10/3: Canada Covered

King Charles delivered Canada's throne speech, emphasizing sovereignty after U.S. annexation comments. Catherine Levesque breaks down his message, the Carney government's priorities, and what's ahead in the short spring session. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Prime Minister Mark Carney and his Liberal government are charting a new course after a surprise election win, but his cabinet choices and decision not to table a budget have raised questions. National Post columnist Tasha Kheiriddin joins the show to discuss the key challenges ahead, Carney's cabinet, and what the lack of a budget means for Canadians. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Canada really getting it right? Tristin Hopper joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss his new book on where the country may be falling short—and what it means for the federal election. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With election day nearing, party leaders gear up for debates. Chris Nardi joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss how Carney and Poilievre differ, debate expectations, and the NDP's position. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Montreal Gazette investigation shows a program meant for Francophone cooperation has been funding tuition for non-French-speaking foreign students, while Quebec raises fees for out-of-province English students. Reporter Andy Riga discusses the program's purpose, the students' origins, and its cost to taxpayers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A college in Tennessee is set to become the first historically Black institution to ice an NCAA Division 1 hockey team.  Tennessee State University, which counts among its alum TV icon Oprah Winfrey and Olympian Wilma Rudolph, has more than a dozen players committed to the program, including a number of Canadians.  National Post contributor Allen Abel joins host Dave Breakenridge to discuss the challenges TSU faces in getting the program off the ground, what's significant about this push to grow hockey at the collegiate level, and the former Maple Leafs coaching staffer leading the charge.  Background reading: One man's audacious dream to import Canada's game to Black America Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fentanyl has become a dominant street drug in Canada, claiming thousands of lives. Recently, it has also been used by U.S. President Donald Trump to justify tariffs on Canadian exports. How did it get to this point? National Post reporter Tom Blackwell joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the factors behind fentanyl's rise, the growth of labs in Canada, and Canada's role in the global market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ontario PC leader Doug Ford is nearing a third term after calling a snap election. Toronto Sun columnist Brian Lilley joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss how U.S. President Trump's threats, including tariffs, have overshadowed other issues in the campaign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Canadian politicians, aiming to avoid a trade war amid U.S. tariff threats, have met with White House officials and appointed a 'fentanyl czar.' National Post's Catherine Levesque joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss these efforts and their potential impact on President Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For two decades, Afghan women had freedom. Then everything changed in an instant with the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban in 2021 amid the withdrawal of Western troops. Ehsanullah Amiri, the 2024 recipient of Postmedia's Michelle Lang Fellowship, joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the conditions under which women now live in Afghanistan, what their lives were like prior to the Taliban takeover, and why the story resonates nearly four years later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Canada's response to Trump's trade war threats and the carve-out for Canadian energy has put Alberta's oilpatch in the spotlight. While Alberta's oil faced less impact from tariffs, the threat remains a major concern. Calgary Herald columnist Chris Varcoe joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the potential impact on Alberta's economy and key industries if Trump moves forward with his plans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Canada received a temporary reprieve from U.S. tariffs after committing to border security and drug policy changes. National Post reporter Stephanie Taylor joins the show to discuss the agreements and Canada's new drug strategy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marie-Josée Hogue, head of the foreign interference inquiry, has delivered her final report, making sweeping recommendations for the federal government, while asserting that, despite allegations of some MPs possibly being foreign agents, there is no evidence of traitors in Ottawa, as discussed by National Post politics reporter Chris Nardi with Dave Breakenridge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The question in Ontario politics is whether a trade war over Trump's tariffs will boost Doug Ford and the Progressive Conservatives' majority, as he calls a snap election, with Bryan Passifiume and Dave Breakenridge discussing Ford's strategy and opposition reactions. Background reading:Premier Doug Ford confirms he's calling snap Ontario election Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Donald Trump set to try to annex Canada? Or is he trolling us in the worst possible way. Truly only he knows at this point, but it has raised somewhat of a sovereignty crisis in this country. Carson Jerema, National Post's comment editor, joins the show to discuss what Trump could be angling for, how our leaders have responded, and what the politicians in Canada should be doing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After much speculation about his political future, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced he would be stepping down... eventually. David Staples and Lorne Gunter join the show to discuss the factors that led to Trudeau's departure, how his legacy will be viewed in western Canada, and whether there is a potential successor who could turn Liberal fortunes around. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Federal politics saved perhaps its biggest surprise for one of the last weeks of the year with the surprise cabinet resignation of Chrystia Freeland. But it has been a very eventful year in Canadian politics. National Post Parliamentary Bureau Chief Stuart Thomson and parliamentary reporter Antoine Trepanier join Dave Breakenridge to break down the year that was in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Notorious killer Paul Bernardo faced the Parole Board of Canada for the third time this week. The man convicted of murdering three girls 30 years ago was again denied parole. National Post reporter Adrian Humphreys joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss Bernardo's parole hearing, the board's decision, and the victims' families' reactions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Randy Boissonnault resigned from Justin Trudeau's cabinet amid controversy over his business dealings and Indigenous identity claims. National Post's Chris Nardi joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss his departure and what's next for the Edmonton MP. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For years, Canada has wrestled with an overdose crisis, with thousands of people succumbing to the deadly effects of toxic drugs like fentanyl. But there's a second brewing crisis involving those who don't die after overdosing. Ottawa Sun reporter Andrew Duffy joins the show to discuss the effects a non-fatal overdose can have on a person, how that may manifest in an already vulnerable population, and what stresses it puts on the health-care system. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the wake of the NDP ending its agreement to keep the Trudeau government afloat, opposition parties have been jockeying for position as power brokers, trying to advance agendas to either stave off or force an election. The Bloc Quebecois has seized the opportunity on a couple of files, including a pricey increase to pension coverage supported by the NDP and the Conservatives. National Post political reporter Catherine Levesque joins the show to discuss whether the Liberals will accept the wishes of the house, why the Conservatives voted in favour of this increase in spending, and whether it pushes us closer to an election this fall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

B.C.'s election is shaping up to be unlike any in recent memory. The NDP is seeking re-election amid an affordability crisis and health care crunch, while facing renewed opposition after a merger between the former Liberals and the Conservative party. Vancouver Sun politics reporter Alec Lazenby joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the key issues in this campaign, the resurgence of the Conservatives under John Rustad, and whether any former B.C. Liberal MLAs could play spoiler as independent candidates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A prominent Edmonton psychologist goes missing. His body isn't found. Police believe he was murdered and that his brother had something to do with it. They just have to get him to confess. Regina Leader Post courts reporter Brandon Harder joins the show to discuss how police ensnared a murder suspect in an elaborate undercover investigation, why one brother killed the other, and how it all unfolded. Background reading: The secret in the slough: How undercover cops got a cold case murder confession Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The political marriage between the federal liberals and NDP is over, and that means Canadians could be headed to the polls sooner than expected. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh announced he was leaving the agreement with Justin Trudeau's Liberals that's keeping the government in power after more than two years. National Post political reporter Ryan Tumilty joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss why the NDP tore up the agreement, how the Liberals have taken the news, and whether it means we could see an election this fall. Background reading: How and why the NDP decided to break up with the Trudeau Liberals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Questions are being asked after a father and son were arrested on terror charges in Ontario. The pair were nabbed earlier this month and now MPs are planning hearings to determine how the immigration system let in people who were ultimately charged with plotting a terrorist act. Toronto Sun politics reporter Bryan Passifiume joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss what we know about the case so far, the political fallout for the government, and what upcoming parliamentary hearings hope to uncover. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Canada is once again on the hunt for a new candidate to head Human Rights Commission after the feds' pick agreed to resign this week. National Post politics reporter Stephanie Taylor joins the show to walk us through the controversy around the hiring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Toronto man who duped hundreds of victims in several countries into giving him money and then even more money in dubious stock schemes or fake coloured diamonds. National Post investigative reporter Adrian Humphreys joins the show to discuss how this Toronto businessman wound up embroiled in massive money scams, how he wound up on police radar, and how he kept his schemes rolling for so long. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Instead of focusing on defending their Olympic title, Canada's women's soccer team became embroiled in scandal at the Paris games. Before the opening ceremonies even took place, accusations were levied that people involved with the women's team had been using a drone to spy on New Zealand's practice. This has sent ripples through soccer Canada and the sport's international governing body. Ryan Pyette, in France covering the games for Postmedia, joins host Dave Breakenridge to discuss the repercussions Canada has already faced, what impact the scandal could have on Canada soccer, and whether FIFA cracks down any further. Read more; Where does the Canadian women's soccer team go from here? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The fire that overtook the Jasper townsite late last month left many Canadians reeling. Like Fort McMurray and Slave Lake before it, wildfire hit the iconic mountain destination, destroying a large swath of the community. Edmonton Journal reporter Zac Delaney joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the destruction wrought by the fire, the recovery efforts and how long residents could be waiting before they return. Background reading: 'We saw how bad everything was': RV tour through Jasper interrupted by fire Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joe Biden's resignation as the Democratic nominee for U.S. president, less than six months before the election, caused a stir in Canada and reignited discussions about Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's future, especially since Trudeau has been under scrutiny following his party's loss in a spring byelection and could face further challenges if the Liberals lose another byelection later this year; National Post political reporter Catherine Levesque joins the show to explore these issues and the potential threat to Trudeau's leadership. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

National sports writer Dan Barnes joins the show to discuss Canada's prospects at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where the team aims to surpass their Tokyo medal haul, highlighting strengths in swimming and track while exploring potential medal contenders and anticipating a more traditional Olympic experience post-COVID. Background reading: Gold, silver or bronze? The Canadian hopefuls to bring home medals from Paris Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A break in the city's main water pipe has left Calgary under severe restrictions for over two weeks, raising concerns about water usage and the potential impact on the city's premier summer festival, the Stampede. Calgary Herald reporter Scott Strasser joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the cause of the pipe failure, how the city is handling the situation, and whether there is a risk of the taps running dry. Background reading: 'The show will go on': Stampede to move forward, with water-saving contingencies in effect Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ottawa has been rocked by the fallout from a parliamentary report that suggests MPs have been witting or semi-witting participants in foreign interference. The report, released June 3, also implies one instance of an MP providing privileged information to a foreign operative. National Post politics reporter Ryan Tumilty joins the show to discuss what we've learned about the report, the reaction in parliament, and whether we'll eventually see any of the MPs' names released. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Peterson, a reporter with the Saskatoon Star Phoenix, discusses the recently released RCMP review of the 2022 mass stabbings in Saskatchewan's James Smith Cree Nation, which examined the force's handling of the incidents and the arrest of the perpetrator, the recommendations made, and whether this review, alongside two coroner's inquests, provides closure to the community. Background reading: RCMP's review of JSCN mass stabbing finds no 'missing link' in police response, makes 36 recommendations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For many, the death of notorious killer Robert Pickton marks the end of a dark chapter in Canadian history, but for others, it leaves justice and closure out of reach, as Vancouver Sun reporter Lori Culbert discusses with Dave Breakenridge. Background reading: B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton viciously attacked in prison, clinging to life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Several years of dry conditions have Alberta facing a potential drought not seen in a generation, with tinder-dry grasslands and forests threatening farms, the water supply, and raising fears about fires, prompting officials to take measures to mitigate water shortages, Tyler Dawson discusses why Alberta is so dry and what officials are doing to try to mitigate any water shortages. Background reading: Alberta's drought shaping up to be ‘worse than we saw in the 1920s, 1930s' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The parents of a young University of Victoria student who died from a fatal overdose in a university residence are seeking answers and changes, citing concerns about the handling of the 911 call and the delay in administering Naloxone. Vancouver Sun reporter Lori Culbert discusses the events surrounding the student's death, the perceived systemic failures, and the responses from the university and provincial government. Background reading: B.C. promising changes after preventable overdose death of University of Victoria student Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nearly 50 years after two teen girls and two women were killed in the Calgary area, RCMP in Alberta say they've identified the man responsible.  Police say Gary Allen Srery entered Canada after a violent past in the U.S. and committed the killings. He died while serving a sentence for rape in Idaho.   Edmonton Journal courts and crime reporter Jonny Wakefield and Calgary Herald reporter Steven Wilhelm join the podcast to discuss the murders, how police used genetic genealogy to link Srery to the crimes, why police say there could be more victims, and what the break in the case means to families.   Background reading: RCMP link Calgary murders to American suspected serial killer who died in prison; believe there are more victims Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the UK or Australia, political leaders often lose their positions during party crises. However, in Canada, it's typically the voters who decide a leader's fate. National Post columnist Tristin Hopper speaks with Dave Breakenridge about why Canadian parties tend to stick with struggling leaders and the implications for Justin Trudeau amid declining polls. Background reading: Why Canadian prime ministers always stay well past their expiration date Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, a major Canadian infrastructure project, cleared a significant hurdle despite numerous delays and legal challenges. Now federally owned, the project aims to transport bitumen from Alberta to the west coast. Calgary Herald columnist Chris Varcoe discusses with Dave Breakenridge the economic implications for Canada and Alberta, the project's troubled progress, and its impact on future infrastructure projects. Background reading:Varcoe: 'We landed the plane': Inside the story of turbulence and triumph to complete the Trans Mountain expansion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Toronto man was jailed for over two years on human smuggling accusations before being released on bail and finding out at his trial that his charges had been dropped. Freelance reporter Luc Rinaldi joins the show to discuss the police's focus on him, the lengthy pre-trial detention, and the impact on his life in Canada. Background reading:The RCMP said he was a sex-trafficking kingpin. 'They destroyed my life' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In an update to the sensational gold heist at Toronto's Pearson airport, where over $20 million in gold was stolen from an Air Canada cargo facility, significant arrests have now been made across Canada and the U.S. National Post reporter Adrian Humphreys joins the show to discuss how police made breaks in the case, ties between the heist and allegations of gun smuggling, and what happened with all that gold. Background reading: Toronto airport gold heist loot was melted in a forge in local jewelry store's basement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices