Simon Lewsen

Simon Lewsen, a magazine journalist known for his incisive profiles, discusses the formidable Jenni Byrne, a key Conservative strategist. They dive into her career milestones, from shaping Stephen Harper's success to her role in Pierre Poilievre's campaign. Lewsen highlights Byrne's grassroots engagement and challenges with elitism in politics. The conversation reveals how her staunch populist values, while a strength, could become a liability as voter concerns evolve. Tune in to understand the intricate dance of influence and strategy in Canada's political arena.

Simon Lewsen, a magazine journalist and part-time instructor at the University of Toronto, dives into the contentious debate over institutional neutrality in higher education. He explores the implications of university administrators taking political stances, including a controversial lawsuit involving UBC and the idea of academic freedom. Lewsen analyzes the history of neutrality and discusses the financial and legitimacy crises facing universities today, making a case for preserving an open dialogue on campus in the face of political pressures.

Simon Lewsen, a Toronto-based journalist for Maclean's, explores the controversy surrounding New Brunswick's Policy 713, which ignited the fiery debate over parental rights in Canada. He delves into the origins of the policy and its unexpected transformation into a national issue. The discussion includes heartwarming family stories, the complexities of children's rights, and the challenging balance between privacy and parental involvement. Lewsen highlights how a simple rule sparked a significant societal shift, now crucial in upcoming elections.