CANADALAND

Rahim Mohamed, a columnist for the National Post, dives into the dramatic ostrich cull in B.C. after a legal battle against avian flu concerns. The discussion reveals how protests, led by notable figures like RFK Jr. and Dr. Oz, transformed the cull into a political sensation. They examine the implications for public trust and the pandemic's impact on politics. With insights on legal complexities and the economic rationale for such drastic measures, Rahim connects the saga to broader themes of polarization and institutional distrust.

Elizabeth May, former leader of the Green Party of Canada and a dedicated environmental advocate, dives into the federal budget's climate omissions and how her vote could sway a Christmas election. She emphasizes the need for stronger climate commitments. Joining her is Andrew MacLeod from The Tyee, who discusses a pivotal B.C. court ruling on Cowichan land that challenges private property rights. He highlights the implications of the decision for Aboriginal title and the ensuing public anxiety surrounding these legal complexities.

In this engaging discussion, reporter Gemma Boothroyd reveals the intriguing world of Canso Investment Counsel Limited, a powerful player in Canadian media. She uncovers their contrarian strategy in investing in distressed news companies and how they profit from high-interest debt payments. Gemma explains the significant control Canso holds over Postmedia's operations, including editorial influence that shapes the national news landscape. The conversation also debates whether Canso is a savior for struggling media or merely a vulture capitalizing on their downfall.

Join political commentator Rachael Segal as she analyzes the chaotic week for the Conservatives, including MP Chris d’Entremont’s surprising floor crossing and Matt Jeneroux's puzzling resignation. She discusses whether Pierre Poilievre's youth outreach could spark more defections from the party, and how the Conservatives are effectively engaging younger voters through dynamic social media strategies. Rachael also contrasts this with the Liberals' struggles to connect with the same demographic, highlighting the urgency for change in their approach.

Listeners share their frustrations about media misrepresentations in various fields of expertise. Topics range from misinterpretations of military statistics to the portrayal of indigenous peoples in film. The call-in format brings a lively mix of personal anecdotes and expert insights. Critics emphasize the importance of accuracy in journalism, while highlighting how often the media gets it wrong. This engaging discussion showcases a diverse array of voices, shedding light on the critical need for informed reporting.

Rachael Segal, a lawyer and strategist, dives into the buzz surrounding the budget and the unlikely prospects of a Christmas election. She critiques the media's election hysteria and evaluates Carney's agenda. Sam Konnert, an Ottawa reporter, shares insights from the budget lockup, revealing a staggering $78.3 billion deficit while discussing cuts in public spending and climate policy. Plus, he explores Canada's potential Eurovision participation and its impact on cultural identity, making this a lively discussion on politics and media.

Dr. Jason Foster, a labour relations expert and former policy director, sheds light on the Alberta teachers' strike that led to government intervention via the notwithstanding clause. He discusses the emotional toll on teachers and the challenges of classroom complexity. Jason critiques the government's justifications and cautions against normalizing such governance tactics. He also situates Alberta's situation within a broader national trend of worker activism, emphasizing strategies unions can pursue to counter legislative pressures.

Cory Doctorow, a renowned author, journalist, and technology activist, explores the concept of 'ensh*ttification'—the decline of tech platforms over time—and applies it to Canada. He discusses how outdated policies enable corporate misconduct and the importance of creating a Canadian app store to promote local revenue and mitigate platform censorship. Doctorow argues for systemic change over individual actions and emphasizes the potential for technological sovereignty. He envisions scaling Canada's tech sector to reduce reliance on resource extraction.

Mickey Djuric, a Politico Canada reporter and co-host of the Playbook Canada newsletter, dives into Mark Carney's vision for a self-sufficient Canadian economy. They discuss the dominance of trade news over tech and clean energy initiatives. Mickey highlights the potential of AI investments and the need for a clean electricity strategy to support tech infrastructure. They also touch on the talent strategy to combat brain drain and explore how Canada can redefine its economy amidst geopolitical shifts and leadership challenges within the Conservative Party.

Mickey Djuric, a reporter for Politico Canada and host of Playbook Canada, dives into the political imbroglio surrounding Doug Ford's controversial Reagan ad that disrupted U.S.-Canada trade negotiations. They explore how Ford's toast to 'Captain Canada' plays on American media, questioning if it's a clever ruse or a distraction from his governance issues. Mickey also examines why many Ontarians support Ford despite provincial challenges and discusses the striking difference in coverage between Fox and Sportsnet during the World Series.