
The Backbench
234 episodes — Page 4 of 5

Ep. 5 - A Two-Dose Election?
EThe spectre of a fall federal election looms large with a flurry of activity in the House, Trudeau calling Parliament toxic, and a high-profile Minister announcing she won’t run again. And further fallout after more unmarked graves were found at a residential school.This week's contributors: Drew Brown, Celina Caesar-Chavannes, Jason MarkusoffThis episode is supported by Freshbooks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 4 - The Politics Of Genocide: Kamloops Fallout
Federal politics scrambles to respond to the country finding more and more Indigenous children's remains near residential schools. And Prime Minister Trudeau is the "dean" of the G7 now, allegedly.This week's panelists: Leena Minifie, Jaskaran Sandhu feat. Romeo SaganashFurther reading:More on how the federal government still took Indigenous children to court on the day we recorded (Monday)The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls To Action. (CBC published on it here too)Romeo Saganash wrote more about Bill C-15 here (Follow the Bill's passage here)More on the ICC being called to investigate Kamloops hereMore on the NDP's failure to push to declare residential schools a genocide here This episode is brought to you by Dispatch CoffeeSupport the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 3 - Big Telecom, Big Quebec
EA new CRTC decision - that critics say guarantees higher wireless prices - suggests that telecom giants are in control. What does Quebec trying to change the Constitution via Bill 96 mean? And host Fatima Syed breaks protocol with her own point of order.This week's panelists: Murad Hemmadi, Emilie Nicolas, & Stuart Thomson, This episode is supported by Dispatch and Freshbooks.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 2 - Justin Trudeau Has No Friends
The conflict of interest and ethics commissioner weighs in on the meaning of friendship; is Prime Minister Trudeau home free from WE? And the government steps into a legal battle over the Line 5 pipeline.This week's panelists: Stuart Thomson, Leena Minifie, and Jaskaran SandhuFurther reading:Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner's reports on Trudeau and MorneauThe Government of Canada's amicus brief re: Line 5This episode is supported by Freshbooks and Dispatch.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 1 - Every Province For Itself
EThe third wave has shattered any remaining notion that we're all in this pandemic together. And the government commissions a new review into sexual misconduct in the military, just six years after the last one. What will it take for actual change?This week's panelists: Celina Caesar-Chavannes, Emilie Nicolas, and Drew BrownThis episode is brought to you by Freshbooks and Cullen's Foods.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing Our New Show: The Backbench
Dig into Canadian politics from the best seats in the House.Host Fatima Syed welcomes our rotating roster of panelists from across the country: Celina Caesar-Chavannes, Jason Markusoff, Drew Brown, Emilie Nicolas, Jaskaran Sandhu, Murad Hemmadi, Leena Minifie, and Stuart Thomson. Stay on top of things through sharp commentary and incisive analysis.Drops every other Tuesday, starting May 4th.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 77 - Mao's Love Poetry and Chinese QAnon
Meng Wenzhou was arrested two years ago today in Vancouver and now unlikely MPs are calling for her release. Meanwhile, anti-CCP camps are at odds with each other in Surrey. South China Morning Post's Vancouver correspondent Ian Young unpacks how international politics play out on Canadian soil.Further reading: Government petition calling for Meng Wanzhou's release, sponsored by Manitoba NDP MP Niki AshtonAshton's one public comment on the Winnipeg Free PressThis episode is brought to you by Beer Canada and Paradigm.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 76 - Biden's Clean Break
EU.S. President-elect Joe Biden's climate plan may seem at odds with Canada's energy sector — but there's more to consider than just pipeline politics. Senior Researcher at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives Hadrian Mertins-Kirkwood unpacks Biden's climate plan and what it means for Canada.This episode is brought to you by Paradigm.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 75 - What's The Point Of The NDP?
It's crowdfunding month! Support us at canadaland.com/join. It's Election Day in the U.S. As Joe Biden heads to the polls having run his presidential campaign on one of the Democratic Party's most progressive platforms yet, OPPO hosts wonder: Is having a party for “the progressive left” like the NDP the best way for such ideas to gain real traction? NDP MP for Hamilton Centre Matthew Green joins and mounts a vigorous defence of the party.More Reading: VICE: Canadian Senator Lynn Beyak Illegally Donated to Trump Reelection Using a Fake U.S. Address by Justin LingThe Ottawa Citizen: Canadian military wants to establish new organization to use propaganda, other techniques to influence Canadians by David PuglieseThis episode was brought to you by Cullen's Foods and Paradigm.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 74 - The Pre-U.S. Election Anxiety Show
EIt's crowdfunding month! Support us at canadaland.com/join.An uncertain outcome in the upcoming U.S. presidential election is a real possibility that Canadians need to navigate. Senior Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute Balkan Devlen explains why and how.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 73 - Made In Canada Without Pride
EUS President Donald Trump's rallying cry to a hate group warrants a review of where the Proud Boys are at today. Dr. Barbara Perry speaks on this Canadian export and to what extent they pose a threat to Canadian society and the upcoming US election.This episode is brought to you by CI Direct Investing.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 72 - Snap Election Clapback, CERB Forever!
EBC's new Green Party leader Sonia Furstenau weighs in on Premier John Horgan's snap election and ‘cynical' political calculation. And some Liberal MPs are so passionate about a basic income ahead of the throne speech that we had to bring on ‘CEO activist' Floyd Marinescu to offer his lobby group's cost-benefit analysis. This episode is brought to you by CI Direct Investing.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 71 - Fall Political Preview
Snap election this fall? Erin O'Who? How many jobs can Chrystia Freeland have? And will the U.S. melt down in an apocalyptic civil war that will render it all meaningless? Jen and Sandy look at the season ahead. This episode is brought to you by CI Direct Investing.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 70 - Who's Afraid Of The COVID Alert App?
Can you guess which OPPO host has downloaded the app? Citizen Lab's Christopher Parsons joins us to assuage privacy concerns and/or irrational fears about the federal government's new app to contain the coronavirus.Get in touch at [email protected] or on Twitter @OPPOcast.While OPPO is not made using supporter funds, CANADALAND's other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 69 - QAnon Comes To Canada
Cars, machinery, and now conspiracy theories. The U.S. continues its proud tradition of exports to Canada as QAnon gains traction north of the border. Marc-André Argentino joins to walk us through the origins and future of QAnon in Canada.Get in touch at [email protected] or on Twitter @OPPOcast.This episode of OPPO is brought to you by WealthBar. While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND's other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 68 - Why Working Moms Are Dreading September
The pandemic has already had a disproportionate impact on women, especially those with children. But how much worse could that be if schools don’t reopen soon? Dr. Sylvia Fuller joins to explain. Get in touch at [email protected] or on Twitter @OPPOcast. This episode of OPPO is brought to you by WealthBar and Rotman School of Management. While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 67 - Everybody Else Is Abolishing The Police, So Why Can’t We?
As calls to defund continue to grow, why not imagine what Canada would look like without police? Robyn Maynard joins us to unpack the idea. Get in touch at [email protected] or on Twitter @OPPOcast. This episode of OPPO is brought to you by WealthBar. While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 66 - Get Me Outta Scheer
Now that Jen has thrown out her sourdough starter, it’s time to start paying attention to the race to replace Andrew Scheer. James Moore joins us to run through the field of candidates and explain where the Conservatives stand on the eve of the first party debate. Get in touch at [email protected] or on Twitter @OPPOcast. This episode of OPPO is brought to you by WealthBar. While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter. CORRECTION: This episode incorrectly states that Chantel Moore was killed in an incident with the RCMP. In fact, the incident in question involved Edmunston Police. We regret the error.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 65 - Stuck In the Middle With Meng Wanzhou
EChina and the US are facing off in what’s being dubbed a new Cold War. And Canada’s stuck in a tight spot. Last week, a BC judge ruled that Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou’s charges meet the bar of “double criminality,” which means she’s one step closer to being extradited to the US. China is not happy. To dig into what’s at stake, we’re joined by Philip Calvert, a former diplomat in China and Senior Fellow with the China Institute of the University of Alberta. Get In touch at [email protected] or on Twitter @oppocast. This episode of OPPO is brought to you by WealthBar. While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND's other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter at patreon.com/canadalandSupport the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 64 - An Epidemic Of Racism
Violent attacks on racialized people are on the rise in Canada — especially against those who look East Asian. We’re joined by reporter Joanna Chiu to discuss what happens when we conflate the actions of a government with individual people. Get in touch at [email protected] or on Twitter @OPPOcast. This episode of OPPO is brought to you by WealthBar. While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 63 - Under Cover Of Covid
What does the new ban on assault-style firearms in Canada mean? And what’s going on with the dog-whistle racism in the Conservative leadership race? Zain Velji co-hosts. Get in touch at [email protected] or on Twitter @OPPOcast. This episode of OPPO is brought to you by WealthBar. While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 62 - Why This Recession Is Hitting Women Harder
Can Canada get diaper pail-ready? We’re joined by economist Dr. Lindsay Tedds to help make sense of the long-term economic impacts this recession could have on Canada. Get in touch at [email protected] or on Twitter @OPPOcast. This episode of OPPO is brought to you by WealthBar, Audible, and HelloFresh. While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 61 - White Trash Hello Kitty
EIt’s everywhere. It’s all anyone’s talking about. It’s dominating headlines and social media feeds. So of course we’re going to talk about Tiger King. There’s also been plenty of erratic behaviour created by the pandemic, from volatile markets to a volatile Albertan health minister and Jen’s emergent prepper tendencies. Get in touch at [email protected] or on Twitter @OPPOcast. This episode of OPPO is brought to you by WealthBar and Audible. While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 60 - A Virus Designed To Test Society’s Weak Points
As the realities of COVID-19 begin to take hold in Canada, the strains on our society become most visible where we're most vulnerable. A veteran SARS reporter, Ian Young of The South China Morning Post joins to help put it all in perspective. Get in touch at [email protected] or on Twitter @OPPOcast. This episode of OPPO is brought to you by WealthBar and FreshBooks. While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 59 - Double Trouble: Oil's Burst Bubble
EWhat does the largest single-day drop in the price of oil in almost two decades mean for Canada’s economy? How will it affect growing frustration in Alberta? And have you washed your hands since you started reading this? Wash your hands. Get in touch at [email protected] or on Twitter @OPPOcast. This episode of OPPO is brought to you by WealthBar and FreshBooks. While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing: Cool Mules
A new investigative series about the cocaine smuggling ring inside Vice Media. To hear episode 2 right now, subscribe to Cool Mules. Or get all six episodes ad-free for $5/month by clicking here.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 58 - A Seizure of Political Power In Wet'suwet'en Territory
EOver the course of a week, Trudeau changed his tune from promising patience and cooperation with Wet'suwet'en land defenders, to asserting the rail blockades must be removed. Why the sudden 180? Plus, Teck withdrew its application for a $20 billion mine project. And four MPs have released the Buffalo Declaration, a manifesto demanding more respect for Alberta. This episode is sponsored by WealthBar, FreshBooks and listeners like you. To support our work and get ad-free podcasts, go to Patreon.com/canadaland Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 57 - Peter MacKay's Yoga Tweet Apology Tour
The race to replace Andrew Scheer as Conservative leader is on. Who are the key players, and what issues do they face in their bid for the job? For insight, we’re joined by former Harper strategist Ken Boessenkool. Get in touch at [email protected] or on Twitter @OPPOcast. This episode of OPPO is brought to you by WealthBar and FreshBooks. While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 56 - A Huawei Executive Defends Their Record
EWhat are Huawei's plans in Canada? How can we be sure our data is safe with them? And did they pay for the protesters outside the Meng Wangzhou hearing? We’re joined by Alykhan Velshi, Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Huawei Canada, to talk all things Huawei. Get in touch at [email protected] or on Twitter @OPPOcast. This episode of OPPO is brought to you by FreshBooks, Audible, and HelloFresh. While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 55 - Canada Gets Kicked In The Teeth
Jen Gerson and Sandy Garossino break down where exactly Canada fits amid the ongoing hostilities between Iran and the U.S., and then discuss the prospect of a royal relocation. Get in touch at [email protected] or on Twitter @OPPOcast. This episode of OPPO is brought to you by WealthBar and FreshBooks. While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter. Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 54 - The Biggest Resignation Of The Year
EAndrew “Everybody’s Second Choice” Scheer is no longer the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. OPPO unpacks the latest in Western Alienation and takes a deep dive into the most significant political resignation of the year. Get in touch at [email protected] or on Twitter @OPPOcast. This episode of OPPO is brought to you by FreshBooks, Wealthbar, and Audible. While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter. Additional music: Hooky with Sloane by Bird Creek Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Music provided by FreeMusic109 https://youtube.com/FreeMusic109 ᐧSupport the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 53 - OPPO Goes Nuclear
EBy popular demand, we take a look at nuclear energy in Canada. Plus a check-in with the bubbling oil sands of resentment that is Western Alienation Corner, and OPPO’s newest segment: Andrew Scheer Leadership Deathwatch. Get in touch at [email protected] or on Twitter @OPPOcast. This episode of OPPO is brought to you by FreshBooks and Audible. While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 52 - The Guy Behind Ontario Proud
EA very special interview with the person behind your least favourite meme pages, Ontario Proud and Canada Proud. Plus, an update on Canada-China relations by way of an interview with two Hong Kong pro-democracy figures. Get in touch at [email protected] or on Twitter @OPPOcast. This episode of OPPO is brought to you by FreshBooks and Audible. While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter. ᐧSupport the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 51 - Ministry Of Pandering
EWe take a look at the Liberal government’s cabinet appointments, check in on the scandals and simmering resentment in Canada's "West," and read some highlights from the listener mailbag. This episode of OPPO is brought to you by FreshBooks and WealthBar. While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter. Get in touch at [email protected] or on Twitter @OPPOcast. Additional music: Hooky with Sloane by Bird CreekCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/…Music provided by FreeMusic109 https://youtube.com/FreeMusic109Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 50 - 50 Things We Want From The 43rd Parliament
EFor our 50th episode, we have 50 demands for the government. What's on your wish list? Email [email protected] or tweet @OPPOcast. Support Canadaland Media at patreon.com/canadaland This episode is sponsored by FreshBooks (freshbooks.com) and WealthBar (wealthbar.com/canadaland). Additional music: Hooky with Sloane by Bird Creek Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Music provided by FreeMusic109 https://youtube.com/FreeMusic109Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 49 - Lisa Raitt’s Conservative Party Autopsy
EThe former deputy leader of the Conservative Party just lost her seat. She opens up about what went wrong in the election. Support Canadaland Media at patreon.com/canadaland. This episode was sponsored by Freshbooks (freshbooks.com/oppo) and Audible (audible.ca/canada). Get in touch at [email protected] or on Twitter @OPPOcast.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 48 - Useful Losers
EA look at the smaller parties' fates, a farewell to Elizabeth May, and the cabinet prediction that's giving Justin nightmares. Get in touch at [email protected] or on Twitter/Facebook @OPPOcast. See OPPO live at the Hot Docs Podcast Festival on November 7. Buy tickets here. Support Canadaland Media at patreon.com/canadaland. This episode was sponsored by Freshbooks (freshbooks.com/oppo) and WealthBar (wealthbar.com/canadaland).Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 47 - Is Scheer Done?
EJen's back! And she's kept a list of the worst election moments. Plus, will the Conservatives kick out Andrew Scheer? And what the rest of Canada needs to know about #Wexit. Get in touch at [email protected] or on Twitter and Facebook @OPPOcast. Support Canadaland Media at patreon.com/canadaland.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 46 - About Last Night
EOPPO breaks down the election results from the midst of the Liberal victory (sort of) party. Get in touch at [email protected] or on Twitter and Facebook @OPPOcast. The episode was sponsored by the new book, Highway of Tears. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this episode said that the Liberals picked up a seat in Northern Saskatchewan. That seat ended up going to the Conservatives. That detail has been removed from the show.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 45 - We Haven't Gotten To Truth Yet
EIt's a special pre-election bonus OPPO! We talk about the party platforms and issues that actually matter to Indigenous peoples this election. Guests: Ryan McMahon, comedian and host of the Thunder Bay podcast. @RMComedy Karyn Pugliese, Nieman Journalism Fellow, former executive producer at APTN, and future journalism professor at Ryerson University. @karyn_pugliese From the show: Read Kenneth Jackson's APTN investigation into deaths in the child welfare system here. This episode is sponsored by Freshbooks: https://www.freshbooks.com/Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 44 - OPPO's Big Queer Foreign Policy Extravaganza!
EWhat do the federal parties say about LGBTQ issues? (No we're not talking about gay marriage). And uh...why is no one talking about foreign policy? Guests: Erica Lenti, senior editor at Xtra, and National Post columnist Colby Cosh. Follow Erica at @ericalenti and find Colby @colbycosh. Read Xtra's story on their LGBTQ2 candidate survey here. Read Canadaland's reporting on the unfounded Trudeau story rumours here. Tell us what you think of the show! Email [email protected] or tweet @OPPOcast. This episode was sponsored by: Audible: https://www.audible.ca/canada Freshbooks: https://www.freshbooks.com/ Highway of Tears by Jessica McDiarmid: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/548115/highway-of-tears-by-jessica-mcdiarmid/9780385687577Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 43 - The First Official Leaders' Debate
EWe survived debate night! Mostly. Plus, we break down the parties' environmental platforms with energy and environmental economist Andrew Leach. Get in touch at [email protected] or on Twitter and Facebook @OPPOcast.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 42 - Coasts With The Mosts
EWhy does Trudeau want an underwater tunnel to Newfoundland? Who has the biggest battle in British Columbia? OPPO goes east and west for an election view from Canada's edges. Guests: Drew Brown, editor of The Independent, and Melanie Green, reporter for the Vancouver Star. Contact OPPO at [email protected] and on Twitter and Facebook @OPPOCast.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 41 - Let's Talk Tech! ... And Blackface
ECould all those images of Trudeau in blackface open the door for a more meaningful campaign? And we talk Canada's growing tech scene. What's it done with federal money—and what are the parties talking about now? Murad Hemmadi, policy and tech reporter for The Logic, co-hosts. Read his piece on the parties' election promises around innovation here. Get in touch at [email protected] or find us on Twitter and Facebook @OPPOcast.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 40 - A Modest Plan To Eat The Rich
EThe campaign is on! Finally! Who won the first Trudeau-less debate? And why the other parties should actually listen to the NDP's wealth tax plan. National Post columnist Chris Selley co-hosts. Get in touch at [email protected] or find us on Twitter and Facebook @OPPOcast. Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 39 - Who Has The Whitest Candidates? (It’s Not The PPC!)
EHow representative are the federal party candidates (so far)? We crunched the numbers. And the meth crisis was a provincial election issue in Manitoba — here's why the rest of Canada should take note. Fatima Syed, investigate reporter with National Observer, guest hosts. Get in touch at [email protected] or on Twitter and Facebook @OPPOcast. We relied on Global Winnipeg’s reporting on meth use in Manitoba. Read some of that coverage here: https://globalnews.ca/news/5826445/manitoba-election-meth/Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 38 - Our House In The Middle Of An Election
EHere's everything you missed in Canadian politics this summer. Plus, we talk housing with Employment Minister Patty Hajdu. And ... what's happening with the NDP? Note: The NDP did not respond to a request for comment regarding Sid Ryan's bid for candidacy. This episode was recorded on August 29, 2019. Get in touch at [email protected] or find us on Twitter and Facebook @OPPOcast.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 37 - Is Jason Kenney Stoking Aberta Separatism?
EAlberta's premier wants a referendum on ... what exactly? And Justin Ling wants you to calm down about climate change "muzzling." Plus, meet some intriguing candidates to keep an eye on. P.S. OPPO has news! Get in touch at [email protected] or find OPPO on Twitter and Facebook @OPPOcast.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep.36 - Fake News Election Panic
EAfter the Mounties' massive manhunt for two murder suspects, Justin questions whether the RCMP's mandate is overstretched — and makes the case that their role in local policing should be an election issue. And with an election looming, there's a frenzy over fake news. But is it even a problem? And who's being served by this idea? From the show: The RCMP's thin red line: Is contract policing unsustainable? (Globe and Mail) Inside the impossible work of Canada’s biggest Indigenous police force (Maclean's) Twitter trolls stoked debates about immigrants and pipelines in Canada, data show (CBC News) Twitter bots boosted the trending #TrudeauMustGo hashtag (National Observer) Support Canadaland media at patreon.com/canadalandSupport the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EP. 35 - How Alberta Got Weed Right
EWhile some provinces are still trying to figure out booze, others have already gotten a good start on weed. Who’s doing sin best? Why do we keep hearing about the same four political operatives in Canada when none of them are good at winning? And unsolicited advice for who to blame next time you're woken up by a shrieking Amber Alert. This episode is brought to you by FreshBooks and The Big Story podcast. CORRECTION: We stated that cannabis is only available online in Manitoba. It is in fact available in retail stores. Support CANADALAND at Patreon.com/canadalandSupport the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.