The Backbench

Meet David Wallace, political fixer. After decades in the game he says he’s getting out, telling all, and dumping his files in public. The result is the viral "Klondike Papers" theory of conspiracies, conservatives, and cults. But are the allegations true? And why is he really implicating himself, and so many others? A wild, true story.Series launches October 31st.Subscribe now (link). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is going on in the Wild Rose Country? Mattea Roach is joined by experts Catherine Griwkowksy, Emilie Nicolas, and David Moscrop. Together they unpack the implications of Alberta’s new premier's calls for more sovereignty and the possible unravelling of our beloved Canadian federalism. This week we also get into Canada’s complicated diplomatic response to the Iranian protests.Host: Mattea RoachCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor & Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator), Nathan Burley (Music)Guests: Emilie Nicolas, Catherine Griwkowsky, David MoscropBackground reading:New Alberta Premier Danielle Smith dials back sovereignty pledgeIn reversal of policy, adviser says Danielle Smith's sovereignty act would respect Supreme Court decisionsOpinion: Is Canadian federalism unravelling?GOLDSTEIN: Trudeau talks out of both sides of his mouth on IranStung by criticism, Trudeau government changes course on IranOpinion: What Canadians are getting wrong about the hijab protests in IranOpinion: Trudeau government out of touch on dealing with IranSponsors: oxioIf 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.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our host Mattea Roach, tackles the “new” and “exciting” Federal dental plan with Riley Yesno, Stuart Thomson, and Nick Taylor-Vaisey. The NDP are patting themselves on the back for getting something done in Ottawa—but how much have they really accomplished here? Speaking of “new” and “exciting” we need to talk about the IRCC’s new proposed immigration pathways that seem to be recycled old ones.Links:Dental:Politico piece re: dentalImmigration:CTV piece: Migrant workers continue to call for change after death of Jamaican worker at Ontario farmToronto Star piece: Here’s Canada’s new plan to help foreign students and workers become permanent residents. Some say it isn’t nearly new enoughSponsors: Douglas, oxio, Toronto Star Podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our new host, Mattea Roach, ponders Poilievre’s political playbook with Riley Yesno, David Moscrop and Catherine Griwkowsky on this week’s panel episode. And you know the saying, leaders come and go. As Pierre Poilievre makes his way into the Conservative leadership, Queen Elizabeth II has left us. Is it time to crack open our constitution and jettison the monarchy once and for all? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re thrilled to announce that Mattea Roach will be hosting the brand new season of the Backbench. She’s best known for her 23-game winning streak on Jeopardy!, but Mattea also has a keen interest in politics and has a background in sexual diversity studies, political science, and women and gender studies.In this teaser episode, Mattea is joined with Backbench Producer Aviva Lessard and Associate Producer Noor Azrieh for a sneak peak at what they hope to accomplish in the new season. Support CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Where are the fresh faces in Canadian politics? Today, we dive into career politicians—the good the bad, and the ugly. Plus, why can’t our various levels of government just work together? It’s time to end the federal, provincial and municipal war. Also, guest contributors join Fatima’s last episode for her last point of order segment.Panelists: Emilie Nicolas, Murad Hemmadi, Stuart ThomsonGuest Contributors: Raisa Patel, David Moscrop, Jason Markusoff Links: https://www.keenan.ca/Sponsors: Oxio, Douglas, The PeakAdditional music by Audio Network Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, we talk about what constitutes good leadership, and why our leaders are struggling to meet the moment amid a global ripple of failed democratic leadership. Plus, is provincial immigration autonomy going to save us from the 2.7 million applicant backlog? Producers note: Due to technical difficulties, Fatima's voice may sound a little different.Panelists: Drew Brown, Riley Yesno, Jaskaran SandhuSponsors: Oxio, Douglas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Jerry DeMarco, Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, delves into the Canadian federal response to climate change, and why our response is still insufficient. DeMarco unpacks 30 years of failed climate progress and offers an analysis of our government’s actions and inactions to deal with our seemingly impending doom.Links:2022 Reports 1 to 5 of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development to the Parliament of CanadaFederal environment commissioner presents his 2022 spring reports – April 26, 2022Sponsors:Oxio, The Peak, Calm, Douglas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s 2022 and our politics remain dominated by men. We talked to three women who spent time in office to try to find out why.We’re joined by former NDP MP Peggy Nash, current NDP MP Leah Gazan, and former Vancouver city councillor Andrea Reimer. This event was organized by Between the Lines, the publisher of Peggy Nash’s book Women Winning Office: An Activist’s Guide To Getting Elected.Panelists: Peggy Nash, Leah Gazan, Andrea ReimerSponsors: Oxio, Douglas, Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are our policing systems broken? Today, we dive into reimagining public safety following an array of policing scandals across the country. Plus, what did our government achieve and fail to achieve in Parliament this past year?Sponsors: Images Festival, Calm, The Peak Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.