CANADALAND

Canada is two years into a news media bailout that Trudeau cabinet ministers promised would be conducted with the utmost transparency. Instead, the process and which outlets are getting funding (and how much) is information that has been veiled in secrecy. What's more is that in order to apply for these government bailout programs, one must first pass the (also secretive) litmus test for whether or not it is worthy of being deemed a Qualified Canadian Journalism Organization (QCJO).This week, we speak to the chair of the board who helps make these decisions. Featured in this episode: Colette Brin, journalism professor at Université LavalFurther reading:Minister vows transparency over $600M media fund, defends inclusion of Unifor, CTV NewsJournalists question Liberal government's $600M media bailout plan, CBC NewsFILDEBRANDT: Trudeau's media approval board agree, the Western Standard are ‘qualified journalists', Western StandardSupport Canadaland at canadaland.com/joinSponsors: Rotman, oxio, ArticleSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The public inquest into the Portapique massacre is far from revealing. Will we ever get the answers to the many, many questions still remaining? And journalists are being blocked from covering events at the Indigenous delegations' visit to the Vatican.  Paul Palango co-hosts. Links:Paul Palango's book: 22 Murders Investigating the Massacres, Cover-Up and Obstacles to Justice in Nova ScotiaBrandi Morin's video on TwitterVatican News story re: Indigenous delegationSponsors: Rotman, Freshbooks, SquarespaceSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2015, award-winning author and (former) UBC professor Steven Galloway became the target of a social media storm after an allegation was leveled that he had sexually assaulted a student. An allegation, Galloway has denied ever since.But at the time, a number of both staff and students at UBC came out publicly in support of the accuser. In turn, Galloway sued them for defamation. Defendants include 20 people who tweeted, commented, or spoke about the allegations. In one case, the individual being sued simply reviewed an art show, and never even printed Galloway's name.Many of these defendants said this defamation suit is meant to silence sexual assault survivors, so they filed a SLAPP suit in response. Some were dismissed by a judge, others weren't. And which were and which weren't leads to all kinds of questions about how the legal process deals with sexual assault allegations. Meanwhile, Galloway says the SLAPP suit has delayed his ability to clear his name by years.Is this case a path to justice for a CanLit star who was ruined by an online mob? Or does this represent the silencing of survivors and the #metoo movement? Featured in this episode: David Wotherspoon, partner at Dentons; Hilary Young, law professor, University of New Brunswick; Glynnis Kirchmeier, defendant.Further reading:She accused a university prof of sexual assault. Now he's suing for defamation. Some fear the ‘landmark' case could have a chilling effect, Douglas Quan, Toronto StarUnder a cloud: How UBC's Steven Galloway affair has haunted a campus and changed lives, Marsha Lederman, Globe and MailDetails of UBC actions revealed through defamation suit brought by Steven Galloway, Marsha Lederman, Globe and MailL'Affaire Galloway, Kerry Gold, The Warlus Support Canadaland at canadaland.com/joinSponsors: PolicyMe, Oxio, HelloFresh.Additional Music is by Audio NetworkSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Short Cuts is off this week, so instead we bring you our latest episode of the best politics show in Canada, The Backbench. As nations around the world cut off business with Russia, can Canada help fill the international demand for oil and gas? More importantly, should we? And the pandemic caused unprecedented government spending, as well as shifting priorities on everything from work to healthcare. How will that all play out in the upcoming budget?This week's contributors: Jason Markusoff, Caroline Elliott, Murad Hemmadi Further reading:Shannon Proudfoot's Maclean's profile of Pierre PollievreAnd the accompanying Q&ASponsors: Rotman, Squarespace, Policy Me, Skipper OttoSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So many journalists would look down their noses and sneer at the likes of BlogTO, Narcity, MTL Blog or any of the similar media companies that have populated the Canadian landscape over the last decade. But while companies that pride themselves on hard news are struggling to find a funding model that works, BlogTO just sold for $15 million.  Featured in this episode: Tim Shore, Founder of BlogTOFurther reading:ZoomerMedia announces acquisition of blogTO, Yahoo FinanceFreshdaily Lays Off Entire Editorial Staff Two Weeks After Launching, CANADALANDWe want to know more about the people who listen to this show, so we can make the content you want to hear about! Fill out the survey to help us do just that.Support Canadaland at canadaland.com/joinSponsors: OXIO, Skipper Otto, Manscaped, ArticleSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Canadian MPs wax poetic about how President Zelensky inspires them… but is that really going to change anything? And how defamation lawsuits help cover up the truth and keep journalists silent. Jan Wong co-hosts.  Links:CBC Reporter Travis Dhanraj's video asking a question to Chrystia Freeland and Melanie JolyPresident Zelensky's address to Canadian ParliamentPrime Minister Trudeau's promo videoCBC piece re: Manifesting a houseGlobe & Mail opinion piece by Doug Saunders Sponsors: PolicyMe, Skipper Otto, Freshbooks, SquarespaceSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah Polley has come forward with memories of a violent sexual encounter with Jian Ghomeshi when she was 16. But why is the press tongue-tied about describing the alleged violence? Sarah sits down with Jesse to discuss how to safely run towards danger, and whether it's even possible to ethically use child labour in the production of TV and film.Further reading:Run Towards the Danger, Sarah PolleySarah Polley Is OK With Oversharing, New York TimesSarah Polley breaks silence about traumatic encounter with Jian Ghomeshi, CBC RadioFor Reference: The Adventures of Baron MunchausenSupport Canadaland at canadaland.com/joinTake our survey: canadaland.com/surveySponsors: Rotman, oxio, HelloFresh Additional Music is by Audio Network.Support CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Brown has had his name cleared - according to an anonymous source. And the media loves a good war story. Karen Geier co-hosts. Links:CTV News piece re: Patrick Brown with updateNational Post piece re: Patrick BrownNational Post piece re: GiveSendGo and Freedom Convoy fundraisingHaaretz piece re: Stephen BanderaCBC piece re: Chrystia Freeland holding black-and-red scarfLe Devoir piece re: Serhii FilimonovSponsors: CFUV, Squarespace, Freshbooks, Skipper Otto, ManscapedSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Canadaland doesn't have a foreign bureau, so we can't bring you the latest on the ground conflict in Ukraine. What we can do is show you another side of the conflict that has deeply influenced this ground invasion: the information war.  This week, we take a deep-dive into the inner workings of Russia's information chaos machine and how its use in Ukraine laid the groundwork for what was to come in other countries, including - you guessed it: Canada. We also get a first-hand look at how the information war has led to the rise of cyber sleuths, like our friend James. (Not his real name.) Featured in this episode: Alya Shandra, editor-in-chief of Euromaidan Press, Douglas Selvage, a senior research fellow at the Institute for History, Humboldt University (Berlin); Aaron Erlich, assistant professor at McGill University.Further reading:Top Russian news host takes aim at Ukrainian Canadians, CBC NewsFalse Claims of U.S. Biowarfare Labs in Ukraine Grip QAnon, Justin Ling, Foreign PolicyThe Kremlin's Shifting, Self-Contradicting Narratives on MH17, BellingcatOperation InfeKtion: Russian disinformation from Cold War to Kanye, The New York TimesRussian disinformation kicks into high gear as Ukraine crisis drags on, LA TimesTikTok war: How Russia's invasion of Ukraine played to social media's youngest audience, ReutersSupport Canadaland at canadaland.com/joinSponsors: Policy Me, CFUV, ArticleAdditional Music is by Audio NetworkSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do stories coming out of Ukraine feel different from other wartime coverage? And we look at the uneven media treatment of those who are impacted by war. Our French-language correspondent Emilie Nicolas and senior producer Sarah Lawrynuik co-host in Jesse's absence.Links: Sarah's recent piece in the Winnipeg Free PressEmilie's recent piece in Le DevoirDavide Mastracci writes in Passage about a glaring omission by the mediaSponsors: OXIO, RotmanSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Long before Ottawa Police Chief Peter Sloly stepped down amidst criticism that the force had failed to stop the convoy occupation, there was trouble brewing within the Ottawa Police Service.Officer misconduct, sexual harassment, abuse, and violent behaviour, has been a pattern within the OPS for years. Dan Donovan, publisher of Ottawa Life magazine, knows these cases well, and he's currently being sued by Sloly himself, for publishing an article titled 'Rapes and lies—the cancerous misconduct at the Ottawa Police Service'.Donovan sat down with reporter Cherise Seucharan to discuss the case, as well as recently a leaked video of Sloly being questioned about his conduct when he was a staff inspector with the Toronto Police Service.Featured in this episode: Dan Donovan, Publisher & Managing Editor of Ottawa Life magazineFurther reading:Ottawa Life Magazine stands by its scathing portrait of Ottawa police: court filings, Gary Dimmock, Ottawa CitizenOttawa police officer convicted of assault, then charged with sexual harassment, has resigned, Shaamini Yogaretnam, CBC NewsOttawa man left destitute after faulty police investigation, Hilary Thomson, Ottawa LifeExposed: Culture of sexism entrenched in Ottawa Police Service, Judy Trinh and Nazim Baksh, CBC NewsOntario police chiefs call for more power to fire or suspend officers without pay, Wendy Gillis, Toronto StarSupport Canadaland at canadaland.com/joinSponsors: PolicyMe, and Freshbooks.Additional Music is by Audio NetworkSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Overcorrecting an overstatement creates confusion; how nice were the police in Ottawa really? And the emergency is over! Though the media seemed to suggest there wasn't really one anyways. Managing Editor at Ottawa Lookout Robert Hiltz co-hosts.Links:NYT's generalizations about Canada can be found here Robert duly noted this piece in Passage Sponsors: PolicyMe, Squarespace, Dispatch CoffeeSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's a lot of chaos and division in Canada right now. Beyond the people who got arrested in Ottawa over the past few days, there are thousands more Canadians who have financially supported the Freedom Convoy or been rooting for them from afar.In this episode, the CANADALAND team reaches out to regular everyday people who support the Convoy to ask about who they are, how they ended up supporting the Convoy and what they think about the racist and dangerous aspects of the movement. This is not a scientific survey, we did not do a poll. These three people are not necessarily representative of everybody else who supports this movement, but we've got to start somewhere.Further reading:Ottawa police arrest 170 amid push to clear convoy blockade, Global News(Feb. 19)Who is who? A guide to the major players in the trucker convoy protest, CTV News'So many angry people': Experts say online conversation around trucker convoy veering into dangerous territory, CTV NewsMaking sense of the flags and symbols at the Ottawa protest, The JuristAdditional music by Audio NetworkSupport Canadaland at canadaland.com/joinSponsors: Rotman School of Management, PolicyMe, FreshBooksSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The kinder, gentler Emergencies Act should not be underestimated. And framing the convoy as foreign-funded and US-inspired does more harm than good. Writer Nora Loreto co-hosts.UPDATE: An earlier version of this episode included a partial comment without proper context. The comment has been removed.Links:Nora's piece in Passage that she took heat forJimmy Thomson's tweetsSponsors: PolicyMe, Article, SquarespaceSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's episode is bursting your love bubble by digging into the dark side of love. You'll hear four personal stories that show, with increasing intensity, just how broken Canada's divorce system is. People who were held hostage for years by a slow-moving process that sent them hurdling into debt. And beyond that, we rarely talk about divorce as a life or death situation, but it certainly can be. Senior producer Sarah Lawrynuik brings you this one.For people who are living with family violence, don't struggle alone. Here is a list of resources available to you in your area. Or the Assaulted Women's Helpline is 1-866-863-0511.Further reading:What a 4-year-old's death says about Ontario's strained family courts, Toronto StarDivorce in the rich world is getting less nasty, The EconomistBroken marriages becoming pandemic's other toll, CBC NewsCalls for a unified family court system and further changes to Canada's Divorce Act, CTV NewsThe Family Law System in Canada is "Broken" says veteran Family Lawyer, News WireSupport Canadaland at canadaland.com/joinSponsors: Rotman, Hello FreshAdditional Music is by Audio NetworkSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Angry, bias-confirming echo chambers seem evident this week when it comes to the Freedom Convoy. And "a Toronto star at the Toronto Star" dies this week and Jesse dares to speak ill—or at least some truth—of the dead. Maclean's senior writer Paul Wells co-hosts. Links:Richard Martineau's piece in Le Journal de MontréalNews editor Jonathan Goldsbie's tweet re: Faith Goldy's face during the land acknowledgementSponsors: Squarespace, Policy MeSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CANADALAND has spent a lot of time in Thunder Bay exploring the deep-rooted racism in the city and the stories of Indigenous people who live there, not to mention the stories of the Indigenous people who have died there. In 2018, the Office of the Independent Police Review Director released the Broken Trust report, concluding that Thunder Bay's police service was a home for systemic racism. The civilian oversight board and the police force executive leadership was cleared and new people were brought in. But the outcome of the staffing changes and all the reports - at least to this point - is not a success story. The cycle of denial has continued.This story is reported by Thunder Bay-based journalist and producer on the Thunder Bay series, Jon Thompson.Further reading:Thunder Bay police board member details Ontario human rights complaint, calls for new leadership, CBC NewsThunder Bay Police Service on the ‘brink of collapse' says board member, APTNThunder Bay deputy police chief suspended pending investigation, Globe and MailLocal police officer files human rights complaint against TBPS, Chief, TB News WatchSupport Canadaland at canadaland.com/joinSponsors: PolicyMe, Fresh BooksSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The media may have missed the Freedom Convoy plot yet again. And as several Canadian artists pull their music from the platform, Spotify wades into publisher territory as they work towards content advisories for select podcasts. National Observer columnist Sandy Garossino co-hosts.UPDATE: This episode says there's been a vacuum of information on Canadian truckers stuck at the Alberta-Montana border at Coutts, AB. Since recording this episode, journalists have reported that one lane has opened in each direction.UPDATE 2 (Feb 9, 2022): In this episode, Jesse referenced a clip where a protester asked another attendee whether they were a white supremacist to which they responded yes. Jesse says that this was the moment the first protester was made aware that they were among extremists and he hoped they would up and leave. Since publishing, it has been brought to our attention that the person who said they were a white supremacist was likely a person of colour and they may have been joking. Sponsors: Rotman, Dispatch, SquarespaceSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a story about deception, coverups, and some say, about murder. This is a story about Groundhog Day. The true story of Wiarton Willie.CANADALAND Editor Jonathan Goldsbie digs into the shell game of dead groundhogs that spans decades. Featured in this episode: Liam Casey, a reporter/editor in the Ontario bureau for the Canadian Press; Frank Gunn, a national photographer for the Canadian PressFurther reading:Yet another Wiarton Willie is dead. Here's a look at the strange history behind the beloved groundhog, Liam Casey, Canadian Press/CBCThe legend of Wiarton Willie lives on (2011), Toronto StarFrank Gunn's photo of 1999 Wiarton Willie funeral, Canadian Press/Toronto StarSupport Canadaland at canadaland.com/joinSponsors: Zensurance, Article, FreshbooksAdditional Music is by Audio NetworkSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How many anti-vax trucker convoys were there?! And people are making the case to break up the CBC again.Canadaland contributing editor Danielle Paradis cohosts. Further reading & links:GoFundMe actually froze money for the convoy's campaignTom Hooper's investigation into Pride Toronto and the misuse of money from the federal governmentThe Narwhal's story on the maple syrup meltdownSponsors: Zensurance, Squarespace, Freshbooks, RotmanSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Canada has a nuclear problem... a nuclear waste problem. Since the dawn of nuclear power technology, solutions to waste have all been remarkably temporary given the longevity of the danger the material presents. For decades, the hunt for a solution has spanned across provinces — even across countries. But the hope is that by 2023 Canada will have found a home - and permanent solution - for all of the country's nuclear waste.This endeavor is pitting neighbour against neighbour — community against community. And the stakes are high for the future of the nuclear industry.CANADALAND senior producer Sarah Lawrynuik ventures to Northwestern Ontario to bring you this story.Further reading:Small northwestern Ontario town considers if it's willing to house nuclear waste from across Canada, CBC NewsHolding in the deep: What Canada wants to do with its decades-old pileup of nuclear waste, The NarwhalNuclear's Role in Canada's Low-Carbon Future?, Energy vs Climate podcast30,000 shipments of nuclear waste would move through Ontario cities, farmland under draft plan, CBC NewsHow to build a nuclear warning for 10,000 years' time, BBC News Support Canadaland at canadaland.com/joinSponsors: Rotman Executive Leadership Online, PolicyMe, Dispatch CoffeeAdditional Music is by Audio NetworkSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The hunger for stories about Toronto's snow backfires. And when a story is about a hostage situation at a synagogue, why is there reluctance to call it antisemitism?Canadaland contributing editor Danielle Paradis co-hosts.Links: A tribute to CBC Edmonton's radio host Adrienne PanCBC's piece on Texas Synagogue HostagesSponsors: Zensurance, Hot Docs Podcast Festival, Freshbooks, SquarespaceSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's a mystery disease that's plaguing people in New Brunswick. It starts with some muscle pain or spasms, before basic tasks like reading become impossible. For many, the disease progresses to full-blown dementia. For patients and families, government response has proven to be lackluster and desperation and frustration is taking hold as the search for answers drags on.Further reading:Whistleblower warns baffling illness affects growing number of young adults in Canadian province, Leyland Cecco, The GuardianNew Brunswick monitoring more than 40 cases of unknown neurological disease, CBC NewsN.B. health minister questions validity of mysterious neurological disease after report, Global NewsNew Brunswick's Mystery Disease: Why Did the Province Shut Out Federal Experts?, The WalrusNo longer a sure thing: Records show how N.B. investigation into mystery illness changed over time, CBC NewsHelp Gabrielle battle unknown neurological disease, GoFundMeSupport Canadaland at canadaland.com/joinSponsors: Zensurance, Rotman School of Management, Hello Fresh, ArticleAdditional Music is by Audio NetworkSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Healthcare workers against pandemic restrictions tell on themselves by suing for libel. And two Haitian journalists die reporting for a Montreal online radio station. Columnist Emilie Nicolas co-hosts. Links:Gofundme page for the Haitian journalists' familiesSponsors: Policy Me, Dispatch Coffee, SquarespaceSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A CBC employee resigned from the public broadcaster because she says it's become too woke.The article she wrote about her departure has caused quite the buzz since it dropped. The National Post put it on the front page of the paper. Fox News, America reporter Glenn Greenwald, the British Daily Mail, and Canada's Leader of the Opposition Erin O'Toole have all wanted a piece of this story.But who the heck is the author, Tara Henley? And is any of this criticism warranted? Or is it a feeding frenzy for conservatives who are eager to jump on the "defund the CBC" bandwagon?Further reading:Speaking Freely: Why I resigned from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Tara Henley, Substack'CBC produces clickbait that's a parody of the student press': Senior journalist quits broadcaster over its 'radical political agenda', 'woke worldview' and belief 'that some races are more relevant to the public conversation than others', Daily MailWOKE NIGHTMARE: In her first chat, Tara Henley sounds off on CBC's radical editorial agenda, Toronto SunCanadian journalist quit CBC over woke ‘radical political agenda', New York Post Sponsors: Rotman School of Management's Executive Leadership Online, Policy Me, DispatchAdditional Music is by Audio Network.Support CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Publishing record COVID case counts might not be that helpful anymore. And a woman quits the CBC to start her own thing and Jesse isn't sure how to feel about it. Writer Nora Loreto co-hosts.Sponsors: Freshbooks, PolicyMe, SquarespaceSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After we turn off our microphones, here at CANADALAND, it would be great to think we brought you the definitive version of the story. But what actually happens is that life keeps on rolling and stories continue to add new chapters.Three stories CANADALAND originally aired in 2021 demanded that we add another chapter to the story we told.First, the case of pretendians and how Indigenous identity has been co-opted by people who are not, in fact, Indigenous.Second, the story of MindGeek, Canada's largest tech company, that is known the world over for its porn platforms, like Porn Hub. When last we left the company, they were under a fair amount of scrutiny...And lastly, in October, we brought you the story of Madeline who was considering medically-assisted death once she ran out of money for the expensive treatments she needed to manage her life-long disease. What ever happened to her?Further Reading:How disgraced health expert Carrie Bourassa passed as Indigenous for years, New York PostUniversities across Canada addressing Indigenous identity fraud in wake of Carrie Bourassa investigation, CBC NewsQuebec Ink: Inside ‘Project Narsil,' a Canadian cannabis entrepreneur's bid for porn giant MindGeek, Martin Patriquin, The LogicMindGeek payouts to owners grew amid scrutiny over illegal content, new filings show, The LogicMadeline's GoFundMe page Support Canadaland at canadaland.com/join or gift a subscription to someone else by visiting canadaland.com/gift.Sponsors: Dispatch, Rotman School of ManagementAdditional Music by Audio NetworkSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Short Cuts is off this week, so we are sharing an absolutely shocking story from Commons' current season on mining in Canada. For a century, Canada was one of the world's leading exporters of asbestos, most of it mined from the small town of Asbestos, Quebec. But during that time, governments and corporations in Canada did everything they could to hide the fact that asbestos is deadly.They went to extraordinary lengths — secret organ smuggling, corporate-supervised police torture — to keep the ugly truth from the world.Today, there's no longer a town called Asbestos, QC. But more people than ever are dying from what was mined out of the ground there. Featured in this episode: Heidi von Palleske, Jessica van Horssen, Tavia Grant (The Globe and Mail)To learn more:A Town Called Asbestos: Environmental Contamination, Health, and Resilience in a Resource Community by Jessica van Horssen“No Safe Use: The Canadian Asbestos Epidemic” by Tavia Grant in The Globe and Mail“Asbestos: Canada's Dirty Secret” by CBC's Fifth EstateSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People might take holidays, but the news doesn't. The best, worst, and funniest stories from reporters working Christmas in the newsroom.This might be an earth-shattering concept... but the CANADALAND team is taking a week off for the holidays. The office is closed. No one is here. However, in newsrooms across the country, that is not the case. For your holidays listening needs, here are stories from reporters who have worked Christmas in their newsrooms. It's the good, the bad and the funny. Support CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Justin Trudeau tells-all in his revealing year-end interview, oh wait, he just stuck to the same old talking points. And yes, we're still going on about Omicron. Data journalist David Weisz co-hosts. Links:CBC Year-End Interview with PMCTV Year-End Interview with PMCity News Year-End Interview with PMGlobe & Mail piece re: Niagara police constableSponsors: Douglas, PolicyMe, Freshbooks, SquarespaceSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He's the academic expert people love to hate. But he considers stirring the pot his moral duty. This week, CANADALAND brings you a profile of Amir Attaran.Amir Attaran might not be a name you know off the top of your head, but if you listen or read Canadian media, you've definitely come across him before.He is a professor at both the University of Ottawa law school and also its School of Epidemiology and Public Health. He's got a PhD in immunology from Oxford, along with a law degree from UBC.Attaran has been a real sh*t disturber throughout the pandemic, criticizing all levels of government for their public health responses, but he liked stirring the pot long before COVID-19 reared its head. He makes the case that it is his duty.The Prime Minister scolded him. Twitter deplatformed him. Journalists have largely stopped calling him… Well, that is, except for us. Support Canadaland at canadaland.com/join or gift a subscription to someone else at canadaland.com/gift. Sponsors: Policy Me, DouglasSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The media is scaring the bejesus out of us about the Omicron variant, but being on perpetual high alert can backfire. And the case against feeding the hungry. Writer, activist and podcaster Nora Loreto co-hosts. Links:Toronto Star piece re: OmicronBlacklocks Reporter piece re: Minister Anita Anand's husbandNational Post: Capitalist ManifestoToronto Star piece re: Food BanksNora Loreto's book, Spin Doctors: How Media and Politicians Misdiagnosed the COVID-19 Pandemic.Sponsors: Kilne, Squarespace, Manscaped, HelloFreshSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

March 16, the day the restaurants died. Or did they? Food industry writer, Corey Mintz, dissects what COVID-19 and the rise of third-party delivery apps have meant for the industry and our culture surrounding food.Further reading:The Next Supper, Corey Mintz, PublicAffairs BooksThe truth about Uber Eats, DoorDash and Skip the Dishes, Corey Mintz, Maclean'sYou can support Canadaland at canadaland.com/join or you can gift an ad-free subscription to a friend or family member by visiting canadaland.com/gift. Sponsors: Kilne, Douglas and ArticleSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Indigenous delegation headed to the Vatican was canceled and the media seems most focused on a papal apology. And is coverage of the Ring of Fire simply echoing the Conservative party lines? Ryan McMahon sits in for Jesse this week with co-host Pam Palmater.Links:CAJ Diversity study CBC Indigenous piece re: Vatican visit  Toronto Star Local Journalism Initiative piece re: Vatican visit  CBC piece re: Ring of Fire Sponsors: Douglas, Kilne, Squarespace,Support CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amber Bracken and Michael Toledano are freelance journalists who were arrested by RCMP officers on the morning of Nov. 19, 2021 while they were covering the demonstrations of Wet'suwet'en people and hereditary chiefs against the construction of the Coastal GasLink pipeline. The standoff on unceded territory was the top news story of 2020, until the pandemic hit. But since then, coverage has waned and in-depth looks have largely been left to freelancers and smaller independent news outlets that have fewer resources to fight charges in court.If the state police lock up members of the press for doing their jobs, can we really call Canada's media a free press?Amber Bracken and Michael Toledano join Jesse to dig into it.Further reading: RCMP arrest journalists, matriarchs and land defenders following Gidimt'en eviction of Coastal GasLink, The NarwhalVideo footage shows RCMP Wet'suwet'en raid, Michael Toledano for CBC NewsRCMP tracked photojournalist Amber Bracken in active investigations database, The NarwhalAmber Bracken honoured by Canadian Association of Journalists for Wet'suwet'en coverage, (June 2020) The NarwhalCanada's Supreme Court recognizes Wet'suwet'en law. So how is Coastal GasLink moving ahead?, National ObserverSponsors: Kilne, Douglas, FreshbooksSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The latest COVID variant offers mixed messaging about the severity of the virus. And an obituary to memorialize an alleged murderer does not sit right with Jesse and at least one of our listeners. Veteran journalist and freelance obituary writer Fred Langan co-hosts. Links:Daniel Schlafman's death notice can be found hereRadio-Canada's piece re: their deaths (French)Global News' report re: their deathsSponsors: Kilne, Squarespace, ManscapedSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Support our work at canadaland.com/joinDid an Instagram account kill a vulnerable teenager? 6ixBuzz has unparalleled clout in Toronto with young audiences and it used that influence to make "Debby Gang" or "Debby Parkway" (real name Alexis Matos) a certain brand of local celebrity — the kind that is repeatedly filmed when spotted on the street, and is then is the subject of mockery and scorn.When Alexis Matos died of an apparent fentanyl overdose, hundreds immediately blamed 6ixBuzz and called for its cancellation. But is what 6ixBuzz does any different than how traditional media exposes and exploits people?Further Reading:The Secret Life of 6ixBuzz, in Toronto Life by Nichole JankowskiBullying, exploitation accusations follow death of homeless teen 'internet star', in the Toronto SunSponsors: Kilne, Policy Me, Manscaped, ArticleAdditional music by Audio NetworkSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The struggle against Coastal Gaslink was bigger news this week because journalists got arrested. And even CBC can't seem to avoid the wrath of covering WE Charity. Canadaland contributing editor Danielle Paradis co-hosts. Links:A rare Editor's Note from the CBC on covering WE CharitySince the time of recording, the CBC posted on Facebook saying Michael Toledano had been commissioned by CBC's The Passionate Eye to film a documentary at the time of his arrest.Sponsors: Kilne, Douglas, SquarespaceSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Support our work at canadaland.com/joinFailure to protect hundreds of missing and murdered Indigenous women. Violent arrests at Wet'suwet'en and Fairy Creek. And now, Portapique. In recent years, controversy has hounded Canada's storied national police force. Reporter Jane Gerster has made it her mission to understand why these problems are happening, and she says that the Mounties  -  which originated as a paramilitary force to defend Canada's interests in the West -  must grapple with the nature of the institution if they can ever hope to be reformed.  Further reading:Jane Gerster's latest piece in the Walrus, “The Dark Side of the RCMP,”Jane Gerster's story in Vice about Kystle KnottCBC's Mounties on Duty: A History of the RCMPThe RCMP is Broken by Stephen MaherAdditional music by Audio NetworkSponsors: PolicyMe, DouglasSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Support our work at canadaland.com/join As British Columbia assesses the damage from the downpour, what is the media's role when disaster strikes? And Jian Ghomeshi's lawyer is back in the news over a controversy but is Jesse too close to the story to critique it? National Observer columnist Sandy Garossino co-hosts. Sponsors: Douglas, Kilne, HelloFreshSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Support Canadaland at canadaland.com/joinOn the heels of COP26, Jesse heads back to school as he and his new senior producer, Sarah Lawrynuik, duke it out over whether climate change is either a) boring or b) the most exciting story ever told. Sarah takes Jesse through the psychological factors at play, the history, the politics and the morality of the climate crisis, while making her case for the latter. Will Canadaland move forward with stories about climate change? Listen to find out.Further reading:Washington Post: At COP26, nations speed climate action but leave world still headed for dangerous warmingPer Espen Stoknes's book What We Think About When We Try Not To Think About Global WarmingKatharine Hayhoe's book Saving Us: A Climate Scientist's Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided WorldDaniel Kahneman's book Thinking Fast and SlowNaomi Oreskes' book Merchants of Doubt: How a Handful of Scientists Obscured the Truth on Issues from Tobacco Smoke to Climate ChangeKelly Levin, Benjamin Cashore et al. peer reviewed paper Overcoming the tragedy of super wicked problems: constraining our future selves to ameliorate global climate changeCarbon Brief breaks down the Nine key moments that changed China's mind about climate changeStephen Gardiner's book A Perfect Moral Storm: The Ethical Tragedy of Climate ChangeAdditional music by Audio NetworkSponsors: Douglas, Freshbooks, Article, and SquarespaceSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Support Canadaland at www.canadaland.com/joinA veteran Black columnist at The Star calls out Desmond Cole's activism out of nowhere. And CBC officially closes the comment section on Facebook. Writer Ish Aderonmu co-hosts.Links:Ish's award-winning piece in Toronto LifeThe Toronto Star column from Royson James discussed in segment 1 (paywalled) Kate Dubinski's piece on the call for more investment into legal aidDavid Pugliese's piece in The Ottawa Citizen on Canadian officials who met with neo-Nazis in UkraineCBC's announcement on closing Facebook commentsSponsors: Douglas, Kilne, PolicyMeSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Support Canadaland at canadaland.com/joinA new breed of hyper-connected, steroid-abusing, gender-bending, "entitled" thugs are changing the landscape of organized crime in Canada, according to veteran crime reporters Peter Edwards and Luis Najera. Also, the Mexican Cartels are here with them. Further Reading: The Wolfpack, by Peter Edwards and Luis NajeraAdditional music by Audio NetworkSponsors: Douglas, Kilne, SquarespaceSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Support our work at www.canadaland.com/joinThe 'saying-stuff business' gets some clarity from different courts regarding what one can and cannot express online; the results may surprise you. And former prime minister Jean Chrétien gets the media to let him off the hook for his involvement with residential schools for a brief moment. Columnist and Canadaland's French-language correspondent Emilie Nicolas co-hosts. Links:Full Tout le monde en parle Jean Chrétien segment here (14~ min mark for the discussion re: residential schools);Full Tout le monde en parle author Michel Jean segment here (where Jean challenges some of Chrétien's comments at 3:30~);Sponsors: Douglas, Kilne, FreshbooksSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Support Canadaland hereWho are the Rogers family? How did they get so powerful? Why have they turned against one another? And what does it matter? We've spent a week immersed in Rogers history to bring you this unofficial narrative of Canada's telecom overlords. Further reading:Kelly Pullen's 2014 story in Toronto Life on the "ruthless" power struggle at Rogers: https://torontolife.com/from-the-archives/edward-rogers-the-man-who-would-be-king/Ted Rogers' last interview, with Alan Gregg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9B-hlNXKYZ0Ted Rogers' Anniversary novelty song: https://vimeo.com/95189390The Globe and Mail's best (and perhaps only) headline about a significant butt-dial: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-rogers-ceo-joe-natale-learned-of-edward-rogerss-plan-to-oust-him/Ted Rogers' Autobiography, "Relentless" - https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00E7S2P9AHigh Wire Act: Ted Rogers and the Empire that Debt Built, by Caroline Van Hasselt : https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B003E8AJRESponsorsDouglas, Article, Squarespace, Dispatch Coffee Additional Music by Audio NetworkSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Support us here: https://canadaland.com/joinAnti-trans narratives found its way into three different media organizations this past week. And everybody appears to hate Rogers - even the Rogers. Staff Writer at Xtra Magazine Mel Woods co-hosts.Links:Mel's piece on concerning anti-trans narrativesTrans Journalists Association's Style GuideJezebel's piece on that groupchatThe Guardian piece on the Twitter algorithmThe Washington Post piece on Facebook's 'angry reaction'We weren't kidding about that Bloomberg headlineThis episode is brought to you by Douglas, Squarespace, and Article.Support CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Support us here: https://canadaland.com/joinRight now there are people who are choosing medically assisted death, because they don't have enough money to get the care they need to live with dignity.Changes to Canada's medical assistance in dying (MAiD), combined with lack of supports and poverty-level benefits for disabled and chronically ill people have resulted in people seeking assisted death because they can't afford to live.Madeline, a BC woman who describes herself as being on a “death clock”, is one of many Canadians facing that choice. And legislators are now pushing for a further expansion of MAiD - while disability supports remain unchanged.Further reading: Madeline's Go Fund MeThe next national apology: Future Canadians might regret expansion of medically assisted dying laws by Dr. Sonu GaindDying for the right to live by Gabrielle Petersmyelasticheart on TikTok I AM MADELINE podcast Additional music by Audio Network Sponsors: Kilne, Douglas, and  SquarespaceSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Support us here: https://canadaland.com/joinAsking how much fuel in drinking water is safe is just not the right question. And mannequins in the ICU beds of a CBC story sparks a fact check from Reuters. Ryan McMahon cohosts.Links:CBC Edmonton's mannequin storyReuters Fact Check of CBC's story and the reaction the story sparkedThis episode is supported by Douglas, Kilne and Freshboooks.Support CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Support us here: https://canadaland.com/joinRaging wildfires are now a normal part of summertime in Canada. Climate change comes at you fast, but the impact of these fires is far from equal across different regions. Those most likely to have to flee their homes are Indigenous people, and this disproportionate risk is only growing. The number of evacuees from First Nation reserves doubled over the last decade. Producer Sarah Lawrynuik travels to a remote Manitoba community to look at what fire has done to one community, and examines the implications for tens of thousands of other people in the years to come. Further Reading:Social science research on Indigenous wildfire management in the 21st century and future research needs (Amy Cardinal Christianson) - https://www.publish.csiro.au/WF/pdf/WF13048Indigenous fire teams in Sask. aim for bigger role after B.C. blazes - https://thestarphoenix.com/news/local-news/indigenous-fire-teams-in-sask-aim-for-bigger-role-after-b-c-blazesU of S prof studies impact of fire evacuations on First Nations (2015) - https://www.ckom.com/2015/07/17/u-of-s-prof-studies-impact-of-fire-evacuations-on-first-nations/From the Ashes: Reimagining Fire Safety and Emergency Management in Indigenous Communities: https://www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Committee/421/INAN/Reports/RP9990811/inanrp15/inanrp15-e.pdf The art of fire: reviving the Indigenous craft of cultural burning: https://thenarwhal.ca/indigenous-cultural-burning/ Additional music by Audio NetworkSupport CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The woes of fancy restaurants across Canada have been percolating - Who are we supposed to relate to? And the saga of the New York Times hit podcast comes to a close. Writer and restaurant-owner Jen Agg co-hosts. Links:Globe and Mail's piece on Canadian fine dining strugglingFinancial Post's piece about Mark McEwan Chris Nuttall-Smith's Toronto Life piece on the fall of the Buca EmpireNew York Times' Ian Austen on Shehroze Chaudhry's dropped chargesThis episode is brought to you by Douglas, Dispatch Coffee, and HelloFresh.Support CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.