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Veteran broadcaster and journalist Rob Breakenridge brings you important and fascinating conversations and offers an in-depth look at the major issues facing Alberta, the West, and Canada.
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48 Episodes
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In this episode of The Rob Breakenridge Show, a look at the ongoing debate over direct democracy and elections rules in Alberta - and the changes now being made through the government’s new Bill 14.Introduced on Thursday, the bill - among other things - gives the Alberta government more control over referendum petitions and clears a path now for the separatist side to start gathering signatures. The bill also bans new political parties from using certain word and phrases linked to existing party - a move that will prevent the Progressive Conservative Party from rising again.Interestingly, the bill doesn’t touch the rules around voter recall. At last count there were 14 approved recall campaigns, all targeting UCP MLAs.We discuss all of this, and the implications for Alberta politics, in our conversation with political commentator Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, we delve into an important and timely new book. Globe & Mail writer-at-large John Ibbitson and Ipsos Public Affairs Global CEO Darrell Bricker join us to discuss their new book “Breaking Point: The New Big Shifts Putting Canada at Risk”We’ll explore some of the significant shifts in Canada over the last decade, and the growing divides we’ve seen within the country. Ibbitson and Bricker warn that Canada is at a critical juncture, facing challenges - including regional tensions and generational disparity - that could threaten national unity and identityTariffs and annexation threats from Donald Trump have added a new dimension to these issues, but the problems run much deeper than what we’ve been confronted with in 2025. So what will it take to turn things around? Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
It was a day of great significance Thursday in Calgary as Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney signed off on a new memorandum of understanding (MOU).In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, we’ll take a closer look at this energy agreement and what it all means. The MOU identifies a proposed new pipeline to the west coast as being a project that’s in the national interest. That new pipeline, though, is linked to the Pathways carbon capture project and a higher industrial carbon price to back that up.Alberta does win concessions on two major fronts: the oil and gas emissions cap and the Clean Electricity Regulations will no longer be in force in the province. The west coast tanker ban could also be adjusted as needed to accommodate a new pipeline.We’ll hear comments from Carney, Smith, as well as BC Premier David Eby. We’ll also have a conversation with Adam Legge, president of the Business Council of Alberta - they’re quite encouraged by this agreement. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, a closer look at the debate around Alberta’s coal policy and why this could be one of the ballot issues Albertans vote on next near.Alberta county music artist Corb Lund has deep roots in this province and a deep connection to the ranching industry. He’s found himself at the forefront at the debate around coal development along the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains and has been actively raising concern about the threat such development could pose to the water for communities and industries downstream.Last week, Lund officially filed a petition with Elections Alberta with the aim of using the province’s citizen initiative law to force a referendum on this issue. Specifically the petition calls for a ban on coal mining along the Eastern Slopes.We’ll find out more about why he’s chosen this route and get more background on the changes and concerns around coal policy in Alberta. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, a closer look at an eventful week in Alberta - starting with the latest on pipeline talks between Alberta and Ottawa and the latest on the expanding recall campaign now targeting several UCP MLAs. Is the Alberta government now looking to neuter their own direct democracy laws?We’ll also dive into one of the biggest stories of the week: confirmation that the Alberta government is looking to usher in a major change to health care in this province. Under a proposed “Dual Care Model",” doctors would be allowed to practice in both the private and public system. The province insists that no one will be forced to pay to see a family doctor or to receive care that is currently covered, but it does open up the door to faster access for those willing and able to pay.We’ll hear from Dr. Braden Mann, who is a Professor, Senior Associate Dean, and Associate Vice President of Health Research at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary. He has some serious concerns about the implications of this change, which would be a first in Canada.We’ll also hear from Emmanuelle Faubert who’s an economist at the Montreal Economic Institute - they argue that various European countries have had success with similar models of universal care and that Canada’s system should be open-minded to such reforms. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, we take a closer look at the latest batch of Major Projects announced by the prime minister. On the energy front, there’s support for the Ksi Lisims LNG project on the west coast, but there was nothing announced about a new pipeline. We’ll discuss all of this with Heather Exner-Pirot, who’s a senior fellow and Director of Energy, Natural Resources, and Environment at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute.Plus, the latest on the debate in Alberta around voter recall and citizen initiative and petitions proliferate and Albertans face the prospect of multiple referendums and recall votes. The UCP doesn’t seem happy about this, but they’re in no position to complain = they’re the ones who implemented the rules in the first place. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show - a closer look at Budget 2025, both in terms of whether it will pass the House of Commons (failure to do so meaning another election, of course) and whether it’s the right budget for the economic challenges facing Canada at the moment. We’ll get some economic analysis from Trevor Tombe, professor of economics at the University of Calgary and director of fiscal and economic policy at the U of C’s School of Public Policy.Plus, we’ll discuss the aftermath of a controversial Supreme Court decision last week and how the federal government might respond. In a 5 - 4 decision, the high court struck down Canada’s mandatory minimum sentence for the crime of possession of child p*rnography. There is considerable pressure on Ottawa to invoke the notwithstanding clause and set aside this ruling, although the government has ruled out such a step. We’ll hear from University of Alberta law professor Steven Penney who says there’s an alternative in between using the clause and letting this ruling stand. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
Welcome to this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show - a very busy week this week in Alberta:We’ll hear from Thomas Lukaszuk, former MLA and cabinet minister, and founder of the Forever Canadian campaign. Their petition campaign - posing the question: “‘Do you agree that Alberta should remain within Canada?” - appears to have far exceeded the minimum necessary for success. We’ll discuss the campaign and what comes next, including the big decision the premier will have to make.Also this week, the Alberta government introduced Bill 2, the Back to School Act, which invokes the notwithstanding clause to force teachers back to work and imposes a contract upon them - basically the same terms they overwhelmingly rejected in late September. We’ll get reaction from Alberta Teachers Association president Jason Schilling and find out whether he believes the strike was still worth it and what the ATA’s next moves might be in trying to convince the province to address these issues.Speaking of the notwithstanding clause, there’s an important case looming at the Supreme Court of Canada that could affect how governments use this power and whether there should be further limits or constraints. We’ll discuss that case with law professor and constitutional law expert Dwight Newman, and also get his thoughts on a potentially significant aboriginal titles case in B.C. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, a closer look at what to expect as the Alberta Legislature kicks off what is sure to be a dramatic and consequential fall sitting.Thousands of teachers rallied at the Legislature on Thursday as the premier made it clear that back-to-work legislation will be tabled on Monday to end this strike and get kids back into the classroom. Further discussion and debate is expected in the coming weeks around health care, Alberta’s finances and sovereignty-related issues. It’s also NDP leader Naheed Nenshi’s first opportunity to stand in the Legislature as the Official Leader of the Opposition.We unpack it all in a conversation with political veterans and political insiders Erika Barootes and Cheryl Oates - they’re also the co-hosts of The Discourse podcast. They’ve both got plenty to say about all of these debates. YouTube:Spotify:Apple Podcasts:Don’t forget, you can follow our work and subscribe here at our Substack page (robbreakenridge.ca), which is where the podcast is hosted. You can also listen and subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms. Check out our YouTube channel, as well. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, a closer look at Alberta’s pipeline ambitions and the obstacles that still need to be overcome. We are one month away from Grey Cup, which is to serve as the platform for the prime minister to announce the next phase of projects under the Major Projects Office. Is it realistic for Alberta’s pipeline proposal to be in the mix? And what about the possible revival of the Keystone XL pipeline? We’ll look at the economics and legalities surrounding this debate as we chat with Andrew Leach, energy and environmental economist and professor at the University of Alberta.Speaking of Keystone XL, we’ll look at the state of the trading relationship between Canada and the United States. New polling done for the Montreal Economic Institute finds that a solid majority of Canadians still see jobs and growth linked to trade with the U.S. and see reaching an agreement as a top priority for the Carney government. So how should Canada approach these negotiations? We’ll speak with MEI’s Renaud Brossard.Plus, the latest on Alberta’s teacher strike, as little progress seems to be happening at the bargaining table and possible back-to-work legislation looming as the Alberta Legislature is set to resume later this month.YouTube:Spotify:Apple Podcasts:Don’t forget, you can follow our work and subscribe here at our Substack page (robbreakenridge.ca), which is where the podcast is hosted. You can also listen and subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms. Check out our YouTube channel, as well. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, Rob is joined by former Conservative leader Erin O’Toole, now president at ADIT North America and distinguished fellow at the Hudson Institute.We’ll get his thoughts on Prime Minister Carney’s latest visit to Washington and the prospect of Canada reaching a new trade agreement with Donald Trump. We’ll discuss the importance of maintaining the Canada-U.S. relationship, and the delicate balance the prime minister faces in being seen as standing up for Canada while also trying to keep things positive with the U.S. president.We’ll also look at how issues like energy security and defence spending are affecting these trade talks and the broader relationship between the two countries. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
Welcome to this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, as we bring you the latest on the Alberta teachers’ strikeAs of Monday morning, Alberta’s 51,000 public school teachers are on strike, after last week they voted overwhelmingly to reject the offer that was on the table from the province.Premier Danielle Smith has called on teachers to return to the bargaining table and suggested that the two sides aren’t too far apart. As of now, though, there are no talks happening.We spoke with Alberta Teachers Association president Jason Schilling about where things stand, what teachers are looking for, and where things could go from here Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, we re-cap the dramatic week that was on the energy front. We had Alberta’s premier touting a new plan to get the ball rolling on a major new pipeline to the west coast. Just days earlier, though, word of massive layoffs at Imperial Oil, including the loss of almost 900 jobs in Calgary. We delve into all of that in a conversation with energy journalist and Energi Media CEO Markham Hislop.We’ll also look at the controversy that emerged in the final in-person town hall meeting of the Alberta Next panel, where the panel’s moderator offered a harsh response to a 17-year-old who was trying to ask a question about the teacher’s strike. Why the hostility, and what does this tell us about the political objectives of the Alberta Next process?Plus, we’ll speak with the Barry Avrich and Mark Selby, director & producer of the documentary “The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue,” which has its nation-wide release Friday. The film tells the story of a desperate and dramatic rescue amid the terror attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. The film caused quite a stir at the Toronto International Film Festival where it was briefly pulled by festival organizers before being reinstated and ultimately winning the People’s Choice Award. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
Welcome to Episode 35 of the Rob Breakenridge ShowWe start with the breaking news from Monday evening, as the Alberta Teachers Association has voted overwhelmingly rejected the province’s offer. That sets the stage for a teachers’ strike to begin next week. We’ll hear what the ATA president had to say in response to the vote and how the Alberta government is reacting.Also, we’ll delve into the debate around Alberta’s push for greater powers - or more “sovereignty” - within Canada. That’s been a focus of the Alberta Next panel, which held its final in-person town hall Monday night in Calgary. We’ll be joined by panelist Michael Binnion - he’s also written a new paper on Alberta could flex its legal and constitutional muscles to assert greater power.Plus, a new book on the leaders who shaped this country and why this history matters. Author and historian J.D.M. Stewart will be with us to discuss his new book, “The Prime Ministers: Canada’s Leaders and the Nation They Shaped.” Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
Welcome to this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show - it’s been a busy and eventful week.We begin with the case of the ostrich farm in southeastern B.C. and the nearly 400 birds that the CFIA is determined to cull. The case has attracted national - and even international - attention, and now the Supreme Court has issued a stay of the cull order. We’ll speak with Camille Labchuk, lawyer and executive director at Animal Justice.The federal government is set to finally table a budget on November 4th, but a new report from the Parliamentary Budget Officer is warning of a larger-than-expected deficit and growing debt (and debt-to-GDP ratio) in the coming years. We’ll get some reaction and analysis from Franco Terrazzano, federal director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.Plus, a re-cap of other big news out of the nation’s capital this week: Ottawa’s proposed reforms to Canada Post - reforms which have prompted CUPW to declare a postal workers’ strike. Also, despite the public safety minister inadvertently exposing the flawed gun buyback program, Ottawa is pressing ahead. We’ll have details. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
Welcome to Episode 33 of the Rob Breakenridge Show - here’s what we have for you in this epsiode:The federal government is in damage control after the public safety minister was caught making some very revealing comments about the gun buyback program, which is part of the government’s ban on so-called “assault-style” firearms. Does the federal government really believe this expensive program will do anything for public safety? We’ll hear from Tracey Wilson, who’s with the Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights. Plus, with Canada facing an economic slowdown and all sorts of trade uncertainty with the United States, a new study finds that we’re entering this period of uncertainty in a position of weakness. From 2020 - 2024, Canada’s GDP-per-capita declined, despite the overall economy growing. We’ll speak with Lawrence Schembri, former Deputy Governor of the Bank of Canada and currently a Senior Fellow and Chair of Canadian Competitiveness at the Fraser Institute. Don’t forget, you can follow our work and subscribe here at our Substack page (robbreakenridge.ca), which is where the podcast is hosted. You can also listen and subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms. Check out our YouTube channel, as well.Spotify:Apple Podcasts:YouTube: Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
Coming up in this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show:Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is finally back in Ottawa after a most trying six months. What are the challenges and opportunities for the Conservatives as they hold the government to account on the economy, crime, immigration, and other issues? With a new prime minister on the other side of the aisle, not to mention his own learned lessons, are we seeing a different opposition leader? We’ll speak with Ben Woodfinden, who was formerly Poilievre’s director of communications and is now a senior adviser at Meredith Boessenkool & Philips. Plus, amid the debate about the future of the CBC, a new book from a long-time producer at CBC makes the case for major changes at the public broadcaster in order to help preserve it. We’ll hear from David Cayley about his new book, “The CBC: How Canada’s Public Broadcaster Lost Its Way (And How to Get It Back)” Don’t forget, you can follow our work and subscribe here at our Substack page (robbreakenridge.ca), which is where the podcast is hosted. You can also listen and subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms. Check out our YouTube channel, as well.Spotify:Apple Podcasts:YouTube: Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
Plenty of ground to cover in this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show:We start with a re-cap of Parliament’s return and the first showdown since the election between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre. Also, comments Monday from Premier Danielle Smith about how she’s trying to counter the separatist threat and why she believes Alberta needs to add citizenship status to drivers’ licenses.We’re also joined by Adam Legge, president of the Business Council of Alberta - we’ll get his reaction to last week’s announcement of the first batch of Major Projects, and also discuss the council’s new report highlighting the business priorities that deserve focus ahead of next month’s municipal elections.Plus, a look at the state of auto insurance in Alberta and we speak with accident injury lawyer Mark McCourt. Alberta is moving to a no-fault system but that doesn’t seem to be enough to stop premiums from rising further. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
Lots to cover on Episode 30 of the Rob Breakenridge ShowWe start with the Prime Minister’s announcement in Edmonton Thursday of the first batch of projects in the national interest that will be advanced under the new Major Projects Office. We’ll hear what Mark Carney said about this first step, and what might come next - including, potentially, a new pipeline. We’ll also hear what a surprisingly optimistic Alberta Premier Danielle Smith had to say about the announcement and about her own meeting with the prime minister.Also, we’ll take a closer look at the Temporary Foreign Workers Program, and whether it’s time to end the program in the face of surging unemployment and other problems in the immigration system. The Conservative Party is calling on the government to end the program - we’ll hear from Calgary-Nose Hill Conservative MP and shadow minister for Citizenship & Immigration Michelle Rempel Garner.Plus, the latest on the horrible tragedy south of the border: the senseless murder of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk and the troubling trend of political violence in the United States. Don’t forget, you can follow our work and subscribe here at our Substack page (robbreakenridge.ca), which is where the podcast is hosted. You can also listen and subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms. Check out our YouTube channel, as well.Spotify:Apple Podcasts:YouTube: Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
We kick off this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show with breaking news Monday on the story that has dominated headlines in Alberta for the last week: the province’s school book ban. After a huge outcry, the Alberta government has overhauled it’s policy on explicit content to try and keep graphic images out of schools while allowing classic books to remain. We’ll have the details on the new policy and whether this will put the matter to rest.Also, with Canada facing a worsening economic crisis, the federal government has some big decisions to make with its upcoming federal budget and major project announcements. But is the government looking in the right direction? Are they focused on addressing the true weaknesses in the Canadian economy? CD Howe Institute fellow-in-residence and former TD Bank Chief Economist Don Drummond isn’t so sure - he lays out his case for a real economic and fiscal plan.Plus, renowned international human rights lawyer David Matas is worried that Canada is falling short in the global fight against antisemitism. He joins us for his perspective on why we’re seeing increased antisemitism and what more Canada could be doing.Don’t forget, you can follow our work and subscribe here at our Substack page (robbreakenridge.ca), which is where the podcast is hosted. You can also listen and subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms. Check out our YouTube channel, as well. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
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