Kirk LaPointe

Felice Chin, Alberta bureau chief and energy analyst, discusses why Venezuela's oil won't threaten Canada's supply, emphasizing the importance of regional refineries and industry resilience. Kirk LaPointe, a seasoned journalist, critiques Canada's decline in World Juniors hockey due to outdated systems and compares it to U.S. and European models. Historian J.L. Granatstein advocates for renewed military training programs and stronger ties between universities and the Canadian Armed Forces to address evolving defense needs.

David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data, dives into Canadians' hopes for the federal budget, emphasizing a desire for reassurance over austerity. He highlights polling that shows citizens prefer gradual deficit reduction while protecting essential services. Howard Anglin, a former Deputy Chief of Staff, critiques the Supreme Court's reliance on hypothetical scenarios in its rulings, advocating for a focus on real facts. Lastly, journalist Kirk LaPointe reflects on the Blue Jays' postseason heartbreak, exploring its emotional impact on fans and the franchise.

Karen Restoule, Director of Indigenous Affairs at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, advocates for Indigenous leaders to set the terms for major projects in Canada, emphasizing that trust, not speed, is crucial for success. Meanwhile, Kirk LaPointe discusses the intense drama surrounding John Rustad’s narrow escape from a leadership review in the BC Conservative Party, highlighting issues like disqualified memberships and internal conflicts. The conversation reveals the complex dynamics influencing both Indigenous partnerships and political maneuvers.

In this engaging discussion, Kirk LaPointe, a British Columbia correspondent with sharp insights into provincial politics, dives into John Rustad's recent leadership review. Kirk highlights the surprisingly low voter turnout, casting doubt on Rustad's mandate despite his majority support. He explores the internal tensions within the party, where moderates clash with the right wing. Interesting dynamics surrounding the lack of a strong opposition and the potential risks of a caucus collapse emerge, stimulating thoughts on the future of B.C. Conservative leadership.

Kirk LaPointe, The Hub's BC correspondent and author, explores the intriguing parallels between Mark Carney’s goaltending skills and his political leadership. He discusses how attributes like composure and decision-making are vital in both fields. Robert Asselin, CEO of U15, dives into the necessity of national military service in Canada amid global tensions. They further analyze the importance of integrating economic and national security to boost Canada's competitiveness in a challenging world economy.