10/3: Canada Covered

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Winter Olympics in Beijing are set to kick off next week, with Canadian athletes looking to match their medal haul from South Korea in 2018. But what goes into making an Olympian. A lot of training and a lot of money. Postmedia national sportswriter Dan Barnes joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss how Canada’s Olympians are funded, how successful the Own the Podium program has been, and how we’re expected to fare at these games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Canada appears at the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Winter Games in Beijing in early February, there won’t be a delegation of diplomats and politicians cheering them on. Canada is among a number of Western nations following through on a diplomatic boycott of the games over China’s record of human rights abuses. The move is the latest in a series of tensions with the global superpower. Tasha Kheiriddin, a National Post columnist and principal with Navigator LTD, joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss issues with Canada-China relations, the importance of the boycott, and what this means for politics here at home. Background reading: Tasha Kheiriddin: A diplomatic boycott of Beijing is a no-brainer, except in Ottawa Tasha Kheiriddin: Reinstate Canada-China committee to push back against Beijing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Facing rising COVID 19 cases in the Omicron wave, and public frustration with those choosing not to get vaccinated, Quebec premier Francois Legault announced what amount to a tax on those who don’t roll up their sleeves. The move comes as hospitals fill up, and politicians are concerned the health system will be overwhelmed in the coming weeks. But it has not been without controversy. National Post political reporter Chris Nardi joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss why the Legault government proposed this new measure, what the criticism has been, and whether a tax is the right measure to crack down on the unvaccinated. Background reading: Quebec plans to hit unvaccinated with a 'significant' tax Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amid rising cases of the Omicron variant, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced renewed restrictions to try to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. These latest moves were met with stiff criticism, notably the switch to online learning for students to start the new year. National Post columnist Randall Denley joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the new restrictions, why they were controversial, and whether the election this spring will be a referendum on Ford’s handling of the pandemic. Background reading: Randall Denley: Flying blind, Doug Ford pulls old lockdown levers that won't work anymore Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After NHLers sat out the winter Olympics in South Korea four years ago, there was a lot of hype surrounding their return next month in Beijing. But rising COVID-19 cases in the league, and the postponement of games forced the league and the players association to pull the plug on the professionals’ Olympic plans. Postmedia national sports writer Rob Longley joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss how big a blow this is for the games, what it means for the hockey tournament, and how big a shadow Omicron is casting over these Olympics. Background reading: Beijing Olympics organizers 'regret' NHL player pull-out With or without NHL players, Beijing Olympics still on schedule: Pound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2021 was an eventful year in Canadian politics. On top of COVID-19 and a federal election, we had a new cabinet, a scandal in the armed forces, and heightened tensions with China. And that’s not even the half of it. Tasha Kheiriddin, a columnist for the National Post and principal with Navigator Ltd, joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the biggest stories of the year, who were some of the big winners in 2021, and what to watch out for in 2022 Background reading: Tasha Kheiriddin: Get ready for tax hikes to pay for Liberal spending Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just as the COVID-19 pandemic was hitting Canada, Saskatchewan was rocked by a huge spike in overdose deaths, driven by the appearance of fentanyl in the drug supply. At the same time, the province has also been grappling with the highest rates of HIV infection in Canada. Zak Vescera from the Saskatoon Star Phoenix joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss what communities are being hardest hit by this crisis, how the pandemic has hurt efforts to address it, and what gaps need to be addressed to stem the tide. Background reading: Trapped a seven-part series Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The word capitalism evokes strong feelings in some, not all of them positive. But the guiding values behind the notion — freer markets and innovation — have been integral in societies stretching back millennia. National Post politics editor Mick Higgins joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the history of capitalism, why it gets a bad rap, and how it can be a force for good. Background reading: The Capitalist Manifesto: How many millions of people escaped poverty, lived longer and got TV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While Canada is still contending with the delta variant, attention has shifted to Omicron. While there is some suggestion cases of it could be milder than past variants, there are indications it is much more transmissible, and researchers are still studying how serious it actually is. National Post Health Reporter Sharon Kirkey joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss what we’ve learned about Omicron, what is still unknown, and why officials are still cautious despite some promising signs of milder infections Background reading: Do we dare hope COVID-19 is becoming milder with Omicron? 'Hope isn't science' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As countries around the world move to limit fossil fuel use and reduce carbon emissions, coal is an obvious target. Despite efforts in Canada to reduce its own coal use, the world is a way off from moving past coal as a way to generate heat and electricity. Financial Post reporter Bianca Bharti joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss why coal use is up, and some of the obstacles to achieving a coal phase-out. Background reading: Coal's last boom? World's dirtiest fuel isn't being put out of business anytime soon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The dismissal of misconduct charges against Calgary police officers have some calling for changes to how cases are investigated. The case follows another incident in which the Crown opted not to lay charges against an officer after a prisoner at the arrest processing unit was injured. Calgary Herald reporter Bill Kaufmann joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss these incidents, what advocates are calling for, and what police say they’re doing to ensure change. Background reading: Outrage as charges dropped against Calgary police officers accused of misconduct in double pedestrian fatality probe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the world scrambles to contain and study the new Omicron variant of COVID-19, Canada has reported its first few cases. As of Monday morning, there were two confirmed cases and four possible instances of Omicron in Ontario, discovered after the federal government announced a travel ban from several countries in Africa where the variant has spread more widely. Ottawa Citizen Health Reporter Elizabeth Payne joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss what we know about these initial cases, why Omicron has officials concerned, and whether it poses worries about resistance to vaccines, as the country races to inoculate schoolkids against the virus. Background reading: Two more cases of new variant confirmed in Ottawa, as WHO warns of 'very high risk' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of Canada’s most well-known environmental activists, known for spouting off against governments of all stripes and our use of fossil fuels, is back in the news again for comments he made. Critics have accused David Suzuki of condoning or inciting ecoterrorism when he suggested we could see pipelines blown up because people are frustrated by the government’s action on climate change. National Post reporter Tyler Dawson joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss Suzuki’s comments, the fallout, and whether this kind of rhetoric wins any supporters. Background reading: 'Pipelines will be blown up,' says David Suzuki, if leaders don't act on climate change Tasha Kheiriddin: David Suzuki's 'blown up' pipelines comment is a winking incitement to eco-terrorism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The devastation of flooding in B.C. is on a scale unlike anything Canada has ever seen. Major infrastructure has been destroyed, supply chains have been cut off and ecological systems have been disrupted. National Post columnist Terry Glavin joins Dave Breckenridge to discuss how the disaster showed gaps in the province’s emergency preparedness, why B.C. may not be through the worst of it, and why this is a disaster Canadians can’t ignore. Background reading: Terry Glavin: The scale of the disaster unfolding in B.C. is unprecedented Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Facing scrutiny amid a massive sexual misconduct scandal, the Canadian Forces will be reviewing how it trains and interacts with foreign military personnel after it was revealed officials met with a unit with ties to neo-Nazis. The review was sparked after concerns were raised by Jewish groups of the alleged involvement of Canadian troops training with a battalion in Ukraine with links to Neo-Nazis, as well as warnings by soldiers last year that Canadians trained with some Iraqi forces involved in torture and rape. David Pugliese who covers the military for the Ottawa Citizen joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the review and why the military's responses and other signs for a need for a culture change in the forces. Background reading: Canadian officials who met with Ukrainian unit linked to neo-Nazis feared exposure by news media: documents Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced an emissions cap for Canada's oil and gas sector as he looks for the country to get to net-zero by 2050. But what does that mean for Alberta's oil patch as big players plan their own transition to net-zero, and does it set up another political battle between Alberta and Ottawa? Calgary Herald, Business Columnist, Chris Varcoe, joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the industry response to the announcement, how smaller players are handling the news and how hydrogen could play into Alberta's plans to reduce emissions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A campaign is underway to honour a Canadian veteran with the country's highest military medal for his actions in Afghanistan 15 years ago. Jesse Larochelle saved a platoon of his comrades outside Kandahar but his heroics took a horrible, physical and emotional toll on him. Senior National Post features writer Joe O'Connor joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss what happened in October 2006 when Jesse Larochelle saved his fellow soldiers and the push to see him given the Canadian Victoria Cross. Background reading: Ghosts of Afghanistan: The story of a Canadian war hero Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heather Stefanson is the first woman to be premier in the history of Manitoba, after winning the Progressive Conservative leadership race after the departure of Brian Pallister. But her victory is being challenged by runner-up Shelly Glover, who says there were irregularities in the vote and she is the rightful premier. Winnipeg Sun columnist Josh Aldrich joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss some of the problems with the leadership vote, why Glover feels she has won, and what Stefanson’s first priorities will be as premier. Background reading: Two people think they're the rightful premier of Manitoba, and the PCs have themselves to blame Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau unveiled his newest cabinet last week, and there were some new faces in prominent positions, and some surprise demotions. Melanie Joly and Anita Anand were among a number of women promoted to senior positions, while embattled Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan and Mark Garneau were among key demotions as the Liberals get set to return to the House of Commons in a few weeks. Tasha Kheiriddin, National Post columnist and principal with Navigator LTD, joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss what we can expect from this cabinet in terms of priorities, how this sets the Liberals up for the next election, and how the cabinet signals who could be in the running to eventually replace Justin Trudeau. Further reading: Tasha Kheiriddin: Trudeau is already setting up the next election with a Big Government cabinet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hockey world has been rocked by allegations that the Chicago Blackhawks failed to adequately address the sexual assault of a player by a video coach during the 2010 Stanley Cup season. Former first-round draft pick Kyle Beach revealed himself to be the player at the centre of a lawsuit against the club and an internal investigation launched by the team. National Post sports columnist Scott Stinson joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the details of the investigation, who has been held accountable, and how the culture of hockey needs to change to protect players from abuse. Background reading: Scott Stinson: The Chicago Blackhawks scandal is another indictment of the culture of hockey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices