
The Backbench
When the group chat’s spiraling and your For You Page is a trainwreck, it’s hard to know what’s real — or what matters. Canadaland Politics (formerly The Backbench) cuts through the noise with bold questions, sharp analysis, and the political news you actually need.Each Tuesday, we’ll ask bold questions and offer sharp analysis, giving you the tools to challenge any perspective — maybe even your own. Canadaland Politics is made by Noor Azrieh, Aviva Lessard and Sam Konnert. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Apr 27, 2021 • 2min
Introducing Our New Show: The Backbench
Dig into Canadian politics from the best seats in the House.Host Fatima Syed welcomes our rotating roster of panelists from across the country: Celina Caesar-Chavannes, Jason Markusoff, Drew Brown, Emilie Nicolas, Jaskaran Sandhu, Murad Hemmadi, Leena Minifie, and Stuart Thomson. Stay on top of things through sharp commentary and incisive analysis.Drops every other Tuesday, starting May 4th.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 1, 2020 • 38min
Ep. 77 - Mao's Love Poetry and Chinese QAnon
Meng Wenzhou was arrested two years ago today in Vancouver and now unlikely MPs are calling for her release. Meanwhile, anti-CCP camps are at odds with each other in Surrey. South China Morning Post's Vancouver correspondent Ian Young unpacks how international politics play out on Canadian soil.Further reading: Government petition calling for Meng Wanzhou's release, sponsored by Manitoba NDP MP Niki AshtonAshton's one public comment on the Winnipeg Free PressThis episode is brought to you by Beer Canada and Paradigm.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 17, 2020 • 34min
Ep. 76 - Biden's Clean Break
U.S. President-elect Joe Biden's climate plan may seem at odds with Canada's energy sector — but there's more to consider than just pipeline politics. Senior Researcher at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives Hadrian Mertins-Kirkwood unpacks Biden's climate plan and what it means for Canada.This episode is brought to you by Paradigm.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 3, 2020 • 43min
Ep. 75 - What's The Point Of The NDP?
It's crowdfunding month! Support us at canadaland.com/join. It's Election Day in the U.S. As Joe Biden heads to the polls having run his presidential campaign on one of the Democratic Party's most progressive platforms yet, OPPO hosts wonder: Is having a party for “the progressive left” like the NDP the best way for such ideas to gain real traction? NDP MP for Hamilton Centre Matthew Green joins and mounts a vigorous defence of the party.More Reading: VICE: Canadian Senator Lynn Beyak Illegally Donated to Trump Reelection Using a Fake U.S. Address by Justin LingThe Ottawa Citizen: Canadian military wants to establish new organization to use propaganda, other techniques to influence Canadians by David PuglieseThis episode was brought to you by Cullen's Foods and Paradigm.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 20, 2020 • 38min
Ep. 74 - The Pre-U.S. Election Anxiety Show
It's crowdfunding month! Support us at canadaland.com/join.An uncertain outcome in the upcoming U.S. presidential election is a real possibility that Canadians need to navigate. Senior Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute Balkan Devlen explains why and how.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 6, 2020 • 39min
Ep. 73 - Made In Canada Without Pride
US President Donald Trump's rallying cry to a hate group warrants a review of where the Proud Boys are at today. Dr. Barbara Perry speaks on this Canadian export and to what extent they pose a threat to Canadian society and the upcoming US election.This episode is brought to you by CI Direct Investing.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 22, 2020 • 44min
Ep. 72 - Snap Election Clapback, CERB Forever!
BC's new Green Party leader Sonia Furstenau weighs in on Premier John Horgan's snap election and ‘cynical' political calculation. And some Liberal MPs are so passionate about a basic income ahead of the throne speech that we had to bring on ‘CEO activist' Floyd Marinescu to offer his lobby group's cost-benefit analysis. This episode is brought to you by CI Direct Investing.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 8, 2020 • 40min
Ep. 71 - Fall Political Preview
Snap election this fall? Erin O'Who? How many jobs can Chrystia Freeland have? And will the U.S. melt down in an apocalyptic civil war that will render it all meaningless? Jen and Sandy look at the season ahead. This episode is brought to you by CI Direct Investing.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 11, 2020 • 37min
Ep. 70 - Who's Afraid Of The COVID Alert App?
Can you guess which OPPO host has downloaded the app? Citizen Lab's Christopher Parsons joins us to assuage privacy concerns and/or irrational fears about the federal government's new app to contain the coronavirus.Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or on Twitter @OPPOcast.While OPPO is not made using supporter funds, CANADALAND's other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 28, 2020 • 44min
Ep. 69 - QAnon Comes To Canada
Cars, machinery, and now conspiracy theories. The U.S. continues its proud tradition of exports to Canada as QAnon gains traction north of the border. Marc-André Argentino joins to walk us through the origins and future of QAnon in Canada.Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or on Twitter @OPPOcast.This episode of OPPO is brought to you by WealthBar. While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND's other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.