The Backbench

When Dr. Andrea McCrady first heard the sound of the carillon, she was hooked. Her passion led her to become the first woman Dominion Carillonneur on Parliament Hill where she plays for thousands. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at Parliament Hill and the history of this booming instrument. Host:  Mattea RoachCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Tony Wang (Marketing & Community Outreach Coordinator), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guests: Andrea McCradySponsors: Oxio, Douglas, Athletic GreensIf 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.

Former Conservative leader Erin O’Toole has officially stepped away from Canadian politics, leaving behind the Conservative party he called home for over a decade. O’Toole addressed parliament for the last time on June 12th 2023, warning Canadians with the polarization of politics, the dangers of algorithms (their role in political discourse) and his overarching concerns with politics in this country. In this episode, Mattea Roach is joined by Erin O’Toole to unravel the layers of his tenure as a politician. They talk about how he views the evolving landscape of Canadian conservatism, his biggest regrets in office and Mattea challenges him on some of his comments during his final parliamentary speech.Host:  Mattea RoachCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guests: Erin O’TooleBackground reading:O'Toole delivers final address in House of CommonsErin O’Toole delivers final speech in ParliamentErin O’Toole warns MPs they’re on a dangerous pathSponsors: Canva, Athletic Greens, BetterHelpIf 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.

It’s Pride month! So we’re taking you back to notable moments in Canada's 2SLGBTQ+ history, so we can remember the people and work that can have made Canada the place it is today. The history of LGBT rights in Canada is not as simple as pride campaigns, parades and vibrant gay villages. It’s a history of resilience, courage, and a determination to redefine what it means to be free and equal in this country. Increasingly, we can’t take these rights for granted. Host:  Mattea RoachCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guest: Brenda CossmanBackground reading:TIMELINE | Same-sex rights in Canada - CBCListen: Trans scholar and activist explains why trans rights are under attack - The Conversation Remembering the 1981 Toronto bathhouse raids | Queer History - XtraTrack Two - Enough is Enough The Pussy Palace was more than the raid - XtraSponsors: Canva, Better Help, Athletic GreensIf 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.

Are Canadian policy makers ready for the AI revolution? How effective are our current regulations? what should we be worried about? AND, are immigrants going to save our economy, or break it? From controversial rhetoric, a housing crisis, & more…How can we navigate this immigration conversation?Host:  Riley YesnoCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor & Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guests: Meagan Simpson, Nicholas Keung, David MoscropBackground reading:How will Canada regulate AI? Ottawa will figure it out later - The Globe & MailThe race to regulate artificial intelligence - The DecibelA new era of immigration politics has started in Canada - The HubNo, immigration is not some magic pill for saving the economy - The Globe & MailWhy the argument that immigration is the sole cause of soaring home prices is flawed - The Financial PostRural Ontario needs to learn cultural acceptance to stave off its own decline, study suggests - CBCSponsors: Douglas, Athletic Greens, BetterHelpCanadaland is turning 10! From May 24 - June 2, sign up for our highest level of ongoing support for only $10 a month. PLUS the first 100 signups will receive a FREE limited edition 10th Anniversary tote bag. Head to canadaland.com/join to become a supporter!You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music - included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A fiery election in Alberta. No, literally Alberta’s on fire this provincial election. AND, a $95 billion dollar lawsuit against the Ontario and Canadian Government challenging a lack of consent around resource extraction and the way treaty rights are upheld. This week longtime guest, first time host Riley Yesno is filling in for Mattea Roach.Host:  Riley YesnoCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guests: Catherine Griwkowsky, Emma Jackson, Emma McIntoshBackground reading:Party leaders walk fine line of an emergency during election campaign, Exit right: How Notley and Smith shifted Alberta's political spectrumCan you talk yourself out of power? That's the question facing Danielle Smith in Alberta's election.‘A skeleton crew’: UCP cuts led to Alberta wildfire disasterBC battles of mineral titlesAs mining fight escalates, First Nations challenge Ontario’s powerSponsors: BRYCE@100, Athletic Greens, BetterHelpIf 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, 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.

This week host Mattea Roach is joined by Riley Yesno, Karen Restoule, and Ethan Cox to unpack the The Public Service Alliance of Canada Strike, and the increase of police involved deaths. PSAC has reached a tentative contract agreement after almost two weeks of striking against its employer – the Government of Canada. AND, there’s a sharp rise in police-involved deaths peaking in 2022. What is really going on here?Host:  Mattea RoachCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guests: Riley Yesno, Karen Restoule, Ethan CoxSources:Overpaid or undervalued? Politics divides opinions of federal employees’ working conditions & compensationTrudeau says government making 'serious offers' to end public service strikeData shows that police-involved deaths in Canada are on the riseCanadian police used deadly force at record rates in 2022, new research findsParamedic tells inquest he misjudged Myles Gray's race because of severe bruising after police fightDoug Ford wants to boost police ranks by lowering the education requirements for officersSponsors: Douglas, Athletic Greens, BetterHelpIf you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases & bonus content. 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.

This week Mattea Roach, is joined by Ziya Jones, Riley Yesno, and Frances Bula, to talk about public safety. A few weeks ago unhoused folks in Vancouver were met with displacement and decampment by police and bylaw officers. Who is this supposed solution meant for? AND, transgender and queer people have been facing a new wave of violent attacks globally. What kinds of protections might actually help?Host:  Mattea RoachCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guests: Ziya Jones, Riley Yesno, Frances BulaBackground reading:Vancouver police, city staff begin removing encampment on East Hastings StreetNational Housing Strategy ActOntario NDP urges legal protections for drag performancesDrag events in Canada are facing a ‘crisis’ of hate, advocate warns. What can be done?Anti-gay activists target children’s libraries and drag queen story hoursCanada’s federal budget promises anti-hate action, but can the government actually do anything?Sponsors: Athletic Greens, BetterHelpIf 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.

It’s that time of the year again! Budget season… AND, the story about Chinese government influence just keeps getting even more complicated. This week Mattea Roach is joined by Murad Hemmadi, Nick Taylor-Vaisey and Stuart Thomson to unpack how the complex issue of government interference is being seized on by various parties, and how feasible Deputy PM Chrystia Freeland’s proposed budget is for this country’s future. Host:  Mattea RoachCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guests: Murad Hemmadi, Nick Taylor-Vaisey, Stuart Thomson Background reading:Freeland's green economy spending aimed at competing with U.S. Inflation Reduction ActChrystia Freeland's federal budget throws new spending at inflation-weary CanadiansChapter 3: A Made-In-Canada Plan: Affordable Energy, Good Jobs, and a Growing Clean Economy | Budget 2023Highlights from the 2023 federal budget | CBC NewsSponsors: Douglas, PSAC, Athletic Greens, Images FestivalIf 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.

Dig into Canadian politics from the best seats in the House. Join host Mattea Roach and our rotating roster of panelists from across the country while we engage in discussions about what is happening in Canadian politics right now, and why it matters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Silicon Valley Bank collapsed, marking it as the biggest bank failure in the United States since the 2008 Financial Crisis. AND, our three top grocers testified at the House of Commons recently, but Canadians learned very little. This week host Mattea Roach is joined by Murad Hemmadi, Meagan Simpson, and Arshy Mann to unpack the future of the bank and tech industries, and why many Canadians are feeling the strain every time they step into a grocery store, all while grocers are making record profits. Host:  Mattea RoachCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guests: Murad Hemmadi, Meagan Simpson, Arshy MannA full list of background reading can be found on our website.Sponsors: Rotman, Bryce@100, Athletic GreensIf 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.