The Backbench

As nations around the world cut off business with Russia, can Canada help fill the international demand for oil and gas? More importantly, should we? And the pandemic caused unprecedented government spending, as well as shifting priorities on everything from work to healthcare. How will that all play out in the upcoming budget?This week’s contributors: Jason Markusoff, Caroline Elliott, Murad HemmadiLinks:Shannon Proudfoot’s Maclean’s profile of Pierre Pollievre: [https://www.macleans.ca/longforms/why-is-pierre-poilievre-so-angry/]And the accompanying Q&A [https://www.macleans.ca/politics/ottawa/pierre-poilievre-on-his-combative-style-of-politics-and-his-plans-for-canada/]Sponsors: The Peak Daily, FreshBooks, Ground News, Oxio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As escalation between Russia and Ukraine continues, what is Canada’s role in this ever-changing world? And how do conversations we have on the international stage impact our decisions here at home - and vice versa? Canada's UN Ambassador Bob Rae weighs in.Sponsors: Skipper Otto, Rotman, Ground News Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the next few months, The Backbench is going to bring you weekly episodes!Expect us to chat with those who are impacted by or impacting what’s happening in Ottawa. We want to put the people back in politics so if you're either of those categories, get in touch at backbench@canadaland.com.Don't worry - We’ll still be bringing you the panel you’ve come to know and love.Our first episode drops next Tuesday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the war in Ukraine escalates and Canadian leaders head to Europe, we assess the economic and military responses so far. And despite fully grasping the severity of Russian aggression, we want to know: Why does Canada's response to conflict vary so much depending on the country?This week's contributors: Drew Brown, Caroline Elliott, Jaskaran SandhuLinks:The Narwhal's piece about Canadian players still dealing in Russian resourcesMore context on the Canadian discourse re: Sikhs written by JaskaranMore on Ottawa's decision to delay the decision on Newfoundland's Bay du Nord oil projectSponsors: Oxio, Freshbooks Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Emergencies Act passes and border blockades come down, we examine what impacts the Act and the satellite protests had domestically and internationally. And Canada decides to step up in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia - and it's unclear exactly why.This week's contributors: Murad Hemmadi, Jason Markusoff, Emilie NicolasSponsors: Rotman, The Big Story Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2022 Freedom Convoy has taken over Ottawa, both the city and the political discourse. Why is the federal government so paralyzed by it and will it have a long-term impact on Canadian politics? And as the Conservative Party steps into the post-Erin O'Toole era, we try to figure out what "true blue" means now and whether it has Trumpian characteristics.Sponsors: Rotman & The Big Story Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People have been declaring that they have stopped donating their money and/or time to the NDP recently. Why is the NDP struggling to retain self-described progressives? What is the party's role in federal politics today?This week's contributors:Lori Idlout, NDP MP (Nunavut) Peggy Nash, Former NDP MP & Finance Critic (Parkdale-High Park, Ontario)Des Bisonnette, President of NDP EDA (Lakeland, Alberta) & Member of the Democratic Socialists of Canada Sponsors: Hot Docs Podcast Festival, Island Crime Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three generations of Indigenous panelists join us this week on what The Backbench thought was the biggest story of 2021: the unmarked graves on former residential school grounds. We break format to take stock of what has been promised and repromised, the diversity of demands from Indigenous communities, and what a new "interlocutor" position can do to help with healing.Guests: Leena Minifie, Riley Yesno feat. Romeo SaganashLinks:Trudeau’s promises to Assembly of First Nations in 2015Globe and Mail piece re: interlocutorCBC's piece re: pending $40-billion settlement Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Political showmanship about #Justinflation abound, just as the Liberal government is set to release their Fall Economic Statement this week. And it's our last episode of 2021! We offer some highlights and lowlights of the year.This week's contributors: Murad Hemmadi, Jason Markusoff, Jaskaran SandhuLinks:Since recording, Justin Trudeau has said he will not yet intervene in Quebec's Bill 21Sponsors: Rotman Negotiations Program Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BC's emergency on top of emergency has us wondering where the federal government needs to step in. And the latest "lockdown bill" and Throne Speech reveals where our federal government is at.This week's contributors: Caroline Elliott, Leena Minifie, Stuart Thomson ft. MP Dan AlbasLinks: Did you miss the Throne Speech? Read it here.Sponsors: Rotman, Amnesty International Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.