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?
June 28, 2022
The Backbench
#40 Justinflation Or Chrystia Frecession
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.
June 21, 2022
The Backbench
#39 Does Voting Have To Suck?
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.
June 14, 2022
The Backbench
#38 Notes From a Young Progressive Conservative
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.
June 7, 2022
The Backbench
#37 A Jason Kenney-Sized Hole
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?
May 31, 2022
The Backbench
#36 Is Canada Ready to Decriminalize Drugs?
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 healthy drug policy in Canada.
May 24, 2022
The Backbench
#35 What Do Women Want? Sexual Healthcare
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
May 17, 2022
Détours
#1 La plus belle langue (après le cri)
Des chefs de plusieurs nations autochtones s’opposent à l’adoption de la loi 96 au Québec, une loi qui, parmi d’autres conséquences, aura un impact sur les personnes nécessitant des services publics dans une langue autre que le français. Et est-ce qu’il y a une différence entre la façon dont les médias francophones et anglophones couvrent la course à la chefferie du Parti conservateur ? Emilie Nicolas anime le tout premier épisode de Détours avec Romeo Saganash.
May 14, 2022
The Backbench
#34 Confessions Of An International Student
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.
May 10, 2022
The Backbench
#33 A Generation-Defining Inquiry
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?