10/3: Canada Covered

The Canadian Football league has unveiled a bold plan for a return to play this year after missing the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the start of the season has been pushed back later into the summer, the league is eyeing games with fans in the stands, and the latest Grey Cup Ever. Postmedia national sports writer Dan Barnes joins Dave to discuss the plan, why having in-person attendance is crucial to the league, and whether it can survive another lost season. Background reading: Canadian Football League plans 14-game season starting Aug. 5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trudeau Liberals delivered their first budget since before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with an eye to post-pandemic economic recovery. But it also shows the government eyeing an election. Parliamentary Bureau Chief and National Post Columnist John Ivison joins Dave to discuss the spending priorities of the budget, what it means for Canada’s bottom line long term, and how it potentially disadvantages Trudeau’s biggest rivals come election time. Background reading: John Ivison: A federal budget for you? No, it's out to crush the NDP and shame Conservatives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the debate over provincial restrictions to stem the tide of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been holdouts. Restaurants who ignore bans on indoor dining, hair salons cutting instead of closing. And there have been churches keeping their pews filled instead of abiding by capacity restrictions or moving services to the web. In Alberta, one Edmonton-area church has become a flashpoint in the COVID culture war between the power of the government to impose restrictions and the rights of those opposed to them. Edmonton Journal justice reporter Jonny Wakefield walks us through the history of GraceLife Church, why the community is opposed to limits on worship, and how it could be following a template set out by the pastor at a California mega-church. Background reading: How an Edmonton-area church became the centre of Alberta's COVID-19 fight Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Canada’s economy may have slowed through the pandemic, but the housing market has remained hot. And, unlike past years where price increases have been focused on major centres, we’re seeing growth right across the country, due in part to an exodus to the suburbs. Tristin Hopper from the National Post explains why people are flocking to smaller centres, how that’s affecting the market across the country, and whether this is a bubble that could eventually burst. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While the country has been consumed with COVID-19, a deadly epidemic continued unabated. Drug overdose deaths linked to the opioid crisis hit record levels in 2020, in part due to the pandemic, and 2021 is shaping up to be another tragic year. Alanna Smith, who covers the opioid crisis for the Calgary Herald, joins the show to discuss the role the pandemic played in a spike in overdoses, what is being done now to limit the death toll, and what’s behind the push to explore safe supply programs and decriminalization. Background reading: How COVID-19 overshadowed the worst year on record for overdose deaths Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The COVID-19 outbreak that has hit the Vancouver Canucks has shown the virulence of the virus and how vulnerable league play is in the face of a pandemic. With the playoffs looming, many are wondering how the league is going to mitigate the danger. Postmedia national hockey writer Michael Traikos joins the show to discuss the impact of the Canucks outbreak, what it means for the rest of the season, and how the NHL could be preparing for the playoffs. Background reading: COVID-19: Canucks winger Jake Virtanen joins NHL protocol list amid variant confusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a year of the COVID-19 pandemic, many Canadians are feeling the fatigue, but even as vaccines are rolling out, a third wave is setting in. Variant strains have cropped up and appear to be affecting younger people, and it has now become a race between the variants and the vaccines. National Post health reporter Sharon Kirkey walks us through why the variants have changed the face of the pandemic, why it’s crucial to get more vaccines to more Canadians, and what’s driving vaccine hesitancy in this country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Supreme Court of Canada recently held up the federal government’s carbon pricing scheme, striking down challenges from three provinces. While the majority of justices felt the plan was in the national concern, those in opposition felt it “rejects the Constitution and rewrites the rules of confederation,” while stepping into provincial jurisdiction. Columnist Sean Speer walks us through the significance of the minority opinion on the court, the Justice who penned it, and what it could mean for the conservative legal movement in Canada and future debates over the powers of the federal government. Background reading: The Supreme Court Justice who's not afraid to shake things up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we spend more of our lives online, people are looking at more ways to make money online. From delivering food, to being a YouTube star, to turning your instagram following into cash, the platform economy is growing, and the taxman wants his cut. National Post politics reporter Christopher Nardi walks us through how lucrative business is for some influencers, how Canada Revenue Agency put a team together to track posts from social media influencers, and the ways in which people have been caught ducking their taxes. Background reading: The CRA is watching you — Auditors scouring social media for unreported income from influencers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The killing of Colten Boushie and the trial of Gerald Stanley raised concerns about rural crime and racism across Canada. But the RCMP also faced scrutiny from the start, and new reports offer condemnation of how police handled the homicide investigation, and how they treated Boushie’s family. Saskatoon Star Phoenix reporter Thia James walks through why these reviews were conducted what the reports into the RCMP investigation dug up, and what it means to Boushie’s family. Background reading: Watchdog reports find RCMP discriminated against Colten Boushie's family following shooting death 'We were never going to be swept away': Colten Boushie's mother encourages others to continue fighting injustice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney won a decisive victory in 2019 on the strength of his messaging about the economy and jobs and being a stronger option than the NDP. Halfway through his mandate, and a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, support for the government has dropped and even the party’s base is frustrated. Calgary Sun columnist Rick Bell joins the show to discuss when things started to turn for the UCP, why voters are frustrated, and what Kenney could do to turn things around. Background reading: Bell: Jason Kenney wants to change the channel Bell: Premier Kenney, it's wakey-wakey time Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subject of a lot of scrutiny last summer, the founders of WE Charity, Marc and Craig Kielburger, again found themselves before a house of commons committee this week. MPs continued to question the brothers about how WE Charity operated and communicated with the government and they responded with accusations that their charity is being dragged through the mud in a “political trial.” National Post Reporter Brian Platt walks us through why this issue is lingering from last year, what the committee is trying to uncover, and whether there were any new revelations. Background reading: Kielburgers accuse MPs of subjecting them to political 'trial' and destroying WE Charity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Already smarting from the shutdown of the Keystone XL pipeline, Canada’s oil industry is now facing the prospect that a long-operating oil line could be shut down. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has revoked an easement for Enbridge’s Line 5, which ships oil from Alberta, through the U.S. and onto refineries in southern Ontario, but also several U.S. states. This has raised concern, not only in oil-producing Alberta, but in Ontario and Quebec. Financial Post energy reporter Geoffrey Morgan joins Dave to discuss Michigan’s concerns over the pipeline, how the Canadian government is responding, and what the ramifications would be in Canada and the U.S. if Line 5 is shut down. Background reading: Ontario relieved Ottawa fighting for Line 5, but fears pipeline could become politically toxic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The bombshell interview between Oprah Winfrey and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, cast damning allegations on the Royal Family. The pair most notably revealed that comments were made on the skin colour of their son archie and that Meghan was prevented from seeking mental health treatment. The interview garnered wide reaction around the world, and re-opened a long-simmering debate in Canada. What to do with the Monarchy. Josh Traptow with the Monarchist League of Canada joins the show to discuss why the interview was so important, how it impacts the perception of the Royal Family as a whole, and why dropping the monarchy in Canada is not as easy as some think. Background reading: Everything we learned in the Harry and Meghan interview Abolish the monarchy? In Canada, it would be a royal pain in the butt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Parliament is set to debate a bill that will introduce a new definition of hate as it aims to tackle hateful content online. But free speech proponents are concerned the bill could bring back previously repealed provisions of hate speech law that were seen as highly politicized and subjective. National Post political reporter Anja Karadeglija joins the podcast to discuss the what kind of online content this legislation is looking to target, why the feds are bringing this law in now, and why free speech advocates are worried. Background reading: New definition of hate to be included in Liberal bill that might also revive contentious hate speech law Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While COVID-19 cases have spread throughout the population, cases in continuing and long-term care have grabbed headlines due to the size of outbreaks, and the death toll among the elderly. The pandemic has laid bare problems within the system many will rely on as they age. And reports show a wave is coming as the baby boomers get older Calgary Herald columnist Licia Corbella joins Dave to discuss the toll the pandemic has taken on long-term care, what needs need to be addressed to handle the incoming “grey tsunami” and the potential cost if changes aren’t made. Background reading: The coming grey wave of boomers will overwhelm society if we don't act now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Investigations have been opened into allegations of misconduct against the current and former Chiefs of Defence Staff. Even as the military tries to reckon with a checkered history on dealing with sexual abuse within the ranks, it is looking into claims against retired General John Vance and Admiral Art McDonald. Ottawa Citizen reporter David Pugliese, who covers defence and military issues, comes on to discuss the allegations, what could happen as a result of the investigations, and what this means for the military’s attempts to address abuse. Background reading: Hours before stepping down from top military job, defence chief vowed to get tough on sexual misconduct Sexual misconduct allegations against Gen. Jon Vance show need for independent investigative body, committee hears Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

International travellers returning to Canada amid the COVID-19 pandemic now face a mandatory 72-hour quarantine in designated hotels, and a potentially longer stay at a government isolation facility. The National Post’s Tyler Dawson joins Dave to discuss what these centres are like, why there’s so much secrecy around them, and why people are concerned about the isolation process. Background reading: Welcome to hotel of last resort, the government-run quarantine you really want to leave Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trudeau government has followed through on more of its gun control plans, with legislation that will allow cities to effectively ban handguns. But do these measures actually achieve the stated goal of making Canadians safer? National Post columnist Matt Gurney joins Dave to discuss issues with delegating bans to cities, why the legislation is targeting the wrong people, and why Liberal actions don’t match their overheated rhetoric. Background reading: Matt Gurney: Only one reason for the Liberals' toothless gun law — they know lawful firearm owners are not a threat Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced global change. We work differently, we shop differently, we interact differently. After a year of living with the virus, Postmedia’s PostPandemic project is taking an in-depth look at the significant social, institutional and economic issues the pandemic has brought to light in Canada. And how it’s re-shaping the country National Post health reporter Sharon Kirkey joins Dave to discuss where Canada is at one year into this pandemic, whether we’re through the worst of it, and what a post-COVID world could look like. Background reading: It's only 'the end of the beginning.' COVID-19 will be with us for years Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Despite assurances that Canada would receive millions of COVID-19 vaccine doses in the first quarter of the year, shipment delays have put the country off target. And every delayed shipment has the potential to further push back the goal of re-opening society, and risks more infections of the virus. National post reporter Tristin Hopper joins Dave to discuss where Canada’s vaccine plan failed, when we could expect to get back on track, and what the health and economic consequences are of a delay. Background reading: How Ottawa utterly botched the COVID-19 Vaccine rollout More death, more deficits: The dire consequences of Canada's vaccine procurement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The federal government has added 13 groups to its list of terror groups, including five ISIS affiliates, and a handful of far right extremist groups, including the Proud Boys. The move comes after parliament voted to call on the government to add the Proud Boys to the list in the wake of its involvement in the Jan. 6 events at the U.S. Capitol. But what does the terror designation actually do? Former CSIS terrorism analyst Phil Gurski joins Dave to discuss the purpose of Canada’s terror group list, where it can be helpful in dealing with extremist groups, but where politics can muddy the process. Background reading: Gurski: Listing the Proud Boys as a 'terrorist entity' is mostly about politics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The night of Sept 30, 2017 will be burned into the memory of Edmontonians for years. That night, a man ran down a police officer before stabbing him, then used a U-Haul truck as a weapon on a busy downtown street. More than three years after the attacks, there are still questions left unanswered. Edmonton Journal justice reporter Jonny Wakefield joins Dave to discuss new details uncovered in the case, why, despite the appearance of an act of terrorism those charges were not pursued, and why we may never get a full picture of the motivations behind these crimes. Background reading — Last night in September: The lingering questions behind the 2017 Edmonton 'terror' attack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Canadian who authorities allege is one of the world’s biggest drug kingpins, has been arrested in the Netherlands. Tse Chi Lop, also known as brother number three, was nabbed on an Interpol warrant at the request of Australian police, who allege he is the head of an international drug smuggling ring, which has earned him comparisons to the likes of Pablo Escobar and El Chapo. National Post crime reporter Adrian Humphreys joins the show to discuss Tse Chi Lop’s alleged role in this massive drug network, what led to his capture, and his criminal past in Canada. Background reading: Captured Canadian, one of world's biggest drug kingpins, learned the trade from Montreal Mafia Dutch police arrest alleged Asian drug syndicate kingpin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Canadians coming home from abroad are facing tough new restrictions announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The government is hoping to keep cases of new COVID-19 variants at bay as it grapples with a slowdown in vaccine shipments and an ongoing second wave of the pandemic. Ryan Tumilty, who covers federal politics for the National Post, joins Dave to discuss the new restrictions, where Canada’s vaccine shipments are at, and a new report that shines a light on a lack of preparedness at the Public Health Agency of Canada. Background reading: Incoming travellers will face mandatory hotel quarantine while they await COVID tests: Trudeau Poll finds overwhelming support for new travel restrictions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After members showed up at the Capitol Hill riot in Washington D.C. on Jan. 6, the far-right group the Proud Boys have caught the attention of politicians in Canada. Members of parliament passed a motion on Jan. 25 calling on the government to declare the Proud Boys a terrorist entity. But some wonder whether it’s the right approach to crack down on such groups. Freelance investigative journalist Justin Ling, who has spent years investigating extremist groups, joins Dave to discuss the motivation behind the motion, why the move is problematic, and what a better approach could be to deal with the Proud Boys and others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Governor General Julie Payette and the top bureaucrat in her office have resigned amid a review into allegations there was a toxic workplace at Rideau Hall. The allegations claim they were abusive to staff, sometimes reducing them to tears. These resignations have called into question the vetting process that saw the highly accomplished Payette appointed to the position. National post political reporter Brian Platt is on to discuss the allegations in the report, why Payette may not have been suited for the role despite her accomplishments, and where the government goes next. Background reading: GG Julie Payette and Rideau Hall's top bureaucrat resign in wake of damning workplace review Despite resigning, Julie Payette still qualifies for perks such as a $149,484 annual pension for life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Keystone XL pipeline project has long been a sticking point in both Canadian and American politics. It has been a hot potato for successive American presidents, and Alberta Premier Jason Kenney bet big, with more than a billion in investment, plus loan guarantees. But now, the new U.S. president has put a stop to it. Calgary Herald columnist Chris Varcoe joins me to discuss Joe Biden’s motives for cancelling the project, what the ramifications are for Canada’s oil industry, and what it means for Alberta Premier Jason Kenney. BACKGROUND READING: Varcoe: Keystone XL is shot down, and the target turns to other pipelines TC Energy and Alberta face long odds if they sue U.S. government over cancelled Keystone XL Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump has left office, but his political presence will likely be lingering for some time, both in the U.S. and Canada. And that poses a problem for Conservative Party leader Erin O’Toole. With the threat of a possible election an ongoing concern, O’Toole has tried to distance himself from claims he is ‘far right’ and quash attacks that his party is Trump-lite Dave's guest is Andrew MacDougall, a communications consultant and ex-director of communications to former prime minister Stephen Harper, who wrote for the Ottawa Citizen why Trumpism is a problem Erin O’Toole has to address, and the electoral consequences if he doesn’t. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ontario has been hit hard in recent weeks with growing numbers of COVID-19 cases. In response, Doug Ford has announced a host of new restrictions to try to stem the tide. But will they work? Toronto Sun columnist Brian Lilley joins Dave to talk about what’s driving the new measures, why Ontario didn’t opt for a curfew like Quebec, and where the province it at in terms of its vaccine rollout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While the new year has brought some hope in the covid-19 fight, with a ramping up of vaccine campaigns, 2021 is also presenting a new set of challenges in the pandemic. Variant strains that can be passed more easily from person to person are cropping up, and there are supply issues when it comes to the vaccines. National Post Health Reporter Sharon Kirkey joins Dave to talk about the concerns around the new virus strains, whether Quebec’s new curfew could help slow infections and the challenges Canada is facing with its vaccine rollout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Prime minister Justin Trudeau has set the lofty goal of Canada being net-zero for carbon emissions for 2050. And as part of that strategy, the country has bet on nuclear power to help get us there. Financial Post energy reporter Geoffrey Morgan joins Dave to talk about why the government is looking at nuclear power, what communities could eventually see mini-reactors at use, and why some are opposed to the technology. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After the National Hockey League finished its season in unorthodox fashion, with playoffs held in hub cities and a Stanley Cup celebration in late September, we’re looking at some semblance of normalcy this season. Fans won’t be in the stands, but the NHL is set to resume with a truncated season in all 31 arenas. But for Canadian fans, things will look a lot different. Postmedia national hockey writer Michael Traikos joins Dave to discuss why people should be excited about the all-Canadian division, what it means to players to have hockey back, and how the league is adjusting while we’re still in the middle of a pandemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are taking a couple weeks off for the holidays. We hope to see you in the new year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For many many Canadians who grew up in cities, the connection with agriculture and rural life is merely what they drive past on the highway, or produce bought from the store. But for others, it’s a story of their family history. In part two of our look at the series Abandoned Saskatchewan Dave talks to Saskatoon Star-Phoenix sports editor Kevin Mitchell about growing up on his family farm, his return to the abandoned property, and what the decline of rural Saskatchewan means to him. BACKGROUND READING: This old house: Visiting my abandoned home on the Saskatchewan prairie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To many Saskatchewan is still seen as Canada’s breadbasket. A land of farms and flat stretches of road. But as Regina and Saskatchewan grow into thriving cities, there has been a decline in the rural heartland. In the first of two episodes highlighting the series Abandoned Saskatchewan, Dave is joined by Saskatoon Star Phoenix reporter Phil Tank about when the decline started, what’s driving it, and what the potential implications are for the province. In our next episode we’ll talk with Star Phoenix Sports Editor Kevin Mitchell, who took a journey back to his family’s farm. BACKGROUND READING: 'Change is necessary;' Saskatchewan's long-standing rural-to-urban shift poses challenges Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The opioid crisis was already ravaging B.C., and then covid-19 showed up. This has meant a disruption to drug supplies, more overdoses, and in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside an increase in crime and social disorder. Vancouver Sun columnist Daphne Bramham joins Dave to talk about how COVID-19 crisis has made things worse in the Downtown Eastside, what’s driving an increase in overdose deaths in B.C. and what solutions are being looked at to deal with the opioid epidemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Canada is on its way to having some form of national childcare program. In its recent fall economic update, the Trudeau government announced it was looking at more than $400 million dollars for the provinces to train qualified staff as preview of more money coming in next year’s budget. But is a plan to create more child care spaces the right move? Postmedia columnist Tasha Kheiriddin joins Dave to talk about what the feds are proposing, why it may not meet the needs of kids, and why the government should pursue offering parents more flexibility instead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Early on in the COVID-19 pandemic, Alberta was among the provinces that seemed ready to face the challenge head on, and in many ways, that’s what happened at first. But, as summer turned to fall, Alberta followed many provinces, and countries with mounting case counts in the pandemic’s second wave. And cries have grown louder for the government to do more. The National Post’s Alberta reporter Tyler Dawson joins Dave to talk about when things started to turn for Alberta, how the government is trying to get a handle on things, and why that may not be enough. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With three major pharmaceutical companies showing success with COVID-19 vaccines in phase 3 trials, a lot of people are getting their hopes up about the beginning of the end of the pandemic. But while other countries could see rollouts in the coming weeks, it could be months before Canadians get their turn. Parliamentary Bureau Chief and National post columnist John Ivison joins Dave to talk about why Canada has to wait, whether the government can do anything to speed that up, and why it could become a political vulnerability for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A lawsuit out of Montreal has revealed unorthodox procedures for dealing with sexual assault allegations on campus. A student at Montreal’s McGill University has filed a lawsuit alleging he was forced to defend allegations of sexual assault which weren’t detailed to him and from an accuser who remained anonymous. Dave is joined by Montreal Gazette crime reporter Paul Cherry to talk about how this case was handled by a student society panel, the public actions taken against the student and how the process was overturned on appeal. Background reading: McGill University student sues school, newspaper, associations and accuser Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With COVID-19 cases on the rise in Canada, the lingering question that’s on a lot of peoples minds is “When the heck are we gonna get a vaccine for this thing?” Well, some promising signs on this front as a pair of pharmaceutical companies say they have vaccines almost ready to go. Dave is joined by National Post health reporter Sharon Kirkey to talk about why cases are on the rise in Canada, the promise shown by these vaccine developments, and the challenge of getting them distributed once they’re approved. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Erin O’Toole could well be Canada’s next prime minister. He just needs to do something that has happened just once in the last 30 years, win a Conservative majority. And to do that, he’s looking for voters you don’t typically see right-wing parties courting. Union members. Dave is joined by National Post politics reporter Brian Platt to talk about why O’Toole is looking at this voter base as a way to grow support, what the pitch he’s making is, and whether this could actually pave the way to a Conservative win. Background reading: Why Erin O'Toole is gambling on building a new, union-friendly Conservative voting coalition Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Republicans may have lost the White House, but it doesn’t mean their party is battered and bruised. With a conservative majority on the supreme court, and potentially retaining the Senate, the Republicans are in a good place to keep president-elect Joe Biden in check over the next four years. But what does a Republican Party look like without Donald Trump? Nicholas Lemann, a staff writer at The New Yorker, joins Dave to talk about what the mentality is behind Trump’s challenge of the results, how party leaders may be looking to move past this election and position themselves for the midterms in two years. Background reading: The Republican Identity Crisis After Trump Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a candidate for U.S. president, Joe Biden talked about wanting to get the country off its dependency on oil. But how things will actually play out under President Biden — and what this means for Canada’s energy sector — is still up in the air. Will that stance mean less U.S. oil production, which means an opportunity for Canadian companies? Could Alberta’s oil be hit with a cross-border carbon tax? And where does a green new deal fit in? Geoffrey Morgan, who covers energy and power for The Financial Post, joins Dave by phone to talk about the ramifications of a Biden presidency for Alberta oil, the Keystone XL pipeline and how it could force Justin Trudeau and Jason Kenney to work together for the sake of the energy sector. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Canadian Forces is looking to set up a new propaganda arm to try to influence the behaviour of people in this country. The proposal, revealed in documents uncovered by Postmedia, are an extension of a plan from the Chief of Defence Staff to ‘weaponize’ the military’s public affairs branch Dave is joined by Ottawa Citizen military affairs reporter David Pugliese, who uncovered the story, to walk through what this organization would do, why they’re trying to influence Canadians’ behaviour, and what this could mean for the public perception of the forces. Background reading: Canadian military wants to establish new organization to use propaganda, other techniques to influence Canadians Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It has been 11 years since an Ottawa teen vanished without a trace. Initially thought to be a runaway, there appears to be no indication of what happened to Justin Rutter. Dave Breakenridge is joined by Ottawa Citizen reporter Taylor Blewett about the circumstances around Rutter’s disappearance, why his family has concerns about the investigation, and whether his mother feels she’ll ever get closure. Background reading: 'What happened to Justin Rutter?': The Ottawa teen vanished 11 years ago. His disappearance remains a mystery Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

B.C. Premier John Horgan shocked many, including his governing partners in the Green Party, when he called a snap election last month. And while many felt voters would punish Horgan and the NDP for heading to the polls during a pandemic, breaking an agreement with the Greens in the process, the NDP now has a majority government. Dave is joined by Vancouver Sun legislative columnist Rob Shaw to talk about the motivation behind calling an election, why the NDP didn’t take a hit politically, and what it means now that Horgan has a majority government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Justin Trudeau’s Liberals survived a confidence vote over a Conservative push to dig deeper into the WE Charity affair. Canadians may be spared a fall election, but the political games are far from over. Dave is joined by National Post political reporter Chris Nardi to discuss why the Liberals seemed keen to push us close to a pandemic election, why this move poses a problem for the NDP, and whether this hampers the Conservative efforts to hold the government to account. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 1984 death of Christine Jessop and wrongful conviction of Guy Paul Morin rocked the country. In a surprise announcement this month, police announced they had identified Christine’s Killer. Dave is joined by Toronto Sun columnist Joe Warmington by phone to talk about the historic case, who it’s believed the killer is, and how police solved this mystery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices