Poutine Politics

In this final regular episode of Poutine Politics, Adam and Mike look forward to the near future and make some political predictions (some of which already were proven incorrect).

Mike has some very particular, possibly peculiar, thoughts on hunting compared to fishing, and wanted to share them with Adam and the rest of the audience. This might not seem like politics, but not everything has to be doom and gloom.

Jason Nixon - Minister of Environment and Parks for the Province of Alberta. Seems like it would be an important position within the government. You know, the government that is planning on selling public parkland, and gives tax incentives and breaks that benefit the resource sector like a one-trick pony. But who is Jason Nixon, really? What makes him qualified to be an MLA? We doubt we got to the answer, but Mike and Adam have some digging into a little bit of history. Subscribe to listen to all of our episodes! Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/poutine-politics/id1468816897 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/77wDAUeqUdHpJwAWLMdMOC Google Play - https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Inalkep3ipxrgbhsoia3jyhgm3a YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1TRUHywSyYytmVpsa_l2yQ Become a Patron and gain access to our UNCUT and bonus episodes! https://www.patreon.com/poutinepolitics

Despite having five months to figure out the best way for students to go back to school for the fall, or whether they should be going back in person at all...with three weeks to go until Labour Day, it seems like decisions are still being made on a daily basis. Why is the government so keen on "business as usual"? Are the teachers', parents', and students' voices being heard in all of this? Mike and Adam discuss Back To School during COVID-19. Subscribe to listen to all of our episodes! Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/poutine-politics/id1468816897 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/77wDAUeqUdHpJwAWLMdMOC Google Play - https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Inalkep3ipxrgbhsoia3jyhgm3a YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1TRUHywSyYytmVpsa_l2yQ Become a Patron and gain access to our UNCUT and bonus episodes! https://www.patreon.com/poutinepolitics

It's the end of another legislative session in Alberta, and the UCP continues to double down on their mandate. Attacking unions, doctors, and blue-collar workers, while also overriding the highest court in the province by passing a new "environmental regulation" bill to benefit the resource sector? Sounds like just another week in Jason Kenney's Alberta. Adam & Mike briefly review Alberta's Bills 30, 31, and 32 of 2020. Subscribe to listen to all of our episodes! Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/poutine-politics/id1468816897 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/77wDAUeqUdHpJwAWLMdMOC Google Play - https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Inalkep3ipxrgbhsoia3jyhgm3a YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1TRUHywSyYytmVpsa_l2yQ Become a Patron and gain access to our UNCUT and bonus episodes! https://www.patreon.com/poutinepolitics

ARE YOU READY TO RUMBLE??? Adam and Mike have a knock-down, drag-out slobber-knocker over who they believe is the best Prime Minister in Canada's history! Who will come out on top? Will they agree or disagree? Did either of them pick Kim Campbell? You'll just have to TUNE IN AND FIND OUT!!! Subscribe to listen to all of our episodes! Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/poutine-politics/id1468816897 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/77wDAUeqUdHpJwAWLMdMOC Google Play - https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Inalkep3ipxrgbhsoia3jyhgm3a YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1TRUHywSyYytmVpsa_l2yQ Become a Patron and gain access to our UNCUT and bonus episodes! https://www.patreon.com/poutinepolitics

The Andrew Scheer Farewell Tour is coming to an end, as the election for the next leader of the Conservative Party of Canada is happening next month. Considering the state of the world right now, the real question is "Does anyone really care?" Peter Mackay, Erin O'Toole, Leslyn Lewis, and Derek Sloan duke it out to become the next Leader of the Official Opposition, and if they play their cards right (and their scandals), perhaps even the next Prime Minister of Canada. Adam and Mike do a review of each of the candidates' platforms, and Adam provides a little surprise at the end. Subscribe to listen to all of our episodes! Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/poutine-politics/id1468816897 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/77wDAUeqUdHpJwAWLMdMOC Google Play - https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Inalkep3ipxrgbhsoia3jyhgm3a YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1TRUHywSyYytmVpsa_l2yQ Become a Patron and gain access to our UNCUT and bonus episodes! https://www.patreon.com/poutinepolitics

COVID-19 has absolutely pummeled the finances of countries around the world, and political parties are now using increasing deficits as a way to gain points on their competition. Is the deficit really that bad under the circumstances, or do we need to hold our governments to account? Should governments be looking forward to how they expect to get out from under the increased spending caused by the pandemic? Will our grandchildren be paying for this with blood, sweat, and tears? Adam and Mike discuss and provide their opinions on the current situation in Canada, their overall thoughts on how the country should be running its books, and whether the debt is really a concern. Subscribe to listen to all of our episodes! Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/poutine-politics/id1468816897 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/77wDAUeqUdHpJwAWLMdMOC Google Play - https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Inalkep3ipxrgbhsoia3jyhgm3a YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1TRUHywSyYytmVpsa_l2yQ Become a Patron and gain access to our UNCUT and bonus episodes! https://www.patreon.com/poutinepolitics

Whether it's minimum wage rules, the increasing prevalence of part-time over full-time employment, or the continued attacks on unions, governments have not always had the best interests of the "common worker" In a follow-up to our episode on contract work, Adam and Mike discuss their opinions and suggestions for changes that should be made in the employment landscape. Subscribe to listen to all of our episodes! Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/poutine-politics/id1468816897 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/77wDAUeqUdHpJwAWLMdMOC Google Play - https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Inalkep3ipxrgbhsoia3jyhgm3a YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1TRUHywSyYytmVpsa_l2yQ Become a Patron and gain access to our UNCUT and bonus episodes! https://www.patreon.com/poutinepolitics

The four major professional sports leagues in North America are getting closer to getting back to playing. What better time to compare the leagues to the four major forms of political and economic theory? Mike and Adam discuss the differences between Fascism, Communism, Capitalism and Socialism with the NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB as a backdrop. Subscribe to listen to all of our episodes! Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/poutine-politics/id1468816897 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/77wDAUeqUdHpJwAWLMdMOC Google Play - https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Inalkep3ipxrgbhsoia3jyhgm3a YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1TRUHywSyYytmVpsa_l2yQ Become a Patron and gain access to our UNCUT and bonus episodes! https://www.patreon.com/poutinepolitics

Who are the Proud Boys? What do they stand for? What are their beliefs, and what is their mission? Adam provides some high-level information about the organization with Mike, providing their opinions along the way. They also venture into white privilege and racism in the wake of the resurgence of Black Lives Matter. Subscribe to listen to all of our episodes! Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/poutine-politics/id1468816897 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/77wDAUeqUdHpJwAWLMdMOC Google Play - https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Inalkep3ipxrgbhsoia3jyhgm3a YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1TRUHywSyYytmVpsa_l2yQ Become a Patron and gain access to our UNCUT and bonus episodes! https://www.patreon.com/poutinepolitics

On June 3rd 2020, the Ontario Court of Appeal found that Section 33.1 of the Criminal Code of Canada (Self-induced intoxication) infringed on the Charter rights of the accused, causing an uproar about the potential use for said defense in cases of sexual assault and rape. On the heels of this decision, Mike and Adam discuss some recent (and not-so-recent) changes to laws pertaining to alcohol in Canada, in a follow up to Episode 51, "Quirky Laws in Canada". Subscribe to listen to all of our episodes! Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/poutine-politics/id1468816897 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/77wDAUeqUdHpJwAWLMdMOC Google Play - https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Inalkep3ipxrgbhsoia3jyhgm3a YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1TRUHywSyYytmVpsa_l2yQ Become a Patron and gain access to our UNCUT and bonus episodes! https://www.patreon.com/poutinepolitics

For our 1st anniversary, Mike quizzes Adam about current Ontario Premier Doug Ford with questions about his conduct before he became leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservatives. You might be shocked by the answers (unless you know Doug, in which case you probably won't...) Subscribe to listen to all of our episodes! Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/poutine-politics/id1468816897 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/77wDAUeqUdHpJwAWLMdMOC Google Play - https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Inalkep3ipxrgbhsoia3jyhgm3a YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1TRUHywSyYytmVpsa_l2yQ Become a Patron and gain access to our UNCUT and bonus episodes! https://www.patreon.com/poutinepolitics

Like many other places around the world, Canada still has some rather interesting laws on the books that have to make you think "what must have happened for this to exist"? Mike and Adam wade into some of those laws, some that have since been repealed, and some that are still around to this day. Subscribe to listen to all of our episodes! Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/poutine-politics/id1468816897 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/77wDAUeqUdHpJwAWLMdMOC Google Play - https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Inalkep3ipxrgbhsoia3jyhgm3a YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1TRUHywSyYytmVpsa_l2yQ Become a Patron and gain access to our UNCUT and bonus episodes! https://www.patreon.com/poutinepolitics

We seem to have problems taking care of those that need the most help, and the COVID-19 pandemic hasn't helped in those areas. In this week's episode, Adam and Mike focus on the issues arising from long-term care homes, and the fact that, while COVID-19 has brought the problem back into the limelight, we need to do more to ensure the elderly are properly cared for, as well as the people that work tirelessly to make their final years as comfortable as possible. Subscribe to listen to all of our episodes! Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/poutine-politics/id1468816897 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/77wDAUeqUdHpJwAWLMdMOC Google Play - https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Inalkep3ipxrgbhsoia3jyhgm3a YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1TRUHywSyYytmVpsa_l2yQ Become a Patron and gain access to our UNCUT and bonus episodes! https://www.patreon.com/poutinepolitics

It seems like more and more work opportunities that become available to people over time are being sold as "flexible" and "independent". But is this really the best option available for people? Mike and Adam discuss contract labour and its comparison to employment, and what should be done to help protect those that opt to "be their own boss". Subscribe to listen to all of our episodes! Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/poutine-politics/id1468816897 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/77wDAUeqUdHpJwAWLMdMOC Google Play - https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Inalkep3ipxrgbhsoia3jyhgm3a YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1TRUHywSyYytmVpsa_l2yQ Become a Patron and gain access to our UNCUT and bonus episodes! https://www.patreon.com/poutinepolitics

There's doin's a-transpirin' across the country, but most of us are still only hearing about COVID-19 news. Adam & Mike go province by province (and territory) and review some news items from all areas of the dominion that have happened in the last few weeks. Subscribe to listen to all of our episodes! Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/poutine-politics/id1468816897 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/77wDAUeqUdHpJwAWLMdMOC Google Play - https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Inalkep3ipxrgbhsoia3jyhgm3a YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1TRUHywSyYytmVpsa_l2yQ Become a Patron and gain access to our UNCUT and bonus episodes! https://www.patreon.com/poutinepolitics

Anyone else suffering from COVID-19 burnout? Good! Let's keep talking about other topics then! British Columbia's Lower Mainland has been a haven for organized crime for an extended period of time, and while the provincial government has started to take action, the question that remains is "will it be enough"? With so many facets to the money laundering activities occurring in BC, the task ahead is daunting. Adam & Mike discuss some of the points relating to money laundering as it occurred in BC casinos, with some insight from Mike as a former casino cashier in Ontario. Subscribe to listen to all of our episodes! Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/poutine-politics/id1468816897 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/77wDAUeqUdHpJwAWLMdMOC Google Play - https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Inalkep3ipxrgbhsoia3jyhgm3a YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1TRUHywSyYytmVpsa_l2yQ Become a Patron and gain access to our UNCUT and bonus episodes! https://www.patreon.com/poutinepolitics

Should certain companies be treated better than others by the government? Tax cuts, tax credits, specialized beneficial loan agreements, subsidies...the list goes on and on. The system should be an equal playing field for all businesses, but it isn't. Mike and Adam discuss their thoughts and opinions on corporate welfare in Canada. Subscribe to listen to all of our episodes! Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/poutine-politics/id1468816897 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/77wDAUeqUdHpJwAWLMdMOC Google Play - https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Inalkep3ipxrgbhsoia3jyhgm3a YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1TRUHywSyYytmVpsa_l2yQ Become a Patron and gain access to our UNCUT and bonus episodes! https://www.patreon.com/poutinepolitics

COVID-19, isolation and job losses. What a time to be alive. With the introduction of programs like the Canada Emergency Response Benefit and its comparative programs, the discussion about a Universal Basic Income (UBI) has returned to the forefront. Perhaps governments need to make some more serious overtures towards a UBI. But how feasible is it really? Mike and Adam discuss their thoughts and opinions on the matter. Subscribe to listen to all of our episodes! Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/poutine-politics/id1468816897 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/77wDAUeqUdHpJwAWLMdMOC Google Play - https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Inalkep3ipxrgbhsoia3jyhgm3a YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1TRUHywSyYytmVpsa_l2yQ Become a Patron and gain access to our UNCUT and bonus episodes! https://www.patreon.com/poutinepolitics

Amidst the daily noise of COVID-19, the UCP government in Alberta has tried to maintain a relative 'status quo' approach - passing a budget, continuing to invest in oil & gas at the expense of education and health care...and introducing an amendment to the Public Health Act that would essentially allow the creation of new laws with no oversight during a public health emergency. Adam and Mike review and discuss Bill 10, the "Public Health (Emergency Powers) Amendment Act, 2020". Subscribe to listen to all of our episodes! Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/poutine-politics/id1468816897 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/77wDAUeqUdHpJwAWLMdMOC Google Play - https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Inalkep3ipxrgbhsoia3jyhgm3a YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1TRUHywSyYytmVpsa_l2yQ Become a Patron and gain access to our UNCUT and bonus episodes! https://www.patreon.com/poutinepolitics

Since we're all spending more time indoors during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people will have returned to video games as a way to pass the time and continue interacting with friends. Video games certainly do have their upsides and downsides, which Mike and Adam delve into with this week's episode (and Mike has troubles with the word 'anonymity'). Subscribe to listen to all of our episodes! Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/poutine-politics/id1468816897 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/77wDAUeqUdHpJwAWLMdMOC Google Play - https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Inalkep3ipxrgbhsoia3jyhgm3a YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1TRUHywSyYytmVpsa_l2yQ Become a Patron and gain access to our UNCUT and bonus episodes! https://www.patreon.com/poutinepolitics

We're all in this together. Scoring cheap political points in the middle of a worldwide crisis isn't helping the sick and dying. Adam and Mike review, discuss and debate examples of politicians and people using COVID-19 as a way to enhance their public opinion standing. Subscribe to listen to all of our episodes! Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/poutine-politics/id1468816897 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/77wDAUeqUdHpJwAWLMdMOC Google Play - https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Inalkep3ipxrgbhsoia3jyhgm3a YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1TRUHywSyYytmVpsa_l2yQ Become a Patron and gain access to our UNCUT and bonus episodes! https://www.patreon.com/poutinepolitics

Planes are being grounded, people are being told to stay home, businesses are closing (hopefully temporarily)... With a lack of demand for products, the price of oil has been dropping steadily, and along with it the price of gasoline. So how did we get here? Mike and Adam discuss a brief timeline of the oil crash. Subscribe to listen to all of our episodes! Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/poutine-politics/id1468816897 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/77wDAUeqUdHpJwAWLMdMOC Google Play - https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Inalkep3ipxrgbhsoia3jyhgm3a YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1TRUHywSyYytmVpsa_l2yQ Become a Patron and gain access to our UNCUT and bonus episodes! https://www.patreon.com/poutinepolitics

Well that got out of hand in a hurry... With over 350,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and nearly 15,000 deaths, this crisis has morphed in a blink of an eye. Governments are responding as they see fit - some with money, some with travel limitations, and some with apes in suits in front of podiums...but I digress... Adam and Mike provide a brief review of the $82-billion economic stimulus package that was announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Subscribe to listen to all of our episodes! Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/poutine-politics/id1468816897 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/77wDAUeqUdHpJwAWLMdMOC Google Play - https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Inalkep3ipxrgbhsoia3jyhgm3a YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1TRUHywSyYytmVpsa_l2yQ Become a Patron and gain access to our UNCUT and bonus episodes! https://www.patreon.com/poutinepolitics

Seems like COVID-19 isn't the only thing trying to kill you. So is your tap water. We've known for a long time that lead was once used in plumbing, both in households and municipal infrastructure. Times change, we learned the negative effects and we made adjustments. Unfortunately, a lot of the lead that was in the water system still exists. With the help of the "Tainted Water" investigation from the Toronto Star, Adam and Mike discuss the current reality of lead in our drinking water supply.

WE'RE ALL GOING TO DIE! Or maybe not... COVID-19 is front and centre in the media currently, as the number of confirmed cases and deaths grows a little bit each day. But is it being blown out of proportion? Aren't there more deadly diseases out there causing problems, or other issues that could be discussed rather than acting like we're experiencing the End Times? Mike and Adam discuss the media coverage, some comparisons to other things that can kill you, and the toilet paper...oh, the toilet paper...

Do you know how much money is lost from the budget on an annual basis due to tax expenditures, credits and deductions that exist? Do you even KNOW what a tax expenditure is? The Financial Accountability Office of Ontario released a report on February 19th, 2020 called "Tax Expenditures" that provides some explanations and numbers to wrap your head around. Adam & Mike discuss the contents of the report with their opinions, concerns and suggestions.

There are a lot of serious matters happening around the country right now, from the Coastal GasLink pipeline protests, the Ontario teachers' strike, the continued saga of Ukrainian Airlines Flight 752, and individuals being diagnosed with COVID-19. If you're looking for continued commentary on these items... You've come to the wrong corner of the Internet... Mike and Adam are talking about Canadian border disputes with a shot of Canadian Club Whiskey!

PAPER. BALLOTS. It's a pretty simple process, right? So why is there always someone trying to mess it up? With a review of the disaster that was the Iowa Democratic caucuses, Adam and Mike discuss options to introduce technology to the election process, as well as whether it's even a good idea. (My bet's on Diebold...)

(Alternate episode title - "Electoral Reform 2: Electric Boogaloo") With a fresh mind and a new look at the problem, Mike and Adam discuss some possible changes to our electoral system that would allow First Past The Post (FPTP) to remain relevant in our modern elections.

Why do we have separate Catholic school boards in Ontario? Should they have their own school boards, or is it time to amalgamate them into the standard education system? What do we think the government should do? Mike brings some possible solutions to the table. You might not like the results.

Cronyism is the name of the game! While the Chief Commissioner was hard at work to provide a shortlist of candidates to the Ford Government for new commissioners to the Ontario Humans Rights Commission - Doug Ford and the Attorney General decide to appoint candidates of their own that hadn't even applied! Adam & Mike play "Compare & Contrast" with this situation and the Ron Taverner appointment to the OPP Commissioner's position back in the fall of 2018.

Poutine Politics presents a rebuttal to climate change deniers around the world. The scientists have the facts. We provide the sass.

Cell phones - what would we do without them? No, seriously, what WOULD we do without them, or perhaps more accurately, what COULD we do if we weren't always attached to them? Adam & Mike talk about their interactions with cell phone addiction (and electronics addiction in general) in this week's show.

Welcome to 2020 - new year, same problems. The opioid crisis continues to grow, despite (or because of) the "best efforts" of government and the health care industry, as well as an illegal black market that shows little sign of slowing down. Mike and Adam skim the surface of the epidemic with a brief overview of what's going on, what other options might be available, and an plan to dive a little deeper in the near future.

"Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?" Adam & Mike take a look back at 2019 through the lens of their released episodes and discuss follow-up to particular topics: Social Media & Censorship - 1:38 Electoral Reform - 7:34 Climate Change - 10:22 Housing - 13:32 Marijuana Legislation - 16:22 WEXIT - 21:12 Ontario Teachers' Strike - 25:00 Vaping - 29:54 Andrew Scheer - 32:00 Thanks To Our Listeners - 40:40

Mike has considered himself a right-leaning voter for a long time, but something seems different with the current trend of Conservative parties in Canada now. Has the party changed, or has he? Why did he used to resonate so well with the Conservative party when he was younger? There was only one way to find out - a comparison of our current Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, and the Premier when Mike was first able to vote (and while Adam was still in elementary and high school) - Mike Harris. Mike and Adam take a trip down Memory Lane to compare the Progressive Conservatives of Mike Harris against the Ontario PC Party of Doug Ford.

Vaping - it's all the rage! And now, people are starting to die, and others are flying off the handle, calling for a ban on e-cigarettes and other vaping products. Most of these health issues are being caused by black market products that are unregulated and uncontrolled. Does this really mean that an overall ban is necessary, or does more need to be done to combat the criminal activity involved? Sounds familiar... Mike & Adam blow a load of smoke (or water vapour...) through the current issues regarding vaping.

It's been just over three months since the collective bargaining agreements for the elementary and secondary school teachers' unions expired in Ontario, and as it stands, no new agreements have been signed. The negotiations between the Progressive Conservative government and the unions has reached a relative standstill. Teachers moved to Phase One of their strike action on November 26th 2019, and the secondary school teachers held a one-day strike on December 4th. With no end in sight to labour unrest, Phase Two actions are potentially on the table, which could result in schools being shut down as teachers move to full strike action. Adam & Mike review the bargaining positions of the teachers' unions, with a view of the government's reactions, and some suggestions that could make the negotiations go smoother (not necessarily for all parties involved, though).

We've been hearing a lot of noise recently about the equalization program. Some Albertans, with a push from their provincial government, argue that the equalization system is broken because the money is unfairly distributed. The question is, which province is really getting the raw deal from equalization? Mike delves into the numbers (while Adam attempts to understand them) to determine who's really got it bad in the equalization game.

I love the smell of corruption in the morning... With the passing of Bill 22 in Alberta, we could be seeing the forced end of the investigations into the United Conservative Party "kamikaze" campaign led by Jeff Callaway, along with a little help from his friends in Jason Kenney's camp. With over $200,000 in fines levied, and getting closer to the end of the story, the position of the Elections Commissioner has been terminated by way of legislation. Adam & Mike take you through the "Coles Notes" of the story and provide their opinion on the situation as a whole!

From the relative quiet of the backbenches, a United Conservative Party MLA introduced Bill 207, "Conscience Rights (Health Care Providers) Protection Act". With near unanimous support from the UCP, the bill has passed first reading and will most likely become law in the next few months. Worries have spread that this bill would allow physicians, pharmacists and other health care professionals to deny services based on their religious beliefs. This could have an affect on womens' rights and trans rights in particular as this bill moves forward. Adam & Mike discuss Bill 207, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and what it all could mean for the people of Alberta.

So, you've decided to separate from Canada. That's a very grown-up decision you've made for yourselves, and we're proud that you're really growing into your own. But separating from Canada isn't exactly as easy as you would think. just look at your cousin, Quebec. They've been down that road before, with the tattoos and the Harley and the partner with questionable morals. It was touch and go for a while, but we brought them back into the fold. Then we made some ground rules for the rest of your family members, in case they have any bright ideas... Mike and Adam take a trip through the process that WEXITers will have to wake up to if they decide to keep going down the path of separation.

It's time for WEXIT WEEK!!! The election's over, the Liberals have a minority, and ALBERTANS WANT TO SEPARATE FROM CANADA? What? Why? Of course, this is just another notch in the belt of "Western Alienation" in Canadian politics. In the first of a two-episode series, Adam & Mike provide a brief history of events that have stoked the flames of anger amongst some people in Alberta.

It's time for a little REEFER MADNESS! On October 17th 2018, Canada officially legalized marijuana for recreational purposes, and is now only one of four nations that has legalized in this way. It hasn't been without its hiccups, unfortunately, but just like any new business opportunity, there is bound to be growing pains. Adam & Mike delve into the numbers to provide a picture of cannabis in Canada!

With the election for the 43rd Parliament coming to a close, it's time to change our focus. This week, we're looking at past and current issues in the housing market in Canada. What have the parties pledged to do, and what do we think of them? What are the pressing concerns to the population regarding housing? Are short-term rentals partially to blame? Mike and Adam give you their take on the housing crisis sweeping the nation!

Promises made, promises kept! The last platform of the 2019 election has finally been released, and it’s the Conservative Party of Canada! Just as Canadians started to sit down for their Thanksgiving dinners, the Conservatives are hoping to turn more undecided voters and their way to take back power in Parliament after their loss in the 2015 election. Is their platform good enough to convince people to vote blue? Is releasing their platform nine days before the election long enough for people to make an informed decision? Adam (and a special guest host) review and provide opinion on how the Conservatives plan “for you to get ahead”. Also, we provide our final opinions on this election in anticipation of election night on October 21st!

It's time for another political platform! The Liberal Party of Canada make the third of our potential four-episode "series" on the political platforms for the 2019 Federal Election in Canada. As the governing party hoping to win another majority government, the Liberals have a lot of work ahead of them, as there are many people across the country that voted for them in 2015 that are disappointed in their results. Will it be enough to knock them off their platform? Is a minority government on the horizon? Take a listen as Adam and Mike provide their opinions on parts of the Liberal platform, and hopefully provide some insight for you in making your decision for the upcoming vote!

The mainstream media generally provides a direct point of contact with political happenings in the world, and Canada is no different. We rely on journalists to provide facts and opinions on what matters most to Canadians. Unfortunately over time, that reliance on the media has led to an increase in biases, and a change in the methods in which the media provides this information to the public. More and more, we hear that the media predominantly provides a "liberal" bias, either dismissing or outright attacking conservative values, while giving liberal ideas a free pass. But is this really happening in Canada? Adam and Mike take a look at the newsprint media in Canada with a look at how those biases affect what we as everyday Canadians experience.

The Green Party of Canada has released their platform for the 2019 Federal Election! Our second policy platform episode of this election cycle following the release of the NDP platform, we dive into the details of the Green Party's election plans in their quest to grow their relevance across the country. Also in this episode: - A listener challenge! - The Justin Trudeau Blackface/Brownface scandal - Why we love the CBC (and why both liberals and conservatives alike are wrong about it)