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?...
Feb 21, 2023•35 min•Ep. 58
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 sy...
Feb 07, 2023•30 min•Ep. 57
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 Roach Cred...
Jan 24, 2023•36 min•Ep. 56
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 Roach Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Tristan Capachionne (Audio Editor and Tech...
Jan 10, 2023•44 min•Ep. 55
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...
Dec 27, 2022•48 min•Ep. 54
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 ...
Dec 13, 2022•40 min•Ep. 53
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 yo...
Nov 29, 2022•42 min•Ep. 52
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 Dece...
Nov 15, 2022•46 min•Ep. 51
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 Roach Credits: Aviva Lessa...
Nov 01, 2022•49 min•Ep. 50
Meet David Wallace, political fixer. After decades in the game he says he’s getting out, telling all, and dumping his files in public. The result is the viral "Klondike Papers" theory of conspiracies, conservatives, and cults. But are the allegations true? And why is he really implicating himself, and so many others? A wild, true story. Series launches October 31st. Subscribe now ( link ). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Oct 27, 2022•42 sec
What is going on in the Wild Rose Country? Mattea Roach is joined by experts Catherine Griwkowksy, Emilie Nicolas, and David Moscrop . Together they unpack the implications of Alberta’s new premier's calls for more sovereignty and the possible unravelling of our beloved Canadian federalism. This week we also get into Canada’s complicated diplomatic response to the Iranian protests. Host: Mattea Roach Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio ...
Oct 18, 2022•45 min•Ep. 49
Our host Mattea Roach, tackles the “new” and “exciting” Federal dental plan with Riley Yesno , Stuart Thomson , and Nick Taylor-Vaisey . The NDP are patting themselves on the back for getting something done in Ottawa—but how much have they really accomplished here? Speaking of “new” and “exciting” we need to talk about the IRCC’s new proposed immigration pathways that seem to be recycled old ones. Links: Dental: Politico piece re: dental Immigration: CTV piece : Migrant workers continue to call ...
Oct 04, 2022•41 min•Ep. 48
Our new host, Mattea Roach , ponders Poilievre’s political playbook with Riley Yesno , David Moscrop and Catherine Griwkowsky on this week’s panel episode. And you know the saying, leaders come and go. As Pierre Poilievre makes his way into the Conservative leadership, Queen Elizabeth II has left us. Is it time to crack open our constitution and jettison the monarchy once and for all? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Sep 20, 2022•43 min•Ep. 47
We’re thrilled to announce that Mattea Roach will be hosting the brand new season of the Backbench. She’s best known for her 23-game winning streak on Jeopardy!, but Mattea also has a keen interest in politics and has a background in sexual diversity studies, political science, and women and gender studies. In this teaser episode, Mattea is joined with Backbench Producer Aviva Lessard and Associate Producer Noor Azrieh for a sneak peak at what they hope to accomplish in the new season. Support C...
Sep 06, 2022•5 min•Ep. 46
Where are the fresh faces in Canadian politics? Today, we dive into career politicians—the good the bad, and the ugly. Plus, why can’t our various levels of government just work together? It’s time to end the federal, provincial and municipal war. Also, guest contributors join Fatima’s last episode for her last point of order segment. Panelists: Emilie Nicolas , Murad Hemmadi , Stuart Thomson Guest Contributors: Raisa Patel , David Moscrop , Jason Markusoff Links: https://www.keenan.ca/ Sponsors...
Aug 23, 2022•49 min•Ep. 45
In this week’s episode, we talk about what constitutes good leadership, and why our leaders are struggling to meet the moment amid a global ripple of failed democratic leadership. Plus, is provincial immigration autonomy going to save us from the 2.7 million applicant backlog? Producers note: Due to technical difficulties, Fatima's voice may sound a little different. Panelists: Drew Brown , Riley Yesno , Jaskaran Sandhu Sponsors: Oxio , Douglas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inf...
Aug 09, 2022•39 min•Ep. 44
In this episode, Jerry DeMarco, Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, delves into the Canadian federal response to climate change, and why our response is still insufficient. DeMarco unpacks 30 years of failed climate progress and offers an analysis of our government’s actions and inactions to deal with our seemingly impending doom. Links: 2022 Reports 1 to 5 of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development to the Parliament of Canada Federal environment ...
Jul 26, 2022•43 min•Ep. 43
It’s 2022 and our politics remain dominated by men. We talked to three women who spent time in office to try to find out why. We’re joined by former NDP MP Peggy Nash, current NDP MP Leah Gazan, and former Vancouver city councillor Andrea Reimer. This event was organized by Between the Lines, the publisher of Peggy Nash’s book Women Winning Office: An Activist’s Guide To Getting Elected . Panelists: Peggy Nash , Leah Gazan , Andrea Reimer Sponsors: Oxio , Douglas , Images Hosted on Acast. See ac...
Jul 12, 2022•40 min•Ep. 42
Are our policing systems broken? Today, we dive into reimagining public safety following an array of policing scandals across the country. Plus, what did our government achieve and fail to achieve in Parliament this past year? Sponsors: Images Festival , Calm , The Peak Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jun 28, 2022•41 min•Ep. 41
What is happening to the Canadian economy? Stephen Gordon, director of the department of economics at Université Laval, helps unpack the ins and outs of the Bank of Canada, an institution we know little about. He talks to Fatima about the worries of a hyper-politicized economy and helps us understand how the next months under this economic turmoil will unfold. Sponsors: Oxio , 22 Murders Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jun 21, 2022•28 min•Ep. 40
Could changing Canada’s electoral system solve the crisis of voter apathy? Today, we dive into electoral reform. Plus, a new bill that would give border guards wide discretion to search our phones and computers. UPDATE: After we recorded on Monday, senators on the national security and defence committee passed an amendment to Bill S-7 to replace the term "reasonable general concern" with "reasonable grounds to suspect." Read more here: https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/senate-amends-bill-th...
Jun 14, 2022•40 min•Ep. 39
Shiv Ruparell is a young, transit-loving, urban bike advocate. He’s also a conservative, born and raised in Alberta, who has been active in politics at all levels. He talks to Fatima his view of conservative politics right now and why he remains optimistic about our political future. Sponsors: Oxio , Calm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jun 07, 2022•38 min•Ep. 38
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney was one of the heavyweights of Canada’s Conservative movement. We discuss his resignation and what it might tell us about conservatism today. Plus, Canada was left out of a major Indo-Pacific trade deal. Are we losing our place on the world stage? Panelists: Catherine Griwkowksy , Murad Hemmadi , Stuart Thomson , Sponsors : Oxio , Ground News , Skipper Otto Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
May 31, 2022•42 min•Ep. 37
Parliament is heading towards a vote on an NDP Private Member’s Bill that would decriminalize drug possession for personal use, among other changes to address Canada’s overdose crisis. The Liberals have also proposed a bill that would amend the Controlled Drug and Substances Act. Garth Mullins of the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users has been fighting for decriminalization for a long time as he’s watched friends die and get incarcerated. He talks about these two bills and his vision for healt...
May 24, 2022•33 min•Ep. 36
The abortion debate is back in Canadian politics. Our panel discusses the state of reproductive rights in Canada and what else the Government can do. Plus, a new report suggests civil servants are afraid to speak up and offer expert advice. Panelists: Leena Minifie , Emilie Nicolas and Raisa Patel Links: Further reading on Canada’s abortion laws: https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/how-canada-came-to-have-no-federal-law-whatsoever-on-abortion A chart showing abortion access in Canada: https:/...
May 17, 2022•39 min•Ep. 35
Shefali Mann came to Canada as an international student in 2019. She was hoping to follow the path to permanent residency, but then the pandemic happened. She has been navigating a confusing, shifting set of programs and rules ever since, while the federal government bets on international students to help ease some of Canada's labour shortages. Links: Read more about how international students are affected by these changes in the Toronto Star https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2022/04/22/canada...
May 10, 2022•31 min•Ep. 34
The Government has launched an inquiry into the use of the Emergency Act during the Freedom Convoy. And the Canadian Armed Forces released a scathing report about racism and discrimination within its ranks. Can the culture of the military be changed? Panelists: Emilie Nicolas , Stuart Thomson and Paul Wells . Links: Read the report about racism and prejudice in the Canadian Armed Forces here . Sponsors: Oxio , 22 Murders , Ground News , The Waves Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i...
May 03, 2022•41 min•Ep. 33
Eight people are in the running for leadership of the Conservative Party, but only one will emerge victorious and get a chance to become the next Prime Minister of Canada. We're joined by Politico’s Nick Taylor-Vaisey and Backbench regular Jason Markusoff to introduce our candidates. What's their vision? What have they done? And who’s most likely to flame out publicly? Links: Subscribe to Politico’s Ottawa Playbook newsletter See the picture of teenage Patrick Brown with a Jean Charest poster on...
Apr 26, 2022•44 min•Ep. 32
We dig into the first two chapters of the government’s new budget: housing and economic growth. This week’s contributors: Murad Hemmadi , Caroline Elliott , David Moscrop Links: Read Budget 2022 Read Jen Gerson’s piece that Caroline mentions, “ No One Is Going to Fix Housing ” Sponsors: Oxio , 22 Murders , Skipper Otto , Ground News Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Apr 19, 2022•40 min•Ep. 31
What does an apology mean? And what happens next? Fatima speaks to two people who were in Rome to hear the Pope’s apology to Indigenous people over the Residential School system: Norman Yak’e ula, a survivor who has been waiting for 58 years to hear these words; and Taylor Behn-Tsakoza, co-chair of the Assembly of First Nations National Youth Council, who was part of the delegation that got an audience with the Pope. Links: Watch the Pope’s full apology here : Read the calls to action from the T...
Apr 12, 2022•37 min•Ep. 30
