The Backbench

The Liberals’ first piece of legislation, Bill C-2 is a sweeping 139-page omnibus bill.It would allow police to open and inspect mail from Canada Post, restrict cash transfers over $10,000, bolster surveillance, and expand what law enforcement can do…without a warrant.But it will also overhaul our asylum-seeking process. And with the riots below the border, we can’t but ask: are we going down the same path?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: Adam SadinskyBackground reading:Experts warn of Bill C-2 as ’anti-refugee’ and ’anti-immigrant’ giving Canada ’unchecked powers’ like the U.S. – Radio CanadaOpinion | Border bill primed to give Mark Carney's government sweeping new powers. Who asked for this? - Toronto StarMontrealers protest against border security Bill C-2 – CTVWhy the ‘language of loopholes’ should be avoided if Trump cracks down on the Canada-U.S. border – The Conversation Ontario’s Bill 5 has passed. Here’s why it has sparked conflict with First Nations – The Canadian PressSponsors: 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/canadaland and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout. If 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.

Political divides are growing, and it’s not just over basic issues anymore. Increasingly, people are feeling differences in basic conduct, morality, and how they approach discussions. These divisions feel too big to ignore.How do you go about fixing that divide? This week host Sam Konnert sits down with Ryan Broderick to iron things out.And the latest on the grand meeting of the Premiers in Saskatoon, Carney’s new chief of staff pick and Trump’s doubling of the steel and aluminum tariffs. Host: Sam KonnertCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Ryan BroderickBackground reading:'Dude, I'm Done': When Politics Tears Families And Friendships Apart | NPRFriendship in divided times: People don't want to argue with you as much as you think | BBCIt is okay to lose friends due to politics | Johns HopkinsSponsors: 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.

Earlier this year, Jagmeet Singh laughed off the idea of losing. Now, he’s out and the NDP is in free fall. They lost official party status. They lost ground with key voters, organized labor, and their traditional strongholds in B.C. and the GTA. So, did the NDP learn anything from this catastrophic loss? To answer that question, host Noor Azrieh asks Heather McPherson, one of the 7 NDP MPs left. And, the latest on King Charles Canadian tour, who’s gonna babysit rowdy MPs in the House of Commons, and maybe it's time to break up with Jenni Byrne…for good this time.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: Heather McPhersonBackground reading:NDP caucus members dispute appointment of interim leader Don Davies – The Globe and MailNDP faces 'Parliament from hell' without official party status, says former MP – CBC NewsIs it R.I.P. for the federal NDP? Not quite, experts say – CBC NewsNew Democrats say they want leadership race rules to ensure multiple serious candidates, shorter contest – The Globe and MailKing Charles and Queen Camilla begin royal visit to Canada – CBC NewsPressure mounting on Poilievre to fire Jenni Byrne: sources – CBC NewsSponsors: 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/canadalandHead to policyme.com and find a Health & Dental plan that actually fits your life, andreally only takes 5 minutes to apply.If 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.

After a couple of weeks of pats on the back and trying to find Pierre Poilievre a new home, we’re finally seeing how Mark Carney’s government plans to tackle the country’s biggest problems and who he’s putting in charge to do it. Next week, King Charles is set to kick off parliament with the throne speech, and we’ll finally have MPs back in the House of Commons after months of parliamentary paralysis. We’re at the top of the hill before things start to inevitably crumble, so Host Noor Azrieh asks Nick Taylor-Vaisey what Carney’s first few weeks say about how he’ll be running our country?And the latest on what’s gone down in Terrebone, and where the hell Pierre Poilievre lives.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: Nick Taylor-VaiseyBackground reading:Erskine-Smith says he feels 'disrespected' after being dropped from cabinet - Canadian PressCarney shows 10 ministers from his first cabinet the door - CBC NewsMark Carney’s cabinet change is a mirage - The Globe and MailMark Carney’s bulky and performative cabinet - The Globe and MailJohn Ivison: The day after cabinet swearing-in is the day it starts going wrong - National PostSponsors: Visit fizz.ca to learn more about Fizz and its long list of added-value features. That's fizz dot ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 25$ off and 10GB of free data. 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/canadalandIf 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.

Mark Carney promised tougher bail and more police – a “get tough” agenda that the Liberals shoplifted right off the Conservative shelf. Host Noor sits down with Adelina Iftene, a criminal law professor, who calls Mark Carney’s revival of “tough on crime” a “slippery slope”. Will Mark Carney’s revival of “tough on crime” fix anything? What actually makes communities safer? And what happens if we get this wrong?And the latest on Canada’s unemployment problem, the one vote that changed Terrebonne, and Carney’s new cabinet crewHost: 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: Adelina IfteneBackground reading:Man known to Toronto police faces 100+ charges in crime spree – City NewsFederal government proposes stricter bail system in new bill – CBC NewsRepeat violent offenders set to spend more time in custody as feds approve bail reform bill – CBC NewsRandall Denley: Ontario can't get tough on crime until it gets tough on court delays – National PostMost Canadians feel as safe or safer than 10 years ago, Nanos poll finds. Conservative voters are another story – CTVMark Carney’s Liberals release plan to fight crime, protect Canadians, and build safer communitiesSponsors: 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/canadalandVisit policyme.com to explore insurance plans that cover your needs. Whether you'reprotecting your family’s health or their financial future, PolicyMe is reliable and makes iteffortless and fast.If 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.

Pierre Poilievre is packing his bags to rural Alberta, after losing his seat to Bruce Fanjoy. How the hell did Fanjoy do it? We asked him.Plus, pollster David Coletto breaks down things you may have missed in the election results.Host: Sam KonnertCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Background reading:How a political rookie wore out two pairs of shoes to unseat Pierre Poilievre | Globe and MailRe-elected Alberta MP steps down, allowing Pierre Poilievre to step up | CBCCarleton was Poilievre's riding to lose. When he did, it came as a shock to many | CBCThe Think Tank: Only Boomers are really concerned about Trump this election | The HubSponsors: Visit fizz.ca to learn more about Fizz and its long list of added-value features. Activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 25$ off and 10GB of free data. Article 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 checkout.If 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.

Carney wins, Poilievre loses, Jagmeet steps down. What went down? Politico’s Mickey Djuric breaks it down for us, way past bedtime.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: Mickey DjuricBackground reading:Poilievre's Carleton riding had the most advance voting in Canada | CBCLiberals projected to win 4th term in remarkable reversal of political fortunes | CBCThe eight fateful issues that Canada’s next PM must face | Globe and MailPolitics Insider: Canada votes in the shadow of tragedy and a trade war | Globe and MailSponsors: 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/canadalandVisit fizz.ca to learn more about Fizz and its long list of added-value features. Activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 25$ off and 10GB of free data.If 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.

Today we are bringing you a great episode from our friends at Canardian! Sault Ste. Marie. Population 71,000. A place best known as the hometown of Roberta Bondar, the first woman in space, Treble Charger, and countless NHL players. Douglas Soltys, host of The BetaKit Podcast, joins the show (instead of going to therapy) to discuss the best pizza in town, being a 90s indie rock kid, destructive hockey teams, and WAY more.Listen to Douglas's podcast, The BetaKit Podcast, on your favourite podcast platform now!Find more from BetaKit here: https://betakit.com/Links:Home Slice: A Sault Pizza DocumentaryNorthern hockey association adopts rules of conduct for players during hotel staysJordan Nolan InstagramTurtles five feet across! Early animal oddities that made the Sault . . . er . . . famousFacebook: Idiots of Sault Ste MarieFacebook: Are We Dating The Same Guy? | Sudbury / North Bay / Sault Ste Marie OntarioCanardian is the flagship podcast of Pod the North, the newsletter for the Canadian podcasting ecosystem from Kattie Laur.Check out Pod the North at podthenorth.com and share your Canadian podcasting news!Follow Pod the North on Instagram @podthenorthEmail Kattie at podthenorth@substack.comThe Canardian theme song is by Mark Allin and Kattie Laur, mixed by Jordan White, with vocals including Shane Fester, Brad Cousins, Ben Cousins.The Canardian podcast artwork is by Brad Cousins and Kattie Laur. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the final election stretch, and the vetting continues. This week we talk conversion therapy, million-dollar pyramid schemes, & the dangers of doorbell camerasHost: Sam Konnert, Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While most Canadians are gearing up to head to the polls, some are looking for an escape plan. This week, we’re examining the deep roots of Western alienation, Danielle Smith’s separatist flirtations, and what could erupt if Mark Carney’s Liberals sweep to power. To do that, producer Sam Konnert heads out to Alberta to talk to some voters, and calls up Preston Manning, the man behind the conversation. Later, host Noor Azrieh sits down with Dr. Lisa Young for a serious reality check. And the latest on the utter sidelining of Indigenous issues, a polling update, and why you should get your arse out to the polls on April 28th. Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Preston Manning, Lisa YoungFurther Reading on Our WebsiteSponsors: 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/canadalandVisit policyme.com to explore insurance plans that cover your needs. Whether you'reprotecting your family’s health or their financial future, PolicyMe is reliable and makes iteffortless and fast.If 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.