The Daily Brief

United Conservative Party leader Danielle Smith has been absolved by the Ethics commissioner following an investigation into allegations that she and her office contacted Crown prosecutors regarding Covid-19 prosecutions. Plus, Alberta NDP leader Rachel Notley’s proposal to hike corporate taxes would result in Alberta shedding 33,700 jobs, according to economist Jack Mintz with the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy. And a former CBC journalist claims the state broadcaster shut down stories critical of lockdowns and instead opted for “pushing propaganda.” Tune into The Daily Brief with Rachel Emmanuel and Andrew Lawton! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

UCP leader Danielle Smith and NDP leader Rachel Notley will face off tonight at the first and only Alberta Leaders’ Debate. Plus, a video circulating on social media shows Calgary Police Services leading teenage activist Josh Alexander away in handcuffs after he was surrounded by a mob of LGBTQ activists. And the Governor General of Canada’s office racked up over $88,000 in expenses on designer fashion at the expense of taxpayers since 2017. Tune into The Daily Brief with Rachel Emmanuel and Cosmin Dzsurdzsa! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trudeau government unveils new bail reform legislation as violent crimes spike in major cities across the country. Meanwhile, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has a bizarre exchange with a legacy media journalist over why bail reform is needed. Plus, some cancer patients in British Columbia will soon have the option to receive radiation therapy in the US. And the Canadian Taxpayers Federation is giving the Alberta NDP’s plan to hike taxes a “failing grade.” Tune into The Daily Brief with Rachel Emmanuel and Cosmin Dzsurdzsa! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

UCP leader Danielle Smith announced on Monday that a re-elected United Conservative Party government would pass legislation to force addicts who are a danger to themselves or others into treatment. Plus, the London Public Library is refusing to rent theatre space to an academic freedom group, claiming a planned lecture on free speech goes against the library’s policy on workplace harassment. And the Trudeau government has conceded that there could be more Chinese police stations operating in Canada. Tune into the latest episode of The Daily Brief with Rachel Emmanuel and Lindsay Shepherd! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People’s Party of Canada leader Maxime Bernier is running for a seat in the House of Commons in Manitoba’s Portage–Lisgar byelection. Next, Conservative and Liberal MPs are supporting Taiwan’s efforts to be given observer status at the upcoming World Health Assembly in Geneva. Also, A former senior official at CSIS has called for jail time for those involved in Chinese interference in Canadian elections for charges of treason. Tune into The Daily Brief with Rachel Emmanuel and Andrew Lawton! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Questions about the NDP’s involvement arise after protesters stormed UCP leader Danielle Smith’s campaign event, forcing the premier’s security detail to remove Smith from the room until the matter was resolved. Plus, the CRTC is being accused of using Liberal government talking points to defend the government’s controversial online censorship law, Bill C-11. And a new study reveals Canada’s historic pandemic spending resulted in some of the worst results among advanced countries. Tune into The Daily Brief with Rachel Emmanuel and Andrew Lawton! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trudeau government’s redesigned Canadian passport is under fire, as the government decided to eliminate several historical events and figures, including the Battle of Vimy Ridge and Terry Fox. Plus, the Bank of Canada has announced that they are officially considering the introduction of a central bank digital currency. And Freedom Convoy trucker Harold Jonker has been released on bail without conditions and will return to court in Ottawa on June 7. Tune into The Daily Brief with Rachel Emmanuel and Lindsay Shepherd! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

UCP leader Danielle Smith returns to the campaign trail after pausing campaign activities due to the wildfires – and announces a comprehensive public safety plan to tackle rising criminal activity. A Conservative MP roasts Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a speech in the House of Commons and blames the Liberal government for underfunding the country’s military. And a Toronto-area school has decided to take down a sign featuring an appreciative message for moms ahead of Mother’s Day after a woke parent took issue with the sign. These stories and more on The Daily Brief with Rachel Emmanuel and Cosmin Dzsurdzsa! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alberta NDP leader Rachel Notley says it’s appropriate for her to continue campaigning as wildfires rage on in the province’s north because Alberta is in an election period. Meanwhile, United Conservative Party leader Danielle Smith has not made any campaign announcements for the past three days. Plus, a Winnipeg high school is ending observation of Mother’s Day and Father’s Day to “transition to a more inclusive practice.” And Canada expels a Chinese diplomat implicated in a scheme to intimidate a Conservative MP and his family – and hours later, China responds in kind. Tune into The Daily Brief with Rachel Emmanuel and Lindsay Shepherd! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alberta has declared a state of emergency to marshal additional resources to deal with raging wildfires across the province. Plus, as King Charles III and Queen Camila were crowned over the weekend, Canada unveiled a new design for the Canadian Royal Crown that sits atop the Canada Coat of Arms, replacing religious symbols with snowflakes and maple leaves. And Liberal Party members pass a number of resolutions at their national convention over the weekend, including calling on the government to commit to a universal basic income and requesting the government limit material published online. Tune into The Daily Brief with Rachel Emmanuel and Andrew Lawton! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The CRTC is considering banning American conservative television channel Fox News from Canadian cable packages. Plus, Alberta NDP leader Rachel Notley says she’s seeking to attract “conservative” voters who aren’t sold on Danielle Smith. And despite Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s assertion that he didn’t know China was targeting a Conservative MP and his family, it’s been revealed that a 2021 intelligence report on the matter was sent to the prime minister’s national security adviser. These stories and more on The Daily Brief with Rachel Emmanuel and Andrew Lawton! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trudeau government is set to replace Christian and religious symbols on the crown adorning Canada’s Royal Coat of Arms with snowflakes, stars and maple leaves, on the eve of Charles III’s coronation. Plus, A Dynalife employee is accusing the Health Sciences Association of Alberta of misrepresenting United Conservative Party leader Danielle Smith to push Alberta NDP talking points and a “self-serving agenda.” And the Alberta UCP unveiled two independent reports revealing that Alberta NDP leader Rachel Notley’s plan to mandate a net-zero electricity grid by 2035 is the most expensive promise in Alberta political history – but the reports are being highly contested. Tune into The Daily Brief with Rachel Emmanuel and Lindsay Shepherd! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Freedom Convoy trucker has been told to turn himself in to the Ottawa Police Service as he awaits four criminal charges. Plus, as​​ Toronto’s candidates for mayor cris-cross the city announcing their plans to combat surging crime and make Toronto safer Olivia Chow has yet to announce an anti-crime platform. And CSIS has confirmed that Conservative MP Michael Chong and his family were targeted by the Communist Chinese regime. Tune into The Daily Brief with Rachel Emmanuel and Noah Jarvis! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alberta’s 31st election campaign officially kicked off with UCP leader Danielle Smith promising a flood of tax relief measures if she is reelected while NDP leader Rachel Notley says she’ll protect Albertans’ pensions and fix the healthcare crisis. Also, a Federal NDP MP tries to cancel a French-British Columbian historical figure Father Edmond Maillard saying that using his name in the title of a new electoral riding is “unconscionable.” Next, Danielle Smith is declining to say whether she’ll continue to pursue legal action against CBC News after she demanded the state broadcaster retract a story about her office having contact with Justice officials over charges related to the Coutts border blockade. Lastly, a new report by the Globe and Mail reignites the story on foreign election interference after revelations show that China’s intelligence targeted Conservative MP Michael Chong for condemning the oppression of Uyghur Muslims. Tune into The Daily Brief with Rachel Emmanuel and Lindsay Shepherd! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Public Service Alliance of Canada has reached an agreement with the federal government, ending the national strike that disrupted services for Canadians for nearly two weeks. Plus, former Ontario PC MPP and federal Conservative leadership candidate Roman Baber announced that he will seek the Conservative nomination in the riding of York Centre. And Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is chastising the Alberta NDP leader over Rachel Notley’s attempts to criticize the government for its new Calgary arena. Tune into The Daily Brief with Rachel Emmanuel and Andrew Lawton! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trudeau government’s online censorship bill passed the final stage of voting in the Senate and received royal assent and became law. Also, CBC President Catherine Tait requested to meet with Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre to discuss his campaign promise to defund the public broadcaster. Next, as public servants continue to strike leaving serious disruptions to the Canadian economy, there is no word from the government about using the Emergencies Act or back-to-work legislation to end the protests. Tune into The Daily Brief with Rachel Emmanuel and Andrew Lawton! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As federal workers continue to demand more money, government records obtained by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation reveal that the federal government gave 802,043 raises to workers between 2020 and 2022. Plus, retired Conservative MP Dave MacKenzie said he’s supporting a Liberal vying to replace him, following a controversial Conservative nomination process in which his daughter lost, one candidate was disqualified, and two Electoral District Association executive members resigned. And the Alberta government is continuing its push against the Trudeau government’s assault on law-abiding gun owners. Tune into The Daily Brief with Rachel Emmanuel and Andrew Lawton! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During a speech at the University of Ottawa on Monday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed that his government never forced anybody to get vaccinated despite legislating some of the strictest vaccine mandates in the world throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. And Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling and other prominent women are calling out Canadian male politicians for prancing around in high heels in an effort to raise awareness about domestic violence. Plus, it’s only a matter of time before the Trudeau government’s online censorship law becomes law. Tune into The Daily Brief with Rachel Emmanuel and Lindsay Shepherd! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Public Service Alliance of Canada plans to ramp up its ongoing strike today as negotiations with the federal government continue to break down. Plus, many Canadians are questioning the government’s agreement with Volkswagen, which sees the car maker receiving up to $13 billion in grants and subsidies courtesy of taxpayers. And at a time when countries are looking to lessen their dependence on Russian and Chinese oil, the majority of Canadians support growing our oil and gas sector. Tune into The Daily Brief with Rachel Emmanuel and Andrew Lawton! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A senior executive at Google appeared before a parliamentary committee on Thursday and indicated that the tech giant has not decided how it will respond if the government’s controversial online news act becomes law. Plus, Former Liberal MP Han Dong is seeking $15 million in damages from Global News over its reporting alleging Dong was part of China’s interference network. And a major heist at Pearson Airport in Toronto has left a major bank out $22 million. These stories and more on The Daily Brief with Rachel Emmanuel and Andrew Lawton! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation heavily criticized the demands made by The Public Service Alliance of Canada, saying federal employees are “out of touch” and are asking for too much while Canadians are struggling to make ends meet. Plus, the CBC wants 12-year-olds to read a book about a transgender teen who takes a job moonlighting as a drag queen at a “local club.” And the Independent Press Gallery is calling on Alberta NDP leader Rachel Notley to commit to allowing independent journalists to cover her campaign events after security removed two journalists from a recent press conference. These stories and more on The Daily Brief with Rachel Emmanuel and Lindsay Shepherd! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The federal government has not been able to reach a deal with the Public Service Alliance of Canada and as a result, a strike began at midnight today. Plus, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau takes aim at “American billionaire” Elon Musk for labelling the CBC as a “Government-funded media” on Twitter, filings with the United States’ Federal Election Commission show that CBC CEO Catherine Tait donated to the presidential campaign of Democratic Party candidate Hillary Clinton in 2016. And Alberta’s United Conservative Party government could introduce a law to force drug addicts into treatment, if reelected in May’s provincial election. Tune into The Daily Brief with Rachel Emmanuel and Cosmin Dzsurdzsa! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The official Twitter account of the CBC said it will be “pausing” its activity on Twitter after the platform labeled it a “government-funded media” outlet – and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has come to the defence of the state broadcaster, accusing Pierre Poilievre of attacking “independent media organizations.” Plus, days after criticizing Alberta Premier Danielle Smith for limiting reporters to one question per media availability, Alberta NDP leader Rachel Notley had security kick out at least two reporters from her Monday afternoon press conference. And over 150,000 federal workers will call a strike on Wednesday morning if no deal is reached with the federal government by 9 pm today. Tune into The Daily Brief with Rachel Emmanuel and Lindsay Shepherd! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After weeks of users asking, Twitter finally adds a “government-funded media” label to CBC’s main account. Katie Telford, the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff, testified before a parliamentary committee on foreign interference in Canada’s elections for over two hours and we don’t know any more about what really happened. A raid in Richmond, B.C. on Friday resulted in three men being arrested with 22 kilos of the deadly drug fentanyl before they were released onto the streets again. And lastly, after a local business put up a sign joking about Bud Light’s controversial partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney, some local residents are outraged. Tune into The Daily Brief with Rachel Emmanuel and Andrew Lawton! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The prime minister’s chief of staff Katie Telford will finally testify at a parliamentary committee today on foreign election interference. Plus, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre took aim at the Canadian Press and the recent wave of violent crime during a stop in Edmonton on Thursday. And a former mayor of Vancouver is fighting back against cancel culture’s latest attempt to change history. Tune into The Daily Brief with Rachel Emmanuel and Andrew Lawton! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada voted in favour of a strike for employees in administrative, technical, educational and operational services, which may affect a number of services utilized by Canadians. Plus, following York Mills Collegiate Institute’s decision to host a drag queen event in front of a select number of students, a group of students organized a protest against the event on Wednesday afternoon. And famed psychologist Dr. Jordan Peterson says Alberta should separate from Canada if the federal government tries to take control over its provincial resources. Tune into The Daily Brief with Rachel Emmanuel and Lindsay Shepherd! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is calling on Twitter to list all accounts owned by the CBC as government-funded media. Plus, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gave Canadians some questionable financial advice after he suggested Canadians use their credit cards to pay for large purchases such as tuition and home renovations. And Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is confident a new investigation launched by Alberta’s ethics commissioner into whether the premier interfered in the judicial system will uncover no wrongdoing. Tune into The Daily Brief with Rachel Emmanuel and Cosmin Dzsurdzsa. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Katie Telford will finally appear before the procedure and House affairs committee on the issue of foreign interference in Canada’s elections on Friday. The prime minister's chief of staff's appearance comes as the president and the board of the Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation resigned, blaming the fallout from donations the organization received which had ties to the Chinese government. Plus, a shortage of Canadian farm operators is looming as more than 40% of farm operators will retire over the next decade, according to a new report. And the Edmonton Public School Board plans to spend $1 million to fund a virtual school which it claims will address “systemic racism.” Tune into The Daily Brief with Rachel Emmanuel and Lindsay Shepherd! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The trial of the alleged murderer of a 13-year-old Burnaby teen began on Wednesday, six years after the accused was arrested. Ibrahim Ali, who is a refugee from Syria, was charged with first-degree murder. Plus, will Canada ban Fox News? That’s what the government-funded trans rights organization Egale Canada is hoping for. And most Albertans don’t want a provincial police force, according to a new poll – even while one Alberta city just voted to take advantage of a new government program to replace the RCMP with a local service. These stories and more on The Daily Brief with Rachel Emmanuel and Lindsay Shepherd! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Canadian cities deal with an unprecedented wave of violent crimes, Statistics Canada data shows that every province except Manitoba and Quebec saw a decline in the number of police officers. Plus, citing a rise of hate and violence against “2SLGBTQI-plus communities,” the Ontario NDP introduced a bill on Tuesday to designate safety zones of 100 meters around venues where drag queens read to kids. And the federal government is defending its use of the Emergencies Act in Federal Court this week, facing a challenge by the Canadian Constitution Foundation and Canadian Civil Liberties Association. Tune into The Daily Brief with Rachel Emmanuel and Noah Jarvis! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s legal team is telling CBC News to retract a recent news story about contact her office has had with Justice officials over Coutts border blockade charges, saying the outlet is seeking to revive a “manufactured controversy.” Plus, a violent attack on a transit bus in Surrey over the weekend is deemed a terrorist attack by the RCMP. And the prime minister’s official residence at 24 Sussex was closed following the discovery of walls filled with dead rodents. These stories and more on The Daily Brief with Rachel Emmanuel and Lindsay Shepherd! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault is defending the controversial carbon tax – while admitting that households are paying more even with the rebate payments. Plus, following the violent assault of Chris Elston, also known as Billboard Chris, at a trans rights rally in Vancouver, Vancouver Police are seeking witnesses and investigating the incident. And amid allegations of “racism” by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, suspected public office holders, and the People’s Republic of China, a new poll reveals that Chinese Canadians are more likely to believe that the Communist Chinese regime actively interfered in Canada’s elections. Tune into The Daily Brief with Rachel Emmanuel and Andrew Lawton! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Liberal government struck down debate in the House of Commons on the internet censorship law, Bill C-11, to ram the legislation through parliament. The bill was passed in the House of Commons on Thursday evening and will now head back to the Senate for debate. Plus, the Carousel Theatre for Young People in Vancouver is advertising a “Junior Drag Camp” for kids aged 7-11 and a “Teen Drag Camp” for ages 12-17 this summer. And former Conservative leader Erin O’Toole has announced he will not seek re-election in the next federal election. These stories and more on The Daily Brief with Rachel Emmanuel and Andrew Lawton! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Alberta NDP says Danielle Smith is “unfit” to remain premier after a phone call between her and Artur Pawlowski was released in which she offers to help the controversial street preacher with his criminal charges. Plus, the Conservatives are criticizing the Trudeau government’s bail reforms after several recent attacks in Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver – and propose a new bill to reform the Criminal Code. And five people have been arrested at two camps in the area where the disputed Coastal GasLink pipeline is under construction in British Columbia. Tune into The Daily Brief with Rachel Emmanuel and Cosmin Dzsurdzsa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trudeau government unveiled its latest budget on Tuesday and revealed that it plans to push back plans to balance the budget, and is projecting deficits until the year 2028. Plus, a Bloc Quebecois MP said in the House of Commons that it was worth violating the free speech rights of Canadians with Bill C-11 if it means that content made in Quebec gets promoted online. And Albertans concerned with Elections Alberta’s use of electronic voting machines in the upcoming provincial election have retained legal counsel. Tune into The Daily Brief with Rachel Emmanuel and Lindsay Shepherd! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Liberal MP Han Dong said he plans to take legal action against Global News following a report that alleges he advised the Chinese regime to keep Canadians Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig in custody. Plus, with a looming recession on the minds of Canadians and as families struggle to make ends meet, the Trudeau government is expected to table its latest budget today. And Ontario reported the largest share of residents ditching their home province for Alberta in 2022. Tune into The Daily Brief with Rachel Emmanuel and Lindsay Shepherd! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This isn’t a terrible April Fool’s Joke – Canadians can expect things to get even more expensive as two major federal tax hikes will go into effect on April 1. Plus, following a hotly contested nomination race, Arpan Khanna will represent the Conservatives as the candidate for the Conservative stronghold of Oxford in a by-election later this year. And Trustees on the Waterloo Region District School Board were left virtually speechless last week by a series of parents concerned with the board’s policies on gender ideology and the age-inappropriate books contained in school libraries. Tune into The Daily Brief with Rachel Emmanuel and Andrew Lawton! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special edition of The Daily Brief, the True North team covers the Canada Strong and Free Network Conference in Ottawa where appearances have been made by former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. Plus, the House of Commons votes in favour of calling a public inquiry into foreign election interference as allegations against the Liberal Party continue to pile up. Next, as US President Joe Biden arrives in Ottawa to meet with the prime minister, sources revealed that the Trudeau government has finally reached a deal with the United States that will allow Canada to close the illegal border crossing at Roxham Road. Tune into this special edition of The Daily Brief with Anthony Furey and Andrew Lawton! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new report based on national security sources alleges that Liberal Han Dong MP advised a Chinese diplomat to prevent the freeing of the two Michaels – and he’s now resigned from the Liberal caucus. Plus, the Alberta NDP is promising to create a Somali curriculum if elected in the province’s spring general election. And US President Joe Biden will arrive in Ottawa on Thursday, and in addition to meeting with the Prime Minister, Biden will meet with Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre and other party leaders as well. Tune into The Daily Brief with Anthony Furey and Rachel Emmanuel! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a surprise move, the Prime Minister’s Office announced that chief of staff Katie Telford will appear in front of parliamentary committee to testify on allegations of foreign interference mere hours before the Conservative motion to summon her. Also, former Governor General David Johnston’s decision to launch a public inquiry into Beijing’s interference in Canadian elections will be published in May. Are they stalling? Next, the Alberta government begins their fight in Canada’s top court on the federal government’s ‘No More Pipelines’ bill. And lastly, a new study finds that St. John’s, Newfoundland is the most affordable place for first-time homebuyers. Tune into The Daily Brief with Anthony Furey and Rachel Emmanuel! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a last-minute switch, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has backed down from turning a Conservative motion demanding his chief staff Katie Telford appear at a committee on China’s election interference into a confidence motion. Plus, China’s interference in Canada’s past elections to get a Liberal government re-elected is receiving widespread international attention. And a Newfoundland university official tweeted ‘f— the police’ in response to a social media post that mourned the death of two Edmonton officers. Tune into The Daily Brief with Anthony Furey and Lindsay Shepherd! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Friday, the Globe and Mail published an op-ed from the whistleblower at CSIS who leaked documents to the media which alleged Chinese interference in Canada’s elections. Plus, amid allegations of Chinese interference in Vancouver’s municipal election, British Columbia Premier David Eby says he wants a full briefing from CSIS. A food supply expert tells True North that milk farmers have long been dumping milk that exceeded their quotas, but the supply management fix is no longer appropriate while Canadians grapple with economic pressure. These stories and more on The Daily Brief with Anthony Furey and Andrew Lawton! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CSIS believes China interfered in Vancouver’s 2022 municipal election, but Vancouver Mayor Ken Sims rejects “insinuations” made by the Globe and Mail. However, as new allegations of election interference come out, Canada’s former ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, David Mulroney, said that there was “abundant evidence” to support the existence of Beijing’s long-term plan to influence Canadian politicians at all levels of government. Plus, former prime minister Stephen Harper will be a keynote speaker at the Canada Strong and Free Networking conference next week and will offer his thoughts on the challenges faced by the middle-class. And China’s ambassador to Canada Cong Peiwu alleged in an op-ed on Wednesday that the actions of Chinese consulates involved in election interference claims were business as usual. Tune into The Daily Brief with Anthony Furey and Andrew Lawton! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed former Governor-General David Johnston as the ‘special rapporteur’ to oversee Canada’s investigation into Chinese election interference. Johnston, who Trudeau describes as a “family friend” and just so happens to also be a member of the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation, is tasked to look into allegations of foreign interference in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections and to provide recommendations on how the government should respond. Plus, the Conservatives have rejected a pro-life candidate seeking the party’s nomination in the Ontario Conservative stronghold of Oxford. According to a statement from pro-life political action group RightNow, Gerrit Van Dorland was targeted for his beliefs. And a new survey reveals that four-in-five Canadians feel sustainable living is much easier for wealthy people. Tune into The Daily Brief with Anthony Furey and Rachel Emmanuel! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre will tackle the opioid crisis head-on if he becomes prime minister by taking aim at big pharma. Plus, a True North exclusive reveals that a large volume of Twitter accounts tweeting about Beijing’s interference in Canada’s elections appear to exhibit bot-like behaviour. And Calgary city council has approved two administrative recommendations to limit drag queen story hours protests, citing an increase in “transphobia and homophobia.” Tune into The Daily Brief with Anthony Furey and Rachel Emmanuel! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Alberta government is launching a second Alberta is Calling campaign to attract more skilled workers from Ontario and Atlantic Canada even after Ontario Premier Doug Ford told Alberta Premier Danielle Smith he’s not a fan of the advertisements. Plus, a powerlifter with Team Canada is voicing her concerns with the Canadian Powerlifting Union as they are allowing male-to-female transgender individuals to compete in women’s powerlifting competitions. And the majority of Canadians plan to ignore the government’s update to alcohol consumption guidelines, according to a new report. These stories and more on The Daily Brief with Anthony Furey and Lindsay Shepherd! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If the Trudeau government’s Online News Act, C-18, becomes law, Meta says it will ensure Canadians no longer have access to news on Facebook or Instagram. Plus, reports implicate Ontario Progressive Conservative MPP Vincent Ke in a Chinese foreign interference network directed by China’s Toronto consulate during the 2019 election. And after being found guilty of violating Canada’s ethics laws for awarding a lucrative contract to a friend, International Trade Minister Mary Ng did not consider resigning or repaying back the money to taxpayers. Tune into The Daily Brief with Anthony Furey and Andrew Lawton! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Liberal and NDP MPs were up in arms during a committee meeting looking into foreign interference in Canada’s elections – but their anger wasn’t directed towards the Chinese regime. Instead, MPs on the committee were upset because of “completely sexist” comments made by Conservative MP Michael Cooper while questioning Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly. Plus, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau continues to get grilled by MPs in the House of Commons about Chinese interference in Canadian elections – including by an independent MP and former Liberal candidate. And the Canadian Armed Forces is “determining appropriate steps” to take against four serving members who used their public social media accounts to bash Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, Conservatives at large and the Freedom Convoy movement. Tune into The Daily Brief with Andrew Lawton and Lindsay Shepherd! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Despite persistent grilling from Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declined to directly answer questions in Parliament Hill’s Question Period Wednesday on foreign interference in Canada’s 2019 and 2021 elections. Plus, the Liberal government has rejected a Senate amendment to the Trudeau government’s online censorship law, Bill C-11, which would protect the social media content posted online by Canadians from falling under government regulations. And a recent tweet by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stating that “transwomen are women” on International Women’s Day is receiving widespread backlash on social media. Tune into The Daily Brief with Anthony Furey and Lindsay Shepherd! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In response to the prime minister’s refusal to launch an independent inquiry into allegations of Chinese interference in Canadian elections, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre says Trudeau is working against the interests of Canada. And as cities across Ontario and Quebec struggle to deal with the influx of asylum seekers from Roxham Road, Alberta and British Columbia say they currently have no plans to take in any of these border crossers. Plus Conservative MP Ed Fast plans to table legislation that would repeal a Trudeau government law that allows the mentally ill to access doctor-assisted suicide. Tune into The Daily Brief with Anthony Furey and Andrew Lawton! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices