CANADALAND

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As Steven Galloway’s defamation trial continues, his supporters say he’s finally getting justice, but some also are demanding accountability from media outlets for their coverage of the case over the last decade. CANADALAND’s previous coverage of Galloway has come under scrutiny in Quillette and from Margaret Atwood. Rahim Mohamed joins Jesse Brown to dig into the archives to consider if mistakes were made and what can we learn from the Galloway case with the benefit of hindsight. Plus, Chrystia Freeland spills the Trudeau tea in her new book “Unreliable Boyfriend.” Host: Jesse Brown Credits: James Nicholson (Senior Producer), Julian Abraham (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Jesse Brown (Editor) Guest: Rahim Mohamed Further reading: Payback Time for Steven Galloway - Quillette Is Steven Galloway finally getting justice? - The Globe and Mail #173 The Aesthetics Of Rigour - CANADALAND [Podcast] Under a cloud: How UBC’s Steven Galloway affair has haunted a campus and changed lives - The Globe…

There are just a few days left until Alberta’s referendum on separation (and more). If the vote goes through, it won't redraw the country’s borders overnight, but it could give Premier Smith a mandate to pursue the next vote where Alberta could actually separate. Host Noor Azrieh sits down with Premier Smith to ask what she’s prepared to do if the vote goes through, and how much responsibility she takes for getting Alberta to this point. Host: Noor Azrieh Credits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork) Guests: Danielle Smith Background reading: How some Alberta separatists are courting U.S. support for independence – The Globe and Mail Establishing independent Alberta could cost up to $170B over 5 years: report – CBC News Mounties reviewing First Nations' call for treason probe into Alberta premier, UCP – CBC News Ottawa tracking allegations of foreign…

It’s our annual crowdfunding month! You can become a supporter starting for just $5/month by going to canadaland.com/join — we’ll even throw in a free tote bag. And be sure to stay tuned for some big announcements over the next few weeks. ————— It seemed like such a good plan. Doug Ford tried to save local news with cash from weed, liquor, and gambling. He told four provincial agencies, the ones in charge of booze, pot, the lottery, and transportation, that they had to buy ads from local Ontario publishers. Buy Canadian. This directive came after years of provincial ad money being funneled to American tech and media. Millions of Canadian taxpayer dollars fed to Meta or Google for ad buys or the now notorious $8 million ad spend that included a government of Ontario Super Bowl ad. They were basically advertising to Canadians through American outlets. So for Ontario publishers the about face to a Buy Canadian advertising plan was a welcome change. So how did it pan out? Where did the millions in ad spending…

An editorial in the National Post considers “How to Deal with Avi Lewis” according to Jewish law, following a Yom Kippur post made by Lewis calling for the Jewish community to take responsibility for failing to stop “an ongoing genocide committed in our name.” Critics of the editorial argue that the National Post crossed the line, advocating for violence against Lewis. Meanwhile, a CBC journalist, Neil Herland, is taken off the air for documenting his personal experience of a protest outside a Yom Kippur Synagogue service in Toronto. Harrison Lowman joins Jesse Brown to discuss why online discourse is more focused on X posts and editorials than the crisis facing Jewish Canadians, underscored by the violent antisemitic attack on a synagogue in Belleville. Host: Jesse Brown Credits: James Nicholson (Senior Producer), Julian Abraham (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Jesse Brown (Editor) Guest: Harrison Lowman Additional music by Audio Network Further reading: Avi Lewis’ Yom Kippur Post on X Avi…

It's true. Jesse Brown has fired himself as a host of Canadaland podcasts. So who will Canadaland's new hosts be? Stay tuned and support the next chapter of Canadaland here: canadaland.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Quebec has elected Paul St-Pierre Plamondon and the Parti Québéois to a minority government, whose platform includes a referendum on sovereignty. Even though St-Pierre Plamondon intends to hold off on a referendum until after Trump has left office, Canada now has a two-headed separatism problem. The current version of Quebec’s sovereignty movement is led by young people, who signal their support through reels and memes. Meanwhile, in Alberta an investigation in the Globe and Mail details meetings between separatists and the US administration, where fresh water, oil royalties, and a train route to Alaska were reportedly offered in exchange for US support. Host: Jesse Brown Credits: James Nicholson (Senior Producer), Julian Abraham (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Jesse Brown (Editor) Guest: Harrison Lowman Further reading: PQ in power, CAQ wiped off the map: Key takeaways from Quebec's election | CBC News Quebec Sovereigntists Are Back. This Time They’re All Young | The Walrus How St-Pierre…

It took Danielle Smith (basically) a year to get her new West Coast pipeline from Ottawa - a massive project with a price tag between 35 to 44 billion dollars. Alberta is pushing for construction to start in less than a year. That timeline is a big test for Carney, because it will be the first project to use the fast-tracking powers his government passed through the controversial Bill C-5. But, there are still a ton of unanswered questions, Falice Chin of the Hub joins host Noor Azrieh to answer them. What exactly has the government signed us up for? Plus, an update on David Eby’s snap election in BC with Mo Amir from This is VANCOLOUR. Host: Noor Azrieh Credits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork) Guests: Falice Chin, Mo Amir Background reading: 6 unanswered questions hanging over Alberta’s ‘Pacific Link’ oil pipeline – The Hub Carney’s expensive…

Today we’re reopening the files on what might be the strangest and most shocking Canadian media story in recent memory. The Ottawa Citizen journalist, David Pugliese, who was allegedly compromised by the KGB. On October 24th, 2024, Chris Alexander, former MP and former Harper cabinet minister, also a former Canadian diplomat to Russia, gave sworn testimony at a parliamentary inquiry into Russian interference and disinformation campaigns in Canada. And that’s where the allegations first came to public light. The story stunned the Canadian media world. David Pugliese has been a fixture in Canadian journalism for almost 40 years. He does serious in-depth reporting about national defense. And the idea that all this time he's been a secret Russian agent, it just seemed nuts. But these were serious, potentially career-ending, potentially criminal allegations. Pugliese denied the allegations outright in clear and emphatic language. The Canadian Association of Journalists stood by his side and decried the…

Who is Daniel Robson? Since 2025, Robson quickly established himself as a prolific freelance columnist, with bylines in the Ottawa Citizen, the Montreal Gazette, The Hub, Western Standard, and Policy Options. But there’s one problem: he doesn’t seem to exist. When a Turkish journalist began asking Canadian editors to verify Robson’s biographical details, they realized they couldn’t and that Robson’s persona and writing was A.I. generated. Who or what is behind this mysterious A.I. entity and what does it have to do with Morocco? Stuart Benson of the Hill Times joins Julian Abraham to go down the Daniel Robson rabbit hole. Host: Julian Abraham Credits: James Nicholson (Senior Producer), Gökçe On (Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Jesse Brown (Editor) Guest: Stuart Benson Additional music by Audio Network Vote for CANADALAND at the Signal Awards! Nominations include “My Chatbot Encouraged my Psychosis” for Best Writing and “The Freelancer’s Guide to Getting Revenge When You’ve Been Ripped…

Earlier this year, we asked you to call in and tell us about news stories that were a big deal in your town, but were not necessarily getting much, if any, national attention. We ended up hearing some incredible stories and even got a few leads out of that episode. This week, we decided to dive back into the world of local news and pose the same question to our listeners — and you did not disappoint. On this episode, we hear what it’s really like to weather a referendum storm from an Alberta citizen, we experience an Ontario town’s “gift of nuclear waste,” and our host James reconnects with an old friend of the forest. Host: James Nicholson Credits: Caleb Thompson (Producer), Tony Wang (Executive Producer), Jesse Brown (Publisher) Additional music by Audio Network & Kale Beaudry Further Reading: 'It's not a done deal': Community nearest nuclear waste site to hire lawyer - NWO News Watch As Alberta separatism referendum looms, flags become symbol of voting intention — and tension - CBC Cat in the Hat suspect…

Mark Carney sat down for a wide-ranging hour-long interview with the New York Times. The headlines focused on Canada’s preparations for the “extreme tail risk” of a US invasion, but what else can we learn about Carney’s political approach from the 8000 word transcript? The interview drew criticism in Canada, centered around Carney’s choice of a foreign outlet, rather than a Canadian one. But what can that tell us about his intended audience and communications strategy? Zain Velji joins San Grewal to discuss our Prime Minister’s global messaging and the domestic concerns waiting at home. Host: San Grewal Credits: James Nicholson (Senior Producer), Julian Abrham (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Jesse Brown (Editor) Guest: Zain Velji Further reading: A Transcript From The Times Interview with Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada - New York Times Special Edition: Our Interview With Mark Carney - The New York Times Do the PM’s liaisons south of the border amount to cheating on Canada’s media? -…

Elizabeth May is a fierce, dogged critic. No matter the government. Mark Carney’s Liberals are no exception. I wanted to know what she’s actually seen and heard, because even though Elizabeth May has been pissed before, host Noor Azrieh is sensing a rage she hasn’t seen before. Plus, after a long hiatus, Parliament reconvened last week. And Mark Carney’s Liberals wasted no time tabling their Building Canada Strong Act. So, what is it? Host: Noor Azrieh Credits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor), Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork) Guests: Elizabeth May, Nick Taylor-Vaisey, Background reading: Bill C-39 Introduction – Government of Canada Poilievre dismisses Bill C-39 as all talk, no action at outset of Commons debate – The Globe and Mail Five things to know about the Liberals' new Building Canada Strong Act – Toronto Star Carney’s Bill C-39 overhauls environmental reviews and Indigenous consultation – The Narwhal…

You can't really call Regina a news desert. They still have a newspaper. But if you actually look under the hood you’ll discover that they stopped printing the newspaper in Regina. They stopped editing it in Regina. The editor lives somewhere else. And as far the CBC goes, well, that acronym is now synonymous with layoffs. Everyone from the legacy media who purports to be telling people in Regina what is going on in their own community is doing so with less resources than ever before. These are zombie news organizations. That creates a news vacuum. A place for someone new to step in. And somebody did. And that somebody peddles garbage. That's not a value judgment of this new news source in Regina. It's just the objective truth. They're a garbage company called Just Bins. They provide dumpsters and news to the people of Regina. And they may be providing news to more people in Regina than anyone else. Host: Jesse Brown Credits: Kevin O’Keefe (Reporter), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical…

The announcement that the EU is “opening the door” to Canada for associate membership overshadowed how the story initially broke. Following detailed reporting in the Wall Street Journal, Carney denied that Canada was seeking membership in the EU. Days later, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced that Canada was in fact being considered for associate membership. Why did Carney and government sources initially deny the story? And should Canadian media hold him accountable for misleading the public? Host: Julian Abraham Credits: James Nicholson (Producer), Gökçe On (Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Jesse Brown (Editor) Guest: Douglas Soltys Additional music by Audio Network Further reading: Mark Carney’s Audacious Bid to Make Canada an ‘Associate Member’ of the EU - WSJ PM Carney says Canada ‘not looking to become member’ of the EU - CTV News Carney says Canada planning to discuss 'unique alliance' with EU, but not membership | CBC News Chris Selley: Carney's…

Apocalyptic A.I. headlines are all over the news, following a former Anthropic employee’s whistleblowing on the threat to humanity posed by out of control A.I. systems. But that was just the start: a flurry of safety-related announcements from major A.I. companies underscored the tangible risk of the technology. Douglas Soltys of Betakit joins to explain A.I.’s existential media moment, and how it affects Canada’s push for adoption and innovation. Could Canada emerge as a leader on A.I. regulation? Host: Julian Abraham Credits: James Nicholson (Producer), Camerin Wild (Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Jesse Brown (Editor) Guest: Douglas Soltys Additional music by Audio Network Further reading: Experts: How would AI actually kill everyone? | CNN Business AI researchers 'earnestly believe' it could kill all humans within the next decade, Anthropic employee says | CBC News Justin Ling: It’s the nuclear bomb of the 21st century. This is how we can control it AI minister affirms Canada will…

Prime Minister Mark Carney came into office promising to turn Canada into an investment destination. One of the biggest tests of that promise is happening in Saskatchewan. In this episode, host Noor Azrieh and senior producer Aviva Lessard take you inside the politics that made Bell’s $50 billion AI data centre behemoth in Saskatchewan possible. Host: Noor Azrieh Credits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork) Guests: Tom McIntosh, Ray Orb, Tammy Robert, Kim Breckner, and more! Background reading: The AI Data Centre-Driven Privatization of SaskPower Is Underway. You Knew It Was Coming. – Our Sask by Tammy Robert Bell plans expansion of Sask. AI data centre, making it largest private investment in province's history – CBC News Drone video of Bell Canada AI data centre construction site – CBC News Bell announces…

He was the doctor who almost got Joe Rogan cancelled. The controversy he roiled on Rogan brought the show some its highest ever ratings. So you might have been among the 40 million who caught Dr. Peter McCullough on Rogan where he spoke out against the COVID vaccine near the start of the pandemic. He was accused of undermining public health efforts and spreading misinformation. And last week Dr. McCullough was on Parliament Hill. But chances are you didn’t hear about that appearance. Most of the mainstream media, and nearly all the nation’s MPs, took a pass on attending the Allison Inquiry into injuries sustained by Canadians from the vaccine. Dr. McCullough joins us today. But he’s not here to debate his opinion on the science of vaccines. Instead we wanted to discuss his experience at the centre of the Rogan controversy. We wanted to ask him whether people should be getting medical advice from shows like Rogan’s. We wanted to know what he thought about the splintering of public faith in mainstream…

There was no shortage of retrospective 9/11 coverage in Canadian outlets, but the tone and focus was a lot different than south of the border. Jean Chretien’s address in Gander foregrounded how much has changed in the Canada/US relationship, while a Canadian Press article focusing on Islamophobia caused outrage online. Jan Wong joins Jesse Brown to talk about journalistic approaches to covering historical tragedies, and to reflect on 9/11’s impact. Plus, Mao’s unspoken legacy in China and why no one wants to report on vaccine injuries. Host: Jesse Brown Credits: James Nicholson (Producer), Julian Abraham (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Jesse Brown (Editor) Guest: Jan Wong Further reading: Jean Chrétien says 'we bow to no one' in fiery 9/11 speech in Gander, N.L. | CBC News 25 years since 9/11, Canada is not further ahead on tackling Islamophobia: advocates - CTV News HUNTER: What CBC 'Journalist Standards' boss doesn't know about 9/11 - Toronto Sun Sheryl Saperia: 25 years on, what would…

A report in the Wall Street Journal suggests that Carney’s is pushing for Canada to join the EU as an “associate member.” Carney says he’s pursuing an “unique alliance,” rather than membership. As Carney heads to France to address the EU parliament on Thursday, questions swirl around what exactly this new relationship between Canada and the EU will entail. Meanwhile, the President of the EU parliament announces a new “antenna” office in Ottawa. Jan Wong joins Jesse Brown to consider the likelihood of Canada’s European future. Host: Jesse Brown Credits: James Nicholson (Producer), Julian Abraham (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor) Guest: Jan Wong Further reading: Mark Carney’s Audacious Bid to Make Canada an ‘Associate Member’ of the EU - WSJ Carney says Canada planning to discuss 'unique alliance' with EU, but not membership | CBC News Why PM Carney’s trip to Europe this week has just taken on more importance - CTV News…

South of the border, billionaires are getting eaten alive. Up here, Mark Carney is trying to court them. This week, host Sam talks to three wealthy Canadians who think that's a mistake, and who are actually asking the government to tax them more. Host: Sam Konnert Credits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork) Guests: Claire Trottier, Emma Davis, Floyd Marinescu Background reading: The Rich List - Macleans I’m giving the CRA an extra $1M this year. Crazy, right? - Toronto Star The troubling rise of income and wealth inequality in Canada - Policy Options Do Billionaires Really Move To Avoid Wealth Taxes? - Forbes Capital gains tax hike would greatly reduce Canada’s competitiveness - Fraser Institute CEO pay hit a record high in 2024 - Canada's National Observer Sponsors: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE…

It is the biggest leveraged buyout in history. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) just bought EA Games: one of the world’s biggest video game companies. PIF joined forces with two American investment firms (one run by Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner) to buy the gaming giant for $55 billion. But this could be about a lot more than just video games. EA has more than 700 million players worldwide, and it’s collecting vast amounts of data on them. What are the national security and privacy implications of a foreign sovereign wealth fund controlling a company with all that data? And given EA has a Canadian subsidiary with Canadian employees and, of course, Canadian players — how has the Canadian government scrutinized this deal? Host: Gemma Boothroyd Credits: Gemma Boothroyd (Reporter), Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), Chad Galloway (Audio Editing & Production), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher) Fact checking by Julian Abraham Additional music by Audio Network Image by Saudi Press Agency More…

A trend of “Blame Canada” memes is causing a schism amongst conservatives. Far-right conservative influencers are gleefully amplifying MAGA-style messaging around Carney and Canada, while more moderate conservative voices are calling them “traitorous.” Under Pierre Poilievre, the CPC embraced right-wing influencers, offering them “content creator” passes and access to events, but now they’re trying to distance themselves. Is the turf war between establishment conservatives and edgy memelords overblown? Harrison Lowman of the Hub joins Julian Abraham to explore the AI slop that is dividing conservatives in Canada. Host: Julian Abraham Credits: James Nicholson (Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Jesse Brown (Editor) Guest: Harrison Lowman Photo: Donald Trump Truth Social Post (likely generated by A.I.) Further reading: Ben Woodfinden: 'Blame Canada' conservatives are no better than woke statue topplers - National Post The Conservative civil war…

As the 25th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, the CBC’s longstanding policy towards reporting on acts of terrorism suddenly became an international story. A leaked internal CBC memo that instructed journalists not to refer to 9/11 as a terrorist attack without attribution sparked backlash on both sides of the border. In the context of the trade war, CBC’s journalistic policy became a flashpoint for Republicans, with US Ambassador Pete Hoekstra suggesting it further jeopardized trade relations between Canada and the US. Jen Gerson of The Line joins Julian Abraham to explain how the CBC escalated trade war tensions (even if it didn’t intend to) and what happens next now that the CBC changed its policy towards 9/11. Host: Julian Abraham Credits: James Nicholson (Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Jesse Brown (Editor) Guest: Jen Gerson Photo: Ken Lund Further reading: 9/11 wasn't a 'terrorist attack,' according to the CBC | Toronto Sun How and why…

BC’s Conservative caucus is hemorrhaging members. In the last three weeks, 8 MLAs have left the Conservative caucus, followed by accusations that paint a pretty clear picture: Whatever crisis is happening inside the BC Conservatives, Kerry-Lynne Findlay is at the centre of it. Host Sam Konnert talks to BC political commentator and host of “This is Vancolor”, Mo Amir, to spell out what exactly is going on. Host: Sam Konnert Credits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork) Guests: Mo Amir Photo: Taymaz Valley Background reading: Will Kerry-Lynne Findlay’s First Stand Also Be Her Last? – The Tyee Another B.C. Conservative MLA steps away from party to sit as Independent – CBC News B.C. Conservative caucus is down to 30. Here’s how it lost 14 members – Global News RCMP ask to meet ex-B.C. Conservative who says he was…

In the history of journalism, there have been a number of iconic interviews. Interviews that defined a generation and uncovered truths from some of the biggest political scandals of the time. Richard Nixon, Monica Lewinsky, the ex-Duke of York formerly known as Prince Andrew, to name only a few. Today, we bring you an interview with Nathen Mazri. Former Garfield Eats proprietor, former PPC candidate, and now, running for Toronto City Council in Ward 1 Etobicoke North. Will this interview be as era-defining as the others? His CV is likely stranger than any other candidate, and his legally distinct Garfield (called Nathfield) campaign song probably isn’t going to top the charts. He only got 235 votes during the last federal election, so why does he think he has a shot at being mayor of Toronto in 2030? Is he delusional? Or is his conviction so strong that he might just do it? Further Reading: Nathen Mazri Canadian entrepreneur behind GarfieldEATS wants to disrupt fast-food, one lasagna at a time - Globe & Mail…

Canadians are increasingly getting their news from the New York Times. As the NYT increases its global footprint, growing to over 3 million international subscribers, Canada remains its largest international market. With its expansion of staff and Canadian coverage, The Times is competing for scoops with outlets like The Globe and Mail and CBC. Will an American outlet eventually dominate Canadian news? Host: San Grewal Credits: James Nicholson (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer and Fact Checker), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor) Guest: Morgan Campbell Photo: Wilson Rivera Further reading: https://www.nytco.com/press/the-new-york-times-reaches-three-million-international-subscribers/ https://bayobserver.ca/new-york-times-insists-its-beefed-up-coverage-of-canada-has-nothing-to-do-with-trump/ https://pressgazette.co.uk/media-audience-and-business-data/media_metrics/most-popular-websites-news-world-monthly-2/…

Seasonal news items are just a thing in the media biz and Back-to-School is a big one. So we wanted to flip that concept and rather than dish out our own advice, we asked you to call in with your own. Look, we all know starting a school, especially at a new school, can be a stressful experience. But we all do it, and most of us get through it too. But if you’re nervous, or you know someone else who is nervous, here’s some advice from Canadaland’s audience to help you. Plus a story from Reporter and Host Julian Abraham about the professor who inspired him to become a journalist. Host: Sam Konnert Credits: Tristan Capacchione (Producer), Tony Wang (Executive Producer), Jesse Brown (Publisher) Photo by Ron Lach Additional music by Audio Network This show is available exclusively to Canadaland supporters. To become one, go to https://canadaland.com/join/. 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 at…

There’s been wall-to-wall coverage of the breakdown in trade talks between Canada and the US, on both sides of the border. Whether it’s Trump’s renaming of Lake Ontario, gun-toting A.I. Canadian Geese, or continual investigations into what exactly happened during the final hours of trade talks. But the rest of the world is also covering the Canada-US trade war in terms of the “rupture” Carney described in his speech at Davos. Are we missing the rupture for details about the deal? Is it possible that Canada is ready to decouple economically and culturally from America? Author and journalist Morgan Campbell joins San Grewal. Host: San Grewal Credits: James Nicholson (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer and Fact Checker), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor) Guest: Morgan Campbell Photo: Nicolas Pinault, Voice of America Additional music by Audio Network Further reading: This whole trade war thing is stupid - The Globe and Mail…

Prime Minister Mark Carney made a nice speech last weekend. But what happens after you walk away from a blown-up trade deal? This episode host Noor Azrieh asks Matina Stevis-Grindeff, the Canada Bureau Chief for the New York Times. Apparently, it includes a renaming of Lake Ontario to Lake America, and a whole lot more. Host: Noor Azrieh Credits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor) Photo: The White House Guests: Matina Stevis-Gridneff Background reading: How U.S.-Canada Tariff Negotiations Turned Into an All-Out Trade War –The New York Times Inside the 72 hours that cratered the US-Canada trade deal – POLITICO Read Mark Carney's full speech after trade talks with the U.S. collapsed – CBC News Canadian seafood industry 'relieved' with removal of their products from retaliatory tariff list – CBC News LeBlanc welcomes U.S. decision…

In August 2026, the Government of Canada released a report titled Campus Antisemitism and Student Experiences. The survey found that “95.7% of Jewish students said they had experienced or witnessed at least one instance of antisemitism over the previous 12 months.” So the back to school jitters are hitting differently for some kids. There have been other issues involving staff, administrations, and unions too, affecting both Jewish professors and non-Jewish professors. Today we hear from three Canadian academics bringing you their stories from campuses that, nearly 3 years after October 7, might be unrecognizable to you. Further Reading: Campus Antisemitism and Student Experiences — Government of Canada The antisemitism report that erases a century of Jewish debate — The Globe & Mail Standing United Against Antisemitism: Protecting Communities and Strengthening Canadian Democracy — Senate of Canada Antisemitism in Ontario’s K-12 Schools — Government of Canada Toronto Metropolitan University External Review…

As trade negotiations broke down, Canadian streaming policy, CanCon requirements, and French language discoverability have taken a surprisingly central role in the narrative. Mark Carney says last minute US trade demands threatened our cultural sovereignty, while US Trade Representative Jameson Greer called this a “funny, fake story.” Digital law expert Michael Geist joins to talk about where digital policies fit into the trade discussion, the future of Canadian digital policy, and whether recent developments in the trade war present an opportunity to decouple from US tech giants. Host: Jesse Brown Credits: James Nicholson (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer and Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor) Guest: Michael Geist Photo: Bryan Berlin Further reading: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/dominic-leblanc-greer-culture-language-9.7322393 Ottawa rejected last-minute U.S. demand to drop Cancon rules for streamers…

As trade talks break down between Canada and the US, the race is on to fill in the details. Both Carney and US Trade Representative Jameson Greer are offering their versions of the final hours of negotiations. Meanwhile, reporters are talking to sources, all of whom are looking to spin the narrative. What really happened? Plus, the Jamil Jivani of it all, and TMU isn’t satisfied with the report it commissioned on antisemitism on campus. Host: Jesse Brown Credits: James Nicholson (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer and Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor) Guest: Michael Geist Photo: Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street Additional music by Audio Network Further reading: How U.S.-Canada Tariff Negotiations Turned Into an All-Out Trade War - The New York Times One of Trump's top deputies has been unsatisfied with trade deal on the table for Canada, sources say | CBC News Inside the 72 hours that cratered the…

Mark Carney’s government is reviewing Canada’s Labour Code, and one of the biggest questions on the table is the right to strike. In recent years, the federal government has increasingly used Section 107 to intervene in strikes involving workers in industries like rail, airlines, and the postal service. Now, employers are pushing for new rules that could give the government more tools to prevent major work stoppages in the first place. So what could change? Why do employers want it? What do unions think? And if the government already has Section 107, why rewrite the Labour Code at all? Host: Noor Azrieh Credits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork) Guests: Christopher Monette, Derrick Hynes, Adam Donald King, MP Don Davies Photo: WestJet Component Background reading: Read Mark Carney's full speech after trade…

As recent events in Ukraine, Russia, and Iran have clearly demonstrated, the nature of modern warfare is changing fast (think: drones). Canada will get left behind if it doesn’t start innovating fast. And that could have not just a winning effect on its defence capabilities but also it’s an opportunity to stimulate other industries. Host Stephen Marche explores the advent of drone warfare with Tim Mak, Kyiv-based publisher of The Counteroffensive; and Cameron Chell, a Canadian aerospace and defence tech entrepreneur at Dragonfly, shares how the nascent Canadian drone industry can drive technological innovation, not just in the defence sphere but also in a multitude of other uses that will bolster the country’s economy. Follow the Gloves Off podcast here: https://www.gloves-off.ca/season-2 Host: Stephen Marche Credits: Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher) Special thanks: Dory Smith (Director of Advertising and Partnerships)…

E-scooters are making headlines as a dangerous transportation option. From Xav Trudeau not wearing a helmet in an e-Scooter ad, to editorials calling them a scourge. Are they a dangerous public nuisance or a sign that we haven’t yet embraced the future of transportation? Arno Kopecky joins Julian Abraham to kick around the coverage of electric micromobility options, and to consider if Canada is a regressive country when it comes to transportation. Plus, why we shouldn’t refer to any agreement with Trump as a “deal.” Host: Julian Abraham Credits: James Nicholson (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer and Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor) Guest: Arno Kopecky Photo: Kristoffer Trolle Next month on Off The Record we are back to our call-in show format. On Thursday August 27, 2026 we will be taking your calls on a new question: What do you wish you had known when starting school or what’s a piece of advice you…

B.C.’s wildfires spread at unprecedented speeds, resulting in tens of thousands of evacuations and a province-wide state of emergency. Yet, nationally, the fires didn’t garner the same level of media attention as Northern Ontario’s fires last month. Why the disconnect? Arno Kopecky joins to unpack the coverage of the BC wildfires and explain why climate change should be a bigger part of the coverage, and why wildfires have sparked a growing trend of misinformation and AI-generated slop online. Plus, hear the resurfaced hip hop tracks that have advocacy groups calling for the resignation of a Nova Scotia cabinet minister Host: Jesse Brown Credits: James Nicholson (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer and Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor) Guest: Arno Kopecky Photo: BC Wildfire Service Further reading: Inside the early battle against the ferocious Bald Range wildfire - The Globe and Mail Geoff Russ: Yes, the…

Pierre Poilievre has a lot of haters. But his biggest hater might just be Kory Teneycke. This is a guy who comes from inside the Conservative machine. He was Stephen Harper's communications director. He helped Doug Ford win. Then win again. Then again. And for months, Teneycke’s been publicly dragging Pierre Poilievre through the mud. No holds barred. He questioned Poilievre’s strategy. His leadership. His campaign. And even his character. What’s his beef with Pierre Poilievre, and is this just an old political grudge or is he diagnosing something bigger that’s gone sour within the Conservative Party? Host: Noor Azrieh Credits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork) Guests: Kory Teneycke Background reading: The Conservative Feud Is Embarrassing. Grow Up – The Walrus Conservative MPs worried about losing their…

Abdulahat Nur grew up in East Turkistan. That’s what many Uyghurs, a Muslim Turkic people of Central Asia, call it. But if you’re a Chinese state official the region is called Xinjiang, or “New Frontier.” For many it echoes the same sort of arguments that surround Tibet. China's treatment of the Uyghurs has led to intense international scrutiny, particularly its use of internment camps or what China calls “vocational training centres.” The level of allegations against China has risen to accusations of genocide. Raising awareness of the Uyghur cause is one of Abdulahat Nur’s primary roles as Prime Minister of East Turkistan. But there is his bus route in Edmonton as well… Host: Sam Konnert Credits: Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), Chad Galloway (Audio Editing & Production), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher) Additional music by Audio Network Fact checking by Julian Abraham More information: East Turkistan's prime minister in exile a north Edmonton school bus…

A Canadian intern, Biwei Zhang, is alleged to have spied on NATO for China, raising questions about the persistence of Chinese espionage in Canada. The former civil servant held positions for a number of Canadian agencies including StatsCan, the National Research Council, and the Canadian Space Agency. In 2023, she was found to have committed fraud on her application to the Canada Border Services Agency. Combined with other high profile cases of Chinese spying in the Canadian civil service, Harrison Lowman of The Hub joins to discuss why Canada is a soft target for Chinese espionage, and whether closer trade ties with China carries an increased security risk. Host: Jesse Brown Credits: James Nicholson (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer and Fact Checking), Imogen Sayers, (Mixing and Mastering), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor) Guest: Harrison Lowman Photo: icc-rcn.ca Further reading: What we know so far about the Canadian NATO intern accused of spying for…

A report in the Globe and Mail says Canada is offering concessions to get a trade deal. Canadians and pundits aren’t happy with the idea. Is it just a trial balloon or is Carney willing to pay the political price to reduce tariffs? Meanwhile, rolling back Trudeau’s digital policies targeting tech giants is one concession Carney seems happy to make. But how will it impact Canadian media funding? Plus, Canada continues to scale back its peacekeeping efforts, and a crime wave hiding in new StatsCan data. Host: Jesse Brown Credits: James Nicholson (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer and Fact Checking), Imogen Sayers, (Mixing and Mastering), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor) Guest: Harrison Lowman Photo: Jolanda Flubacher, World Economic Forum Further reading: Ottawa discussing trade concessions with U.S. in return for some tariff relief, sources say - The Globe and Mail Making concessions to get a trade deal when the public’s in a fighting mood - The Globe and Mail…

Wealthsimple just launched its new betting platform, but for now, Canadians can only bet on the economy, financial markets, and the weather. So what happens when we start betting on politics? Host Sam Konnert talks to Wall Street Journal investigative reporter Katherine Long about the wild world of Polymarket and Kalshi, the scandals that have followed them in the US, and what Canada can learn before prediction markets inevitably expand. Host: Sam Konnert Credits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), imogen sayers (Mixing and Mastering), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork) Guests: Katherine Long Photo: Rafael Minguet Delgado Additional music by Audio Network Background reading: #1338 Reality is a Casino as Prediction Markets Enter Canada Lawmakers Call for Federal Probe of Polymarket Over Deceptive Advertising – The Wall Street Journal We Investigated Polymarket’s Deceptive Marketing Campaign.…

They’re shamed, banned, or driven underground but “repugnant markets” have a way of surviving. Organ sales, MAID, even blood sales fall into the category. Nobel Prize-winning economist Alvin Roth comes to Canadaland to discuss his latest book, Moral Economics: From Prostitution to Organ Sales, What Controversial Transactions Reveal about How Markets Work. Further Reading: The Nobel Prize - Alvin E. Roth Can economics save lives? - Alvin E. Roth Repugnance as a Constraint on Markets - Alvin E. Roth A Conversation with Alvin Roth - The Conversation Kidney Paired Donation Program - Canadian Blood Services Host: Gemma Boothroyd Credits: Gemma Boothroyd (Reporter), Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), Chad Galloway (Audio Editing & Production), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher) Fact Checking by: Julian Abraham Additional Music by: Audio Network Photo: Linda A. Cicero, Stanford University Sponsors: Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at…

Last Wednesday, Foreign Policy CAN tweeted that "Canada condemns the ongoing violence in the West Bank..." So later that day, the Embassy of Israel in Canada responded with "Israel condemns the ongoing violence against Jews in Canada..." Which begs the question, just what exactly is Canada’s social media strategy? Does it even have one? It also got us thinking about the responsibility both the government and the media have when it comes to discussing Israel, and how the hyperfocus on one country impacts the safety of Canadian Jews. Host: Jesse Brown Credits: Andrea Varsany (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer and Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor) Guest: Jen Gerson Additional music by Audio Network Further reading: https://x.com/CanadaFP/status/2082478897514389914 https://x.com/IsraelinCanada/status/2082538835930669094 https://x.com/IsraelMFA/status/2082554515962651030 Opinion | It's time Canada cut…

Last year, we published an episode about all the tape that didn’t make it into one of our shows. Today is different… but similar. Here are three interviews we did that just never made it to air. And we’ll tell you why they never made it to air. Next month on Off The Record we are back to our call-in show format. On Thursday August 27, 2026 we will be taking your calls on a new question. Seasonal news hooks are really common in the news business, they’re practical, easy to plan for, and most people need them. So we wanted to flip that a bit for the back to school season. What do you wish you had known when starting school or what’s a piece of advice you would give to someone starting school. That can be Kindergarten, Middle school, High school, CEGEP, university, anything. The call-in period will be Thursday, August 27th, 4:30-6:30 PM ET. When the time comes, head over to https://callinstudio.com/show/canadaland. You can also dial in at 1-888-401-7056. Host: Sam Konnert Credits: Tristan Capacchione (Producer,…

Seven years in, we're looking at what might just be the longest and most involved media defamation trial in Canadian history: former Alberta United Conservative Party candidate Caylan Ford is suing PressProgress, the CBC, Toronto Star and several others, for $7.65 million. She says that they wrongly portrayed her as a white supremacist, they say that they were only quoting her… Host: Jesse Brown Credits: Andrea Varsany (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer and Fact Checking), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor) Guest: Jen Gerson Photo Further reading: Caylan Ford Statement of Claim PressProgress Statement of Claim Defend Canadian Journalism - Broadbent Institute Defend Canadian Journalism - PressProgress Litigation — Caylan Ford Support PressProgress - Defend Canadian Journalism Caylan Ford speaks out: Former UCP candidate reveals why she was “cancelled” | Keean Bexte Resisting the mob (feat. Caylan Ford) When the Mob Came Alberta Needs Anti-SLAPP Legislation! UCP…

Stories about The Prime Minister’s residence at 24 Sussex just won’t die. Lumber barons, dead brides, Trudeau’s secret pool, nacho machines, you name it. But now, the Prime Minister’s crumbling, rat-infested, maybe haunted official residence is getting a re-vamp. Carney just launched a fifty-million-dollar national campaign to actually fix the place. What is he planning? And what does it say about Canadians that we’d rather crowdfund a roof than just pay for one? Host: Sam Konnert Credits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork) Background reading: More than 2,000 Canadians have donated toward restoration of 24 Sussex Drive - CBC News Scrap 24 Sussex Drive. Canada Can Do Better - The Walrus Sponsors: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress…

Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib is a Palestinian-American writer who grew up in Gaza City. When he was eleven years-old he survived an Israeli airstrike that killed two of his friends and left him with permanent hearing loss in one ear. He travelled to the United States as a teenage exchange student in 2005 and later received political asylum after Hamas took over in Gaza. He now leads Realign for Palestine, a project advocating for what he calls, "a radically pragmatic approach to peace.” Today he talks to Canadaland about Hamas, Israel, the international response to the war in Gaza, and how his views on war and possible peace have turned him into a target from almost every direction. Host: Archie Matlow Credits: Caleb Thompson (Mixing & Mastering), Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher) Additional music by Audio Network Fact checking by Julian Abraham More information: Realign For Palestine Atlantic Council Hamas and It’s Two Million…

San Grewal and Rahim Mohamed discuss Robyn Urback's opinion piece in the Globe and Mail, titled, “Like a bad ex, Donald Trump is accidentally making Canada become its best self”. Indeed, national pride seems to be at an all-time high, but is it warranted? After all, hate crimes are on the rise, two Jewish bakeries were vandalized last weekend, and a group of white supremacists just threw a "family-friendly festival” called Bigotfest in North Bay. Host: San Grewal Credits: Andrea Varsany (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer and Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor) Guest: Rahim Mohamed Further reading: Like a bad ex, Donald Trump is accidentally making Canada become its best self - The Globe and Mail Human rights group warns of 'Bigotfest' event in North Bay 2025 Hate Crime Report shows drop in reported incidents last year, as the Service addressed Prevention, Reporting, and Outreach Four extremist plots to…

After the Premier's meeting in PEI last week hosts San Grewal and Rahim Mohamed look at who got the media's attention, who didn't, and what strategies Premiers are using to capture the nation's interest. Correction: In this episode, host San Grewal gives an example of a "Sikh physician would not be allowed to wear his turban in a public hospital." Bill 21 provides an exemption for hospital workers. We regret the error. Host: San Grewal Credits: Andrea Varsany (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer and Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor) Guest: Rahim Mohamed Additional music by Audio Network Further reading: A test for Team Canada - POLITICO Premiers’ Performance: Eby, Smith, and Ford each tumble to new lows approval - Angus Reid Institute Prime Minister Carney delivers remarks following the First Ministers’ Meeting First Ministers’ Joint Statement Canadian premiers eye energy as weapon against U.S. tariffs. But…