The Backbench

Host Mattea Roach is joined by Emilie Nicolas, Stuart Thomson and Les Perreaux to talk about the latest at Roxham Road, the irregular border crossing where thousands of asylum seekers flock to Canada. What’s bringing them here and what’s happening once they arrive?  And a subset of Google users in Canada have discovered a bunch of Canadian news mysteriously disappearing from their search results… whose fault is this, and should we be concerned? We unpack the Online News Act, Bill C-18.Host:  Mattea RoachCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guests: Emilie Nicolas, Stuart Thomson, Les PerreauxBackground reading:Canadians Fume as Migrants Surge at Their Border - New York TimesIt’s time to close the breach at Roxham Road and enforce Canada’s borders - Globe and MailNiagara Falls facing 'limits' in accommodating influx of asylum seekers, mayor says - CBC NewsRoxham: The little country road that became a big political headache for the Trudeau government - CBC NewsGoogle threatens Canada, because it can - Globe and MailThe Bill C-18 Reality: Everyone Loses When the Government Mandates Payments for Links - Michael GeistSponsors: Douglas, 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.

Host Mattea Roach is joined by Nick Taylor-Vaisey, David Moscrop and Sandy Garossino to talk about the two objects shot down over Canada. Is this a question of national security? Or a weather monitoring program gone wrong? It’s probably not aliens, right? Also, the Rouleau Report was released shortly after RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki announced the end of her tenure. The RCMP has felt the impact of scandal after scandal, so what kind of leadership is required to move forward and build better?Host:  Mattea RoachCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guests: Nick Taylor-Vaisey, David Moscrop, Sandy GarossinoBackground reading:U.S. fighter jet shoots down ‘cylindrical object’ flying over Yukon on orders from Trudeau, BidenObjects shot out of North American skies likely not used for spying, Biden saysA hobby club in Illinois is missing a balloon. Was it shot down over Yukon?The timing of Brenda Lucki's RCMP departureAfter year of scandals, RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki announces retirementRCMP’s Brenda Lucki says she will retire next month: ‘I did my best’Sponsors: Rotman, 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.

A proposed settlement of a class-action lawsuit has been reached between the federal government and 325 First Nations, which applies to Indigenous children who attended residential schools during the day—students who were left out of the 2006 residential schools settlement. This episode gets into the legal elements of this lawsuit, how we got here, and what impacts it might have going forward. And, all 13 provinces and territories are calling for “immediate action” to strengthen Canada’s bail system in the wake of the death of an Ontario Provincial Police officer in late December. What does the bail system look like in Canada? How is this specific moment being politicized?  And, what would the consequences of bail reform be?Host:  Mattea RoachCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guests: Riley Yesno, Karen Restoule, Patricia BarkaskasBackground reading:Canada’s $2.8 billion settlement with Indigenous Day Scholars is a long-time coming$2.8-billion settlement reached in class action lawsuit over residential schoolsHow does Canada's bail system actually work? And where does it fall short?Premiers demand bail reform in letter to Trudeau after killing of OPP officerSponsors: 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.

Armed conflicts across the world are increasingly demanding the attention of Canadians and prompting the federal government to get involved. This episode, host Mattea Roach is joined by Emilie Nicolas, Arshy Mann, and Steven Chase to talk about what Canadian intervention in Haiti could and should look like, and they also tackle the existential questions we have about our military: What is the state of our military? Are we prepared to take on an expanded role? Should we?Host: Mattea RoachCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guests: Emilie Nicolas, Arshy Mann, Steven ChaseBackground reading:Bob Rae: Major military intervention in Haiti would not have sustainable impactAdam Zivo: Is Canada not sending its tanks to Ukraine because they're broken?Fiscal watchdog raises concern about $15-billion in unexplained military spending in 2022 federal budgetCurrent Operations and Joint Military Exercises listCanada’s military pulling back in Middle East as European, domestic needs riseEmilie Nicolas: What should Canada's involvement in Haiti look like?Sponsors: Rotman, 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 at our store, 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.

We tackle two crises facing our country – healthcare and climate change. Host Mattea Roach asks our panelists Riley Yesno, Drew Brown, and Sara Birrell about what we are doing to solve the major problems that exist in our splintered healthcare system and where we are really at when it comes to climate change policy. Does throwing money at the problem actually help?Host:  Mattea RoachCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Tristan Capachionne (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator)Guests: Riley Yesno, Drew Brown, Sara BirrellBackground reading:HealthcareCanadian health-care systems 'strained, if not broken' | A Conversation with the Prime Minister More money is a must, but health-care delivery also needs a major rethink, doctors say CBC NewsClimate Change PolicyAn activist in office: Steven Guilbeault's first year as environment minister CBC NewsTrudeau announces $800M for Indigenous-led conservation initiatives CBC News'Just transition' bill coming in 2023, natural resources minister says CBC NewsFederal government approves controversial Bay du Nord oil project CBC NewsSponsors: 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.

On December 14th, we brought The Backbench to you LIVE and in-person from the Hot Docs Cinema in Toronto. It was an evening of “serious” political discourse and endless laughs. Our host Mattea Roach and our expert panelists, Emilie Nicolas, David Moscrop, and Murad Hemmadi unpacked the seriously eventful year that was 2022 – from faulty infrastructure, to the Pope’s visit, to our 2023 political wish list, and more. Taking inspiration from David Moscrop's powerful questions: Show of hands....is anyone here a supporter? If you want to hear a special and hilarious extended cut of the evening, which includes Mattea’s opening conversation with “political consultant” Dan Cashgrab, also known as comedian Miguel Rivas, you can become a supporter to get access to the exclusive convo.Go to canadaland.com/join. Host:  Mattea RoachCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Tristan Capacchione  (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator)Guests:  Emilie Nicolas, David Moscrop, Murad HemmadiIf 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.

We want to warn listeners that segment one talks about suicide and may not be suitable for all listeners. If you'd like to skip it go to 23:37. If you’re struggling with mental health please connect with a crisis responder to get help without judgment: Call 1-833-456-4566 / Text: 45645 (4 pm – midnight ET). In this episode, host Mattea Roach, and panelists, Karen Restoule, Jaskaran Sandhu, and Arshy Mann, unpack the controversial expansion for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) set to change on March 17, 2023. Also, Canada is trying to re-establish itself on the international stage after announcing its Indo-Pacific Strategy in Beautiful British Columbia. Does Canada’s future lie in the Indo-Pacific?Host:  Mattea RoachCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Tristan Capacchionne (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator)Guests: Karen Restoule, Jaskaran Sandhu, Arshy MannBackground reading:Canada will soon allow medically assisted dying for mental illness. Has there been enough time to get it right? in The Globe and MailMedical experts call on government to delay expansion of MAID for mental illness in The Globe and MailCall to Action re:March 2023 MAiD Expansion by the Society of Canadian PsychiatryCanada launches Indo-Pacific Strategy to support long-term growth, prosperity, and security for Canadians by the Government of CanadaCanada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy by the Government of CanadaCanada’s Indo-Pacific strategy sees China as a ‘disruptive global power’ in The Globe in MailSIKHS WEARY OF INCREASED FOREIGN INTERFERENCE IN WAKE OF CANADA’S INDO-PACIFIC STRATEGY by the World Sikh OrganizationCanada’s Indo-Pacific strategy ‘long overdue,’ shows ‘radical change’ on China: experts by Rachel Gilmore from Global NewsSponsors: Douglas, oxio, 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. You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The six weeks of dramatic testimony have officially come to an end with testimony from the Prime Minister himself. Join our host, Mattea Roach, and an exceptional panel with Stuart Thomson, David Moscrop, and Sandy Garossino for a deep retrospective on Trudeau’s invocation of the Emergencies Act against the 'Freedom Convoy' this past February. Also, the Green Party has a “new” leader. Welcome back Elizabeth May. This episode Mattea and our panelists discuss the future of the Green Party. If you want to support this show go to https://canadaland.com/joinHost:  Mattea RoachCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator)Guests: Stuart Thomson, Sandy Garossino, David MoscropBackground reading:Racism and hate are threats to public safety. Why haven’t we heard this during the Emergencies Act inquiry? by Amira Elghawaby from the Toronto StarTrudeau 'serene' about invoking Emergencies Act, says police plan to clear protest 'wasn't a plan at all' by Catharine Tunney from CBC News'Bad humour' and short fuses: How politicians' texts played out at the Emergencies Act inquiry by Joseph Tunney from CBC NewsThe Green Party has two new leaders. Will their shared vision get the party back on its feet? by Natasha Bulowski from the National Observer Political insider breaks down Green Party of Canada co-leadership win, potential trouble ahead by Gregor Craigie from CBC NewsSponsors: Douglas, 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. You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Financial Minister Chrystia Freeland’s mini-budget is at your service to save us from inflation. Or is it Justin-flation? This week our host, Mattea Roach, is joined by Emilie Nicolas, Murad Hemmadi, and Nick Taylor-Vaisey to talk about the effectiveness of the proposed budget, the impending recession, and the “costly-coalition.” They also tackle the increasingly common use of the notwithstanding clause—what does it mean, and should we be worried?Get tickets to The Backbench live show on December 14. Support Canadaland to get your free tickets.Host: Mattea Roach (Recorded via personal microphone. Audio quality may differ.)Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator)Guests: Emilie Nicolas, Murad Hemmadi, Nick Taylor-VaiseyBackground reading:Highlights of the 2022 Fall Economic StatementFive things you need to know about the Liberals’ fall economic updateIn defence of the notwithstanding clause: Why Canada should hold onto itWhat Ottawa should say to the provinces: See your notwithstanding clause, raise you disallowanceThree cheers for the notwithstanding clauseSponsors: 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. You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BC NDP leadership candidate Anjali Appadurai had the rug pulled out from under her. This week Mattea Roach is joined with Stuart Thomson, Jaskaran Sandhu, and Arno Kopecky to talk about how and why the BC-NDP ended up disqualifying Appadurai, leaving David Eby to be sworn in as Premier of British Columbia. Also, this week the backbenchers talk about the Federal handgun freeze that is supposedly the strongest action in a generation. We’ll see about that…Host: Mattea RoachCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator)Guests: Stuart Thomson, Jaskaran Sandhu, Arno KopeckyBackground reading: Chronicle of a death foretold by Arno Kopecky in Canada’s National ObserverThe desperate disqualification of Anjali Appadurai by Avi Lewis in Canada’s National ObserverBC NDP Investigative Report by BC NDP Table OfficerFreeze on handgun sales takes effect as Liberals face criticism they interfered in the probe of Canada’s deadliest shooting by Stephanie Levitz in the Toronto StarIf 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.