CANADALAND

Canadian media is filled with doom over the possibility of a second Donald Trump presidency. Is Trump really that much of a threat to Canada? Plus, why office space conversions aren’t going to happen in Ontario, and the real victim of Trudeau’s cuts to immigration.  Host: Jesse BrownCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), max collins (Production Manager and Fact Checking), Jesse Brown (Editor)  Guest: Frank Domenic Further Reading on our website This episode features the audio short, “In This Place, We Brook No Malice” by JR Williams, Gillian Reed & Braeden Doane (Toronto, ON), one of the finalists from the 2024 Local Correspondents Audio Competition, a CanadaLabs initiative. CanadaLabs, a hub for the next generation of audio journalists, is made possible with the support of Amazon Music, The Perspective Fund, and Canadaland Supporters. Be part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis. Go to canadaland.com/join to become a yearly Canadaland Supporter today and get 3 months of perks and benefits for free.  You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch at our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. Sponsors:PolicyMe: Head over to policyme.com and secure your Health and Dental coverage in just 5 minutes - no medical questions needed!oxio: Head over to canadaland.oxio.ca and use code CANADALAND for your first month free! BetterHelp:  Visit BetterHelp.com/canadland today to get 10% off your first month. You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is there more to Doug Ford’s buffoonery than $200 and a paper bag? As Scott Moe hangs on to a majority in Saskatchewan, Doug Ford scrambles to woo voters ahead of a probable election in Ontario, and it seems to be working. Host: Jesse BrownCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), max collins (Production Manager and Fact Checking), Jesse Brown (Editor)  Guest: Frank Domenic Further Reading on our Website This episode features the audio short “The Secret Sauna” by Pippa Johnstone and Jane Sanden (Squamish, B.C.), one of the finalists from the 2024 Local Correspondents Audio Competition, a CanadaLabs initiative. CanadaLabs, a hub for the next generation of audio journalists, is made possible with the support of Amazon Music, The Perspective Fund, and Canadaland Supporters. Be part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis. Go to canadaland.com/join to become a yearly Canadaland Supporter today and get 3 months of perks and benefits for free.  You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch at our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody.  Sponsors:PolicyMe: Head over to policyme.com and secure your Health and Dental coverage in just 5 minutes - no medical questions needed!Squarespace: Check out Squarespace.com/canadaland for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch use code canadaland to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.oxio: Head over to canadaland.oxio.ca and use code CANADALAND for your first month free! You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zach Beauchamp, a Senior Correspondent at Vox and author of "The Reactionary Spirit," dives into the shifting political landscape in Canada. He discusses the growing calls for Trudeau's resignation and what voters are truly seeking in their leaders—authenticity or radical change. The conversation navigates the complexities of immigration policy and the urgent need for a public inquiry into police violence against Indigenous people, revealing critical insights about Canada’s multicultural identity and the evolving expectations of political leaders.

Mark Kingwell, a philosopher and author of "Question Authority," dives into the necessity and pitfalls of questioning authority in today’s world. He explores how skepticism has transformed into ideological enforcement, leading to a breakdown in discourse. Kingwell raises concerns about the impact on journalism and the creep of authoritarianism in society. The conversation critically examines the balance between accountability and destructive negativity, emphasizing the urgent call for independent journalism in a polarized landscape.

Rim Mohsen, a consultant and specialist in social mobilization with Lebanese roots, shares her insights on identity and belonging amidst the turmoil of the Middle East. She reflects on the struggle of navigating her dual heritage while fostering connections. Mohsen emphasizes the importance of collective hope and resilience, especially for youth dealing with feelings of isolation. The discussion highlights the need for community support and the power of storytelling to drive change, encouraging listeners to engage and bring hope to future generations.

David Pugliese, a seasoned Canadian reporter from the Ottawa Citizen, finds himself facing wild accusations of being a KGB agent. He passionately defends his integrity while delving into the chilling implications of such claims on journalism. Joining him is Jan Wong, who sheds light on the shocking story of Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder turned notorious drug trafficker. They explore his drastic fall from grace, the intricate web of drug operations, and how these events intertwine with international crime and Canadian security.

Recent elections in Canada reveal a strong demand for change, with New Brunswick electing its first female premier amidst public dissatisfaction. Political shifts highlight rising Conservative support in BC, fueled by frustrations over leadership and healthcare. A humorous yet critical discussion contrasts a serious interview with an expelled Indian diplomat against the fascinating cleanliness of Japanese toilets. The podcast wraps up by emphasizing the vital role of journalism in preserving democracy and holding power accountable.

Arshy Mann, a keen observer of the intricate relationship between India, Punjab, Sikhs, and Canada, joins to discuss explosive allegations against India regarding criminal activities on Canadian soil. They dissect Prime Minister Trudeau's bold move expelling Indian diplomats and the resulting political ramifications. The conversation touches on safety concerns within the Sikh community and the sharp divide in Canadian politics amidst foreign interference calls. Arshy also shares insights on the implications for future elections and the need for unity in turbulent times.

Mia Johnson, a rising star in journalism and a fellow in the CanadaLand fellowship program, shares her journey in crafting impactful narratives. She discusses the importance of diversity in storytelling and how it shapes Canadian media. Mia dives into the unique culture at Canadaland, emphasizing the passion and authenticity within the community. They also highlight the shift toward actively supporting independent journalism, advocating for quality content over mere metrics.

Kevin O’Keefe, a dedicated reporter for Canadaland, discusses the surprising rise of Just Bins, a dumpster company that has become a leading news source in Regina. He explores how traditional media in the city has faltered, transforming Regina into a news vacuum. The conversation highlights the innovative ways local communities are filling the gap left by legacy media, blending humor with serious journalism. O’Keefe reflects on the challenges of independent media in Canada and the shifting landscape of news consumption.