The Backbench (CANADALAND)

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 oppo@canadalandshow.com 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.

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Prime 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 Yesno

Sponsors: Rotman, Amnesty International

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US 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/

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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.

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Why 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 Oppo@canadalandshow.com and on Twitter and Facebook @OPPOCast.

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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.

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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 oppo@canadalandshow.com 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.

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What 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 oppo@canadalandshow.com 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.

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Patrick Brown's apeshit strategy, Justin Trudeau promises Indigenous people a New Deal, and could Trump happen here?

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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 oppo@canadalandshow.com 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.

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What's going to be the downfall of the Trudeau administration? It might not be the scandal you're thinking of. 

Then again, it might be that scandal.

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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 Ling

The Ottawa Citizen: Canadian military wants to establish new organization to use propaganda, other techniques to influence Canadians by David Pugliese

This episode was brought to you by Cullen's Foods and Paradigm.

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How could Canadian politics be better in 2019? OPPO presents our top 10 wishes for the new year.

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What 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 oppo@canadalandshow.com 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.

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We tear into the Liberals' "convention," call the chaplain for NAFTA, finally solve Alberta's David Suzuki problem, and sit down with Bill Browder, the man behind the Magnitsky Act.

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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 oppo@canadalandshow.com 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.

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Who invited Donald Trump to Justin Trudeau's nice party? He arrived late and hung over, skipped meetings, vomited in the plants, hid a fish in the air ducts, left early, and then complained about it. How in all of God's green pastures could he be right about any of his trade policy?

Come along with us on a journey deep into the exotic and decidedly erotic nuances of supply management. You won't regret it.

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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.

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The 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 oppo@canadalandshow.com or find us on Twitter and Facebook @OPPOcast. 

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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.

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Grab a bowl of all-dressed Ruffles and settle in for this review of the first run of federal election ads. Then, a look at what the Green Wave means for Canada. Finally, a recap of the election in Jesse Brown's favourite province: Newfoundland and Labrador.

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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 Thomson

This episode is supported by Aussie Hair.

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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 oppo@canadalandshow.com 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.

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Who better than a pregnant woman and a gay man to walk you through access to abortion in Canada? Then, Courtney Skye, research fellow at Yellowhead Institute, explains what most people missed in the recent MMIWG report. Finally, Justin yells at Trudeau for failing the queer community.

While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter.

“Black Samba” by Juanitos is licensed under Creative Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).

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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.

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OPPO breaks down the election results from the midst of the Liberal victory (sort of) party.

Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com 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.

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What is going on with conservatives across the country? And what the hell is Stephen Harper doing on the Ben Shapiro show?

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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 oppo@canadalandshow.com 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.

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Was the whole SNC-Lavalin affair a big nothingburger or does it still have the potential to completely rock the Liberal government? And with dozens of trucks rolling into Ottawa, a look at all things oil in Canada.

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The 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 Brown

This episode is brought to you by Freshbooks and Cullen's Foods.

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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 oppo@canadalandshow.com 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.

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It’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 oppo@canadalandshow.com 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.

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The two most “difficult” women in Ottawa join us for an in-depth talk about policy, politics, the "most dysfunctional place" to work in the country, and that whole SNC-Lavalin thing.

While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter.

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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 Sandhu

Links:

• Since recording, Justin Trudeau has said he will not yet intervene in Quebec's Bill 21

Sponsors: Rotman Negotiations Program

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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 Saganash

Links:

• Trudeau’s promises to Assembly of First Nations in 2015
• Globe and Mail piece re: interlocutor
• CBC's piece re: pending $40-billion settlement

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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

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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

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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 Nicolas

Sponsors: Rotman, The Big Story

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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 Sandhu

Links:

• The Narwhal's piece about Canadian players still dealing in Russian resources
• More context on the Canadian discourse re: Sikhs written by Jaskaran
• More on Ottawa's decision to delay the decision on Newfoundland's Bay du Nord oil project

Sponsors: Oxio, Freshbooks

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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 backbench@canadaland.com.

Don't worry - We’ll still be bringing you the panel you’ve come to know and love.

Our first episode drops next Tuesday.

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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

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As nations around the world cut off business with Russia, can Canada help fill the international demand for oil and gas? More importantly, should we? And the pandemic caused unprecedented government spending, as well as shifting priorities on everything from work to healthcare. How will that all play out in the upcoming budget?

This week’s contributors: Jason Markusoff, Caroline Elliott, Murad Hemmadi

Links:

• 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

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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-happened

Sponsors: FreshBooks, The Peak Daily, Ground News

If 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

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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

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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 Murders

Additional music by Audio Network

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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 2022
• Read Jen Gerson’s piece that Caroline mentions, “No One Is Going to Fix Housing”

Sponsors: Oxio, 22 Murders, Skipper Otto, Ground News

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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 wall
• At the time of recording, Joseph Bourgault was not yet confirmed as a candidate, but he is also in the running. His website is available here

Additional music from Audio Network

Sponsors: 22 Murders, The Peak, Ground News

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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

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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 Star

https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2022/04/22/canada-unveils-new-measures-to-keep-international-students-from-running-out-of-status.html

Sponsors: 22 Murders, The Peak, Oxio

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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

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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

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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

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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-border

Panelists: Drew Brown, David Moscrop, Raisa Patel

Links: 

Read Senator Paula Simons’ op-ed about Bill S-7 in The Line: https://theline.substack.com/p/paula-simons-the-government-is-trying

Sponsors: 

Douglas, 22 Murders, The Peak

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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

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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

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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 Reimer

Sponsors: Oxio, Douglas, Images

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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 Canada

Federal environment commissioner presents his 2022 spring reports – April 26, 2022

Sponsors:

Oxio, The Peak, Calm, Douglas

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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 Sandhu

Sponsors: Oxio, Douglas

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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 Thomson

Guest Contributors: 

Raisa Patel, David Moscrop, Jason Markusoff 

Links: 

https://www.keenan.ca/

Sponsors: 

Oxio, Douglas, The Peak

Additional music by Audio Network

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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

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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: dental

Immigration:

• CTV piece: Migrant workers continue to call for change after death of Jamaican worker at Ontario farm
• Toronto Star piece: Here’s Canada’s new plan to help foreign students and workers become permanent residents. Some say it isn’t nearly new enough

Sponsors: Douglas, oxio, Toronto Star Podcasts

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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 Roach

Credits: 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 Moscrop

Background reading:

• New Alberta Premier Danielle Smith dials back sovereignty pledge
• In reversal of policy, adviser says Danielle Smith's sovereignty act would respect Supreme Court decisions
• Opinion: Is Canadian federalism unravelling?
• GOLDSTEIN: Trudeau talks out of both sides of his mouth on Iran
• Stung by criticism, Trudeau government changes course on Iran
• Opinion: What Canadians are getting wrong about the hijab protests in Iran
• Opinion: Trudeau government out of touch on dealing with Iran

Sponsors: oxio

If 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. 

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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).

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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 Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator)

Guests: Stuart Thomson, Jaskaran Sandhu, Arno Kopecky

Background reading: 

Chronicle of a death foretold by Arno Kopecky in Canada’s National Observer

The desperate disqualification of Anjali Appadurai by Avi Lewis in Canada’s National Observer

BC NDP Investigative Report by BC NDP Table Officer

Freeze 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 Star

If 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. 

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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-Vaisey

Background reading:

• Highlights of the 2022 Fall Economic Statement
• Five things you need to know about the Liberals’ fall economic update
• In defence of the notwithstanding clause: Why Canada should hold onto it
• What Ottawa should say to the provinces: See your notwithstanding clause, raise you disallowance
• Three cheers for the notwithstanding clause

Sponsors: Oxio

If 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. 

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The six weeks of dramatic testimony have officially come to an end with testimony from the Prime Minister himself. Join our host, Mattea Roach, and an exceptional panel with Stuart Thomson, David Moscrop, and Sandy Garossino for a deep retrospective on Trudeau’s invocation of the Emergencies Act against the 'Freedom Convoy' this past February. Also, the Green Party has a “new” leader. Welcome back Elizabeth May. This episode Mattea and our panelists discuss the future of the Green Party. 

If you want to support this show go to https://canadaland.com/join

Host:  Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator)

Guests: Stuart Thomson, Sandy Garossino, David Moscrop

Background reading:

• Racism and hate are threats to public safety. Why haven’t we heard this during the Emergencies Act inquiry? by Amira Elghawaby from the Toronto Star
• Trudeau 'serene' about invoking Emergencies Act, says police plan to clear protest 'wasn't a plan at all' by Catharine Tunney from CBC News
• 'Bad humour' and short fuses: How politicians' texts played out at the Emergencies Act inquiry by Joseph Tunney from CBC News
• The Green Party has two new leaders. Will their shared vision get the party back on its feet? by Natasha Bulowski from the National Observer 
• Political insider breaks down Green Party of Canada co-leadership win, potential trouble ahead by Gregor Craigie from CBC News

Sponsors: Douglas, oxio

If 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. 

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We want to warn listeners that segment one talks about suicide and may not be suitable for all listeners. If you'd like to skip it go to 23:37. If you’re struggling with mental health please connect with a crisis responder to get help without judgment: Call 1-833-456-4566 / Text: 45645 (4 pm – midnight ET). 

In this episode, host Mattea Roach, and panelists, Karen Restoule, Jaskaran Sandhu, and Arshy Mann, unpack the controversial expansion for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) set to change on March 17, 2023. Also, Canada is trying to re-establish itself on the international stage after announcing its Indo-Pacific Strategy in Beautiful British Columbia. Does Canada’s future lie in the Indo-Pacific?

Host:  Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Tristan Capacchionne (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator)

Guests: Karen Restoule, Jaskaran Sandhu, Arshy Mann

Background reading:

• Canada will soon allow medically assisted dying for mental illness. Has there been enough time to get it right? in The Globe and Mail
• Medical experts call on government to delay expansion of MAID for mental illness in The Globe and Mail
• Call to Action re:March 2023 MAiD Expansion by the Society of Canadian Psychiatry
• Canada launches Indo-Pacific Strategy to support long-term growth, prosperity, and security for Canadians by the Government of Canada
• Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy by the Government of Canada
• Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy sees China as a ‘disruptive global power’ in The Globe in Mail
• SIKHS WEARY OF INCREASED FOREIGN INTERFERENCE IN WAKE OF CANADA’S INDO-PACIFIC STRATEGY by the World Sikh Organization
• Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy ‘long overdue,’ shows ‘radical change’ on China: experts by Rachel Gilmore from Global News

Sponsors: Douglas, oxio, Athletic Greens

If 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. 

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On December 14th, we brought The Backbench to you LIVE and in-person from the Hot Docs Cinema in Toronto. It was an evening of “serious” political discourse and endless laughs. Our host Mattea Roach and our expert panelists, Emilie Nicolas, David Moscrop, and Murad Hemmadi unpacked the seriously eventful year that was 2022 – from faulty infrastructure, to the Pope’s visit, to our 2023 political wish list, and more. 

Taking inspiration from David Moscrop's powerful questions: Show of hands....is anyone here a supporter? 

If you want to hear a special and hilarious extended cut of the evening, which includes Mattea’s opening conversation with “political consultant” Dan Cashgrab, also known as comedian Miguel Rivas, you can become a supporter to get access to the exclusive convo.

Go to canadaland.com/join. 

Host:  Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Tristan Capacchione  (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator)

Guests:  Emilie Nicolas, David Moscrop, Murad Hemmadi

If 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. 

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We tackle two crises facing our country – healthcare and climate change. Host Mattea Roach asks our panelists Riley Yesno, Drew Brown, and Sara Birrell about what we are doing to solve the major problems that exist in our splintered healthcare system and where we are really at when it comes to climate change policy. Does throwing money at the problem actually help?

Host:  Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Tristan Capachionne (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator)

Guests: Riley Yesno, Drew Brown, Sara Birrell

Background reading:

Healthcare

• Canadian health-care systems 'strained, if not broken' | A Conversation with the Prime Minister 
• More money is a must, but health-care delivery also needs a major rethink, doctors say CBC News

Climate Change Policy

• An activist in office: Steven Guilbeault's first year as environment minister CBC News
• Trudeau announces $800M for Indigenous-led conservation initiatives CBC News
• 'Just transition' bill coming in 2023, natural resources minister says CBC News
• Federal government approves controversial Bay du Nord oil project CBC News

Sponsors: Douglas, Athletic Greens

If 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. 

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Armed conflicts across the world are increasingly demanding the attention of Canadians and prompting the federal government to get involved. This episode, host Mattea Roach is joined by Emilie Nicolas, Arshy Mann, and Steven Chase to talk about what Canadian intervention in Haiti could and should look like, and they also tackle the existential questions we have about our military: What is the state of our military? Are we prepared to take on an expanded role? Should we?

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)

Guests: Emilie Nicolas, Arshy Mann, Steven Chase

Background reading:

• Bob Rae: Major military intervention in Haiti would not have sustainable impact
• Adam Zivo: Is Canada not sending its tanks to Ukraine because they're broken?
• Fiscal watchdog raises concern about $15-billion in unexplained military spending in 2022 federal budget
• Current Operations and Joint Military Exercises list
• Canada’s military pulling back in Middle East as European, domestic needs rise
• Emilie Nicolas: What should Canada's involvement in Haiti look like?

Sponsors: Rotman, Athletic Greens

If 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 at our store, 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. 

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A proposed settlement of a class-action lawsuit has been reached between the federal government and 325 First Nations, which applies to Indigenous children who attended residential schools during the day—students who were left out of the 2006 residential schools settlement. This episode gets into the legal elements of this lawsuit, how we got here, and what impacts it might have going forward. 

And, all 13 provinces and territories are calling for “immediate action” to strengthen Canada’s bail system in the wake of the death of an Ontario Provincial Police officer in late December. What does the bail system look like in Canada? How is this specific moment being politicized?  And, what would the consequences of bail reform be?

Host:  Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)

Guests: Riley Yesno, Karen Restoule, Patricia Barkaskas

Background reading:

• Canada’s $2.8 billion settlement with Indigenous Day Scholars is a long-time coming
• $2.8-billion settlement reached in class action lawsuit over residential schools
• How does Canada's bail system actually work? And where does it fall short?
• Premiers demand bail reform in letter to Trudeau after killing of OPP officer

Sponsors: Douglas, Athletic Greens

If 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. 

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Host Mattea Roach is joined by Nick Taylor-Vaisey, David Moscrop and Sandy Garossino to talk about the two objects shot down over Canada. Is this a question of national security? Or a weather monitoring program gone wrong? It’s probably not aliens, right? 

Also, the Rouleau Report was released shortly after RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki announced the end of her tenure. The RCMP has felt the impact of scandal after scandal, so what kind of leadership is required to move forward and build better?

Host:  Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)

Guests: Nick Taylor-Vaisey, David Moscrop, Sandy Garossino

Background reading:

• U.S. fighter jet shoots down ‘cylindrical object’ flying over Yukon on orders from Trudeau, Biden
• Objects shot out of North American skies likely not used for spying, Biden says
• A hobby club in Illinois is missing a balloon. Was it shot down over Yukon?
• The timing of Brenda Lucki's RCMP departure
• After year of scandals, RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki announces retirement
• RCMP’s Brenda Lucki says she will retire next month: ‘I did my best’

Sponsors: Rotman, Athletic Greens

If 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.

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Host Mattea Roach is joined by Emilie Nicolas, Stuart Thomson and Les Perreaux to talk about the latest at Roxham Road, the irregular border crossing where thousands of asylum seekers flock to Canada. What’s bringing them here and what’s happening once they arrive? 

And a subset of Google users in Canada have discovered a bunch of Canadian news mysteriously disappearing from their search results… whose fault is this, and should we be concerned? We unpack the Online News Act, Bill C-18.

Host:  Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)

Guests: Emilie Nicolas, Stuart Thomson, Les Perreaux

Background reading:

• Canadians Fume as Migrants Surge at Their Border - New York Times
• It’s time to close the breach at Roxham Road and enforce Canada’s borders - Globe and Mail
• Niagara Falls facing 'limits' in accommodating influx of asylum seekers, mayor says - CBC News
• Roxham: The little country road that became a big political headache for the Trudeau government - CBC News
• Google threatens Canada, because it can - Globe and Mail
• The Bill C-18 Reality: Everyone Loses When the Government Mandates Payments for Links - Michael Geist

Sponsors: Douglas, Bryce@100, Athletic Greens

If 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.

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The Silicon Valley Bank collapsed, marking it as the biggest bank failure in the United States since the 2008 Financial Crisis. AND, our three top grocers testified at the House of Commons recently, but Canadians learned very little. This week host Mattea Roach is joined by Murad Hemmadi, Meagan Simpson, and Arshy Mann to unpack the future of the bank and tech industries, and why many Canadians are feeling the strain every time they step into a grocery store, all while grocers are making record profits. 

Host:  Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)

Guests: Murad Hemmadi, Meagan Simpson, Arshy Mann

A full list of background reading can be found on our website.

Sponsors: Rotman, Bryce@100, Athletic Greens

If 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.

It’s that time of the year again! Budget season… AND, the story about Chinese government influence just keeps getting even more complicated. This week Mattea Roach is joined by Murad Hemmadi, Nick Taylor-Vaisey and Stuart Thomson to unpack how the complex issue of government interference is being seized on by various parties, and how feasible Deputy PM Chrystia Freeland’s proposed budget is for this country’s future. 

Host:  Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)

Guests: Murad Hemmadi, Nick Taylor-Vaisey, Stuart Thomson 

Background reading:

• Freeland's green economy spending aimed at competing with U.S. Inflation Reduction Act
• Chrystia Freeland's federal budget throws new spending at inflation-weary Canadians
• Chapter 3: A Made-In-Canada Plan: Affordable Energy, Good Jobs, and a Growing Clean Economy | Budget 2023
• Highlights from the 2023 federal budget | CBC News

Sponsors: Douglas, PSAC, Athletic Greens, Images Festival

If 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.

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This week Mattea Roach, is joined by Ziya Jones, Riley Yesno, and Frances Bula, to talk about public safety. A few weeks ago unhoused folks in Vancouver were met with displacement and decampment by police and bylaw officers. Who is this supposed solution meant for? AND, transgender and queer people have been facing a new wave of violent attacks globally. What kinds of protections might actually help?

Host:  Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)

Guests: Ziya Jones, Riley Yesno, Frances Bula

Background reading:

• Vancouver police, city staff begin removing encampment on East Hastings Street
• National Housing Strategy Act
• Ontario NDP urges legal protections for drag performances
• Drag events in Canada are facing a ‘crisis’ of hate, advocate warns. What can be done?
• Anti-gay activists target children’s libraries and drag queen story hours
• Canada’s federal budget promises anti-hate action, but can the government actually do anything?

Sponsors: Athletic Greens, BetterHelp

If 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.

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This week host Mattea Roach is joined by Riley Yesno, Karen Restoule, and Ethan Cox to unpack the The Public Service Alliance of Canada Strike, and the increase of police involved deaths. PSAC has reached a tentative contract agreement after almost two weeks of striking against its employer – the Government of Canada. AND, there’s a sharp rise in police-involved deaths peaking in 2022. What is really going on here?

Host:  Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)

Guests: Riley Yesno, Karen Restoule, Ethan Cox

Sources:

• Overpaid or undervalued? Politics divides opinions of federal employees’ working conditions & compensation
• Trudeau says government making 'serious offers' to end public service strike
• Data shows that police-involved deaths in Canada are on the rise
• Canadian police used deadly force at record rates in 2022, new research finds
• Paramedic tells inquest he misjudged Myles Gray's race because of severe bruising after police fight
• Doug Ford wants to boost police ranks by lowering the education requirements for officers

Sponsors: Douglas, Athletic Greens, BetterHelp

If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases & bonus content. 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.

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A fiery election in Alberta. No, literally Alberta’s on fire this provincial election. AND, a $95 billion dollar lawsuit against the Ontario and Canadian Government challenging a lack of consent around resource extraction and the way treaty rights are upheld. This week longtime guest, first time host Riley Yesno is filling in for Mattea Roach.

Host:  Riley Yesno

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)

Guests: Catherine Griwkowsky, Emma Jackson, Emma McIntosh

Background reading:

• Party leaders walk fine line of an emergency during election campaign, 
• Exit right: How Notley and Smith shifted Alberta's political spectrum
• Can you talk yourself out of power? That's the question facing Danielle Smith in Alberta's election.
• ‘A skeleton crew’: UCP cuts led to Alberta wildfire disaster
• BC battles of mineral titles
• As mining fight escalates, First Nations challenge Ontario’s power

Sponsors: BRYCE@100, Athletic Greens, BetterHelp

If 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, 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. 

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Are Canadian policy makers ready for the AI revolution? How effective are our current regulations? what should we be worried about? AND, are immigrants going to save our economy, or break it? From controversial rhetoric, a housing crisis, & more…How can we navigate this immigration conversation?

Host:  Riley Yesno

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor & Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)

Guests: Meagan Simpson, Nicholas Keung, David Moscrop

Background reading:

• How will Canada regulate AI? Ottawa will figure it out later - The Globe & Mail
• The race to regulate artificial intelligence - The Decibel
• A new era of immigration politics has started in Canada - The Hub
• No, immigration is not some magic pill for saving the economy - The Globe & Mail
• Why the argument that immigration is the sole cause of soaring home prices is flawed - The Financial Post
• Rural Ontario needs to learn cultural acceptance to stave off its own decline, study suggests - CBC

Sponsors: Douglas, Athletic Greens, BetterHelp

Canadaland is turning 10! From May 24 - June 2, sign up for our highest level of ongoing support for only $10 a month. PLUS the first 100 signups will receive a FREE limited edition 10th Anniversary tote bag. Head to canadaland.com/join to become a supporter!

You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music - included with Prime.

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It’s Pride month! So we’re taking you back to notable moments in Canada's 2SLGBTQ+ history, so we can remember the people and work that can have made Canada the place it is today. 

The history of LGBT rights in Canada is not as simple as pride campaigns, parades and vibrant gay villages. It’s a history of resilience, courage, and a determination to redefine what it means to be free and equal in this country. Increasingly, we can’t take these rights for granted. 

Host:  Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)

Guest: Brenda Cossman

Background reading:

• TIMELINE | Same-sex rights in Canada - CBC
• Listen: Trans scholar and activist explains why trans rights are under attack - The Conversation 
• Remembering the 1981 Toronto bathhouse raids | Queer History - Xtra
• Track Two - Enough is Enough 
• The Pussy Palace was more than the raid - Xtra

Sponsors: Canva, Better Help, Athletic Greens

If 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. 

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Former Conservative leader Erin O’Toole has officially stepped away from Canadian politics, leaving behind the Conservative party he called home for over a decade. O’Toole addressed parliament for the last time on June 12th 2023, warning Canadians with the polarization of politics, the dangers of algorithms (their role in political discourse) and his overarching concerns with politics in this country. In this episode, Mattea Roach is joined by Erin O’Toole to unravel the layers of his tenure as a politician. They talk about how he views the evolving landscape of Canadian conservatism, his biggest regrets in office and Mattea challenges him on some of his comments during his final parliamentary speech.

Host:  Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)

Guests: Erin O’Toole

Background reading:

• O'Toole delivers final address in House of Commons
• Erin O’Toole delivers final speech in Parliament
• Erin O’Toole warns MPs they’re on a dangerous path

Sponsors: Canva, Athletic Greens, BetterHelp

If 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. 

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When Dr. Andrea McCrady first heard the sound of the carillon, she was hooked. Her passion led her to become the first woman Dominion Carillonneur on Parliament Hill where she plays for thousands. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at Parliament Hill and the history of this booming instrument. 

Host:  Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Tony Wang (Marketing & Community Outreach Coordinator), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)

Guests: Andrea McCrady

Sponsors: Oxio, Douglas, Athletic Greens

If 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. 

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Mattea kicks it with esteemed Backbencher and political journalist David Moscrop at a café in Ottawa to talk about the current climate in Canadian politics, the impact of social media on discourse, the state of Canada’s political left, and are we in for an election next year?

Editor's Note: In this episode of The Backbench, The Black Squirrel neighbourhood is incorrectly identified as being in Sunnyside. It is correctly located in the Ottawa, Ontario neighbourhood named The Glebe.

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Tony Wang (Marketing & Community Outreach Coordinator), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

Guests: David Moscrop

Sponsors: Canva, Douglas, Athletic Greens 

If 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. 

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Despite two catastrophic climate emergencies earlier this year, Nova Scotia has faced yet another devastating crisis - intense flash flooding. Our Scotian host, Mattea Roach, is joined by Halifax-based reporter from the National Observer, Cloe Logan to interrogate Nova Scotia’s climate emergency response. And in the wake of this climate catastrophe all eyes are on the recently implemented carbon tax in the province. Why does it seem like we’re blaming the carbon tax for all our climate related policy failures? 

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Host:  Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)

Guests: Cloe Logan

Background reading:

• Use of emergency alerts under scrutiny again after Nova Scotia floods
• Meteorologist says national flash flood warning system would save lives
• 'Complacency' blamed for N.S. struggles with flooding, other climate disasters
• Conservatives slam the carbon tax for adding to inflation, but fail to mention its rebates
• Houston government pulls 'partisan' ads against carbon tax at request of election watchdog
• Nova Scotia has spent $56,000 on ad campaign against federal carbon tax: minister - Halifax

Sponsors: oxio, Douglas, Athletic Greens

If 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. 

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It’s summer time, and Parliament’s been out of session for 2 months. For this episode of the Backbench, host Mattea Roach is joined by an all-star panel of Riley Yesno, Emilie Nicolas, David Moscrop. With updates on stories you may have missed this summer. Did shutting down an illegal border at Roxham Road work? Have we taken any political moves on addressing foreign interference?

We’ll look ahead at what you should be keeping your eye on once parliament returns. With a new cabinet on the hill, what change can we expect? How well is our Conservative Leader’s fresh new look treating him in the polls? Are there any plans whatsoever to address the cost of living crisis?

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor & Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

Guests: Riley Yesno, Emilie Nicolas, David Moscrop

Background reading:

• Months after closure of Quebec's Roxham Road, more asylum seekers arriving by air
• More and more asylum seekers are coming to Canada. Is it enough to stem a global tide of refugees?
• Conservatives call for committee's foreign interference probe to resume
• The Lose-Lose-Lose-Lose Bill C-18 Outcome: Meta Blocking News Links on Facebook and Instagram in Canada
• Behind Justin Trudeau's Cabinet shuffle
• Conservatives launch massive ad campaign amid surge in polls
• Is Trudeau to blame? Understanding the latest data behind Canada’s housing crisis

Sponsors: Douglas, Athletic Greens

If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases & bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, tickets to our live events, & more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free & accessible to everybody. 

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The tale generally goes like this: Gen Z is disconnected, disinterested, and buried so deep into their screens that they don't care about the politics going on around them.

But it's also clear that some young people are ready to ignite change if they have to. From the climate marches to the BLM protests to the Maple Spring, young people have been at the forefront of protests and disruptions for a long time. So, is the stereotype of Gen Z as disconnected and apathetic accurate, or is there something we're missing here?

In this episode of The Backbench, you'll hear from young people across the country who share their perspectives on how they engage with democracy. Additionally, you'll hear a conversation between Mattea Roach and Samantha Reusch, the executive director of Apathy is Boring, to understand WHY Gen Z engages in politics in unconventional ways.

Host:  Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

Guests: Samm Reid, Azaad Gill, Alex Stevenson, Jenna Inch, Tannia Vijeyenthiran, 

Samantha Reusch

Sponsors: UWO, Douglas 

If 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. 

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We’re busy preparing for our upcoming live events and working away on an exciting fall season, so we’re bringing you an episode from our friends Allison Smith and Jonathan Goldsbie on Wag the Doug  – a monthly podcast that grapples with the realities of the Ford government in Ontario. 

They look at an issue that continues to make headlines - the international student market. Allison and Jonathan investigate how Ontario colleges have cashed in on these students and have fundamentally altered the province’s post-secondary education system. 

We’re hitting the road for three special live events! Canadaland Supporters get 50% off tickets to ALL events. Head to canadaland.com/events to learn more.

Host:  Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)

Sponsors: Rotman, Douglas 

If 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. 

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Canada is accusing India of a state-sanctioned assassination. What does this mean for the future of Canada and India’s relationship? AND, parental rights, an opioid crisis, and the missing Indigenous women whose bodies are presumed to be in a Winnipeg landfill are front of mind in this Manitoba Provincial election. 

Host:  Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)

Guests: Arshy Mann, Dennis Ward, Dan Lett

Background reading:

• PCs make opposition to landfill search a central facet of campaign as Manitoba election day nears - CBC News
• Manitoba's election is now the NDP's to lose - CBC News
• Trudeau accuses India in killing of Sikh leader on Canadian soil - The Globe and Mail
• Facebook is Blocking Canadians’ Posts About the Assassination of a BC Sikh Leader. Their Posts Were Targeted by India’s Government - Press Progress
• Opinion: Justin Trudeau brings Canada’s ties with India under increasing strain - The Globe and Mail
• Baaz News

Sponsors: UWO, Athletic Greens

If 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. 

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The first episode of Canadaland was published ten years ago today. If we were to announce this is the last episode of Canadaland, no one would be surprised.

Journalism in Canada is in a fight for its life. You can have an impact. Head to canadaland.com/join to become a supporter today. 

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When you think about film, art and creativity, government policy probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Make no mistake about it, our policy makers & politicians can crucially impact the art we make, who gets to make it, & the culture we consume. Good policy can create a thriving, diverse culture — & bad policy can destroy it. 

Mattea Roach joins Matt Hatfield, Haydn Wazelle, Karen Lam, & Dennis Heaton for an unforgettable LIVE podcast taping with the Vancouver International Film Festival at the Rio Threatre. They explore the contentious Bill C-11 & its potential to disrupt the status quo, & the hot strike summer the media industry is having this year. 

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor), Karyn Pugliese (Editor in Chief)

Guests: Matt Hatfield, Haydn Wazelle, Karen Lam, Dennis Heaton

Background reading:

• Bill C-11: What to know about the Online Streaming Act from The Globe and Mail
• How the Online Streaming Act will support Canadian content from The Conversation
• Taming the tech giants will cause collateral damage from Policy Options
• Writers Guild of Canada Studying Tentative WGA Deal for Precedent in Local Contract Talks from The Hollywood Reporter

Sponsors: Douglas

If 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. 

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Why did Canada abstain on an emergency resolution at the UN General Assembly calling for an “immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities” in Gaza? Mattea Roach, Emilie Nicolas, Ethan Cox & Murtaza Hussain will break down the past 3 weeks' worth of news in the backdrop of decades of context, and get granular about Canada's response to it all. 

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor/Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

Guests: Emilie Nicolas, Ethan Cox, Murtaza Hussain

Background reading:

• Canada-Israel relations
• Canada-West Bank-the Gaza Strip relations
• Who governs the West Bank? Understanding Palestinian political leadership - NPR
• What is the Gaza Strip? - NPR
• A Canadian Politician Has Been Sacked for Calling for a Cease-Fire in Palestine - Jacobin
• Canada’s Rejection of Amnesty’s Apartheid Report Not Based on Specific Evidence, according to ATIP request - CJPME
• Conservative MP Tim Uppal sorry for role in 'divisiveness' of Harper-era policies - CTV News
• The Baffling Politics of Stephen Harper and Israel - Al Jazeera
• Trudeau says UN vote not a shift in Canada's 'steadfast' support of Israel - CBC News

Sponsors: Rotman, Douglas 

If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases & bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live & virtual events, & more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free & accessible to everybody. 

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Often underreported or ignored by national media, the unique and complex issues facing the people who call Yukon home rarely get the attention they deserve. In this LIVE TAPING Mattea Roach, Michelle Friesen, Tosh Southwick, and Carissa Waugh take part in a smart, nuanced, and engaging conversation centering the opportunities, and political and social challenges up north. But most importantly, this episode speaks to the absolute need to have tough and sometimes uncomfortable conversations about reconciliation. 

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

Guests: Michelle Friesen, Tosh Southwick, Carissa Waugh

Background reading:

• Curing the ‘colonial hangover’: how Yukon First Nations became trailblazers of Indigenous governance - The Narwhal
• Indigenous self-government in Yukon holds lessons for all of Canada - Policy Options
• 'It's going to take the community': Yukon faces Canada's worst toxic drug death rate - CBC News
• Umbrella Final Agreement
• Together Today for our Children Tomorrow

Sponsors: Douglas, Canva

If 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. 

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Editor's note: For additional context Hamas emerged in 1987 during the first Palestinian uprising, or intifada, as an outgrowth of the Muslim Brotherhood's Palestinian branch. The group is committed to armed resistance against Israel and the creation of an Islamic Palestinian state in Israel's place. For more: https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2284721219710#:~:text=A%20spotlight%20was%20cast%20on,Ashley%20Fraser%20explores%20its%20origins.

In Canada, the political discourse on the news coming out of Israel and Palestine has given Backbench host, some “serious whiplash.” Discussions happening online seem extremely polarized, making it difficult to have productive and nuanced conversations. In this episode, Mattea sits down with Muhannad Ayyash, a Palestinian Professor of Sociology, and Jeremy Appel, a journalist and author, to get to the root of this contention.  

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)

Guests: Muhannad Ayyash, Jeremy Appel

Background reading:

• Lobby group pushes Canada to conflate anti-Zionism with antisemitism – The Breach
• Weaponisation of anti-Semitism is bad for Palestinians – and Jews – Al Jazeera
• Walk-outs, sit-ins, pickets in Montreal in support of Palestinians in Gaza – CBC News
• Mosque attack victims shaken after hate-motivated assaults lead to Toronto man's arrest – CBC News
• These troubling times have revealed my Jewish parents were right about hate – Toronto Star

Sponsors: oxio, Athletic Greens

If 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. 

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We’re bringing you a special episode from the Canadaland feed.  

It’s the holidays, and on your TV or radio you’re inevitably hit with ads telling you that this is the season of giving - it’s time to donate to a food drive. Conservative politicians, Liberal politicians, banks, broadcasters, grocery stores: they all are united in this message. With the promotion of food banks from virtually every institution and elected official in the country, you might conclude that they are the best solution to food insecurity. Except - they’re not. Food bank use in Canada is at an all-time high, and experts, community organizers, even staff at food banks say that the growing need just shows how our government has failed to address poverty and hold corporations to account.

Host:  Mattea Roach

Credits: Jesse Brown (Host & Publisher), Cherise Seucharan (Reporter), Tristan Capacchione (Audio and Technical Producer), Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

Sponsors: oxio, Douglas 

If 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. 

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This year has been one hell of a political rollercoaster. Host, Mattea Roach, sits down with Riley Yesno, Nick Taylor-Vaisey, and Kyle Duggan to make sense of key political moments of this year, and to make predictions of their future implications. They unpack everything from Canada’s foreign interference problem and the controversial carbon tax, to the housing crisis and the NDP-Liberal confidence agreement. 

Host:  Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

Guests: Nick Taylor-Vaisey, Riley Yesno, Kyle Duggan

Background reading:

• Secret files show CSIS worried Canada has 'no consequences' for foreign state interference – The Toronto Star
• Canada to pause carbon tax on home heating oil for three years –  Reuters
• Housing hell: How we got here and how we get out – Twitter @PierrePoilievre
• Liberals say pharmacare bill unlikely to pass this year, despite promise to NDP – CP24 

Sponsors: oxio, Douglas 

If 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. 

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