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The Discourse

Erika Barootes and Cheryl Oates are seasoned political insiders from opposite sides of the aisle — and they’re not afraid to disagree. The Discourse is your backstage pass to the biggest issues in Canadian politics, featuring sharp takes, real talk, and unexpected common ground. It’s proof that politics doesn’t have to be a shouting match — it can be a damn good conversation.
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Episodes

Forget Pride: Erika Has No Shame!

Cheryl's still wrapping her mind around Erika's argument re: the UCP getting banned from Pride. Don't miss that exchange midway through this episode. But first, we take a look at renowned pollster Janet Brown's latest numbers. Stick around as Erika and Cheryl analyze the "new look" Alberta NDP. Thanks for liking and sharing this episode, and subscribing to The Discourse on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts! Don't forget to follow us on X @TheDiscourse__ and on Instagram @thediscoursepod...

May 23, 202439 minSeason 2Ep. 18

Another UCP Power Grab

The UCP introduces yet another contentious bill aimed at municipalities. Jodi Calahoo Stonehouse joins Erika and Cheryl post-leadership debate…or was it the “hugging town hall”?

May 16, 20241 hr 1 minSeason 2Ep. 17

The Walk-Back: Political Suicide or Good Governance?

What and how you approach a policy or legislative rollout that’s gone sideways can not only make you look stupid, it can have huge impacts on the voter confidence in your leadership. We discuss current BIll 20, the NDPs contentious Bill 6, and how capital gains increase will play out federally. We're proud to partner and be members of Pocket Lobbyist, an online, membership-based platform to anticipate, interpret, and mitigate political risk. Visit www.pocketlobbyist.com to learn more....

May 09, 202451 minSeason 2Ep. 16

Has Danielle Smith Gone Too Far?

Political parties will be players in Alberta's next municipal election for the very first time. The change, ushered in by the Danielle Smith government's Bill 20, is definitely controversial. But is it undemocratic? Has the UCP gone too far? We dig into what Bill 20 means for political parties...and what it means for you. We're proud to partner and be members of Pocket Lobbyist, an online, membership-based platform to anticipate, interpret, and mitigate political risk. Visit www.pocketlobbyist.c...

May 02, 202453 minSeason 2Ep. 15

The Right (and Wrong) Way to Manage Natural Disasters

With the growing concerns of fires and drought across the province, Erika and Cheryl discuss what's causing this, what are the impacts, and what government's role is to protect Albertans from natural disasters. We also cover the NDP leadership as they lead up to their first debate. We're proud to partner and be members of Pocket Lobbyist, an online, membership-based platform to anticipate, interpret, and mitigate political risk. Visit www.pocketlobbyist.com to learn more.

Apr 25, 202444 minSeason 2Ep. 14

UNPRECEDENTED: Erika AGREES with Rachel Notley on Bill 18?!

The UCP government has introduced some pretty contentious policies recently. On this episode we explore the reason why Bill 17 and 18 are making their way onto the legislature agenda and what it means for many groups and individuals impacted by these Acts. We're proud to partner and be members of Pocket Lobbyist, an online, membership-based platform to anticipate, interpret, and mitigate political risk. Visit www.pocketlobbyist.com to learn more.

Apr 18, 202445 minSeason 2Ep. 13

Can Hoff Pull It Off?

Is the Alberta NDP leadership race a foregone conclusion? Or, can Sarah Hoffman prove the pollsters and pundits wrong, and defeat Naheed Nenshi? She joins us to discuss her campaign, her strategy and what she will do on Day One if she becomes premier. We're proud to partner and be members of Pocket Lobbyist, an online, membership-based platform to anticipate, interpret, and mitigate political risk. Visit www.pocketlobbyist.com to learn more.

Apr 04, 202451 minSeason 2Ep. 12

RIP Rakhi / Axe the Tax!

Rakhi Pancholi pulls the chute on her NDP leadership bid…and Justin Trudeau doubles down on his carbon tax. We're proud to partner and be members of Pocket Lobbyist, an online, membership-based platform to anticipate, interpret, and mitigate political risk. Visit www.pocketlobbyist.com to learn more.

Mar 28, 202444 minSeason 2Ep. 11

UCP Police Farce!

Alberta's government is equipping the province's Sheriffs with more comprehensive training and expanded powers. Is a divorce from the RCMP imminent? We get into it in this episode of The Discourse. Plus, how much should we read into Premier Danielle Smith's most recent approval ratings? And what's next in the Alberta NDP leadership race? We're proud to partner and be members of Pocket Lobbyist, an online, membership-based platform to anticipate, interpret, and mitigate political risk. Visit www....

Mar 21, 202439 minSeason 2Ep. 10

Naheed Nenshi and the NDP: Since When?

Former Mayor of Calgary and newest NDP leadership candidate Naheed Nenshi joins us to discuss why now, what he’s running on, and if he thinks he’s the one to beat. We're proud to partner and be members of Pocket Lobbyist, an online, membership-based platform to anticipate, interpret, and mitigate political risk. Visit www.pocketlobbyist.com to learn more.

Mar 14, 202450 minSeason 2Ep. 9

Alberta Doctors: "A Lot of Fires Right Now"

A deep dive into Alberta healthcare, including the reorganization and the politics involved with AMA President Dr. Paul Parks who gives insight on compensation negotiations and what Alberta can do to recruit/retain family physicians. We're proud to partner and be members of Pocket Lobbyist, an online, membership-based platform to anticipate, interpret, and mitigate political risk. Visit www.pocketlobbyist.com to learn more.

Mar 07, 202455 minSeason 2Ep. 8

THE 2024 BUDGET SPECIAL

Economist Dr. Andrew Leach brings his take on Budget 2024, how the Heritage Savings Trust Fund works now and in the future, what electric vehicle tax will do, and more. Erika and Cheryl shockingly find more middle ground than on most episodes but they still bring the banter. We're proud to partner and be members of Pocket Lobbyist, an online, membership-based platform to anticipate, interpret, and mitigate political risk. Visit www.pocketlobbyist.com to learn more.

Mar 01, 202453 minSeason 2Ep. 7

Can We Trust (Social) Media?

Longtime political communicator and Senior Strategist with Crestview Strategies, Evan Menzies, joins us to talk about media now and their role in the future or politics. We're proud to partner and be members of Pocket Lobbyist, an online, membership-based platform to anticipate, interpret, and mitigate political risk. Visit www.pocketlobbyist.com to learn mor

Feb 22, 202455 minSeason 2Ep. 6

Alberta NDP Leadership: Is it Ganley's Game?

We tackle the NDP leadership and grill Ganley on why she's running to be the next leader. We're proud to partner and be members of Pocket Lobbyist, an online, membership-based platform to anticipate, interpret, and mitigate political risk. Visit www.pocketlobbyist.com to learn more.

Feb 15, 202436 minSeason 2Ep. 5

The UCP's Parental Rights Policies

Joined by Psychiatrist Dr. Joe Raiche, MD, we discuss Premier Smith’s and the UCP government’s transgender policies and their potential impacts. We're proud to partner and be members of Pocket Lobbyist, an online, membership-based platform to anticipate, interpret, and mitigate political risk. Visit www.pocketlobbyist.com to learn more.

Feb 08, 20241 hr 5 minSeason 2Ep. 4

Brett Wilson Talks Tucker

W. Brett Wilson was instrumental in bringing Tucker Carlson to Alberta. He joins us to share the goal, how it went, and his thoughts on Premier Smith attending. We're proud to partner and be members of Pocket Lobbyist, an online, membership-based platform to anticipate, interpret, and mitigate political risk. Visit www.pocketlobbyist.com to learn more.

Feb 01, 202447 minSeason 2Ep. 3

Power Play: How To Fix Alberta's Grid

Plug-in to learn all things electricity and who or what is to blame for last week's Emergency Alert. We get the low down with Blake Shaffer, Associate Professor at the University of Calgary.

Jan 25, 202431 minSeason 2Ep. 2

Alison Redford on Notley's Resignation

Kicking off 2024 of The Discourse with Rachel Notley's resignation. We're joined by special guest former Premier Alison Redford who offers her take on the political landscape and takes us down memory lane.

Jan 18, 202446 minSeason 2Ep. 1

Rachel Notley, APP and Alberta vs The Feds

Our show kicks off with a question from Opposition Leader Rachel Notley on why Danielle Smith and the UCP are still exploring an APP, we breakdown the methane quarrel between AB and the feds, and debrief on the legislative session.

Dec 08, 202344 minSeason 1Ep. 6

Premier Danielle Smith, Net Zero & COP28

Premier Smith calls in with a question for us, we look at the politics behind net zero, 2035, and talk value of COP28 and what Albertan is hoping to achieve.

Dec 01, 202332 minSeason 1Ep. 5

Politicizing Pensions & Tylenol-gate

From dueling CPP consultations to questions being raised about the UCP’s COVID-19 Panel and new information on the UCP’s attempt to import children’s medication- there’s a lot to talk about this week.

Nov 24, 202338 minSeason 1Ep. 4

Throne Speech, Alberta Pension Plan and the Carbon Tax

Welcome to The Discourse, a new, weekly Alberta politics show hosted by veteran senior staffers Cheryl Oates and Erika Barootes. In episode one, you'll find out how these longtime political rivals came together on this project, and what they make of the top stories at the Alberta Legislature, including the Throne Speech, an Alberta Pension Plan, and the future of the federal carbon tax. Follow us! Instagram: @thediscoursepod X: @thediscourse__ @barootes @cherylanne

Nov 03, 202340 minSeason 1Ep. 1

The Discourse TRAILER

The Discourse takes a look at the "who, what, when, why, and how" of Alberta politics, hosted by longtime senior staffers Cheryl Oates and Erika Barootes.

Oct 27, 202339 sec
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