Chrystia Freeland, a former Canadian finance minister and Liberal contender, squares off against Mark Carney, ex-Governor of the Bank of Canada, in a heated leadership race. The discussion uncovers intriguing dynamics, including potential leaks and campaign strategies aimed at undermining opponents. The hosts analyze the political optics surrounding their bids and the ongoing identity crisis within the Liberal Party. They also ponder how any new leader could mend the party's image after Justin Trudeau's tenure.

By sheer force of will, Paul Godfrey built a Major League Baseball team in what was then Canada’s sleepy second city, when everyone doubted it could be done. (He ended up in the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and the Blue Jays would go on to win two World Series.) He helped shake up a staid and boring local newspaper scene with the scrappy Toronto Sun, before going on to build a national media empire. Now, after 14 years at the helm of Postmedia, Godfrey is pivoting again. The legendary politician and businessman talks with Brian this week about his astounding rise from his humble start in local government to where he is now. And he says one of his next projects will be to trying to once again help Toronto, the city he loves, which he says has become a city in decline. (Recorded December 18, 2024) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the holidays, we’re looking back at some of the best episodes of 2024, which in December marked the fifth anniversary of the COVID virus escaping China and wreaking global havoc. We’re still learning how institutions and officials politicized science during the pandemic to justify economic lockdowns, border closures, school shutdowns and other measures that lacked supportive evidence but carried grave consequences. Vanessa Dylyn is the award-winning director of the documentary Covid Collateral, which shows how real scientific methods and debate were sidelined, even banished, as governments faked expertise during COVID-19 with the help of compliant doctors and journalists. She joins Brian this week to talk about the shocking things she discovered while investigating the official responses to COVID; the damaging public health policies that continue to affect individuals and our society; and how we can hopefully prevent this all from happening again when the next pandemic comes. (Recorded June 27, 2024) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jordan Peterson, a renowned clinical psychologist and media commentator, discusses his tumultuous legal battle with the Ontario College of Psychologists. He warns that if a high-profile figure like him can be targeted for his opinions, anyone is at risk. The conversation dives into the chilling effects of political correctness on free speech, the ramifications of recent court rulings on personal liberties in Canada, and the societal pressure professionals face regarding controversial topics. It's a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between ideology and professional integrity.

Lorne Gunter, a columnist with Postmedia's Edmonton Sun, and Chris Selley from the National Post dive into Canada's political turmoil. They discuss Trudeau's isolation and his questionable leadership during a time of crisis. The duo highlights the fallout from the finance minister's resignation, growing frustrations within the Liberal Party, and the impact on everyday Canadians. With economic challenges looming and criticism of both Trudeau and emerging leader Pierre Polyev, the conversation touches on urgent topics like immigration, housing, and Canada-U.S. relations.

In this enlightening discussion, Andrew Spence, author of "Fleeced: Canadians Versus Their Banks," reveals the shocking truths about the Canadian banking system. He exposes how a lack of competition leads to sky-high fees for essential services compared to global standards. Spence highlights the struggle against the dominance of the Big Six banks and the barriers faced by innovative fintech companies. He also shares insights on how real-time payment systems could revolutionize banking and provide fairer options for consumers and small businesses.

Patrice Dutil, a Canadian history professor, shares his insights on Sir John A. Macdonald's complex legacy. He reveals that Macdonald extended voting rights to Indigenous people, a fact often overlooked in current narratives. The conversation also tackles the controversial portrayal of Macdonald compared to figures like Louis Riel. Dutil argues for a more nuanced understanding of historical events, such as the 1885 Smallpox Crisis, and the significant contributions of the Canadian Pacific Railway, reshaping perceptions of Canada's founders.

What was once the best immigration system in the world has been turned on its head, former immigration minister and premier Jason Kenney tells Brian this week — all because Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has preferred pandering platitudes over practical policy. After eight years of mass migration, Canadians everywhere — including immigrants — are suffering with problems in housing, health care and employment. What’s more, all these millions of temporary residents and unverified asylum-claimants he let in know we lack the capacity to make them leave. Now, Kenney warns, with Trump about to start deportations, we could soon be flooded with hundreds of thousands — or even millions — more. (Recorded November 29, 2024) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a thought-provoking discussion, Adam Kirsch, Editor at the Wall Street Journal and author of 'On Settler Colonialism', explores the unsettling rise of settler colonialism discourse. He exposes how this ideology labels non-Indigenous individuals as criminals in societies like Canada and Israel. Kirsch delves into the complexities of identity, historical injustice, and national belonging. He highlights the urgent need for a balanced understanding of Indigenous ties to land while unpacking tensions between Jewish and Palestinian narratives. This conversation challenges listeners to rethink their perspectives on history and justice.

The federal Liberals are likely facing an even less friendly Donald Trump administration than last time. And they’re in an even weaker position than they were then, as Brian discusses this week with Postmedia columnist Chris Selley. Their minority government is teetering, mounting scandals are weighing them down, and their mass-immigration and anti-oil policies have hobbled our economy. Meanwhile, Republicans are steamed about our neglect of defence and security, and the president-elect will remember that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has spent the last four years using “MAGA” as an insult. With Washington likely to become extremely pushy and protectionist, Ottawa could get crushed. (Recorded November 15, 2024) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices