Canadaland

British Columbia is rolling back safe supply and decriminalization, and moving toward something very different: forcibly detaining and treating people with severe addictions. Alberta is already doing it. Ontario is considering it. Canada is entering a new era of drug policy, one called involuntary care.Host Noor Azrieh sits down with legislative reporter Mark Page to unpack what’s happening in B.C., and then goes international to speak with Professor Alison Ritter about what Australia’s experience with involuntary care can teach us.Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Post Production), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Mark Page, Alison RitterBackground reading:The Fight Over Forced Rehab – MacleansMixed reaction to B.C. premier's announcement of new involuntary care facilities  – CBC NewsOne third of B.C.’s ‘publicly funded substance-use treatment beds’ don’t provide

The Rogers family drama was epic. An imperious and secretive billionaire telecom overlord clan loathed across the nation, a ne’er do well heir to the throne and his fashionista wife hanging out at Mar-a-Lago, his secret scheme to seize control of his dead father’s empire exposed by an errant butt dial.If that had happened anywhere else, you bet they'd make a movie about it. But it happened in Canada, eh.  So instead of a blockbuster they made a one man play about it. Playwright Michael Healey wrote that play and he joins us today to survey the saga that was Rogers vs. Rogers.Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor & Technical Producer), Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher)Featured Guest: Michael HealeyFact checking by Julian AbrahamAdditional music by Audio NetworkMore information:Rogers v. Rogers — Crow’s TheatreThe Rogers Family Compact — CANADALANDSponsors: MUBI: To stream great cinema at home, you can try MUB

There’s still confusion around MP Vince Gasparro’s announcement that Irish rap group Kneecap is banned from Canada, but, at the same time, Carney’s government is moving forward with a new law focused on hate symbols. Is this new approach to hate worth the risk to free speech?Host: Jesse BrownCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Lucie Laumonier (Associate producer and Fact Checking) Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Isaac PeltzFurther Reading On Our Website   Sponsors:Sprague Cannery: You can find Sprague goods across the nation in major Canadian retailers like Costco, Loblaws, Walmart, Giant Tiger and many smaller independent stores.Douglas:  Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today.  Visit douglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offer If you value this podcast, Support us!

Off The Record is back in its new call-in format. The question for this week was “What should Canadaland NOT have published?”Host Sam Konnert sat down with Jesse Brown to field all of your calls for two hours this past Monday and we were honestly quite surprised by how it went. Host: Sam KonnertCredits: Tristan Capacchione (Producer), Tony Wang (Executive Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Publisher)Guests: Jesse BrownPhoto: Tony WangAdditional music by Audio NetworkFurther Reading:Canadaland’s Reddit Post — RedditThis 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 our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. Hoste

Carney says Canada Post is “insolvent,” but is it possible to save it? Isaac Peltz joins to brainstorm ways to get Canada Post off life support and to explain why coverage in Canada is missing out on the big story of labour in this country. Plus, an update on Travis Dhanraj’s issues with the CBC. Host: Jesse BrownCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Lucie Laumonier (Associate producer and Fact Checking) Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Isaac Peltz Further reading: Canada Post workers walk off the job after government demands reforms | CBC NewsIn France, Elder Care Comes with the Mail | The New YorkerThe truth is that Canada Post was simply set up to fail - The Globe and MailWhy the Canada Post strike is not just a ‘labour dispute’ – The IndependentEdmonton MP Heather McPherson enters NDP leadership race | CBC News Travis Dhanraj Breaks His Silence: "CBC Tried to Shut Me Up"  - Can’t Be Censored

Are Albertans hicks? Is Danielle Smith secretly a genius? Do Albertans actually hate Ottawa? Tune in to a special LIVE Canadaland recording to find out!Canadaland politics goes on tour with this special live episode in Calgary! Out-of-touch Torontonian Noor sits down with a panel of experts to answer some pressing questions: are Albertans hicks? Is Danielle Smith secretly a genius? Do Albertans actually hate Ottawa?Special thanks to Mount Royal University and the Community Podcast initiative for hosting us.Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Max FawcettErika BarootesMelanee ThomasBackground reading:Alberta’s distorted view of their own political culture | Policy OptionsWho is “Average Joe” Albertan? | Jared WesleyAlberta premier praises national-interest projects — even if a pipeline isn't on the

What happens after the men with guns who run your country take aim at you? Last year reporter Molly Thomas traveled to Pakistan for Canadaland to file a series of reports on one of the world's biggest refugee crises. There are currently somewhere between 1.5 and 3 million Afghans who have fled the Taliban and who are now stuck in limbo in Pakistan. Many have been trying to get to Canada.Molly's series was called Dear Taliban and one of her stories featured a young woman who called herself Haya.Haya and her family fled from Kabul to Pakistan where they found themselves stranded and that's where her story ended for us. That was until we heard that Haya had finally made it out and reached CanadaJournalists rarely get this kind of opportunity to follow up on a story that happened halfway around the world. To come back to someone who was stuck with countless other refugees in limbo. To be able to actually answer the question: what happened next? But today we can do that because Haya is here in our studio.Host

Protestors “Draw The Line” as Mark Carney pulls the Liberals towards the center, adopting conservative policies and walking back several Trudeau-era policies on climate, immigration, and social issues. Is Carney’s centrism savvy politics or disingenuous pandering? What should Canadaland NOT have published? Call in and tell us on Sept 29th between 11am and 1pm EST! You can go to callinstudio.com/show/canadaland or dial in at 888-401-7056Host: San GrewalCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Lucie Laumonier (Associate producer and Fact Checking) Caleb Thompson (Post Production), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Rahim MohamedFurther Reading on Our WebsiteSponsors: The Oat Company: Head over to oatcompany.com and use code CANADALAND20 for 20% off your order. They ship across Canada so you can enjoy them anywhere.Douglas:  Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with yo

The honorary mayor of Dildo, Newfoundland is back on the air, but the threat to free speech remains. The Jimmy Kimmel saga is a reminder of the crucial role comedy plays in times of political turmoil, so why isn’t there more comedy in Canada right now? Plus, an update on the Alberta separatist movement. Host: San GrewalCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Lucie Laumonier (Associate producer and Fact Checking) Caleb Thompson (Post Production), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Rahim MohamedAdditional music by Audio Network Further Reading on Website Sponsors:MUBI: To stream great cinema at home, you can try MUBI free for 30 days at mubi.com/canadaland.Squarespace: Check out Squarespace.com/canadaland for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch use code canadaland to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.BetterHelp:  Visit BetterHelp.com/canadaland today to get 10% off your first month.If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll g

Canada recognized Palestine as a state, Pierre “take me home country roads” Poilievre is back in town, Freeland is on a mission to Ukraine, and the pressure is building on Prime Minister Mark Carney. Host Sam Konnert sits down with Mickey Djuric to break down what’s happened this fall sitting, who’s in, who’s out, and if the Carney honeymoon phase is over.Host: Sam KonnertCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Mickey DjuricBackground reading:Canada first G7 nation to recognise Palestinian state – BBCFreeland leaving cabinet, won't run in next federal election – CBC NewsGovernment tables legislation targeting hate symbols, protecting places of worship – CBC NewsAlberta premier argues for potential use of notwithstanding clause on transgender laws – CBC NewsThe fall budget will be an early reckoning for the Carney governmen

One December night in 2014, Matthew Church died from sudden cardiac arrest. Now, back from the dead, Matthew Church joins us in studio to talk about dying, coming back, and what exactly happened during those eight minutes when his heart stopped beating.Credits: Host: Jesse BrownCaleb Thompson (Post Production), Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher)Fact checking by Julian AbrahamAdditional music by Audio NetworkFurther ReadingZola’s Story in the Purina Hall of FameSponsors: Douglas: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today. Visit douglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offerBetterHelp: Visit BetterHelp.com/canadaland today to get 10% off your first month.If you value this podcast, support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content.

Global News hires a non-journalist to cover politics.Plus, parliament is back and it’s business as usual. With Canada in an existential crisis, is it time to stop the partisan shenanigans? Host: Jesse BrownCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Lucie Laumonier (Associate Producer and Fact Checking) tom sayers (Audio Editor), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Noor Azrieh Additional music by Audio NetworkFurther reading: Carney and Poilievre exchange pleasantries, then resume an epic debate | CBC NewsAs the House of Commons returns, Carney and Poilievre are both chasing a lost political moment - The Globe and MailCarney government to table first budget on Nov. 4 | CBC NewsTop Trudeau-era ministers headed for diplomatic appointments - CTV News    World's first AI minister will eliminate corruption, says Albania's PM - BBC Anchor Travis Dhanraj files human rights complaint against CBC, alleging discrimination, harassment - The Globe and Mail &nb

Canadians react to the assasination of Charlie Kirk. The killing of a prominent US conservative dominates Canadian headlines and online comments trigger partisan debates, doxing, and threats of violence.  Should we be concerned about political violence in Canada? Host: Jesse BrownCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Lucie Laumonier (Associate Producer and Fact Checking) tom sayers (Audio Editor), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Noor Azrieh  Further reading on our website. Sponsors:MUBI: To stream great cinema at home, you can try MUBI free for 30 days at mubi.com/canadaland.Douglas:  Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today.  Visit douglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offer If you value this podcast, support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus cont

Conservative immigration critic Michelle Rempel Garner sits down with host Noor Azrieh to unpack why she thinks we should scrap the temporary foreign worker program, and how far she’d go to overhaul immigration. Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Post Production), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: MP Michelle Rempel GarnerCredit to Film Mission and Joe Anidjar for footage from the Canada First Protest. Background reading:Toronto’s Christie Pits Riot  – Toronto MuseumPolice charge 9 people in connection with Christie Pits rallies – CBC NewsPopular support for more immigration has cratered. Politicians are taking note – CBC NewsPoilievre calls for temporary foreign worker program to be scrapped – CBC NewsWithout national identity, integration is impossible and collapse is inevitable – Michelle Rempel Garner Canadaland Politics is recording a LIVE podcast

Rabih (Robby) Alkhalil was in prison for one murder and on trial for another. Then on July 21st, 2022 Alkhalil slipped into a black jumpsuit and a high visibility vest and he walked out the front door of a BC prison. He hopped into a waiting white van and disappeared. And for the last three years Alkhalil has stayed, at least, one step ahead of the law.Alkhalil made new headlines last week. A series of news reports claimed he'd been arrested in Qatar. The RCMP scheduled a press conference and promised an update on the case. Then something weird happened. The RCMP announced that three men had been charged in connection with helping Alkhalil escape, but the RCMP would neither confirm nor deny that he was arrested in Qatar.Was his escape the most audacious in recent Canadian history? Was it a stunning display of the prison authority’s incompetence or corruption? And why won’t the RCMP confirm or deny his capture in Qatar?Veteran crime beat reporter Peter Edwards joins us to try and make sense of the es

Carney hits pause on EVs but moves forward on “nation-building” projects.With Canola farmers being hit hard by Chinese tariffs, is the solution to drop the 100% tariffs on Chinese EVs? Scott Moe and Danielle Smith think so.Plus, a goodbye to Franklin, Babar, and The Magic Schoolbus.Host: Jesse BrownCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Lucie Laumonier (Associate Producer and Fact Checking) tom sayers (Audio Editor), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Jan Wong Further reading on our website. Sponsors: oxio: Head over to canadaland.oxio.ca and use code CANADALAND for your first month free! Squarespace: Check out Squarespace.com/canadaland for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch use code canadaland to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.BetterHelp: Visit BetterHelp.com/canadaland today to get 10% off your first month.If you value this podcast, support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and

TIFF turns 50 with celebs, controversy, and Carney suggesting that we’re the John Candy of global trade.  As the Toronto International Film Festival struggles to find its way in a changing film landscape, it leans into Canadiana with buzzy premieres from Canadian directors. But with its mishandling of controversial documentaries the last two years, can TIFF meet the moment? Host: Jesse BrownCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Lucie Laumonier (Associate Producer and Fact Checking) tom sayers (Audio Editor), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Jan Wong Further reading on our website. Sponsors: Douglas: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today. Visit douglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offerBetterHelp: Visit BetterHelp.com/canadaland today to get 10% off your first month.If you value this podcast, support u

While Donald Trump is bent on achieving and maintaining “unquestioned and unchallenged global technological dominance”, we’re just starting to gear up for the race. There are only about 300 data centres across Canada. And about HALF of them are run by American tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. Host Noor Azrieh sits down with Don Lenihan and Vass Bednar and asks whether we can control our digital sovereignty. Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Post Production), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Don Lenihan, Vass BednarFurther Reading On Our WebsiteSponsors: Article is offering our listeners $50 off your first purchase of $100 or more. To claim, visit ARTICLE.COM/canadaland and the discount will be automatically applied at checkoutIf you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and b

Mark Carney recently made noises about the future possibility of Canadian boots on the ground as part of an international “coalition of the willing” to help guarantee security in Ukraine. In the 1990s Canada had up to 3,000 peacekeepers around the world at any given time. Today we have less than 30. That’s one per cent of what we used to be able to do.So how would Carney get us back in the game? Is it a game we want to play? Or are even capable of playing anymore?Lloyd Axworthy thinks so. He was Minister of Foreign Affairs at the height of our peacekeeping commitments in the late 1990s. But his vision today goes far beyond blue helmets.Credits:Host: Jesse BrownCaleb Thompson (Post Production), Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher)Fact checking by Julian AbrahamAdditional music by Audio NetworkSponsors: oxio: Head over to canadaland.oxio.ca and use code CANADALAND for your first month free!  Squarespace: Check out Squarespace.com/can

The race to succeed Jagmeet Singh has begun, but most of the NDP’s big names are steering clear. Post-election, vibes within the party have been bleak, mired with handwringing, infighting, and no clear guiding vision. One thing everyone seems to agree on is that any new leader needs to build a big tent. Bring back the labour vote. With Trump playing tariff bingo, there’s a real opportunity to speak — and to listen — to workers. Are the leadership hopefuls ready to take it?Taylor Noakes joins Jesse Brown to discuss.Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Jules Bugiel (Producer), Lucie Laumonier (Associate Producer and Fact Checking), tom sayers (Audio Editor), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Taylor NoakesFurther reading on our website.Canadaland Politics is recording a LIVE podcast and Q&A from Calgary on September 22nd, 2025 at 7:30PM MT hosted by Mount Royal University. Let us know you’re coming by RSVPing here. Sponsors: oxio: Head over to canadaland.oxio.ca and use code CAN