CANADALAND

Douglas Soltys, Editor-in-chief of BetaKit, joins to untangle the web of Trump's trade war and its absurdities. They humorously discuss the chaotic impact of tariffs on the automobile industry, posing thought-provoking questions about the political motivations behind these economic decisions. The conversation delves into the challenges of transparency from Canadian leadership amid trade tensions and the complexities of navigating global alliances. A fascinating exploration of how trade wars affect everyday life while emphasizing the role of independent media.

For the first time since 2021, the Liberals are beating the Conservatives in a recent poll. We’ll find out on March 9th if Carney is officially sticking around for the long haul. And then? He’s going to be the Prime Minister - at least for a little while. Carney-mania is going around - is it real? Or seriously overblown? Is he Canada's Kamala Harris - mild, overhyped, and fated to lose - or a serious contender? Host Noor Azrieh and Luke Savage try to diagnose what's behind Carney-mania– how a socially conscious banker became the man of the moment. And the latest, on the ongoing saga of Trump’s tariffs. Also, King Charles’s sit-down with PM Justin Trudeau over “matters of importance” to Canadians. And BREAKING NEWS, Donald Trump doesn't like Chrystia Freeland or Pierre Poilievre. Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Luke SavageFurther Reading on our WebsiteSponsors: Visit fizz.ca to learn more about Fizz and its long list of added-value features. That's fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 25$ off and 10GB of free data. Get Covered in Minutes—No Hassle, No Hidden Fees. Visit policyme.com to explore insurance plans that cover your needs. Whether you're protecting your family’s health or their financial future, PolicyMe is reliable and makes it effortless and fast—go check it out today!Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadalandArticle is offering our listeners $50 off your first purchase of $100 or more. To claim, visit ARTICLE.COM/BACKBENCH, and the discount will be automatically applied at checkoutIf you value this podcast, Support us! 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, 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. You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listeners dive into the current state of the CBC, with discussions on its declining viewership and the threat of defunding. They reflect on the broadcaster's vital role in regional journalism and the necessity of authentic community engagement. Calls for more original Canadian content and unbiased journalism highlight the challenges of evolving media consumption. The dialogue emphasizes transparency and the potential for a reimagined CBC that resonates with younger audiences. Is it time to unf*ck the CBC and redefine its future?

Rahim Mohamed, a contributor to the National Post, dives into the essence of Canadian identity, questioning if it extends beyond hockey and poutine. He reflects on Canada’s cultural emergence amid American influences, especially through notable events like SNL's 50th anniversary. The conversation also touches on Wayne Gretzky’s controversial support for the American team, highlighting how sports intertwine with national pride and political tensions. Mohamed emphasizes the need for compassionate leadership and community support amidst these identity challenges.

Rahim Mohamed, a National Post columnist, teams up to dissect the chaos surrounding CBC’s Cross Country Checkup. They delve into the public backlash concerning national identity after a controversial discussion about Canada’s future. Rahim highlights the CBC's struggle to remain relevant and the impact of government oversight on its new mandate. The conversation also touches on the critical need for Canadian journalism to refocus on local issues while tackling harassment against women journalists.

Gavin John, a freelance journalist specializing in defense policy and Indigenous issues, shares his insights on the Arctic’s geopolitical tensions. He discusses the military maneuvers of Russia and China, and the implications for Canada. The conversation reveals the delicate balance between security and community needs in the region. John critiques political strategies like Pierre Poilievre's Arctic plan and emphasizes the importance of infrastructure in safeguarding Canadian interests. Climate change's impact on the Northwest Passage is also highlighted.

In this engaging discussion, Preston Manning, the former leader of the Reform Party of Canada, shares his insights on Canadian populism and the shifting political landscape. He critiques the rising trends of Canadian identity politics under U.S. influence while emphasizing the importance of common sense responses to current crises. Manning reflects on the political evolution of leaders like Pierre Polyev and the implications of Western alienation for national unity. His dad-like demeanor brings a refreshing perspective to serious political topics, reminding us of the value of grounded, pragmatic discussions.

Dani Paradis, an independent freelance journalist and former editor, joins the conversation to unravel Pierre Poilievre's shift to a more patriotic stance as his poll numbers dip. They dive into the complexities of Canadian identity, including the impact of U.S. narratives and how Polyev's leadership is reshaping political discourse. The discussion also touches on media influence, especially the emergence of Juno News, and how these dynamics play into the Conservative Party's strategies amidst public dissatisfaction.

Dani Paradis, a freelance journalist and associate professor at McEwen University, discusses the chilling impact of a court's shutdown of an independent Alberta podcast exposing government corruption. The conversation dives into the $6 million lawsuit behind the closure and raises crucial questions about free speech and media integrity. Topics also include scandalous procurement practices during the pandemic and the deep implications for public trust in Alberta's healthcare system. Paradis emphasizes the need for support for independent journalism in an increasingly hostile landscape.

Jagmeet Singh, the Leader of the NDP and advocate for social justice, dives into his political journey and resilience. He tackles tough questions about his leadership, including why he won't step down and how he manages to maintain a flashy image. Singh talks about the impact of corporate influence on workers' rights and the importance of solidarity amidst economic challenges. Plus, he shares light-hearted stories of his favorite restaurants, blending personal anecdotes with his serious political commitments.