Winter Games kick off this week in Beijing, and Canada looks to match the high bar our athletes set in South Korea in 2018. With NHLers not taking to the ice, and some key athletes from past Olympics retiring, not to mention an ongoing pandemic, it’s shaping up to be tough-to-predict couple of weeks. Postmedia national sports writer Scott Stinson, who is part of our team covering the games, joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss who our strongest medal hopefuls are, where we could see some surprises, and how COVID-19 could play havoc on the competitions Background reading: Check out all our Olympic coverage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tensions between Ukraine and Russia have caught the attention of Western allies, including the U.S., the U.K. and Canada. The deployment of an estimated 100,000 Russian troops near Ukraine’s border have some concerned about an invasion on a larger scale than the Crimean annexation in 2014. National Post political reporter Bryan Passifiume joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss our country’s response, why the issue is of concern to Canada, and whether there is a larger role for us to play in bringing about a resolution to the standoff. Background reading: Canada Has vital stake in Ukraine outcome but no 'currency or heft', experts say Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices