10/3: Canada Covered

The death of George Floyd after a Minnesota police officer kneeled on his neck for several minutes has led to protests all over the U.S. Protests here in Canada have also led to a discussion about systemic racism in this country. Dave is joined by the Financial Post’s Vanmala Subramaniam who discusses what that systemic racism is, why there is debate about it in Canada, and how protests sparked by George Floyd’s death could push our country to change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The conditions at Ontario long-term care and seniors homes were laid bare in a troubling report from Canadian Forces staff who were working in the facilities to help amid the COVID-19 crisis. But those who follow the issue will tell you that these are ongoing issues in part of the health care system that doesn’t always get the attention it needs. Dave is joined by Ottawa Citizen health reporter Elizabeth Payne to talk about how COVID-19 may have made existing problems worse, and how the report, and the pandemic may force real change on long-term care in Ontario and the country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A damning report from Canadian Forces staff who were called in to help at the height of the COVID-19 outbreak has revealed horrible conditions at some Ontario long-term care facilities. The report, which focused on conditions at five Toronto-area centres, detailed cockroach infestations, inadequate nutrition, rotten food, and one instance of a resident choking to death after being fed while lying down. Ontario premier Doug Ford called it the hardest day he’s had as premier. I talk with the National Post’s Chris Selley about what the premier is proposing to do now, how COVID-19 makes this situation worse, and later we touch on the controversy about large gatherings in Toronto parks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The teenager who went on a stabbing rampage at a Toronto massage parlour earlier this year has been hit with terrorism-related charges. The teen’s case marks the first time terrorism charges have been laid in connection with the ideology known as incel, or involuntary celibate, a woman hating online subculture. Dave is joined by the National Post's Joseph Brean. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Masks. Are you wearing one when you go out? As COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, masks are likely to become a big part of day-to-day life. They can help stop the spread of the coronavirus. But how do they affect they way others see us? Or how we see ourselves? What kind of communication challenges will we have? The Montreal Gazette's Monique Beaudin and the National Post's Sharon Kirkey discuss the psychology of masks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

COVID-19 restrictions are being lifted across the country, and provinces are trying to find a path back to normalcy while trying to limit the severity of a probable next wave. While cases have fallen off in some areas, Ontario is letting people out of lockdown while still seeing increases in cases. The National Post’s Richard Warnica joins Dave to talk about why Ontario is lifting restrictions now, what pitfalls they could face, and why Ontario’s recovery is so important to the rest of Canada. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Montreal has been the hardest hit by COVID-19 in Canada. While the rest of Quebec begins to open up, Montreal's date has been pushed back. So why has it been so bad there? The Montreal Gazette's Monique Beaudin and Philip Authier discuss all you need to know about Canada's pandemic epicentre. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alberta has the dubious distinction of being the source of the largest single COVID-19 outbreak in North America. Roughly 1,500 cases have been linked to the Cargill beef processing plant south of Calgary. There are also several hundred cases linked to a JBS beef plant near brooks Alberta. Dave is joined by Calgary herald columnist Licia Corbella about how the virus spread, who has been affected by the outbreaks, and whether appropriate safety measures have been taken. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Governments in Canada are beginning to plan reopening schools. The evidence is mixed on how much children spread the virus that causes COVID-19. What would reopened schools look like and is it even possible to get children, especially small children, to stay two metres apart? The Montreal Gazette's Monique Beaudin hosts and is joined by National Post health reporter Sharon Kirkey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the wake of the deadly shooting spree in Nova Scotia, and amid a nation-wide shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a ban on a number of assault-style weapons. The move, he says, fulfills an election promise, but there is controversy over who it targets and what is left out. National Post columnist Chris Selley joins Dave to talk about the timing of the ban, and why it may not be the public safety solution that the Liberals want it to be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re getting a clearer picture of what happened the night Gabriel Wortman started his killing spree in Nova Scotia. At the end of nearly 12 hours Wortman had killed 22 people before being gunned down by RCMP at a gas station north of Halifax. Dave speaks with the National Post's Christopher Nardi about what sparked the murders, how Wortman evaded detection for as long as he did and what questions remain unanswered. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People with immunity to COVID-19 could soon be in high demand. For jobs not just in health care, but in retail or restaurants. But should they be given more freedoms than the rest of us? What about the idea of immunity passports? Would this be a responsible way of reopening the economy? Or is it a dystopian nightmare? The Montreal Gazette's Monique Beaudin and the National Post's Sharon Kirkey talk about the science and ethics of using immunity as a way out of the lockdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Canada has for now avoided a worst-case scenario with COVID-19. Our health-care systems are for now managing the crisis, and our social distancing efforts appear to be working at keeping cases down. But that doesn’t mean Canada’s response to the pandemic has been stellar. Dave is joined by National Post columnist Chris Selley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Canadians have spent the last several weeks cooped up in their homes, many unable to work, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With physical distancing measures in place as the weather warms up across the country. Many are wondering how long till we can get things back to normal. Dave talks with the National Post’s Stuart Thomson about what a roadmap to re-opening Canada would look like, how long that could take and what could potentially derail any plans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Canada’s worst mass shooting unfolded over the weekend in horrific fashion. A lone gunman, driving a mock police vehicle, and dressed to look like a Mountie, went on a shooting spree in rural Nova Scotia. There are at least 19 victims across 16 crime scenes, including a Mountie, a teacher, and families hunkered down in their homes due to COVID-19 measures. Today we walk through the early stages of the investigation and how the shooting unfolded. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused havoc in the medical systems of countries around the world. But the social distancing measures have also landed a body blow on the global economy, with Canada seeing a spike in unemployment and a massive government bailout to those affected by the pandemic shutdown. Dave is joined by Emily Jackson who hosts our Down to Business podcast about what industries are really struggling, how the government has responded, and how long the effects could last. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As many as 22,000 Canadians could die from COVID-19, according to federal modelling released Thursday. But how much can these models really tell us? And what are the risks of making them public? National Post health reporter Sharon Kirkey explains all you need to know about COVID-19 modelling. Its strengths and its limitations. Monique Beaudin hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As health care is a provincial responsibility in Canada, much of the focus in the fight against COVID-19 has been on premiers and their health officials. And as he heads Canada’s largest province, a lot of focus has been squarely on the performance of Ontario premier Doug Ford. To the surprise of many, he is handling things quite well. Dave talks with Toronto Sun columnist Brian Lilley about how Ford has managed the public response to the pandemic, and how the crisis has forced co-operation across provincial and political lines. Plus we’ll get you up to date on the latest COVID-19 news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The shooting deaths of Jake Sansom and Maurice Cardinal shocked many in Alberta. The pair, who had just returned from a hunting trip after Sansom was laid off from his job due to the COVID-19 pandemic, were found slain along a rural highway, with no clear reason why. Lauren Boothby from the Edmonton Journal joins Dave to talk about the investigation into the deaths of the two men. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So should you be wearing a mask? Public health officials in Canada say if you're healthy you don't need to. But, as the COVID-19 pandemic rages, people are starting to question that advice. National Post health reporter Sharon Kirkey explains all you need to know about masks. Monique Beaudin hosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Health-care officials around the world are working to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in some countries, testing is playing a big role. Dave talks to the National Post's Tom Blackwell about what countries are having success when it comes to testing, how it's helping in contain the virus, and what Canada could be doing to catch up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Conservative Party of Canada has suspended the race to replace Andrew Scheer as leader after several candidates called for a delay amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Post’s Brian Platt joins Dave to talk about why party officials came to the decision and why not everyone wanted to see it stopped. Plus, we’ll get you up to date on the latest COVID-19 news from the federal government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There is a race on for effective treatments for COVID-19. Old malaria drugs that may or may not work are being held up as possible treatments. Researchers are busy trying to develop a vaccine, work which is all the more important after a SARS vaccine was abandoned. Guest host Monique Beaudin is joined by National Post health reporter Sharon Kirkey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Wednesday, both the house of commons and the senate approved an emergency bill to get billions of dollars in aid into the hands of workers, families and businesses taking a hit because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill offers $2,000 a month for Canadians from the Canada Revenue Agency. Dave brings you up to date with the latest on COVID-19. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Canadian Olympic and Paralympic committees announced on Sunday that Canada’s athletes would not be going to the Olympic Games in Tokyo. Team Canada feels that it doesn’t make sense to hold the games now as the world is still dealing with the global outbreak of COVID-19 and would like to see a postponement. Then on Monday, Dick Pound, a Canadian who sits on the International Olympic Committee said that a postponement is all but inevitable. Dave is joined by National Post sports columnist Scott Stinson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Daily life in Canada has been turned upside down. Just a week ago, schools were open and people were still going to work. Much of that has changed as social distancing policies have become more aggressive across the country. It could be months before things begin returning to normal. Host Monique Beaudin is joined by National Post health reporter Sharon Kirkey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the latest episode, Dave walks through some aspects of the major aid package announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday. 10/3 will have deeper coverage of COVID-19 in subsequent episodes, but we will be starting a new feature called Up to Date, bringing the latest developments to you so you can stay informed. Be sure to subscribe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Beginning Wednesday only Canadian citizens will be allowed to enter the country, and international flights will be restricted to just four airports. No one with symptoms of COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus, will be allowed into the country, regardless of citizenship. Schools are cancelled for most students across the country and workers everywhere are being told to work from home. The federal government is preparing a stimulus package to help guard against the negative economic impacts of the pandemic. Dave is joined by National Post reporter Ryan Tumilty. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The coronavirus outbreak has been declared a global pandemic. More than 120,000 people worldwide have been infected. More than 4,500 have died. Entire countries have been shut down. And people everywhere are being warned to stay home if they feel sick. The NHL paused its 2019-2020 season on Thursday. Concerts, festivals and countless events have been cancelled. Grocery stores are being picked clean of supplies. Guest host Monique Beaudin is joined by National Post health reporter Sharon Kirkey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oil prices already hit by coronavirus fears took a steeper dive after Saudi Arabia announced it would increase oil production and cut its prices This caused havoc for markets around the world and in Canada. Dave is joined by Calgary Herald business columnist Chris Varcoe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason Kenney endorses Erin O'Toole for Conservative party leader, possibly upending Peter MacKay's ability to run away with the tory crown. Brian Platt and Stuart Thomson talk about what Kenney's endorsement could mean for O'Toole, and the role of social conservatives as kingmakers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The global spread of coronavirus shows no sign of stopping. New cases crop up every day, and health organizations around the world are trying to keep up with containment as well as understanding of the disease. But are we at a point where people should panic? Dave is joined by the Edmonton Journal's David Staples to talk about what affect an outbreak can have on people's mindset, what we can to to be vigilant and why it’s important to listen to the experts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first deadline to enter the Conservative leadership race has passed, and eight candidates have made the cut. Here’s what we know about each contender and whether they have a shot at staying in the race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the 1990s Nortel was a darling of the Canadian tech sector, but in the 2000s it came crashing down in spectacular fashion. Was it merely a case of a failing business in the wake of the dot com bubble bursting or were there more sinister factors at play. Dave talks with the National Post’s Tom Blackwell about Nortel’s demise and whether Chinese corporate espionage played a role. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we present the first episode of Postmedia's newest crime podcast, She's Gone. She's Gone tells the story of four women's lives, deaths and the criminal cases that followed. It's hosted by Bre McAdam, Saskatoon Star Phoenix criminal justice reporter, and is available on all your favourite listening platforms, like the one on which you're listening to my voice, right now. Subscribe to She's Gone today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's look at the Conservative party leadership race, Brian Platt and Stuart Thomson consider the candidates' reaction to the the rail blockades. Critics say a tweet from Peter MacKay endorsed vigilantism, while Erin O'Toole released a policy that would make rail blockades illegal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The ongoing dispute over the Coastal Gaslink pipeline and its route through First Nations land has posed a major problem for the Trudeau government. Blockades of rail lines in support of the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs who oppose the project have created anger directed at a prime minister whose message has focused on communication as a solution Today national post columnist John Ivison joins me to talk about the politics of ending the blockades and whether this hurts the PM’s vision of reconciliation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Blockades in support of Wet’suwet’en opposition to the coastal gas link pipeline have ground rail traffic to a halt in parts of Canada. But at the centre of it all is a camp of about 50 people in the remote B.C. wilderness. Dave is joined by APTN senior reporter Kathleen Martens about the conflict over the pipeline and why there’s not a simple answer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Protests in support of an Indigenous blockade in northern B.C. have snarled rail traffic across the country. The action against the Coastal Gaslink pipeline has sparked anger among pipeline supporters, and has created political chaos for the prime minister, who cancelled a planned trip to try to deal with the issue. The National Post's Tyler Dawson joins me to talk about the reasons behind the blockades, what the concerns are if they go on for a long time and whether there’s a political solution to the issue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Baird isn’t running for the Conservative leadership, and it’s good news for both Peter MacKay and Erin O’Toole. But is it good news for the party? National Post political reporters Stuart Thomson and Brian Platt walk you through the latest news in the Conservative leadership race in our new weekly series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A deadline is looming for the federal cabinet to make a decision on whether to approve a major oilsands project in northern Alberta. The proposed Teck frontier mine has divided opinions, with many suggesting it will hamper attempts by the Justin Trudeau government to meet its own emissions targets, while proponents say it’s in the national interest and necessary to spur economic growth. Dave talks to the National Post's Jesse Snyder about why the project is so divisive, what cabinet is saying about it, and the political ramifications of a yes or a no. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Teacher strikes will hit Ontario classrooms this week amid worsening tensions between the government and the province's unions. Up to a million kids will he out of class. We look at where the two sides are at odds, whether there could be a resolution, and who is winning the support of the public. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jamie Boulachanis, a murderer who recently transitioned to a woman is demanding a Montreal judge grant her request to move to a women's penitentiary. Correctional Service Canada opposes the move and says Boulachanis poses a serious risk of escaping and is a threat to public safety if she gets out. Guest host Monique Beaudin is joined by Montreal Gazette crime reporter Paul Cherry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What was once expected to be a political battle royale involving the superstars of Canada's conservative movement, has turned into a mano-a-mano matchup between two Harper-era ministers. Peter MacKay and Erin O'Toole have emerged as the early front-runners in the race to replace Andrew Scheer, who is stepping down as leader after a disappointing showing in last fall's election. Dave and John Ivison talk about how the race is shaping up now that big names have dropped out, what challenges MacKay and O'Toole could face, and whether new faces could emerge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An outbreak of coronavirus in China has ramped up fears that we're facing a crisis similar to the SARS outbreak. Cases of this virus have numbered in the thousands this year, but so far there have been just three in Canada. Today, Dave talks with National Post health reporter Sharon Kirkey about how the outbreak started, why this virus has people worried and how Canadian officials have responded. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gangs in B.C.'s Lower Mainland are turning to rap music to taunt their rivals online over bloody acts of violence. Today Vancouver Sun journalist Kim Bolan speaks to with guest host Dharm Makwana about her investigation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A recent Abacus Data survey found near the top of a list of negative associations with the Conservative party is "racist." Author Jamil Jivani explains why his party needs to tackle its "racism problem." In a column for the National Post Jivani argued that Conservative leadership candidates should be reflecting on how and why the party has a racism stigma, but they haven’t been. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Six-year-old Ljubica Topic was snatched in May 1971 as she played outside her Windsor home. Police discovered her lifeless remains — face and body covered in blood — early the next morning. It is a case that left a cloud over the southern Ontario city for decades. Nearly 50 years later, police say they have solved the case. Dave is joined by by Windsor Star reporter Trevor Wilhelm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After 36 years a convicted child killer is out on bail, awaiting a new trial. Tallio, then 17, pleaded guilty in 1983 to the second-degree murder of a child, but has maintained his innocence ever since. The University of B.C.’s Innocence Project began working on Tallio’s case more than 10 years ago, and his lawyers, now supported by the Legal Services Society, filed a notice of appeal in 2016. His appeal is expected to be heard later this year. Guest host Dharm Makwana is joined by Vancouver Sun reporter Dan Fumano. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After former Canadian reservist Patrick Matthews was revealed to be an alleged recruiter for American neo-Nazi group The Base he disappeared. The mystery of what happened to Matthews was solved Thursday when U.S. officials announced that he had been arrested along with two other purported members of The Base, accused of building a homemade machine gun and stockpiling ammunition. Dave is joined by National Post reporter Tom Blackwell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices