The Backbench - podcast cover

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.

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Episodes

Ep. 2 - Justin Trudeau Has No Friends

The conflict of interest and ethics commissioner weighs in on the meaning of friendship; is Prime Minister Trudeau home free from WE? And the government steps into a legal battle over the Line 5 pipeline. This week's panelists: Stuart Thomson , Leena Minifie , and Jaskaran Sandhu Further reading: Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner's reports on Trudeau and Morneau The Government of Canada's amicus brief re: Line 5 This episode is supported by Freshbooks and Dispatch . Support the show: ...

May 18, 202140 min

Ep. 1 - Every Province For Itself

The third wave has shattered any remaining notion that we're all in this pandemic together. And the government commissions a new review into sexual misconduct in the military, just six years after the last one. What will it take for actual change? This week's panelists: Celina Caesar-Chavannes , Emilie Nicolas , and Drew Brown This episode is brought to you by Freshbooks and Cullen's Foods . Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. ...

May 04, 202140 min

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 inf...

Apr 27, 20212 min

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 Ashton Ashton's one public comment on the Winnipeg Free Press This episode is brought to you by ...

Dec 01, 202038 min

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 inf...

Nov 17, 202034 min

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 Illegall...

Nov 03, 202043 min

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 20, 202038 min

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....

Oct 06, 202039 min

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. ...

Sep 22, 202044 min

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....

Sep 08, 202040 min

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/lis...

Aug 11, 202037 min

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 ...

Jul 28, 202044 min

Ep. 68 - Why Working Moms Are Dreading September

The pandemic has already had a disproportionate impact on women, especially those with children. But how much worse could that be if schools don’t reopen soon? Dr. Sylvia Fuller joins to explain. Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or on Twitter @OPPOcast . This episode of OPPO is brought to you by WealthBar and Rotman School of Management . While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter . Support th...

Jul 14, 202042 min

Ep. 67 - Everybody Else Is Abolishing The Police, So Why Can’t We?

As calls to defund continue to grow, why not imagine what Canada would look like without police? Robyn Maynard joins us to unpack the idea. 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 inform...

Jun 30, 202041 min

Ep. 66 - Get Me Outta Scheer

Now that Jen has thrown out her sourdough starter, it’s time to start paying attention to the race to replace Andrew Scheer. James Moore joins us to run through the field of candidates and explain where the Conservatives stand on the eve of the first party debate. 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 beco...

Jun 16, 202042 min

Ep. 65 - Stuck In the Middle With Meng Wanzhou

China and the US are facing off in what’s being dubbed a new Cold War. And Canada’s stuck in a tight spot. Last week, a BC judge ruled that Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou’s charges meet the bar of “double criminality,” which means she’s one step closer to being extradited to the US. China is not happy. To dig into what’s at stake, we’re joined by Philip Calvert, a former diplomat in China and Senior Fellow with the China Institute of the University of Alberta. Get In touch at oppo@canadalandshow....

Jun 02, 202036 min

Ep. 64 - An Epidemic Of Racism

Violent attacks on racialized people are on the rise in Canada — especially against those who look East Asian. We’re joined by reporter Joanna Chiu to discuss what happens when we conflate the actions of a government with individual people. 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...

May 19, 202042 min

Ep. 63 - Under Cover Of Covid

What does the new ban on assault-style firearms in Canada mean? And what’s going on with the dog-whistle racism in the Conservative leadership race? Zain Velji co-hosts. 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.c...

May 05, 202028 min

Ep. 62 - Why This Recession Is Hitting Women Harder

Can Canada get diaper pail-ready? We’re joined by economist Dr. Lindsay Tedds to help make sense of the long-term economic impacts this recession could have on Canada. Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or on Twitter @OPPOcast . This episode of OPPO is brought to you by WealthBar , 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.superca...

Apr 21, 202041 min

Ep. 61 - White Trash Hello Kitty

It’s everywhere. It’s all anyone’s talking about. It’s dominating headlines and social media feeds. So of course we’re going to talk about Tiger King. There’s also been plenty of erratic behaviour created by the pandemic, from volatile markets to a volatile Albertan health minister and Jen’s emergent prepper tendencies. Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or on Twitter @OPPOcast . This episode of OPPO is brought to you by WealthBar and Audible . While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CA...

Apr 07, 202031 min

Ep. 60 - A Virus Designed To Test Society’s Weak Points

As the realities of COVID-19 begin to take hold in Canada, the strains on our society become most visible where we're most vulnerable. A veteran SARS reporter, Ian Young of The South China Morning Post joins to help put it all in perspective. 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 ...

Mar 24, 202038 min

Ep. 59 - Double Trouble: Oil's Burst Bubble

What does the largest single-day drop in the price of oil in almost two decades mean for Canada’s economy? How will it affect growing frustration in Alberta? And have you washed your hands since you started reading this? Wash your hands. 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 month...

Mar 10, 202027 min

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....

Mar 02, 202036 min

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.co...

Feb 25, 202038 min

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 ...

Feb 11, 202032 min

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...

Jan 28, 202040 min

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....

Jan 16, 202038 min

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 ...

Dec 17, 201937 min

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 . Suppor...

Dec 10, 201940 min

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 . ᐧ Sup...

Dec 03, 201949 min
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