CANADALAND

Mickey Djuric, a political journalist known for her incisive insights on parliamentary affairs, joins Sam Konnert to dissect a tumultuous autumn season in Canadian politics. They explore Canada's recognition of Palestine and the potential diplomatic fallout. The conversation delves into the pressure mounting on Prime Minister Mark Carney, who must now produce tangible results, particularly with an impending budget focusing on the deficit. Djuric also addresses cabinet changes and the implications of new hate-symbol laws.

Matthew Church, a writer and editor, faced death when he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest in 2014. He shares his harrowing experience of collapsing at home, being revived after eight minutes without a pulse, and the emotional aftermath of his recovery. Matthew discusses the importance of CPR, which saved his life, and offers practical advice on managing stress and confronting mortality. His reflections provide a profound perspective on living fully and the impact of family health history on personal wellness.

A non-journalist has been hired to cover Canadian politics, sparking debate about media ethics. With parliament back in session, tensions flare as Carney and Poilievre engage in a heated exchange. The conversation shifts to significant cabinet changes and the upcoming budget, which will test the government's direction. Meanwhile, an AI minister in Albania is poised to tackle corruption, while a CBC employee files a discrimination complaint. It's a whirlwind of political maneuvering and media critique.

The podcast dives into the shockwaves following Charlie Kirk's assassination, exploring how it ignites political violence debates in Canada. It examines the troubling contradiction of immigrants opposing immigration and rising hate crimes. Discussions on political rhetoric unveil its potential to escalate societal violence. The complexities around second-generation immigrant politics reveal surprising conservative alignments. Meanwhile, the call for supporting independent journalism highlights its vital role in fostering healthier public discourse amidst a polarized landscape.

Michelle Rempel Garner, Conservative immigration critic and MP, dives deep into the challenges of Canada’s immigration system. She advocates for scrapping the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, emphasizing urgent reforms to safeguard vulnerable workers. The discussion reveals the complexities of public sentiment around immigration and highlights how language requirements impact integration. Michelle stresses the need for cohesive policies that foster both national identity and societal diversity, sparking crucial conversations about the future of immigration in Canada.

Peter Edwards, a veteran crime beat reporter at the Toronto Star with over 40 years of experience covering organized crime, shares the jaw-dropping tale of Rabih Alkhalil's audacious prison escape. They dive into the shocking tactics used in the jailbreak and discuss the potential inside help and systemic failures that enabled it. Edwards also examines the broader implications of rising crime rates and the normalization of gun violence, painting a picture of an unsettling landscape in Canada’s criminal underworld.

Jan Wong, a seasoned journalist and author with a deep background in China, joins the discussion on the complexities of electric vehicles in Canada. They dive into the rise of Chinese EVs and their competitive edge against Tesla, debating the potential benefits of lowering tariffs. The conversation also critiques Canada's mixed messaging on EV mandates and the intriguing interplay between agricultural biofuels and international trade. Plus, some nostalgic reflections on the fading legacy of a beloved animation studio spice up the dialogue.

Jan Wong, a journalist and author known for her insights into Canadian and Chinese cultures, joins the discussion about the Toronto International Film Festival's 50th anniversary. They explore TIFF’s challenges, including its handling of controversial documentaries and how it reflects cultural nostalgia, particularly around John Candy. The conversation also highlights Canadian films’ potential impact on local businesses and the dynamics of audience reception. Wong offers a unique perspective on the intersection of politics and arts within film festival programming.

Don Lenihan, President and CEO of Middle Ground Policy Research, and Vass Bednar, Managing Director of the Canadian Shield Institute, dive deep into Canada's digital sovereignty. They highlight the risk of U.S. tech giants controlling Canadian data, emphasizing the limited number of Canadian data centers. The conversation explores the implications of U.S. actions on Canadian data privacy and the urgent need for Canada to establish its own secure digital infrastructure. They also tackle the complexities in regulating digital platforms and the mounting influence of American technology on Canada.

Lloyd Axworthy, former Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs and a prominent figure in international relations, shares his insights on Canada’s peacekeeping future. He reflects on Canada's historical contributions and discusses the feasibility of reestablishing a robust peacekeeping presence. Axworthy advocates for a shift from militarization to collaborative governance, emphasizing climate change and Indigenous involvement. He also highlights the urgent need for improved civic education to empower citizens and tackle pressing global issues.