Blue Skies Podcast with Erin O'Toole, MP

In this episode of Blue Skies, Erin is joined by Senator Peter Boehm, who served as the Canadian ‘Sherpa' for the last Canadian hosted G7 in 2018. Boehm provides a behind-the-scenes look at how these diplomatic summits take place and how Canada prepares to succeed during the Kananaskis G7 summit. Senator Boehm shares his perspective on everything from trade tensions to multilateral diplomacy to Arctic policy. He also shares some stories from the G7 in Charlevoix including the iconic photo from the meeting. Peter shares insights from decades of public service and reflects on how Canada can lead in an uncertain world.

In this episode, Erin is joined by Dr. Elizabeth Buchanan, Senior Fellow at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute and Polar expert, for a conversation on the growing importance of the polar regions from the Arctic and Antarctic, and how countries like Canada and Australia can deepen partnerships amid this era of geopolitical realignment. The also discuss the increasingly controversial AUKUS agreement and blue sky whether Aussies will ever sail the nuclear submarines the alliance envisions. From polar strategy to procurement to talk about CANZUK, this episode explores how like-minded and value aligned countries can do more together is isolationism of the United States rises amid growing global tensions.

In this episode, Erin is joined by Admiral Mark Norman to discuss the evolving landscape of Canada's defence at a time when the United States is walking away from its role as our key ally and security partner. They explore key issues around national security, military spending, and the challenges of maintaining our sovereignty in the Arctic. Admiral Norman shares his perspective on Canada's shipbuilding capacity, the strategic role of submarines, and the importance of rebuilding domestic defence production. They also discuss recruitment and culture changes within the Canadian Armed Forces. This episode offers insight into what it means for Canada to take ownership of its national defence in an increasingly unpredictable world.

On this episode, Erin is joined by Vass Bednar, public policy expert, podcast host, and co-author of The Big Fix, for a wide-ranging conversation on competition law and anti-trust issues in an age of technological and geopolitical change. They also discuss affordability issues and how different generations of Canadians view the Canadian economy differently.  Vass shares her unique insights on high profile sectors like telecom, grocery, AI and data, as well as what Canadian policy makers should take from global anti-trust trends. If you've ever wondered why your bills may be too high and what Canada needs to do to become more competitive and productive, this episode is for you.

Erin is joined by four-time Grey Cup champion Tim Fleiszer to talk about his professional sports journey and transition into a leading Canadian advocate on brain injury with the Concussion Legacy Foundation. They discuss the growing challenge Veterans are facing with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and the wider need for education and better treatment options for people living with a brain injury.

Erin is joined by Darrell Bricker, one of Canada's most respected pollsters and thought leaders. Co-Author of The Big Shift, Darrell discusses the decline of the "Laurentian consensus" (a term coined in that book) and the shifting political and cultural landscape as Justin Trudeau leaves office. They also discuss the acute crisis of Canadian identity and how changing demographics and a decade of identity politics are reshaping debate and causing a major decline in Canadian pride at a time that the country needs to come together.

Erin is joined by the Hon. Ed Fast, the MP for Abbotsford and former Trade Minister who led the Harper government's ambitious trade agenda. They talk about Ed's work on growing markets in Europe and Asia and the global shift away from liberalized trade to more managed trade given US-China relations. They also tackle issues like the Foreign Investment Protection Agreement (FIPA) that Canada signed with China, tariffs under President Trump and strategies for navigating these issues in uncertain times.

In this episode of Blue Skies, Erin is joined by Jim Leech, former CEO of the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan and a well-respected voice on business issues, to discuss the current debate about whether governments should mandate public pension plans like the CPP to invest more in Canada. They explore the development of the 'Canadian Model' for pension governance and why it has gained international acclaim. They also engage in a wider discussion of issues related to Canadian economic competitiveness and financial security for pensioners. 

MP Alicia Kearns, the Chair of the United Kingdom's Foreign Affairs Select Committee, joins Blue Skies to discuss the AUKUS alliance, the war in Ukraine, the Balkans, China and the need for democracies to stand against foreign interference. The conversation with MP Kearns provides an interesting view on geopolitics and how one of Canada's closest allies views the state of our defence spending and influence.

Erin is joined by Robert Baines, the President of the NATO Association of Canada to discuss the importance of the NATO alliance as it marks 75 years of providing peace and security for its members. They discuss the role of Canada in the alliance and how NATO helped usher in the post-WWII era of prosperity and opportunity. They also discuss risks facing the alliance today ranging from the war in Ukraine to political indifference in some countries.

Erin is joined by long-serving Liberal MP John McKay to talk about his decades of work on international development and defence issues in the House of Commons.  Ahead of the annual Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada conference in Toronto, they discuss the impact of Canada's new law to help prevent forced and child labour from being part of Canadian supply chains.  The impact of this new law is discussed along with the new office of the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise and the need to ensure that Canadian values are always part of our approach to commerce.  Erin and John also discuss defence and geopolitics from their shared interests and work in Parliament.

A special Blue Skies to mark the second anniversary of the war in Ukraine. Hon. Erin O'Toole gives his quick take on the war, and explains why it's time to reconfirm support and counter the complacency

Blue Skies returns and continues its series on the important role of nuclear energy in our economic and environmental future. Dr. Chris Keefer, the President of Canadians for Nuclear Energy, joins Erin to discuss his own nuclear ‘conversion' and how his advocacy is educating Canadians and changing the public policy debate. They discuss Canadian industry advancements from Small Modular Reactors and new build at the Bruce site to the extension of Pickering Generating Station and the role CANDU technology has played developing this important sector.

Before finishing up as Durham MP, Erin interviewed two leaders to talk about the continued growth of nuclear for Canada's lower emission future and the tremendous innovation and economic activity across Canada. He welcomed Bill Walker, President of the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries as well as Rory O'Sullivan, the President of Moltex who is leveraging technology to the issue of waste reduction and power generation.

Erin is joined by Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter to discuss the rising challenges facing cities in North America with addiction, mental health and homelessness levels peaking along with public frustration. Dan speaks about his own struggles with addiction and homelessness and how he tries to bring compassion alongside the leadership needed to make tough decisions to balance wellness and public safety.

Historian Ted Barris sat down with Erin to talk about his new book covering the longest WWII battle - the Battle of the Atlantic - and Canada's contributions to this critical battle that forged the foundation of the North Atlantic alliance we know today. Canadian heroism and perseverance as told in “Battle of the Atlantic: Gauntlet to Victory”.

Erin is joined by the Hon. Gary Mar, CEO of the Canada West Foundation to take economic priorities for western Canada. A former Alberta Minister, Diplomat, Business and Thought Leader, Gary shares his perspective on the role Canada can play in global energy and food security and how respect for western interests will help build a strong and prosperous Canada. Like, subscribe, and share the Blue Skies political podcast to show you support serious and long-form political debate.

Erin is joined by James Scongack, Executive Vice-President at Bruce Power. James shares his perspective as a corporate leader in this renewed interest and understanding about nuclear energy and its importance to our climate change goals. They also discuss the innovative private sector approach at Bruce Power and how the industry is regulated. They conclude by touching on innovations in the sector like Small Modular Reactors and isotope production.  Like, subscribe, and share the Blue Skies political podcast to show you support serious and long-form political debate.

Erin welcomes Daniel Hannan, a member of the UK House of Lords and a well-known conservative commentator. They discuss the last few years of upheaval in the UK Tory party and the challenges of governing in a pandemic. They also touch on the Labour Party's lead in the polls and public views towards Brexit six years after the UK voted to leave the EU.

Erin welcomes back Canadian-Ukrainian military expert Ihor Kozak for an update on the war in Ukraine. Ihor discusses Ukraine's successes in taking back territory, and explains why supplying tanks and other equipment will be critical to withstanding Putin's offensives this spring. They also tackle the issue of Russian trolls and the Kremlin's disinformation machine, including how you can protect yourself from unintentionally spreading Russian propaganda. Read Erin's Substack essay on the ‘Resolve for Ukraine in 2023'.

Erin was a guest on Canadian Defence Review's podcast for a wide-ranging discussion on the changing global security balance and the need for Canada to have a more strategic approach to defence and our role in the world. They discuss the war in Ukraine, cyber warfare, the Arctic and a range of challenges the Canadian Armed Forces will face in the future.This podcast was recorded in September 2022.

Erin welcomes well-known Conservative commentator Tasha Kheiriddin for a discussion on the impact of demographic change on Canadian politics and how Millennial and Gen Z voters are already starting to drive the policy agenda. On issues like housing, inclusion, climate change and many others, these voters have different views from the Baby Boomers and the economy they are facing is also very different. Drawing from her recent book The Right Path, Kheiriddin discusses the realignment of Canadian politics currently underway as Millennial voters become the largest working and voting demographic.

In this second of a two-part series on Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) and mental health, Erin is joined by Mark Meincke, a Veteran and host of the Operation Tango Romeo podcast focused on trauma recovery. Meincke made national headlines this fall when he revealed that Veterans Affairs Canada had already suggested to several Veterans that they consider MAID on assistance calls that originated with a Veteran requesting support for mental injuries. Mark also bravely discusses his own difficult journey with Post Traumatic Stress Injury and how important it is to get Veterans the mental health support they need when they are most vulnerable. The Veteran demonstrates that the Doctor's concerns from episode one are well-founded.

In the first of a two-part series on Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) and mental health, Erin is joined by Dr. John Maher, a prominent psychiatrist and medical ethics expert. They discuss the risks and ethical issues related to expanding MAID to Canadians with mental injury or illness as the sole basis for the request for MAID and how this major change is dividing mental health professionals. Dr. Maher draws on his decades of experience treating marginalized patients to warn how their medical condition and sense of isolation will make them particularly vulnerable at a time when most Canadians recognize that our healthcare system is in a state of crisis and social supports for housing and addiction treatment are insufficient.

Erin is joined by Robert Zoellick, former President of the World Bank and United States Trade Representative, for a discussion on Russia, China and the need for a renewed North American relationship to rise to the challenges facing the democratic world. Like, subscribe, and share the Blue Skies political podcast to show you support serious and long-form political debate.

General (Retired) Rick Hillier joins Erin for a Remembrance Week discussion. Hillier shares some memories of what inspired him to join the Canadian Armed Forces and reflections on his time as Chief of Defence Staff during the Afghanistan War. They discuss how Canada can continue to remember the fallen and honour the living, including the Veteran-led campaign to have Jess LaRochelle considered for the Victoria Cross. Like, subscribe, and tell your friends about the Blue Skies political podcast.

Erin sits down with former energy executive, Chris Slubicki. The two discuss issues related to energy scarcity and abundance, and how the Canadian oil and gas sector can play a key role in global energy security – at home and in Europe. Checkout Chris Slubicki's TED talk here: https://www.ted.com/talks/chris_slubicki_canadian_energy_leadership Like, subscribe, and tell your friends about the Blue Skies political podcast.

Erin is joined by Roddy MacKenzie, a Canadian author and historian who travelled to London to join to the long queue of mourners honouring the Queen. Roddy shares his journey and reflects on Queen Elizabeth's inspiring life of service. They discuss the role of the constitutional monarchy in Canada, the Queen's special bond with our country and Roddy shares some fascinating anecdotes about the incredible relationship between the UK's longest-serving monarch and its longest-serving Member of Parliament, Sir Winston Churchill. Like, subscribe, and share the Blue Skies political podcast..

Erin is joined by Conservative Foreign Affairs critic Michael Chong for a discussion of the important foreign policy issues facing Canada and our allies. From the war in Ukraine to the Taiwan Strait — Erin and Michael explore the world's geopolitical hotspots and how Canada can play a role in energy security, Arctic security, and economic sanctions to temper aggressions. NOTE: This podcast was recorded before the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and delayed through the period of mourning. Like and subscribe to Blue Skies and please share this important foreign policy conversation.

Erin is joined by Dr. Rob Whitley, associate professor of psychiatry at McGill University and research scientist at the Douglas Research Centre. Professor Whitley digs into the acute men's mental health crisis in Canada. In this episode we learn that men account for more than 75 per cent of suicides in Canada — equivalent to 50 men per week. Men are also more likely to experience addiction and substance abuse, and are less likely to seek mental health support. Whitley discusses breaking down stigma and how specialized treatments and purpose-driven healing can help save lives. Like, subscribe, and share the Blue Skies political podcast.

Dieppe historian David O'Keefe joins Erin for a special commemorative edition of the Blue Skies Podcast. They discuss the challenges of the raid, Canadian bravery on the beach, and the intrigue behind the secret ‘pinch mission' at the heart of the mission. Spymaster & Bond author Ian Fleming even played a role in this daring mission to break Nazi codes. Lest we forget. Like, subscribe, review and share the Blue Skies political podcast.

Erin is joined by Dr. Charles Burton, senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute and leading expert on Canada-China relations. Dr. Burton talks about his decades of work on China and how the evolution and ambition of the Chinese Communist Party requires Canada to be far more cautious in all aspects of Canada-China relations. From trade to security, from human rights to the Belt and Road, and from Tiananmen to Taiwan, this comprehensive discussion touches on all aspects if the relationship. Like, subscribe, review and share the Blue Skies political podcast.

MP Erin O'Toole is joined by Vincent Rigby and Thomas Juneau co-chairs of “A National Security Strategy for the 2020s” – a ground-breaking report evaluating the threat environment for Canada and recommending a clear strategy to counter these threats. Vincent Rigby is the former national security and intelligence advisor to the Prime Minister and Dr. Thomas Juneau is an associate professor at the University of Ottawa specializing in public safety and security issues. Rigby and Juneau discuss current threats to Canada including both foreign and domestic threats, disinformation, and the need for executive attention to the evolving threat environment. Their full report can be found here: https://socialsciences.uottawa.ca/public-international-affairs/ns2022en Like, subscribe, and engage your friends on this topic and the Blue Skies political podcast.

Erin is joined by James Akam, a former interpreter for the Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan, to discuss his incredible and dangerous journey to freedom in Canada. James talks about his work for Canada in Afghanistan and the risks the families that are left behind face from the Taliban. The government needs to quickly bring to Canada those Afghans who helped our country in its 12-year mission there. Email the Minister of Immigration, Hon. Sean Fraser, to demand action at sean.fraser@parl.gc.ca. Like, subscribe, and tell your friends about the Blue Skies political podcast.

MP Erin O'Toole is joined by Erin O'Toole, radio host from Colorado, to chat Erin to Erin. Brought together by their shared name on social media, the two Erins share a positive discussion Canada-US relations, the highs and lows of social media and life in general. This light-hearted conversation kicks off the Blue Skies Summer Series. This episode was originally recorded in April 2022. Like, subscribe, and tell your friends about the Blue Skies political podcast.

MP Erin O'Toole is joined by Chief Kelly LaRocca of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. Chief LaRocca is a dynamic FN leader who has forged strong partnerships in her decade as chief. She sat down with Erin to talk about her nation, her personal journey to leadership, and work on finalizing the Williams Treaties and advancing economic reconciliation. Like, subscribe, and please share the Blue Skies political podcast.

MP Erin O'Toole is joined by Dr. Mark Jaccard, a professor at Simon Fraser University with the School of Resource and Environmental Management (REM). Professor Jaccard is an internationally renowned energy and climate change policy expert, economist, and author. He sat down with MP O'Toole to discuss his background advising Canadian governments of all political stripes on environmental policy, using carbon pricing mechanisms to meet our climate goals, the role of technology, and the increasing polarization of the discussion on climate change. Like, subscribe, and tell your friends about the Blue Skies political podcast.

MP Erin O'Toole is joined by Dr. Jack Mintz, one of Canada's most prominent voices on the economy, our competitiveness and public policy issues more broadly. In this episode, Mintz shares his insights on deficits and rising debt levels in an inflationary economy, as well as productivity and demographic challenges facing Canada. They discuss the need for fresh thinking and policy innovation to attract capital investment to fuel growth and to halt the decline in our public health systems. Let us know your thoughts on this engaging discussion. Like, subscribe, and tell your friends about the Blue Skies political podcast.

MP Erin O'Toole is joined by Canadian historian Dr. David O'Keefe from Marianopolis College and Dr. Ed Lengel from the National Medal of Honor Museum in the United States to discuss the process of fairly reviewing acts of bravery and valour to ensure that recipients for decorations like the Victoria Cross are not missed due to incomplete information, bias or error. The case of Private Jess Larochelle is used as an example of a case worthy of review. Erin and his guests discuss the need for a review process framework in Canada incorporating best practices from our closest allies. Like, subscribe, and tell your friends about the Blue Skies political podcast.

MP Erin O'Toole sits down with Dr. Jessica Shadian, President and CEO of Arctic360, to discuss Canada's Arctic and the absence of a long-term strategic plan for this important region. Dr. Shadian explains how Canada can learn from other Arctic nations to create a strategy which addresses security, sovereignty, investment and infrastructure concerns in our North, and talks about the work of Arctic360, Canada's premier Arctic-policy thinktank. Learn more about Arctic360 at www.arctic360.org. Read the Foreign Affairs committee's report, “Nation-Building at Home, Vigilance Beyond: Preparing for the Coming Decades in the Arctic”, at https://www.ourcommons.ca/DocumentViewer/en/42-1/FAAE/report-24. Like, subscribe, and tell your friends about the Blue Skies political podcast.

As part of Mental Health Week 2022, MP Erin O'Toole speaks with LCol. (Ret'd) Christian Lillington, a Canadian Armed Forces officer with a distinguished record of service. Christian talks about what drew him to serve Canada and about the cumulative impact of trauma and challenges of an Operational Stress Injury. He told his story in “Parade State Zero: Leaving Military Leadership to Survive” and is dedicating his post-military career to peer support worker and advocacy for Veteran mental health. Christian is the keynote speaker of the 9th Annual Sam Sharpe Breakfast, taking place on May 3, 2022 in Ottawa. See Christian Lillington's work at www.warriors4life.ca. Like, subscribe, and tell your friends about the Blue Skies political podcast.

MP Erin O'Toole is joined by the Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the Honourable Murray Sinclair, to hear his thoughts on the recent Papal apology for residential schools and to discuss Canada's path to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Find the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) reports here: https://nctr.ca/records/reports/#trc-reports Like, subscribe, and tell your friends about the Blue Skies political podcast.

MP Erin O'Toole is joined by Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith to chat about the Liberal-NDP deal, the impact of social media on political discourse and economic policies for working Canadians. Read MP O'Toole's 2019 blog series on the echo chambers created by social media here: https://erinotoolemp.com/2019/01/27/anti-social-media-part-i/ https://erinotoolemp.com/2019/02/07/anti-social-media-part-ii-the-quest-for-likes/ https://erinotoolemp.com/2019/02/25/anti-social-media-part-iii-piercing-the-bubble/ Like, subscribe, and recommend the Blue Skies political podcast.

MP Erin O'Toole is joined by former Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, Vice-Admiral Mark Norman for a detailed discussion on the state of the Canadian Armed Forces. With war raging in Ukraine, many Canadians are beginning to realize that Canada's military is in a precarious state. The discussion examines the capabilities of the Army, Navy, and Air Force alongside modern challenges with recruitment and how to fix generational failures with military procurement. Like, subscribe, and tell your friends about the Blue Skies political podcast.

MP Erin O'Toole discusses the war in Ukraine with Ihor Kozak, a Canadian Armed Forces Veteran, entrepreneur and prominent leader in the Ukrainian-Canadian community. Ihor provides an important update on the situation on the ground in Ukraine alongside insights into the decades long war of aggression waged by Vladimir Putin that led up to this wide-scale invasion. They also discuss the inspiring resilience of the Ukrainian people and talk about what Canada can do to help. Watch Erin's speech on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, here: https://youtu.be/Ak15g7jMRYc Like and subscribe to the Blue Skies political podcast and share this episode to keep your friends informed about the situation in Ukraine.

Erin O'Toole announces the return of the Blue Skies political podcast. After a busy few years while on hiatus, Blue Skies is back to bring you informed, thoughtful, and respectful discussions on topics important to Canadians, coast to coast to coast. Like, subscribe, and tell your friends about the Blue Skies podcast as we get back into the swing of things.

Erin O'Toole sits down with World War II Veteran, Fred Barnard of the Queen's Own Rifles, for a discussion on the 75th Anniversary of D-Day and the Juno Beach landing. Learn more about The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada: https://www.queensownrifles.com/ Learn more about D-Day and the Battle of Normandy: https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/history/second-world-war/d-day Learn more about the Juno Beach Centre: https://www.junobeach.org/

MP O'Toole sits down with prominent criminal lawyer and co-host of The Docket legal podcast, Michael Spratt, to discuss the legal and political issues at the heart of the SNC-Lavalin corruption scandal that has plagued the Trudeau government in recent months.

Erin O'Toole Discussion Podcast by Erin O'Toole, MP

Trudeau has been silent on issues of human rights, freedom of religion and freedom of expression -- especially with respect to Iran. Iran is the most destabilizing and dangerous country in the world today. Listen to my podcast to hear why I think that's the case.

On today's episode of Blue Skies, we're talking about how the NAFTA negotiations could change Canada's trading relationship with the United States - and the price of your morning breakfast. Blue Skies is a conversation, not just a web series, be sure to share your opinions on the NAFTA negotiations by leaving a comment below. Don't forget to 'like' my page to get new episodes of Blue Skies first!