Latest podcasts
- New push to tackle problems in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, and why compassion may be failing the neighbourhood
Tuesday, December 6th 2022
Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside has long dealt with social issues stemming from homelessness and addiction, and to many, the situation has only gotten worse. Social agencies are feeling the strain, and the public is pressuring politicians to do more to solve the problem. Vancouver Sun columnist Douglas Todd joins the show to discuss why there’s a feeling that the problems are worse than ever, the new B.C. premier’s controversial proposals to address some of the issues, and how public compassion could be failing the people in the Downtown Eastside. Background reading: Douglas Todd: Why compassion is failing Vancouver’s most distressed neighbourhood David Eby's bold plan to take ownership of the DTES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Trudeau, cabinet defend cracking down on the Freedom Convoy — Emergencies Act Inquiry, Part 2
Friday, December 2nd 2022
Over the course of six weeks of testimony, Canadians heard from police and municipal officials in Ottawa, provincial representatives and even from organizers of the so-called Freedom Convoy that occupied the capital for weeks earlier this year. This was all building to the appearance by senior members of Justin Trudeau’s cabinet, and the PM himself, as they looked to justify the government’s use of the Emergencies Act to dismantle what had become a disruptive protest. In the second of a special two-part look at the Emergencies Act inquiry, National Post political reporters Chris Nardi and Ryan Tumilty join the show to discuss how intelligence officials viewed the convoy, how blockades at the border in Alberta and Ontario changed the conversation, and how, ultimately, ministers explained the government’s actions. Background reading: As Emergencies Act inquiry closes, commissioner says he has the evidence he needs 'No confidence' in police plan: Trudeau says he had no alternative to Emergencies Act Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Freedom Convoy response poses problems for Ottawa police — Emergencies Act inquiry, Part 1
Thursday, December 1st 2022
Was the Freedom Convoy a threat to public safety when it occupied downtown Ottawa earlier this year? Was the federal government’s use of the Emergencies Act justified? Did Ottawa drop the ball in planning for the convoy’s arrival? These are just some of the questions arising from six weeks of testimony before the Public Order Emergency Commission and Justice Paul Rouleau. In the first of a special two-part episode, National Post political reporters Chris Nardi and Ryan Tumilty join the show to discuss what the inquiry into the use of the emergencies act looked at, how it has shown how unprepared police were to handle the convoy, and what that lack of preparedness meant in the overall response to the occupation. Background reading: Lack of 'coherent plan' from Ottawa police made RCMP, OPP 'reluctant' to help them with protest: Bill Blair Emergencies Act was helpful but 'not necessary' to clear Freedom Convoy: Ontario deputy solicitor general Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Canada failing to address Chinese influence in our elections
Friday, November 25th 2022
According to reports, intelligence officials have warned the prime minister that China covertly funded candidates in the 2019 election. While it’s not clear yet who these candidates were, it’s not the first time the Chinese regime has tried to influence our politics, and apparently not illegal. National Post columnists Terry Glavin joins the show to discuss how this funding works, the extent of other forms of foreign influence in our politics, and why attempts to address it have been stymied. Background reading: What's it going to take for the Liberals to crack down on Chinese subterfuge? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Will Canada be the Cinderella story at this year's FIFA World Cup?
Monday, November 21st 2022
Canada’s men’s soccer team is playing in its first FIFA World Cup in 36 years, only the second time we’ve qualified for the event. And, unlike 1986, when we didn’t manage to win a game, this group is looking to put Canada on the world soccer map. Postmedia national soccer writer Derek Van Diest, who is in Qatar for the World Cup, joins the show to discuss Canada’s road to get there, how well we could presumably do, and some of the controversies hanging over FIFA and the event. Background reading: Canada look to defy odds again against Belgium at FIFA World Cup 2022 FIFA WORLD CUP PREVIEW: A look back at history of tournament Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices