The Backbench

Financial Minister Chrystia Freeland’s mini-budget is at your service to save us from inflation. Or is it Justin-flation? This week our host, Mattea Roach, is joined by Emilie Nicolas, Murad Hemmadi, and Nick Taylor-Vaisey to talk about the effectiveness of the proposed budget, the impending recession, and the “costly-coalition.” They also tackle the increasingly common use of the notwithstanding clause—what does it mean, and should we be worried?Get tickets to The Backbench live show on December 14. Support Canadaland to get your free tickets.Host: Mattea Roach (Recorded via personal microphone. Audio quality may differ.)Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator)Guests: Emilie Nicolas, Murad Hemmadi, Nick Taylor-VaiseyBackground reading:Highlights of the 2022 Fall Economic StatementFive things you need to know about the Liberals’ fall economic updateIn defence of the notwithstanding clause: Why Canada should hold onto itWhat Ottawa should say to the provinces: See your notwithstanding clause, raise you disallowanceThree cheers for the notwithstanding clauseSponsors: OxioIf you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BC NDP leadership candidate Anjali Appadurai had the rug pulled out from under her. This week Mattea Roach is joined with Stuart Thomson, Jaskaran Sandhu, and Arno Kopecky to talk about how and why the BC-NDP ended up disqualifying Appadurai, leaving David Eby to be sworn in as Premier of British Columbia. Also, this week the backbenchers talk about the Federal handgun freeze that is supposedly the strongest action in a generation. We’ll see about that…Host: Mattea RoachCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator)Guests: Stuart Thomson, Jaskaran Sandhu, Arno KopeckyBackground reading: Chronicle of a death foretold by Arno Kopecky in Canada’s National ObserverThe desperate disqualification of Anjali Appadurai by Avi Lewis in Canada’s National ObserverBC NDP Investigative Report by BC NDP Table OfficerFreeze on handgun sales takes effect as Liberals face criticism they interfered in the probe of Canada’s deadliest shooting by Stephanie Levitz in the Toronto StarIf you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet David Wallace, political fixer. After decades in the game he says he’s getting out, telling all, and dumping his files in public. The result is the viral "Klondike Papers" theory of conspiracies, conservatives, and cults. But are the allegations true? And why is he really implicating himself, and so many others? A wild, true story.Series launches October 31st.Subscribe now (link). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is going on in the Wild Rose Country? Mattea Roach is joined by experts Catherine Griwkowksy, Emilie Nicolas, and David Moscrop. Together they unpack the implications of Alberta’s new premier's calls for more sovereignty and the possible unravelling of our beloved Canadian federalism. This week we also get into Canada’s complicated diplomatic response to the Iranian protests.Host: Mattea RoachCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor & Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator), Nathan Burley (Music)Guests: Emilie Nicolas, Catherine Griwkowsky, David MoscropBackground reading:New Alberta Premier Danielle Smith dials back sovereignty pledgeIn reversal of policy, adviser says Danielle Smith's sovereignty act would respect Supreme Court decisionsOpinion: Is Canadian federalism unravelling?GOLDSTEIN: Trudeau talks out of both sides of his mouth on IranStung by criticism, Trudeau government changes course on IranOpinion: What Canadians are getting wrong about the hijab protests in IranOpinion: Trudeau government out of touch on dealing with IranSponsors: oxioIf you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our host Mattea Roach, tackles the “new” and “exciting” Federal dental plan with Riley Yesno, Stuart Thomson, and Nick Taylor-Vaisey. The NDP are patting themselves on the back for getting something done in Ottawa—but how much have they really accomplished here? Speaking of “new” and “exciting” we need to talk about the IRCC’s new proposed immigration pathways that seem to be recycled old ones.Links:Dental:Politico piece re: dentalImmigration:CTV piece: Migrant workers continue to call for change after death of Jamaican worker at Ontario farmToronto Star piece: Here’s Canada’s new plan to help foreign students and workers become permanent residents. Some say it isn’t nearly new enoughSponsors: Douglas, oxio, Toronto Star Podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our new host, Mattea Roach, ponders Poilievre’s political playbook with Riley Yesno, David Moscrop and Catherine Griwkowsky on this week’s panel episode. And you know the saying, leaders come and go. As Pierre Poilievre makes his way into the Conservative leadership, Queen Elizabeth II has left us. Is it time to crack open our constitution and jettison the monarchy once and for all? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re thrilled to announce that Mattea Roach will be hosting the brand new season of the Backbench. She’s best known for her 23-game winning streak on Jeopardy!, but Mattea also has a keen interest in politics and has a background in sexual diversity studies, political science, and women and gender studies.In this teaser episode, Mattea is joined with Backbench Producer Aviva Lessard and Associate Producer Noor Azrieh for a sneak peak at what they hope to accomplish in the new season. Support CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Where are the fresh faces in Canadian politics? Today, we dive into career politicians—the good the bad, and the ugly. Plus, why can’t our various levels of government just work together? It’s time to end the federal, provincial and municipal war. Also, guest contributors join Fatima’s last episode for her last point of order segment.Panelists: Emilie Nicolas, Murad Hemmadi, Stuart ThomsonGuest Contributors: Raisa Patel, David Moscrop, Jason Markusoff Links: https://www.keenan.ca/Sponsors: Oxio, Douglas, The PeakAdditional music by Audio Network Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, we talk about what constitutes good leadership, and why our leaders are struggling to meet the moment amid a global ripple of failed democratic leadership. Plus, is provincial immigration autonomy going to save us from the 2.7 million applicant backlog? Producers note: Due to technical difficulties, Fatima's voice may sound a little different.Panelists: Drew Brown, Riley Yesno, Jaskaran SandhuSponsors: Oxio, Douglas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Jerry DeMarco, Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, delves into the Canadian federal response to climate change, and why our response is still insufficient. DeMarco unpacks 30 years of failed climate progress and offers an analysis of our government’s actions and inactions to deal with our seemingly impending doom.Links:2022 Reports 1 to 5 of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development to the Parliament of CanadaFederal environment commissioner presents his 2022 spring reports – April 26, 2022Sponsors:Oxio, The Peak, Calm, Douglas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s 2022 and our politics remain dominated by men. We talked to three women who spent time in office to try to find out why.We’re joined by former NDP MP Peggy Nash, current NDP MP Leah Gazan, and former Vancouver city councillor Andrea Reimer. This event was organized by Between the Lines, the publisher of Peggy Nash’s book Women Winning Office: An Activist’s Guide To Getting Elected.Panelists: Peggy Nash, Leah Gazan, Andrea ReimerSponsors: Oxio, Douglas, Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are our policing systems broken? Today, we dive into reimagining public safety following an array of policing scandals across the country. Plus, what did our government achieve and fail to achieve in Parliament this past year?Sponsors: Images Festival, Calm, The Peak Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is happening to the Canadian economy? Stephen Gordon, director of the department of economics at Université Laval, helps unpack the ins and outs of the Bank of Canada, an institution we know little about. He talks to Fatima about the worries of a hyper-politicized economy and helps us understand how the next months under this economic turmoil will unfold.Sponsors: Oxio, 22 Murders Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could changing Canada’s electoral system solve the crisis of voter apathy? Today, we dive into electoral reform. Plus, a new bill that would give border guards wide discretion to search our phones and computers.UPDATE: After we recorded on Monday, senators on the national security and defence committee passed an amendment to Bill S-7 to replace the term "reasonable general concern" with "reasonable grounds to suspect." Read more here: https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/senate-amends-bill-that-would-create-controversial-new-standard-for-cellphone-searches-at-borderPanelists: Drew Brown, David Moscrop, Raisa PatelLinks: Read Senator Paula Simons’ op-ed about Bill S-7 in The Line: https://theline.substack.com/p/paula-simons-the-government-is-tryingSponsors: Douglas, 22 Murders, The Peak Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shiv Ruparell is a young, transit-loving, urban bike advocate. He’s also a conservative, born and raised in Alberta, who has been active in politics at all levels. He talks to Fatima his view of conservative politics right now and why he remains optimistic about our political future. Sponsors: Oxio, Calm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney was one of the heavyweights of Canada’s Conservative movement. We discuss his resignation and what it might tell us about conservatism today. Plus, Canada was left out of a major Indo-Pacific trade deal. Are we losing our place on the world stage?Panelists: Catherine Griwkowksy, Murad Hemmadi, Stuart Thomson, Sponsors: Oxio, Ground News, Skipper Otto Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Parliament is heading towards a vote on an NDP Private Member’s Bill that would decriminalize drug possession for personal use, among other changes to address Canada’s overdose crisis. The Liberals have also proposed a bill that would amend the Controlled Drug and Substances Act.Garth Mullins of the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users has been fighting for decriminalization for a long time as he’s watched friends die and get incarcerated. He talks about these two bills and his vision for healthy drug policy in Canada. Links:Listen to Crackdown, Garth’s podcast about the drug war: https://www.crackdownpod.com/Sponsors: Oxio, The Peak, Ground News, Skipper Otto Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The abortion debate is back in Canadian politics. Our panel discusses the state of reproductive rights in Canada and what else the Government can do. Plus, a new report suggests civil servants are afraid to speak up and offer expert advice. Panelists: Leena Minifie, Emilie Nicolas and Raisa PatelLinks: Further reading on Canada’s abortion laws: https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/how-canada-came-to-have-no-federal-law-whatsoever-on-abortionA chart showing abortion access in Canada: https://www.actioncanadashr.org/resources/factsheets-guidelines/2019-09-19-access-glance-abortion-services-canadaThe full Top Of Mind report about the civil service: https://iog.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Top-of-Mind-Summary-Report-EN.pdfRead about the pointy-headed whales: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/16/arctic-mine-expansion-rejection-narwhal-canadaSponsors: 22 Murders, Oxio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shefali Mann came to Canada as an international student in 2019. She was hoping to follow the path to permanent residency, but then the pandemic happened. She has been navigating a confusing, shifting set of programs and rules ever since, while the federal government bets on international students to help ease some of Canada's labour shortages.Links:Read more about how international students are affected by these changes in the Toronto Starhttps://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2022/04/22/canada-unveils-new-measures-to-keep-international-students-from-running-out-of-status.htmlSponsors: 22 Murders, The Peak, Oxio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Government has launched an inquiry into the use of the Emergency Act during the Freedom Convoy. And the Canadian Armed Forces released a scathing report about racism and discrimination within its ranks. Can the culture of the military be changed?Panelists: Emilie Nicolas, Stuart Thomson and Paul Wells. Links:Read the report about racism and prejudice in the Canadian Armed Forces here.Sponsors: Oxio, 22 Murders, Ground News, The Waves Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eight people are in the running for leadership of the Conservative Party, but only one will emerge victorious and get a chance to become the next Prime Minister of Canada. We're joined by Politico’s Nick Taylor-Vaisey and Backbench regular Jason Markusoff to introduce our candidates. What's their vision? What have they done? And who’s most likely to flame out publicly?Links:Subscribe to Politico’s Ottawa Playbook newsletter See the picture of teenage Patrick Brown with a Jean Charest poster on his wallAt the time of recording, Joseph Bourgault was not yet confirmed as a candidate, but he is also in the running. His website is available hereAdditional music from Audio NetworkSponsors: 22 Murders, The Peak, Ground News Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We dig into the first two chapters of the government’s new budget: housing and economic growth. This week’s contributors: Murad Hemmadi, Caroline Elliott, David Moscrop Links:Read Budget 2022Read Jen Gerson’s piece that Caroline mentions, “No One Is Going to Fix Housing”Sponsors: Oxio, 22 Murders, Skipper Otto, Ground News Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does an apology mean? And what happens next? Fatima speaks to two people who were in Rome to hear the Pope’s apology to Indigenous people over the Residential School system: Norman Yak’e ula, a survivor who has been waiting for 58 years to hear these words; and Taylor Behn-Tsakoza, co-chair of the Assembly of First Nations National Youth Council, who was part of the delegation that got an audience with the Pope. Links:Watch the Pope’s full apology here: Read the calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission: Watch the APTN video we mentioned of Taylor Behn-Tsakoza preparing to go to Rome:Sponsors: Skipper Otto, Ground News, The Peak, 22 MurdersAdditional music by Audio Network Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With deals for affordable childcare now in place across the country, we compare what each province got and discuss what this process might reveal for future programs, like pharmacare.  And we dive into the good, the bad and the ugly of the government’s Emissions Reductions Plan. This week’s contributors: Emilie Nicolas, Drew Brown, Stuart Thomson  Links:- A comparsion of childcare deals across the country.- The Emissions Reduction Plan Sponsors: Oxio, Freshbooks, The Peak Daily Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jagmeet Singh’s Chief of Staff Jennifer Howard was in the room during negotiations for the Liberal-NDP supply and confidence agreement. She breaks down how politicians can work together, even if looks like they hate each other on TV. Further Reading:“Going Inside the Room: How the Liberal-NDP Confidence Deal Happened”https://www.nationalobserver.com/2022/03/24/news/going-inside-room-how-liberal-ndp-confidence-deal-happenedSponsors: FreshBooks, The Peak Daily, Ground NewsIf you listen on Apple, subscribe to Canadaland Politics for $2.99/month for ad-free episodes of The Backbench, Wag the Doug and COMMONS:https://apple.co/3wjxaRW Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 HemmadiLinks:Shannon Proudfoot’s Maclean’s profile of Pierre Pollievre: [https://www.macleans.ca/longforms/why-is-pierre-poilievre-so-angry/]And the accompanying Q&A [https://www.macleans.ca/politics/ottawa/pierre-poilievre-on-his-combative-style-of-politics-and-his-plans-for-canada/]Sponsors: The Peak Daily, FreshBooks, Ground News, Oxio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As escalation between Russia and Ukraine continues, what is Canada’s role in this ever-changing world? And how do conversations we have on the international stage impact our decisions here at home - and vice versa? Canada's UN Ambassador Bob Rae weighs in.Sponsors: Skipper Otto, Rotman, Ground News Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the next few months, The Backbench is going to bring you weekly episodes!Expect us to chat with those who are impacted by or impacting what’s happening in Ottawa. We want to put the people back in politics so if you're either of those categories, get in touch at [email protected]'t worry - We’ll still be bringing you the panel you’ve come to know and love.Our first episode drops next Tuesday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the war in Ukraine escalates and Canadian leaders head to Europe, we assess the economic and military responses so far. And despite fully grasping the severity of Russian aggression, we want to know: Why does Canada's response to conflict vary so much depending on the country?This week's contributors: Drew Brown, Caroline Elliott, Jaskaran SandhuLinks:The Narwhal's piece about Canadian players still dealing in Russian resourcesMore context on the Canadian discourse re: Sikhs written by JaskaranMore on Ottawa's decision to delay the decision on Newfoundland's Bay du Nord oil projectSponsors: Oxio, Freshbooks Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Emergencies Act passes and border blockades come down, we examine what impacts the Act and the satellite protests had domestically and internationally. And Canada decides to step up in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia - and it's unclear exactly why.This week's contributors: Murad Hemmadi, Jason Markusoff, Emilie NicolasSponsors: Rotman, The Big Story Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2022 Freedom Convoy has taken over Ottawa, both the city and the political discourse. Why is the federal government so paralyzed by it and will it have a long-term impact on Canadian politics? And as the Conservative Party steps into the post-Erin O'Toole era, we try to figure out what "true blue" means now and whether it has Trumpian characteristics.Sponsors: Rotman & The Big Story Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People have been declaring that they have stopped donating their money and/or time to the NDP recently. Why is the NDP struggling to retain self-described progressives? What is the party's role in federal politics today?This week's contributors:Lori Idlout, NDP MP (Nunavut) Peggy Nash, Former NDP MP & Finance Critic (Parkdale-High Park, Ontario)Des Bisonnette, President of NDP EDA (Lakeland, Alberta) & Member of the Democratic Socialists of Canada Sponsors: Hot Docs Podcast Festival, Island Crime Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three generations of Indigenous panelists join us this week on what The Backbench thought was the biggest story of 2021: the unmarked graves on former residential school grounds. We break format to take stock of what has been promised and repromised, the diversity of demands from Indigenous communities, and what a new "interlocutor" position can do to help with healing.Guests: Leena Minifie, Riley Yesno feat. Romeo SaganashLinks:Trudeau’s promises to Assembly of First Nations in 2015Globe and Mail piece re: interlocutorCBC's piece re: pending $40-billion settlement Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Political showmanship about #Justinflation abound, just as the Liberal government is set to release their Fall Economic Statement this week. And it's our last episode of 2021! We offer some highlights and lowlights of the year.This week's contributors: Murad Hemmadi, Jason Markusoff, Jaskaran SandhuLinks:Since recording, Justin Trudeau has said he will not yet intervene in Quebec's Bill 21Sponsors: Rotman Negotiations Program Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BC's emergency on top of emergency has us wondering where the federal government needs to step in. And the latest "lockdown bill" and Throne Speech reveals where our federal government is at.This week's contributors: Caroline Elliott, Leena Minifie, Stuart Thomson ft. MP Dan AlbasLinks: Did you miss the Throne Speech? Read it here.Sponsors: Rotman, Amnesty International Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Support The Backbench at canadaland.com/joinPrime Minister Trudeau celebrated Canada's role at COP26 - but what is there to celebrate really? And Conservatives MPs try to start a 'civil liberties caucus' while the Liberal caucus vote not to empower themselves. This week's contributors: Caroline Elliott, Emilie Nicolas, Riley YesnoSponsors: Rotman, Amnesty International Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s crowdfunding season at Canadaland! Please consider supporting us at canadaland.com/joinAlberta thinks it made a "powerful" statement to Ottawa this week. And the Bank of Canada says inflation is persistent, which can also be perceived as good news if you look really hard.This week's contributors: Drew Brown, Murad Hemmadi, Jason MarkusoffLinks: Trevor Tombe's tool that helped us understand equalization payments a bit betterThe Conversation's piece on equalization overhaulThe TikTok on inflation from KyneChrystia Freeland's statement about reining in COVID-19 measuresThis episode is supported by Amnesty International. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s crowdfunding season at Canadaland! Please consider supporting us at canadaland.com/joinWe invited former MPs on because it was supposed to be the first week of Parliament. It got pushed back, but we get into what the first days of Parliament are like and what issues this government will be inheriting anyway. This week's contributors: Former MP Kenny Chiu & Former MP Catherine McKennaLinks:Kenny Chiu references this page on the BC government website on how emissions have increased in the provinceCatherine McKenna references economists Andrew Leach and Trevor Tombe who have both argued carbon pricing does reduce emissions. Follow their work here and here respectively.When we followed up with Catherine McKenna for links, she pointed us to this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trudeau drops the first apology of his third term and has us wondering how reconciliation can go beyond symbolic actions. And as the Two Michaels make it home, what have we learned from this whole saga?This week's contributors: Joanna Chiu, Stuart Thomson, Riley YesnoLinks:Riley's piece on the spring federal budgetMore on what Land Back & Cash Back are aboutHow to order Joanna's book, "China Unbound"This episode is supported by Dispatch Coffee. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we bring you something different: an in-depth chat with a People’s Party of Canada supporter. Derek Taylor emailed Fatima after she called the party racist. He agreed to an interview. Derek gets into how he heard about the party, why he supports them, and the direction the party has taken since its creation in 2018. This is the extended version of an interview featured on Canadaland.This episode is supported by Dispatch Coffee and Rotman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the time of recording this episode, #elxn44 literally has yielded the same number of seats (give or take several seats) for all of our federal parties. Here's a coast-to-coast-to-coast chat on what this outcome suggests and where Canadian politics goes from here.  This week's contributors: Drew Brown, Jason Markusoff, Leena Minifie, Jaskaran Sandhu, Stuart Thomson.This episode is supported by Dispatch Coffee, The Peak Daily and Rotman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What issues did the federal leaders not speak on throughout the campaign? We get into some of them. And a look into what pandemic debts and costed platforms tell us.This week’s contributors: Celina Caesar-Chavannes, Murad Hemmadi feat. Pam PalmaterLinks:Murad’s past Maclean’s piece on why the ethnic vote isn't real;The Institute of Fiscal Studies’ assessments of NDP, Liberals, and Conservatives’ costed platforms.This episode is supported by The Peak, Aussie Hair, Rotman, and Canadian Politics Is Boring.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The show after Labour Day warrants a look at federal parties' commitments to workers and how they say they will grow our economy. And when it comes to climate change proposals, will voters respond to ambition or reality? This week's contributors: Caroline Elliott (Welcome!), Murad Hemmadi, and Jaskaran SandhuUPDATE: The Green Party released their platform after we recorded the episode, which includes a section on a just transition for workers via introducing a Just Transition Act before the end of 2021 that would take care of workers during the climate transition.Links:To honour Murad's point of order, here are parties' platforms:Liberal PartyConservative PartyNew Democratic PartyBloc Quebecois (en français)Green PartyMaverick PartyPeople's Party of CanadaMore on platforms' "climate sincerity" this federal electionThis episode is supported by The Peak, Aussie Hair and Dispatch Coffee. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Liberals promised to inject 6-billion more dollars into our healthcare system last week, but will more money mean more healthcare? Meanwhile, regional federal parties have dropped their platforms with distinct climate plans, posing a possible threat to major parties.This week's contributors: Leena Minifie, Emilie Nicolas, Stuart ThomsonLinks:Jen Gerson's Maclean's piece on the Maverick PartyFatima & Emma MacIntosh's National Observer 2019 piece on whether politicians should be blocking votersMark McKinnon's Globe and Mail piece on Ukraine rescuing Canada-bound AfghansThis episode is supported by CIBC Aventura, Aussie Hair and The Peak. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liberals scramble to respond to the crisis in Afghanistan amid the first week of campaigning. And Trudeau says he wants life to be more affordable while also suggesting it's not his job.This week's contributors: Drew Brown, Jason Markusoff, and Jaskaran SandhuLinks:Kevin Newman's piece for The LineNoah Richler's piece for The Globe and MailShout out to Srushti Gangdev for catching the graph with no axis labelsThe PPC candidate who photoshopped his head on Prince WilliamThis episode is supported by Aussie Hair, CIBC Aventura, and The Peak Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re now a weekly #elxn44 podcast! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Subscribe to The White Saviors now! Series launch: August 23Over 25 years, WE built a golden brand by inspiring children to rally around their charismatic leader. But behind the scenes, employees experienced a cult-like culture and a troubling blur of charitable and commercial activities. In the aftermath of a national scandal, thousands of donors and volunteers (and dozens of ‘celebrity ambassadors’) are left wondering where the money went, and whether the savior industry creates a constant need for victims.From CANADALAND, the news company that exposed it all, this is the exclusive story of a charity that did well when it was supposed to be doing good.Subscribe to The White Saviors. Episode one drops on August 20thThis trailer contains source materials used under the Fair Dealing provisions of the Copyright Act. Sources: It Takes a ChildCraig Kielburger's Story - A Journey into Child LabourDirected by Judy JacksonProduced by Judy FilmsYoutubeThe Story of Craig Kielburgerproduced, and narrated by Sherine MansourCPACYoutubeIn Search Of CharacterLiveWire MediaElkind+Sweet Communications, Inchttps://www.livewiremedia.com/product/in-search-of-character/The Price WE PaidThe Fifth Estate/CBCInterview with Craig KielburgerCSPANCraig Kielburger NSB Speakers promotional videoYoutubeMarc Kielburger NSB Speakers promotional videoYoutubeWE Movement Youtube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6agaIkn5aBJlLLds7P1HQMeToWe Youtube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6agaIkn5aBJlLLds7P1HQCTV News - Kielburger brothers interview with Lisa Laflammehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_p5PRLy2osMTV Cribs: Craig Kielburger EpisodeHaddon Strategyhttps://vimeo.com/49975157 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With massive childcare announcements and talk of abortion access, the Liberal government seems to be focusing on women lately. Is it pre-election pandering or just good governance? And we look at the state of the Conservative Party, whose leader says he does not want an election.This week's contributors: Celina Caesar-Chavannes, Leena Minifie, Stuart ThomsonLinks:Globe and Mail piece on Jody Wilson-RaybouldMaclean's 2021 federal election guideStuart's piece about Justin Trudeau running against Jason KenneyUPDATE: Since recording the episode, the federal government has announced its commitment to support Manitoba's childcare program with $1.2-billion over the next 5 years to achieve $10-a-day childcare for kids under the age of six by 2025-26.This episode is supported by Aussie Hair, CIBC Aventura, and The Peak Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Canada looks to welcome travellers again while the future of vaccine passports remains uncertain. And two national anti-hate summits last week had us wondering what policies would actually help. This week's contributors: Emilie Nicolas, Jaskaran Sandhu, Stuart ThomsonThis episode is supported by Aussie Hair. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More and more election season tropes have revealed themselves recently, particularly in Quebec, Alberta and Tiktok. And the mutiny against the Green Party leader Annamie Paul reaches its final stage next week - How did we get here?This week's contributors: Murad Hemmadi, Jason Markusoff, Emilie NicolasA special thank you to the Toronto Star's Alex Ballingall, whose reporting on the Green Party informed this episode.You can also listen to The Sprawl's conversation with Prime Minister Trudeau here.This episode is supported by Simplii Financial and Aussie Hair.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.