
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

Mar 2, 2020 • 36min
Introducing: Cool Mules
A new investigative series about the cocaine smuggling ring inside Vice Media. To hear episode 2 right now, subscribe to Cool Mules. Or get all six episodes ad-free for $5/month by clicking here.Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 25, 2020 • 38min
Ep. 58 - A Seizure of Political Power In Wet'suwet'en Territory
Over the course of a week, Trudeau changed his tune from promising patience and cooperation with Wet'suwet'en land defenders, to asserting the rail blockades must be removed. Why the sudden 180? Plus, Teck withdrew its application for a $20 billion mine project. And four MPs have released the Buffalo Declaration, a manifesto demanding more respect for Alberta. This episode is sponsored by WealthBar, FreshBooks and listeners like you. To support our work and get ad-free podcasts, go to Patreon.com/canadaland Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 11, 2020 • 32min
Ep. 57 - Peter MacKay's Yoga Tweet Apology Tour
The race to replace Andrew Scheer as Conservative leader is on. Who are the key players, and what issues do they face in their bid for the job? For insight, we’re joined by former Harper strategist Ken Boessenkool. Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or on Twitter @OPPOcast. This episode of OPPO is brought to you by WealthBar and FreshBooks. 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.

Jan 28, 2020 • 40min
Ep. 56 - A Huawei Executive Defends Their Record
What are Huawei's plans in Canada? How can we be sure our data is safe with them? And did they pay for the protesters outside the Meng Wangzhou hearing? We’re joined by Alykhan Velshi, Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Huawei Canada, to talk all things Huawei. Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or on Twitter @OPPOcast. This episode of OPPO is brought to you by FreshBooks, Audible, and HelloFresh. 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.

Jan 16, 2020 • 38min
Ep. 55 - Canada Gets Kicked In The Teeth
Jen Gerson and Sandy Garossino break down where exactly Canada fits amid the ongoing hostilities between Iran and the U.S., and then discuss the prospect of a royal relocation. Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or on Twitter @OPPOcast. This episode of OPPO is brought to you by WealthBar and FreshBooks. 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.

Dec 17, 2019 • 37min
Ep. 54 - The Biggest Resignation Of The Year
Andrew “Everybody’s Second Choice” Scheer is no longer the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. OPPO unpacks the latest in Western Alienation and takes a deep dive into the most significant political resignation of the year. Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or on Twitter @OPPOcast. This episode of OPPO is brought to you by FreshBooks, Wealthbar, and Audible. While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter. Additional music: Hooky with Sloane by Bird Creek Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Music provided by FreeMusic109 https://youtube.com/FreeMusic109 ᐧSupport the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 10, 2019 • 40min
Ep. 53 - OPPO Goes Nuclear
By popular demand, we take a look at nuclear energy in Canada. Plus a check-in with the bubbling oil sands of resentment that is Western Alienation Corner, and OPPO’s newest segment: Andrew Scheer Leadership Deathwatch. Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or on Twitter @OPPOcast. This episode of OPPO is brought to you by FreshBooks and Audible. 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.

Dec 3, 2019 • 49min
Ep. 52 - The Guy Behind Ontario Proud
A very special interview with the person behind your least favourite meme pages, Ontario Proud and Canada Proud. Plus, an update on Canada-China relations by way of an interview with two Hong Kong pro-democracy figures. Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or on Twitter @OPPOcast. This episode of OPPO is brought to you by FreshBooks and Audible. While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter. ᐧSupport the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 26, 2019 • 36min
Ep. 51 - Ministry Of Pandering
We take a look at the Liberal government’s cabinet appointments, check in on the scandals and simmering resentment in Canada's "West," and read some highlights from the listener mailbag. This episode of OPPO is brought to you by FreshBooks and WealthBar. While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter. Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or on Twitter @OPPOcast. Additional music: Hooky with Sloane by Bird CreekCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/…Music provided by FreeMusic109 https://youtube.com/FreeMusic109Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 19, 2019 • 46min
Ep. 50 - 50 Things We Want From The 43rd Parliament
For our 50th episode, we have 50 demands for the government. What's on your wish list? Email oppo@canadalandshow.com or tweet @OPPOcast. Support Canadaland Media at patreon.com/canadaland This episode is sponsored by FreshBooks (freshbooks.com) and WealthBar (wealthbar.com/canadaland). Additional music: Hooky with Sloane by Bird Creek Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Music provided by FreeMusic109 https://youtube.com/FreeMusic109Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.