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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

John Robson, an American historian and National Post columnist, dives into the recent political shifts and their ramifications for both the U.S. and Canada. He highlights the stark divide between the 'clevers' and 'normals' in the election, revealing a surprising voter realignment, notably among minorities supporting Trump. Robson critiques identity politics and discusses the rising discontent with governments, particularly Trudeau’s approach to immigration, emphasizing a growing counter-revolt among common people.

J.D. Tuccille, an American political writer for the National Post, delves into the chaotic atmosphere of the 2024 Presidential Election, labeling it a 'dumpster fire.' He critiques the inflammatory rhetoric from both sides, with Democrats likening Trump to Hitler and Republicans branding them as communists. Tuccille highlights pressing issues like rising living costs and uncontrolled immigration, and discusses the ineffective strategies of candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, leaving voters to decide who is the lesser evil.

John Ivison, a seasoned National Post columnist, dives into the tumultuous state of Justin Trudeau's government. He discusses internal rebellions within the Liberal caucus that threaten Trudeau's leadership. Ivison highlights potential policy reversals, including on the carbon tax, and the chaos in Parliament amid procedural standoffs. The conversation also touches on Conservative pressures, the implications of foreign interference, and the looming question of a new leader for the beleaguered party.

Mark D'Souza, a family physician and assistant professor at Queens University, takes a bold stance against radical changes threatening medical education in Canada. He argues that prioritizing anti-oppression over medical expertise could endanger patient care. D'Souza discusses the implications of integrating social justice into medical training, especially concerning gender and race. He expresses concern about the silent majority of doctors and advocates for a return to meaningful practice, emphasizing meritocracy and patient health.

British Columbia voters are so unhappy that they might elect a party this week that barely existed two years ago: the Conservatives led by John Rustad. No wonder. As veteran B.C. politics columnist Vaughn Palmer tells Brian, voters see crime as out of control; drug decriminalization creating no-go zones everywhere; and immigration soaring even as the housing crisis seems worse than ever. Meanwhile, their made-in-B.C. carbon tax has become punishing. NDP Leader David Eby appears desperate to disown his record since taking over as premier last year. But, as Palmer explains, although Rustad is less polished and has some problematic candidates, the surprising closeness of this race speaks to how bad things seem to so many. (Recorded October 10, 2024) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The now legendary “firewall letter” stunned Canadian political watchers. Officially called the Alberta Agenda, it called on the province to start taking back powers from the federal government, refusing to be taken further advantage of. And for 20 years, Alberta governments largely ignored it. But as former provincial finance minister Ted Morton discusses with Brian, Alberta’s UCP government is finally changing that. He was one of the letter’s signatories, along with Stephen Harper, who later became prime minister. As Morton discusses his new memoir, Strong and Free: My Journey in Alberta Politics, he explains how a new conservatism is changing his province — and Canada. (Recorded September 25, 2024) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices