CANADALAND

Kevin O’Keefe, a reporter at Canadaland, takes a deep dive into the complexities of Canada’s national dental care plan. He discusses the alarming trend of over-prescribing dental x-rays, raising ethical concerns about financial incentives in the industry. The conversation also tackles the rise of corporate dentistry and its impact on local practices. Finally, O’Keefe emphasizes the importance of patient advocacy, urging Canadians to ask questions and be informed about their dental care.

Cherise Seucharan, a Canada Land reporter, dives deep into the media narrative surrounding the Canada Post strike. She critiques how coverage focuses on whimsical letters to Santa instead of serious labor issues impacting vulnerable communities. Cherise discusses the complexities of union solidarity amid the strike, the controversy of a proposed two-tier workforce, and the media's one-sided portrayal of labor disputes. The conversation highlights the urgent need for a more nuanced understanding of labor rights and the real-world implications for workers.

David Robert Loblaw, a Canadian programmer known for questioning the reality of the Y2K bug, joins Arshy Mann to dissect the deep-rooted fears surrounding the millennium bug. They explore whether the immense preparations were warranted or merely a collective panic. Loblaw discusses the evolving role of technology and its implications on society while drawing parallels to today's anxieties like AI and climate change. Their conversation reflects on how media perceptions shape public reaction to possible technological threats.

Cherise Seucharan, a dedicated reporter for Canadaland, sheds light on the Montreal protests that erupted while Prime Minister Trudeau attended a Taylor Swift concert. She and host Noor Azrieh discuss the stark contrast between Trudeau's actions and national unrest. They delve into the complexities of media narratives, addressing misconceptions and their impact on public sentiment. The conversation highlights the government's role during protests, the controversy surrounding fluoride policies, and emerging societal tensions in Canada.

Laura Osmon, an Ottawa reporter for The Logic known for her sharp political insights, discusses the ongoing parliamentary gridlock in Canada. She explains how a Conservative privilege motion has stalled crucial legislation, leaving taxpayers at risk of significant financial losses. The conversation delves into the implications of this procedural standstill and the urgent need for transparency and collaboration among parties. Osmon also explores potential strategies to navigate this political impasse and address pressing public concerns.

In this compelling talk, Toronto-based journalist Adam Segal and former wrestler turned smuggler Eugene Moyner dive into the chilling baby smuggling trade of 1950s Montreal. Segal unveils the dark history and shocking family secrets tied to this scandal, while Moyner shares his harrowing experiences within the underground baby trafficking network. They explore how legal loopholes facilitated exploitation, the emotional turmoil faced by women in crisis situations, and the haunting legacies left by those caught in this illicit web.

Hélène Bélanger, a professor at UQAM specializing in gentrification and housing rights, dives deep into the roots of the housing crisis, tracing it back to the 1960s. She dismantles the oversimplified blame on immigration and examines the stigmatization of tenants. The discussion also highlights the link between housing insecurity and health issues, while addressing the growing problem of homelessness. Additionally, they explore the systemic challenges faced by Indigenous communities, emphasizing the need for community-oriented policy solutions.

Douglas Soltys, editor-in-chief of BetaKit, dives into the possible silver linings of a Trump presidency for Canada's tech sector. He discusses how shifting political landscapes are altering perceptions within the industry, with Trudeau no longer seen as the prime champion for tech. The conversation highlights the tech community's struggle between supporting diversity and navigating new political policies. Additionally, the podcast touches on pressing public health issues and critiques of Ontario's transportation challenges, reflecting broader societal concerns.

Douglas Soltys, Editor-in-chief of BetaKit, dives into the shifting social media landscape as users migrate from Twitter to Bluesky. He discusses the decentralized nature of the fediverse as a beacon of hope for user-driven media. The conversation also touches on a concerning Iranian assassination plot and the implications of Apple News favoring larger publishers at the expense of indie media. Soltys emphasizes the challenges of news visibility and the importance of safeguarding Canada’s democratic processes against foreign interference.

In this discussion, Ryan Jespersen, host of Real Talk, and Mel Woods, senior editor at Xtra Magazine, dissect Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s controversial new Bill of Rights. They explore how these changes impact vaccine mandates, gun ownership, and property rights, questioning whether this play for Smith's conservative base could alienate a broader audience. The conversation also touches on ongoing issues like the Canada Post strike and the evolving landscape of immigration policy in Canada.