CANADALAND

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.

Taylor Noakes, a journalist and public historian, dives into the current turmoil within the NDP as they search for a new leader. The discussion unpacks the party's need to reconnect with the labor vote and avoid past failures in leadership resonance. Noakes highlights the challenges of navigating diverse voices and the implications of controversial stances on issues like the Israel-Palestine conflict. They emphasize the importance of effective communication and cultural transformation to revitalize the party ahead of upcoming elections.

Taylor Noakes, a journalist and public historian, discusses the controversial auction of significant artifacts from the Hudson’s Bay Company. He reveals the tension between selling these treasures and the requests from Indigenous communities for their return. The conversation highlights the urgency of preserving Canada’s heritage and the complexities of billionaires' roles in acquiring cultural materials. Noakes emphasizes the importance of transparency and the need for diverse narratives in understanding Canadian history.

Zak Vescera, a reporter with the Investigative Journalism Foundation, dives into the unusual legal battle surrounding a massive Soviet-era cargo plane stranded at Toronto’s Pearson Airport. He explores how Canada aims to navigate uncharted legal waters by attempting to seize the aircraft from Russia. The conversation touches on the political fallout, U.S. sanctions impacting a Canadian judge, and the broader implications for international relations. Vescera also unravels the complexities of asset forfeiture laws and rising immigration challenges affecting Canada.

In this engaging conversation, Paul Shaffer—musical director and comedian known for his work with David Letterman—shares his unique perspective on the groundbreaking production of 'Godspell' that ignited a comedy revolution in Toronto. He reflects on the vibrant talent pool it created, including legends like Martin Short and Gilda Radner. Shaffer recounts nostalgic anecdotes from the dynamic 1970s Toronto theater scene, revealing how those formative experiences shaped his career and the essence of Canadian humor. Don't miss his insights on the power of live performance and lasting connections.

Harrison Lowman, the Managing Editor of The Hub, dives into the fiery debate over self-defense in Canadian law, sparked by a recent home invasion case. He discusses the political climate, highlighting how figures like Doug Ford and Pierre Poilievre are shaping perceptions of home safety. The conversation unpacks the complexities of defining 'reasonable' defense responses. Lowman also reflects on urban insecurity post-COVID, revealing the nuanced relationship between crime rates, public sentiment, and policy responses. Historical contexts of safety are also examined, creating a rich backdrop of contemporary challenges.

In this discussion, Harrison Lowman, Managing Editor of The Hub and political analyst, delves into Pierre Poilievre's return to Parliament following his byelection victory. They explore the mixed public perception surrounding Poilievre, touching on the Conservative Party’s tactical approach to upcoming elections. The conversation reveals the tensions in Canadian politics, particularly regarding rivalries and leadership challenges. Lowman also emphasizes the importance of navigating public sentiment while addressing the complexities and narratives shaping political discourse.

Vina Nadjibulla, Vice President of Research and Strategy at the Asia Pacific Foundation, shares insights from her 20+ years in international security. She discusses China's tariffs on Canadian canola seeds and warns against falling for geopolitical traps. The conversation dives into Canada’s need to diversify trade beyond the U.S. and China, as well as the growing implications of trade tensions on national security. Listeners also get a glimpse into the complexities of intelligence sharing among allies in a tense global landscape.

Julian Abraham, a dedicated reporter from Canadaland, dives deep into a legendary mystery from the set of Titanic filmed in Nova Scotia. During a wrap party, crew members were thrown into chaos after consuming chowder laced with PCP, which led to a frantic hospital rush. He explores the rumors and theories surrounding this bizarre incident, including allegations of sabotage and curious motivations. With insights into James Cameron's reaction, Abraham brings to light a tantalizing tale that has puzzled the film industry for decades.

Stacy Thomas, a senior journalist at Canadian HR Reporter, dives into pressing labor issues in Canada. The discussion unveils the ominous plan to cut over 57,000 federal jobs by 2028 and the implications for marginalized workers and essential services. They also critique Doug Ford's mandated return to the office, particularly how it impacts younger employees and their work-life balance. The conversation emphasizes the need for equitable workplace practices and challenges traditional corporate cultures that overlook the evolving dynamics of today’s workforce.