The Backbench

It was a hell of a day for the Liberals yesterday, as Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland abruptly abandoned her post. Now, all fingers are pointed at one man: Justin Trudeau.So what happened? And where do we go from here? Reporter for the Hill Times Stuart Benson sits down with Sam to break down Justin’s Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad DayHost: Sam KonnertCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Production Manager) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Stuart BensonBackground reading:Federal deficit balloons to $61.9B as government tables economic update on chaotic day in Ottawa  – CBCTrudeau taps Dominic LeBlanc to serve as finance minister after Chrystia Freeland's shock resignation | CBC Chrystia Freeland’s years of loyalty culminate in a humiliating and tragic end | Globe and MailFreeland’s grenade brings crisis on top of crisis to a flailing Trudeau government | Globe and MailSponsors: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadalandArticle is offering our listeners $50 off your first purchase of $100 or moreTo claim, visit article.com/backbench and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.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.

The political gender divide isnt just a U.S. phenonmenon, its showing up globally, from the U.K. to South Korea. It’s only a matter of time before the next Canadian election wherethese political dynamics could soon take center stage. Host Noor Azrieh sits down with Jack Gordon, a young conservative, to ask what he’s thinking about politics these days? And, why conservative politics are resonating with young Canadian men? Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Jack GordonBackground reading:Young Canadians now more politically conservative than their elders – National PostPoilievre’s Youth: Meet the young voters supporting the Conservatives – Global NewsHasan Piker on how Trump seized online culture – CBC Podcasts, FrontburnerAbacus Data Poll: Conservatives lead by 22 as surrounding impressions hold steady What’s behind the global political divide between young men and women? – The Guardian Why Trump Thinks He Needs Young Men to Win – TIMESponsors: Article is offering our listeners $50 off your first purchase of $100 or moreTo claim, visit article.com/backbench and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.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.

Last Monday, U.S. president-elect Donald Trump posted to his beloved Truth Social with a hefty threat. If Canada and Mexico don't get the border in order, or the drugs in check, he’ll slap a 25 per cent tariff on all goods. These tariffs could crash several major U.S. industries and ruin Canada’s economy. But this isn’t the first time Trump’s threatened Canada. Host Noor Azrieh sits down with Vipal Monga to ask, did Canadian politicians learn anything from dealing with Trump the first time around, or are they stumbling into Trump 2.0 just as clueless?And, the latest on a BC lawsuit against opioid manufacturers and distributors and alleged interference in the Conservative leadership race that got Conservative Leader Pierre Polievre elected.Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Post Production), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Vipal MongaFurther Reading On Our WebsiteSponsors: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadalandArticle is offering our listeners $50 off your first purchase of $100 or moreTo claim, visit article.com/backbench and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.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.

Parliament froze in late September after the Conservatives launched a privilege motion, bogging down the government and demanding the Liberals hand over documents relating to a “green slush fund.”Since then, the House has been on pause – no bills, no legislation, no nothing. Despite important government matters, this freeze could go on for a very long time, costing taxpayers millions. Laura Osmon, The Logic’s Ottawa reporter, joins the show to make sense of this procedural nightmare, and explain how we could get out of this gridlock.Host: Sam KonnertCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio), Cherise Seucharan (Editor), Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Laura Osmon, MP Peter JulianBackground reading:No clear end in sight as House of Commons gridlock approaches 2-month mark | CBC NewsTrudeau to unveil GST relief in multibillion-dollar affordability announcement | Globe and MailHouse filibuster is putting money for military, dental care, and keeping the government lights on at risk | The Hill TimesSponsors: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadalandArticle is offering our listeners $50 off your first purchase of $100 or moreTo claim, visit article.com/backbench and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.Register for Dollars and Cents: The Business of Podcasting on Wednesday, December 11 in Toronto at labs.canadaland.com.  Space is limited.Be part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis. Go to canadaland.com/join to become a Canadaland Supporter today.You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith tabled a rehauled Bill of Rights with changes aimed at ending vaccine mandates, protecting gun ownership and ensuring property rights–a move she claims as “reflection of our shared values.” But it doesn't stop there, over 30 bills are making their way through the Alberta legislature, so host Noor Azrieh sits down with Ryan Jespersen and Mel Woods to make sense of the controversial changes and make sense of whether or not this bold stand for freedom (or play for Smith’s right-wing base) may alienate other Albertans.And, the latest on the Canada post strike, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s 7 minute video addressing the mistakes made on immigration. Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Ryan Jespersen, Mel WoodsBackground reading:Alberta Bill of Rights Premier Danielle Smith announces plan to reinforce vaccine choice in Alberta Bill of Rights - CBC NewsThings ‘more intense’ since Alberta policies dropped, says mom of trans kid - Xtra MagazineCanada Post, union to return to bargaining Monday after federal government appoints special mediator - Toronto StarWhy Canada’s changing its immigration systemSponsors: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadalandArticle is offering our listeners $50 off your first purchase of $100 or moreTo claim, visit article.com/backbench and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.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.

Last week, UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese landed in Canada, setting off a firestorm of controversy that Canadian politics was not ready for. She’s been accused of antisemitism, refused meetings by government officials, and had her talks protested.She’s been calling the war in Gaza a genocide, but the big question isn’t what she has to say, but whether or not she was someone anyone should even be listening to.This week, we sit down with Albanese to discuss the genocide, the accusations against her, and the power of the UN.Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Production Manager) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Francesca AlbanesePhoto credit: AFP picBackground reading:UN rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories says she was ‘snubbed’ by Canadian government - Toronto StarCanada refuses to comment on US sale of Canadian-made weapons to Israel - Al JazeeraCalls mount for Canada to bar UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese over antisemitic remarks - National Post UN special rapporteur on the Palestinian Territories holds news conference30 Jewish Organizations: We Support UN Human Rights Rapporteur Francesca Albanese Sponsors: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadalandAudible:  Listen now at Audible.ca/bestoftheyearCanada needs rigorous, deeply reported independent journalism now more than ever. Go to canadaland.com/join to become a yearly Canadaland Supporter today and get three months of perks and benefits for free. You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the 60th US Presidential election, and the stakes feel like they’ve never been higher. This episode is a pulse check on what people are doing, thinking, and feeling on our side of that Windsor-Detroit border. Host Noor Azrieh also looks back on the 2016 election and her feeling of powerlessness, and addresses the stakes, impact, and consequences of this election.And, the latest on Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre’s proposed GST cut for home sales, Alberta’s bill of rights (again…), and Canada’s collective failure in upholding the legacy of Murray Sinclair.CORRECTIONS 11/05/2024: This episode incorrectly identifies Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu as the President, we apologize for the error. On this episode, the goods and services tax (GST) is incorrectly referred to as the "general sales tax".Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Production Manager) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Michael Breshgold, Georganne BurkeBackground reading:#94 Can Kamala Save Canada from Trump? - CanadalandU.S. election: How would Harris, Trump immigration plans impact Canada? - Global NewsOrganizers for both parties mobilizing to get Americans in Canada to vote - CBC NewsCanadian support for Donald Trump higher than in last U.S. presidential election, survey finds - CTV NewsWhere Do Trump and Harris Stand on Israel-Gaza Conflict? - The New York TimesSponsors: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadalandCanada needs rigorous, deeply reported independent journalism now more than ever. Go to canadaland.com/join to become a yearly Canadaland Supporter today and get three months of perks and benefits for free.You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liberal MP’s have hopped on the #TrudeauHasGotToGo bandwagon after 28 caucus members asked for his resignation. The PM is in a completely different arena than when he arrived nine years ago. So did he change? Or did we?Vox writer Zach Beauchamp sits down with host Noor Azrieh to unpack what kind of leaders are meeting this moment. What leaders are voters looking for? Are they looking for authenticity or radical change? And, the latest on the Liberals’ slashed immigration targets, and calls for a public inquiry over more and more police killings of Indigenous people.Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Production Manager) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Zach BeauchampBackground reading:Is Pierre Poilievre the Canadian version of Donald Trump? - VoxSome Liberal MPs issue a deadline to Trudeau: make up your mind to stay or go by Oct. 28 - CBCTrudeau hits date set by Liberal MPs to respond to caucus letter - Global NewsThe Reactionary Spirit by Zack BeauchampSponsors: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadalandThis episode features the audio short “Fish Count” by Jean M. Sarrazin (Comox, BC), one of the finalists from the 2024 Local Correspondents Audio Competition, a CanadaLabs initiative. CanadaLabs, a hub for the next generation of audio journalists, is made possible with the support of Amazon Music, The Perspective Fund, and Canadaland Supporters. Be part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis. Go to canadaland.com/join to become a yearly Canadaland Supporter today and get 3 months of perks and benefits for free.  Canada needs rigorous, deeply reported independent journalism now more than ever. Go to canadaland.com/join to become a yearly Canadaland Supporter today and get three months of perks and benefits for free.  You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A massive criminal campaign—extortion, intimidation, coercion, harassment, even murder—allegedly orchestrated by India on Canadian soil. This is a BIG deal. After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India and expelled six diplomats, Arshy Mann joins host Noor Azrieh to explain the impact and political blowback of these allegations. And, the latest on the coup against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, political paralysis in parliament, and how we were right on the money with our BC election predictions. Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor/ Mixer), Max Collins (Production Manager) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Arshy MannBackground reading:Allegations of murder, extortion, coercion by India spark diplomatic retaliations - National NewswatchPierre Poilievre Is Soft On (Indian Government Organized) Crime - Baaz NewsOpinion: Why Indians of almost every political persuasion are backing New Delhi in its dispute with Canada - The Globe and MailIndia's response to diplomatic communication from Canada Sponsors: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadalandCanada needs rigorous, deeply reported independent journalism now more than ever. Go to canadaland.com/join to become a yearly Canadaland Supporter today and get  three months of perks and benefits for free.  You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shit-posting candidates, climate change denial, outright racism, and those damn paper straws. Host Noor Azrieh calls up Arno Kopecky, Shannon Waters, and Mo Amir to ask what the hell is going on in B.C.’s election. And, the latest on the foreign interference commission, pharmacare, and Alberta’s Bill of Rights.Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Production Manager), Jesse Brown (Publisher and Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Arno Kopecky, Shannon Waters, Mo AmirBackground reading:British Columbia’s Election Is a Bellwether for Climate Policy - The WalrusOpinion: B.C. election puts broader populist tide to the test - Montreal GazetteThe BC NDP Is Boring Voters. That Could Be Their Selling Point - The TyeeWhat on earth just happened with B.C.’s carbon tax? - The NarwhalBC Conservative Candidate Called For ‘Boycott’ of Air Canada to Stop Airlifts Rescuing Syrian Refugees - Press ProgressSponsors: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadalandIf 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 feels like we’ve never been closer to another world war. If our NATO allies called us, could we answer? This week, host Noor Azrieh, with guests David Pugliese and Stephen Saideman, explore whether NATO targets matter, what we should be spending our money on, and if we’re at the mercy of our beefed-up southern neighbours.And, the latest on Prime Minister Trudeau’s regrets with electoral reform, Canadians choosing to stay in Lebanon and the Bloc Quebecois Pierre-pressuring the Liberals.Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor/Mixer), Max Collins (Production Manager) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: David Pugliese, Stephen Saideman Background reading:Trudeau should expect criticism at NATO summit over defence spending - Ottawa CitizenThe Organizations Behind Canada’s Most Quoted Military Experts - The MapleState of Canadian Armed Forces' combat readiness growing worse, government report warns - CBC NewsThinking the 'unthinkable': NATO wants Canada and allies to gear up for a conventional war - CBC NewsDefence industry rep says Canada on ‘hamster wheel’ of red tape as ammo contracts fail to materialize  - Ottawa CitizenSponsors: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadalandIf you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad-free, including early releases and bonus content, 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.

While world leaders meet and Israel’s war on Gaza spreads, Canadian MPs are at odds over recognizing a Palestinian state. How much does Canadian recognition really matter? Why are we dragging our feet? Host Noor Azrieh sits down with Michael Lynk, the former Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territories, and Mark Kersten, a human rights and international criminal justice expert to find out.Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Jesse Brown (Editor), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Production Manager), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Mark Kersten and Michael LynkPhoto Credit - Richard KoekBackground reading:Canada Abstains from United Nations General Assembly resolution on Admission of new Members to the United NationsGovernment MPs presented a motion to study Palestinian statehood at committee, sources say  - CBC NewsOttawa-based company is key to keeping Israeli warplanes bombing Gaza - The BreachIsrael ‘on a high’ after Nasrallah killing, as mood for an invasion grows - Al JazeeraLiberal staffers pull support for party in Montreal byelection, citing government's stance on Gaza - CBC NewsSponsors: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadaland.CAMH is building better mental health care for everyone to ensure no one is left behind. This Mental Illness Awareness Week, your donation to CAMH will be matched. Visit camh.ca/canadaland to double your impact.If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad-free, including early releases and bonus content, 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.

We’re a week into parliament's new session, and things are getting ugly. Justin Trudeau is trying on a new attitude, Jagmeet Singh ripped up the Supply and Confidence Agreement and Pierre Poilievre is doing everything he can to force an election as soon as possible. So, what are we in for here? An election? A year of mudslinging? Our panelists Max Fawcett, Brian Platt and Shannon Phillips try to make sense of it all. Host:  Mattea RoachCredits: Noor Azrieh (Producer), Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Production Manager)Guests: Max Fawcett, Brian Platt and Shannon PhillipsAdditional music by Audio NetworkBackground reading:'I'm right here, bro': Singh, Poilievre have tense exchange during question period | CBC NewsJustin Trudeau ‘unleashed’ is the Liberals’ new weapon - Toronto StarHouse Speaker calls on MPs to improve behaviour after rowdy question period last week - CBC NewsSponsors: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadalandCAMH is building better mental health care for everyone to ensure no one is left behind. This Mental Illness Awareness Week, your donation to CAMH will be matched. Visit camh.ca/canadaland to double your impact.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.

Canadaland just launched its first ever celebrity interview podcast and it’s not great. It’s The Worst Podcast.Celebrities are always talking about their bests. Now hear them at their worst.Join award-winning filmmaker and noted curmudgeon Alan Zweig for refreshingly honest conversations with “notable people” about the worst things in life.Alan has no interest in best-selling books or Hollywood triumphs, and doesn’t know (or care) much about his guests. He’s looking for real conversations that dig deep and get to the worst things: nagging fears, embarrassing secrets and haunting regrets. And he’ll no doubt share a few of his own along the way.Listen to The Worst Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He was the immigration minister when we rehauled the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. He’s now the housing minister, tackling Canada’s massive housing crisis. He’s got a huge job.This week, host Mattea Roach asks the hard-hitting questions about mistakes the Liberals have made, and how they plan to fix it.Host:  Mattea RoachCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Production Manager), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)Guests: Minister Sean FraserBackground reading:Liberal Housing PlanUN report on Canada's temporary foreign workers details the many ways they've been abused - CBC NewsHousing minister denies he ignored warning about immigration levels and housing supply - National PostFeds identify 56 government properties for conversion to affordable housing - CP24Sponsors: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadalandIf 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.

Harassment of MPs has risen around 800% in the past five years. One-off threats can so easily turn to real violence. Many leaders are calling it quits — saying it’s just too much.What does that feel like for those in office? And for the team responsible for keeping these politicians safe? We get into it with MP Marco Mendicino, MP Pam Damoff and Senator Bernadette Clement. We also speak with Assistant Commissioner Michele Paradis. We want to hear from YOU! Fill out our quick survey to tell us what you think of the show, what you’re enjoying, and what you want more of. Complete the survey: https://forms.gle/t5n1dQxHjCs7uEMU6Host:  Mattea RoachCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor), Production Manager (Max Collins), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)Guests: MP Mendicino, MP Damoff, Senator Clement, Assistant Commissioner Michele ParadisBackground reading:Harassment of MPs spiked almost 800% in 5 years, says House sergeant-at-arms - CBC NewsFormer safety minister wants 'protective zones' for MPs' offices as threats increase - CBC NewsWhy Canadian Politics Is Still Unsafe For Female Politicians - ChatelaineSponsors: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadalandArticle is offering our listeners $50 off your first purchase of $100 or more. To claim, visit ARTICLE.COM/BACKBENCHIf 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.

Pierre Poilievre isn’t just on the campaign trail, he’s pounding the pavement. And by jove, he’s following it all the way to the top of the polls relying on several rhyming promises.Nanos polling has the Conservatives at 41 per cent nationally, with the Liberals dragging at 25, and the NDP at 17 per cent. It also has Poilievre as the preferred choice as PM by 14 percentage points.How do you approach an upcoming election when you’re so clearly ahead? Who's he meeting with? Where is he focusing his energy? This week, host Mattea Roach welcomes Fred Deleroy, Host of iPolitics' On Background podcast and former National Campaign Manager for the Conservatives, Stuart Benson, a reporter with The Hill Times and Tyler Meredith, the lead author of the 2019 and 2021 winning election platforms of the Liberal Party. Host:  Mattea RoachCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Managing Editor), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)Guests: Fred DeLorey, Stuart Benson, Tyler MeredithBackground reading:‘It could be a great night for the NDP’: potential byelection wins could trigger end of Lib-NDP agreement, say political players | Hill TimesLiberal donations up, but Conservatives still lead fundraising | CBCConservatives launch attack ads on NDP, calling leader 'Sellout Singh' | CBCTory fundraising on track to smash 2023 record as Liberal donations, ad spending tick up ‘slowly but surely’: politicos | Hill TimesSponsors: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadalandArticle is offering our listeners $50 off your first purchase of $100 or more.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.

Two team Canadas… two wildly different levels of athleticism. While our athletes head to Paris, our politicians are flooding to the USA to promote Canadian interests in a wildly turbulent time.Our panelists are closely tracking trade, immigration, and our own election. But no matter who wins the next election, the road may get tough for Canadians. How do we prevent this? What's actually at stake?To find out, Mattea Roach asked Laura Dawson, executive Director of the Future Borders Coalition, Senior Washington Correspondent for Capital Forum Paul Mcleod, and Toronto Star staff reporter Richard Warnica.Host:  Mattea RoachCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor), Max Collins (Production Manager), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)Guests: Laura Dawson, Paul McLeod, Richard WarnicaBackground reading:Canada already in talks to avoid Trump tariffs | CBC NewsTrump destabilized Canada in 2016. Trudeau doesn’t want it to happen again. | POLITICOOpinion: Kamala Harris is better for Canada – and the world – than another Trump White HouseSponsors: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at Douglas.ca/Canadaland. Article is offering our listeners $50 off your first purchase of $100 or more. To claim, visit ARTICLE.COM/BACKBENCH  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.

We’re bringing you a special episode of a show we love! The Secret Life of Canada from CBC Podcasts is a podcast about the country you know and the stories you don't. Join hosts Leah-Simone Bowen and Falen Johnson as they reveal the beautiful, terrible and weird histories of this land. In this episode, “Sorry not Sorry”, they explore the history of the national relationship to the word "sorry" and the truth and myths of Canadian politeness. More episodes of The Secret Life of Canada are available at: https://link.chtbl.com/5FPMYDg9 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Strap on your binoculars and lace up your boots: today we’re sharing an episode of the newest show on the network, A Field Guide to Gay Animals.A Field Guide to Gay Animals explores sexuality, gender, and joy in the animal world. Animal enthusiasts Owen Ever and Laine Kaplan-Levenson take us on a quest to see beyond the natural world as we know it and into the natural world as it is: queer as f*ck.Cheeky and contemplative, curious and raunchy, Field Guide shows us that the natural world is more exuberant, more joyful, and more gay than we could possibly imagine.Episode two is available now. Follow A Field Guide to Gay Animals wherever you listen to podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.