A longtime member of the Ontario Provincial Police has finally been fired after being convicted of multiple offences, including several assaults, drug charges and a sexual assault which he recorded on his phone. Jason Redmond was sentenced to six years for the sexual assault and is awaiting sentencing for assaulting another female victim. Sabrina Bedford, a reporter with the Brockville Recorder and Times, joins the show to discuss Redmond’s history with the OPP, what led to his downfall in law e...
Jun 23, 2023•18 min
The Canada Revenue Agency is going after a trio of former Blue Jays stars, to the tune of millions of dollars. The players, Jose Bautista, Josh Donaldson, and Russell Martin are fighting with the taxman relating to what amounts to a dispute over taxes and retirement income. National Post political reporter Chris Nardi joins the show to discuss what the issue is, why these players may have run afoul of Canadian tax rules, and why the case could potentially make it harder to attract top athletes t...
Jun 16, 2023•23 min
Ten years ago this month, Calgary and many other southern Alberta communities were hit with unprecedented flooding. Five people were killed, more than 100,000 were forced out of their homes, and the damage toll was in the billions of dollars. Calgary Herald Deputy editor Monica Zurowski joins the show to discuss the impacts of the flood, how people are still affected a decade later, and whether officials are prepared for another disaster of that scale. Check out the Calgary Herald for full flood...
Jun 14, 2023•20 min
When politicians retire, or lose an election, unless they’re very high profile, they tend to drop quickly from the public’s attention. Despite developing a network of contacts and building a busy calendar while in office, once the political fanfare goes away, it can be a lonely and isolating life for many. National Post political reporter Bryan Passifiume joins the show to discuss how former MPs cope with life after politics, why it can lead to depression, and what the public may not understand ...
Jun 09, 2023•18 min
In the era of big league sports, how does the Canadian Football League compete against all the options out there for fans? It’s something surely on the mind of CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie as the league is set to kick off the 2023 season, with teams looking to improve on attendance and gain new fans. Postmedia national sports columnist Scott Stinson joins the show to discuss the overall shape of the league, why it struggles in some markets, and whether expansion plans will come to fruition. B...
Jun 07, 2023•26 min
Voters in Canada’s largest city go to the polls in late June to elect a new mayor, after the surprise resignation of John Tory earlier this year. Dozens of candidates have lined up to replace Tory, though the campaign has coalesced around a few front-runners. Toronto Sun columnist Brian Lilley joins the show to discuss the main contenders, what issues are front-and-centre, and whether this campaign is catching the attention of Torontonians. Background reading: LILLEY: Can anyone beat Olivia Chow...
Jun 02, 2023•20 min
Danielle Smith and the United Conservative Party fought off a strong challenge from Rachel Notley and the NDP Monday night to win the Alberta election. The UCP stands to lose a few seats, and perhaps some cabinet ministers, even as the NDP hopes for major gains don’t appear to have materialized. National Post reporter and producer of this podcast Tyler Dawson joins the show to discuss the results, the likely turning point for Smith and the UCP, and why it was taking so long to count ballots. Bac...
May 30, 2023•19 min
In the last few weeks alone there have been dozens of deliberately set fires in the Montreal area, with several tied to organized crime. What’s driving this wave of arsons, and arsons in general, of which there have been hundreds this year? In many cases, competition and extortion. Montreal Gazette reporter Rene Bruemmer joins the show to discuss who the target of these arsons are, what organized crime groups are potentially behind them, and whether police fear the potential for increased violen...
May 26, 2023•19 min
Former governor general David Johnston has revealed the findings of his investigation into allegations of election interference and whether there should be a full public inquiry. Despite calls for such an inquiry, and concerns about public trust in the process, Johnston is instead pursuing public hearings into some, but not all, areas of the interference issue. Postmedia parliamentary bureau chief and National Post columnist John Ivison joins the show to discuss some of Johnston’s findings, the ...
May 24, 2023•21 min
Fire departments, like similar organizations, have had to undergo changes to adapt to modern times. But what happens when change is slow to come, or meets organizational resistance? In a recent report, Edmonton’s fire department was shown to still grapple with bullying, harassment and discrimination among the ranks. Edmonton Journal city hall reporter Lauren Boothby joins the show to discuss the findings of the report, how current and former firefighters feel the city is doing at addressing the ...
May 20, 2023•32 min
Concerns are being raised over safe supply programs in Canada because of what’s being done after drugs are administered to users in the program. A National Post investigation found many users are selling their safe supply drugs to other users so they can in turn buy stronger opioids on the street. National Post columnist Adam Zivo joins the show to discuss the findings of his investigation, why addiction physicians are worried, and what, if anything is being done to stop the practice. Background...
May 17, 2023•20 min
King Charles has been officially crowned, and the people of the Commonwealth have returned to their daily lives. But the momentous event has once again sparked questions about whether Canada needs to be tied to the monarchy at all. National Post reporter Joseph Brean joins the show to discuss what Canadians feel about the monarchy, why there are compelling reasons to end ties to the Crown, and ultimately why it’s not likely to happen. Background reading: 'People love pageantry' — Why Canada will...
May 11, 2023•23 min
Could the Canadian curse finally lift in the Stanley Cup Playoffs? It’s been 30 years since a team from this side of the border hoisted the top prize in hockey, and heading into the second round, two Canadian teams were being eyed by oddsmakers as the favourites to make the finals. Postmedia national sports writer Scott Stinson joins the show to discuss why a Canadian team winning the Stanley Cup is a perennial topic, what makes the Leafs and Oilers the favourites, and what it could mean to Toro...
May 05, 2023•24 min
Polls show Alberta’s election will be a close race, and could ultimately come down to which leader voters like more. UCP leader Danielle Smith and NDP leader Rachel Notley are definitely political opposites, but as people? They may not be as different as you’d imagine. National Post reporter, and producer of this podcast, Tyler Dawson joins the show to discuss how each leader got her political start, how those closest to them would describe the leaders, and how the election could hinge on person...
May 01, 2023•26 min
Albertans go to the polls in late May, but the campaign is already in full swing. Danielle Smith’s UCP and Rachel Notley’s NDP are jockeying for position in what polls are showing is going to be an extremely tight race for control of the legislature. Edmonton Journal legislature reporters Matthew Black and Lisa Johnson join the show to break down key issues of the campaign, which ridings could be close, and why the battle will largely be fought over Calgary. Background reading: UCP and NDP both ...
Apr 28, 2023•22 min
You’ve seen the headlines: Teen fatally stabbed on Transit in B.C., a man seriously injured after being knifed while waiting for a bus in Edmonton, a woman dying after being set on fire in Toronto. From coast to coast, Canada has seen an uptick in what police are calling unprovoked stranger attacks. They’re not just happening in big cities either. National Post reporter Tristin Hopper joins the show to discuss what’s driving these sometimes deadly assaults, what it has meant to how safe Canadian...
Apr 19, 2023•22 min
Are social media apps like TikTok causing users to exhibit signs of disorders like Tourette’s or other conditions? Or because people seem to congregate in communities online, is social media just amplifying what’s already there? National Post reporter Tyler Dawson, who also produces this podcast, joins the show to discuss research showing young people are acquiring symptoms via social media use, what may be causing these tics, and whether some people are faking symptoms for online clout. Backgro...
Apr 06, 2023•21 min
Nearly three years after Canada’s worst mass killing, a report looking into the RCMP response has been released. The Mass Casualties Commission report has laid blame on the RCMP’s handling of the incident and suggested sweeping police reform. National Post political reporter Ryan Tumilty joins the show to discuss where the inquiry found the RCMP failed, what changes it recommends to the national police force, and whether there is political will for major reform. Background reading: Key witnesses...
Apr 04, 2023•22 min
This is a story of the Sixties Scoop. Of a family torn apart and separated for decades before being reunited. This is also a story of identity, and the long-lasting effects that these separations can have on a family. London Free Press reporter Randy Richmond joins the show to discuss how one family was separated by the Sixties Scoop, ultimately re-united and how they had to reckon with their own histories, and come to terms with trauma and tragedy. Background reading: The boy with two names: A ...
Mar 31, 2023•26 min
A number of NHL players have kicked off controversy by refusing to wear rainbow-themed jerseys as part of their teams’ Pride Night festivities. It has put the notion of the players’ individual beliefs at odds with the league’s attempts to grow the game, and make more people feel included in the hockey world. Postmedia national sports columnist Scott Stinson joins the show to discuss how the NHL has responded to these cases, what the refusal means to the league’s efforts for inclusivity, and what...
Mar 29, 2023•31 min
As calls grow for more action from the Liberal government on allegations of election interference by China, there were new developments this week. The PMO released the mandate for special rapporteur David Johnston and, after several days of pushing back against the suggestion, it was announced Justin Trudeau’s chief of staff would appear before MPs looking into the issue. National Post political reporter Bryan Passifiume joins the show to discuss what Johnston will be looking into, what we hope ...
Mar 24, 2023•18 min
They’re potentially lurking in grasslands and forests across several provinces, prepared to cause devastation, eating and digging their way through crops and gardens, and could even wind up in our cities. Wild hogs are a growing problem in Canada, especially on the prairies, where they’ve become an invasive species. Tyler Dawson, National Post reporter and producer of this podcast, joins the show to discuss how wild hogs have thrived here, why they’re such a pesky animal to deal with, and why ou...
Mar 22, 2023•17 min
The illegal border crossing at Roxham Road in southern Quebec has seen an uptick of asylum seekers in recent months, taking us close to the record levels we saw in 2017. The surge has seen some politicians call for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to close the entry point once and for all. But some feel that will only cause more problems. National Post political reporter Chris Nardi visited the area and joins the show to discuss what he saw on the ground, what local officials have to say about the ...
Mar 14, 2023•27 min
The recent cyberattack on Canadian retailer Indigo has served as a reminder for how disruptive such invasions can be in a world so reliant on digital properties. But what happens when those attacks disrupt the operations of governments, even small ones. Emma McPhee, a reporter for Brunswick News, joins the show to discuss how a similar ransomware attack affected the city of Saint John, what can make a government vulnerable, and what we all have to be wary of when it comes to cyber security. Back...
Mar 11, 2023•17 min
In advance of a spring election, Alberta’s United Conservative government unveiled its latest budget, the first under Premier Danielle Smith. It’s a blueprint for big spending, but is it a recipe for an election win? Calgary Sun columnist Rick Bell joins the show to discuss how the government hopes this fares them well on voting day, whether it leaves any room for the NDP to pick up votes, and whether it has helped the government solidify support among the public. Background reading: Danielle Sm...
Mar 08, 2023•29 min
Fuelled in part by people looking for recreational activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, an unlikely sport has become one of the hottest things going in North America. Pickleball, almost a strange hybrid of tennis and ping pong, has gained tens of thousands of new members in Canada in the last two years. But why is it so popular? National sports writer Dan Barnes joins the show to discuss why people are gravitating towards the sport, whether there are enough courts to facilitate the surge in ...
Mar 03, 2023•21 min
Chinese government activity related to our elections is once again in the spotlight. Recently uncovered intelligence information suggests a sophisticated plan to interfere in the 2021 federal election, targeting Conservative candidates to the benefit of the Liberals. National Post political reporter Catherine Levesque joins the show to discuss the nature of the allegations, what the response has been from the prime minister and his opponents, and whether MPs will be investigating this further. B...
Mar 01, 2023•28 min
The much talked about “Just Transition” plan, designed to move workers to greener, more sustainable jobs, has been unveiled, with a new name. Now called the Sustainable Jobs plan, the initiative was released with little fanfare, and light on details, according to critics. Tyler Dawson, National Post reporter and producer of this podcast, joins the show to discuss what the Sustainable Jobs plan covers, what it’s lacking, and why it’s still ruffling feathers in Alberta. Background reading: Liberal...
Feb 24, 2023•25 min
A year to the day after police started dismantling the large-scale Freedom Convoy protest that had blockaded a large swath of downtown Ottawa, Justice Paul Rouleau delivered his report into the federal government's use of the Emergencies Act to deal with the movement. While he ultimately found the threshold was met to invoke the act, there was plenty of blame to throw around as to how we got there. National Post political reporter Ryan Tumilty joins the show to discuss Justice Rouleau’s main fin...
Feb 21, 2023•22 min
Just a few months into his third term as mayor of Canada’s largest city, John Tory announced his resignation on Friday. The resignation follows revelations he had an affair with a 31-year-old staffer, and forces the city to hold a byelection in the coming months. National Post columnist Chris Selley joins the show to discuss how the revelations came to light, what it does to Tory’s legacy in politics and business, and what issues his replacement will have to deal with. Background reading: Chris ...
Feb 14, 2023•23 min
