June 18, 2024
SHARE
The Backbench
#92 The Spy Who Loved MPs
On June 3, a cross-party committee released a redacted document alleging some parliamentarians have been "semi-witting or witting" participants in the efforts of foreign states to interfere in Canadian politics. 
Aviva Lessard
Producer
Caleb Thompson
Audio Editor
max collins
Production Manager
Karyn Pugliese
Editor-in-Chief

Trudeau says he has “concerns,” Singh says he’s “alarmed,” May is “relieved,” and Poilievre won’t even look. So who’s right about foreign interference in Canada?

 

To find out, Mattea Roach asked Globe and Mail reporter Steven Chase, Wesley Wark, a senior fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, and Michelle Tessier the former Deputy Director of Operations of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. We also spoke to Green Party leader Elizabeth May, the first opposition leader to view the unredacted report. 

 

Host:  Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Production Manager), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

Guests: Elizabeth May, Steven Chase, Michelle Tessier, Wesley Wark

 

Background reading:

 

Sponsors: Douglas, Article

 

If you value this podcast, Support us! 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, 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. 

 

You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

More from this series
We are gathered here today, united by BS and a profound sense of annoyance, to bid farewell…
January 14, 2025
Yesterday Trudeau announced that he would prorogue parliament and resign as Prime Minister. Now, the Liberal Party is embarking on a journey to replace him.
January 7, 2025
Starting January 1st, the criminal interest rate on predatory lending will be lowered, meaning it should be safer to take out payday and installment loans. But these businesses have a tendency to skirt the law, adding unexpected fees and insurance rates to keep borrowers in the hole.
December 24, 2024
It was a hell of a day for the Liberals yesterday, as Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland abruptly abandoned her post. Now, all fingers are pointed at one man: Justin Trudeau.
December 17, 2024
A conversation with a young conservative…
December 10, 2024
Trump sneezes and Canada shits itself…
December 3, 2024
Parliament froze in late September after the Conservatives launched a privilege motion, bogging down the government and demanding the Liberals hand over documents relating to a “green slush fund.”
November 26, 2024
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has freedom on the docket….
November 19, 2024
all podcasts arrow All Podcasts
The Backbench