

Neil Drabkin
Lawyer, former federal prosecutor, and political commentator who served as a chief of staff in the Harper government.
Top 5 podcasts with Neil Drabkin
Ranked by the Snipd community

9 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 24min
Is Tim Hortons Canadian? Plus: Canada’s tumble down the happiness rankings.
Dan Delmar, co-founder of TNKR Media, and Neil Drabkin, a former federal prosecutor and political commentator, dive into the hot topics surrounding Canada's political landscape. They tackle the contentious identity of Tim Hortons amidst its foreign ownership and what it means for Canadian culture. The duo also discusses Canada's declining happiness rankings, linking economic challenges like housing affordability to the nation's well-being. Plus, hear insights on media access during election campaigns and Mark Carney's candidacy hurdles.

Aug 4, 2025 • 26min
More Quebec doctors are leaving the public system. Plus: Is it time to privatize Canada Post.
Neil Drabkin, a lawyer and former political chief of staff, joins Jimmy Zoubris, a special advisor to the mayor of Montreal. They dive into concerns about Quebec's healthcare system, with more doctors leaving the public sector despite recent reforms. The conversation shifts to Canada Post, addressing union contract rejections and the prospect of privatization as a potential remedy for its financial woes. They also tackle the darker side of cryptocurrency, exploring the alarming rise in related crimes and the necessity for regulation to ensure safety.

Jul 25, 2025 • 25min
After a verdict, a reckoning for Hockey Canada. Plus: Will Ottawa slash 60,000 jobs?
Neil Drabkin, a seasoned lawyer and political commentator, joins Justine McIntyre, former city councillor and strategic consultant, for a gripping discussion. They dive into the recent acquittal of the 2018 Canada world junior hockey team members, exploring its implications on hockey culture and accountability in sports. The conversation then shifts to potential public sector job cuts in Ottawa, with the duo analyzing how cost-saving measures could affect nearly 60,000 positions. Their insights reveal the complexities of these pressing societal issues.

Jul 18, 2025 • 23min
A St-Léonard barbershop owner says he’s being unfairly targeted by the OQLF. Plus: CBS will be ending The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
Karim Boulos, a political analyst and former city councillor, teams up with Neil Drabkin, a lawyer and political commentator with a rich background in government, to delve into current political matters. They discuss the plight of a St-Léonard barbershop owner targeted by Quebec's language watchdog, examining the broader implications of language laws on businesses. The conversation also touches on Craig Sauvé's mayoral ambitions and the need for change in Montreal governance, alongside the impact of lowering the voting age on youth political engagement.

Jul 10, 2025 • 24min
Montreal Public Health thinks more booze in more places is a bad idea. Plus: The South Shore restaurant that charges for water.
Neil Drabkin, a former federal prosecutor and political commentator, joins the discussion with Montreal journalist Sue Smith. They delve into Montreal Public Health's concerns over a pilot project allowing late alcohol sales in convenience stores, highlighting potential health risks. The duo also tackles the backlash against Pizzeria Sofia in Brossard for charging customers for tap water, raising questions about value and consumer practices. Along the way, they touch on Quebec's immigration policies and their implications for family reunification.