Erin is joined by Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce to discuss his Energy for Generations plan and broader developments in the electricity sector. They explore Ontario's pioneering efforts in nuclear energy, specifically the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) in Darlington. They also discuss critical minerals, grid security, modernization of the electricity distribution sector and the idea of a sovereign electricity grid as part of Ontario's continued technology leadership within the G7.
In a special Remembrance Day Blue Skies Podcast, Texture Communications President Melanie Paradis hosts Blue Skies and guides Erin through a heartwarming conversation about some of the inspiring Canadian Veterans he met as a Minister and MP. He tells their stories of service and of sacrifice with some tender moments in war with the kindness of a Canadian soldier to the horrors of war that Veterans took with them after it ended. Melanie and Erin talk about memories that touched Canadian families and the importance of honouring the service and sacrifice of our fellow citizens.
In this episode of Blue Skies, Erin speaks with James Scongack from Bruce Power to talk about the momentum for nuclear energy in Canada and around the world. They also discuss the innovative public-private partnership model of Bruce Power, mitigating construction risks with big projects and the recent expansion of medical isotope production at Bruce in partnership with Indigenous communities.
In this episode of Blue Skies, Erin is joined by Senator Peter Boehm, who served as the Canadian ‘Sherpa’ for the last Canadian hosted G7 in 2018. Boehm provides a behind-the-scenes look at how these diplomatic summits take place and how Canada prepares to succeed during the Kananaskis G7 summit. Senator Boehm shares his perspective on everything from trade tensions to multilateral diplomacy to Arctic policy. He also shares some stories from the G7 in Charlevoix including the iconic photo from the meeting. Peter shares insights from decades of public service and reflects on how Canada can lead in an uncertain world.
In this episode, Erin is joined by Dr. Elizabeth Buchanan, Senior Fellow at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute and Polar expert, for a conversation on the growing importance of the polar regions from the Arctic and Antarctic, and how countries like Canada and Australia can deepen partnerships amid this era of geopolitical realignment. The also discuss the increasingly controversial AUKUS agreement and blue sky whether Aussies will ever sail the nuclear submarines the alliance envisions. From polar strategy to procurement to talk about CANZUK, this episode explores how like-minded and value aligned countries can do more together is isolationism of the United States rises amid growing global tensions.
In this episode, Erin is joined by Admiral Mark Norman to discuss the evolving landscape of Canada's defence at a time when the United States is walking away from its role as our key ally and security partner. They explore key issues around national security, military spending, and the challenges of maintaining our sovereignty in the Arctic. Admiral Norman shares his perspective on Canada’s shipbuilding capacity, the strategic role of submarines, and the importance of rebuilding domestic defence production. They also discuss recruitment and culture changes within the Canadian Armed Forces. This episode offers insight into what it means for Canada to take ownership of its national defence in an increasingly unpredictable world.
On this episode, Erin is joined by Vass Bednar, public policy expert, podcast host, and co-author of The Big Fix, for a wide-ranging conversation on competition law and anti-trust issues in an age of technological and geopolitical change. They also discuss affordability issues and how different generations of Canadians view the Canadian economy differently. Vass shares her unique insights on high profile sectors like telecom, grocery, AI and data, as well as what Canadian policy makers should take from global anti-trust trends. If you’ve ever wondered why your bills may be too high and what Canada needs to do to become more competitive and productive, this episode is for you.
Erin is joined by four-time Grey Cup champion Tim Fleiszer to talk about his professional sports journey and transition into a leading Canadian advocate on brain injury with the Concussion Legacy Foundation. They discuss the growing challenge Veterans are facing with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and the wider need for education and better treatment options for people living with a brain injury.
Erin is joined by Darrell Bricker, one of Canada's most respected pollsters and thought leaders. Co-Author of The Big Shift, Darrell discusses the decline of the "Laurentian consensus" (a term coined in that book) and the shifting political and cultural landscape as Justin Trudeau leaves office. They also discuss the acute crisis of Canadian identity and how changing demographics and a decade of identity politics are reshaping debate and causing a major decline in Canadian pride at a time that the country needs to come together.
Erin is joined by the Hon. Ed Fast, the MP for Abbotsford and former Trade Minister who led the Harper government’s ambitious trade agenda. They talk about Ed’s work on growing markets in Europe and Asia and the global shift away from liberalized trade to more managed trade given US-China relations. They also tackle issues like the Foreign Investment Protection Agreement (FIPA) that Canada signed with China, tariffs under President Trump and strategies for navigating these issues in uncertain times.
In this episode of Blue Skies, Erin is joined by Jim Leech, former CEO of the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan and a well-respected voice on business issues, to discuss the current debate about whether governments should mandate public pension plans like the CPP to invest more in Canada. They explore the development of the 'Canadian Model' for pension governance and why it has gained international acclaim. They also engage in a wider discussion of issues related to Canadian economic competitiveness and financial security for pensioners.
MP Alicia Kearns, the Chair of the United Kingdom's Foreign Affairs Select Committee, joins Blue Skies to discuss the AUKUS alliance, the war in Ukraine, the Balkans, China and the need for democracies to stand against foreign interference. The conversation with MP Kearns provides an interesting view on geopolitics and how one of Canada’s closest allies views the state of our defence spending and influence.
Erin is joined by Robert Baines, the President of the NATO Association of Canada to discuss the importance of the NATO alliance as it marks 75 years of providing peace and security for its members. They discuss the role of Canada in the alliance and how NATO helped usher in the post-WWII era of prosperity and opportunity. They also discuss risks facing the alliance today ranging from the war in Ukraine to political indifference in some countries.
Erin is joined by long-serving Liberal MP John McKay to talk about his decades of work on international development and defence issues in the House of Commons. Ahead of the annual Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada conference in Toronto, they discuss the impact of Canada's new law to help prevent forced and child labour from being part of Canadian supply chains. The impact of this new law is discussed along with the new office of the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise and the need to ensure that Canadian values are always part of our approach to commerce. Erin and John also discuss defence and geopolitics from their shared interests and work in Parliament.
A special Blue Skies to mark the second anniversary of the war in Ukraine. Hon. Erin O’Toole gives his quick take on the war, and explains why it’s time to reconfirm support and counter the complacency
Blue Skies returns and continues its series on the important role of nuclear energy in our economic and environmental future. Dr. Chris Keefer, the President of Canadians for Nuclear Energy, joins Erin to discuss his own nuclear ‘conversion’ and how his advocacy is educating Canadians and changing the public policy debate. They discuss Canadian industry advancements from Small Modular Reactors and new build at the Bruce site to the extension of Pickering Generating Station and the role CANDU technology has played developing this important sector.
Before finishing up as Durham MP, Erin interviewed two leaders to talk about the continued growth of nuclear for Canada’s lower emission future and the tremendous innovation and economic activity across Canada. He welcomed Bill Walker, President of the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries as well as Rory O'Sullivan, the President of Moltex who is leveraging technology to the issue of waste reduction and power generation.
Erin is joined by Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter to discuss the rising challenges facing cities in North America with addiction, mental health and homelessness levels peaking along with public frustration. Dan speaks about his own struggles with addiction and homelessness and how he tries to bring compassion alongside the leadership needed to make tough decisions to balance wellness and public safety.
Historian Ted Barris sat down with Erin to talk about his new book covering the longest WWII battle - the Battle of the Atlantic - and Canada’s contributions to this critical battle that forged the foundation of the North Atlantic alliance we know today. Canadian heroism and perseverance as told in “Battle of the Atlantic: Gauntlet to Victory”.
Erin is joined by the Hon. Gary Mar, CEO of the Canada West Foundation to take economic priorities for western Canada. A former Alberta Minister, Diplomat, Business and Thought Leader, Gary shares his perspective on the role Canada can play in global energy and food security and how respect for western interests will help build a strong and prosperous Canada. Like, subscribe, and share the Blue Skies political podcast to show you support serious and long-form political debate.
Flavio Esposito
would love to listen to the Admiral about our artic and how to protect it