Unpublished.Cafe

Did China try and influence two previous Canadian elections? A stunning report from Canada's spy agency claims that country's government attempted to interfere in our previous two federal elections but the report also pointed to a lack of concern from the PMO. Prime Minister Trudeau has appointed David Johnston as special rapporteur to investigate the claim. Our Unpublished dot vote question asks, Do you feel there should be a full public inquiry into the allegations of election interference? Yes No or Unsure.Yes 90%+No 8%Unsure 1.2%However you're watching and listening to our show, whether through our social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, or on our podcast channels—iTunes, GooglePlay, Spotify, iHeartRadio and more—I would like to remind you that you can “cast your vote” on this topic at Unpublished.vote, and then email your MP to tell them why. Our new portal for political discussion and debate. Guests:Gar Pardy Former Canadian diplomat/author China in a Changing WorldColin Robertson Former Canadian diplomat/ Sr.Advisor Canadian Global Affairs Institute @DonaldColinRob1Charles Burton Charles Burton Senior Fellow Macdonald Laurier Institute Served as Counsellor at the Canadian Embassy to China between 1991-1993 and 1998-2000

It's cloak and dagger stuff, the latest dispute between Canada and China.  A CSIS report suggests that China was complicit in trying to influence the outcome of the last two federal elections using money and intimidation.  The report points out, despite the attempt, the outcome of the elections would have been the same. The head scratcher is why the federal government is not holding a public inquiry into what happened. Our Unpublished.vote question asks: Do you feel there should be a full public inquiry into the allegations of election interference? YesNo UnsureYou can log on and vote right now at Unpublished.vote and have your voice heard.  Guests: Joining us to discuss the issue about the interference and a public inquiry is:  Warren Kinsella, political commentator; Former special advisor to PM Jean ChretienElliot Tepper, Senior Fellow Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton UniversityCharles Burton, Senior Fellow, Macdonald Laurier Institute

The curtain will soon fall on 2022, a year that started with so much optimism after two years of Covid restrictions, vaccine mandates and lockdowns. Instead of a rebound to normal, many other issues have risen to prominence during the year. In today's show, we look back at some of those events of 2022 and where they may lead us in 2023. Our Unpublished.vote question is: What do you feel was the biggest story in Canada this year? The Freedom Convoy and use of Emergencies Act Liberal NDP Cooperation pact Pierre Poilievre winning the Conservative leadership race Russia's invasion of Ukraine Healthcare crisis in hospitals You can log on and vote right now at Unpublished.vote…Guests: Nik Nanos, Chief Data Scientist and Founder, NANOS RESEARCH Tasha Kheiriddin, Columnist National Post, Principal Navigator Nelson Wiseman, Professor Emeritus Dept. Political Science, University of TorontoTom Parkin, Commentator / Columnist and Principal at Impact Strategies

Canada's inflation rate in June was 8.1%, something we haven't seen since the early 1980's. To cool off the economy, the Bank of Canada has rigorously increased the cost of borrowing which slammed the brakes on our red-hot housing market. The reaction has seen the cost-of-living start sliding down towards the goal of two percent. Currently it stands at 7%.As you sat down for Thanksgiving dinner, you likely noticed it cost you much more than a year ago. The economy is still being roiled by other impacts which have many worried about which way it will go. Are we headed for a recession? That's the question we ask our panel this week on Unpublished TV with host Ed Hand.Our Unpublished Vote question asked:Do you feel the Canadian economy is on track for a recession? Yes, No or Unsure.Our audience voted:84% = Yes12% = No4%   = UnsureHowever, you're watching and listening to Unpublished TV, whether through our social media channels on Facebook, YouTube, or on our podcast channels—iTunes, GooglePlay, Spotify, iHeartRadio and more—We would like to remind you that you can “cast your vote” on this topic at the link below, and then email your MP to tell them why. Only on Unpublished.ca—Canada's forum for political discussion and debate.Guests: Lori Turnbull Director School of Public Administration Dalhousie University @LoriLturnbul Retired Senator Vern White @SenateCA Warren Kinsella Political commentator @kinsellawarren Marvin Ryder Associate Professor McMaster University DeGroote School of Business @DeGrooteBiz Karl Nerenberg Parliament Hill Correspondent Rabble.ca @KarlNerenberg

The Emergencies Act Inquiry, which probes whether the federal government was able to utilize such powers to bring the Ottawa occupation to an end, has been running for about three weeks now with plenty more testimony to come. From this vantage point the one thing that is very clear is that no level of government was competent in ending the occupation until the Act was finally implemented. A municipal government that was led by a questionable police force, a provincial government that sat on its hands and continues to do so. And a federal government with a front row view of the occupation that paralyzed the city for more than three weeks. Through it all, the residents of Ottawa were tormented by the hundreds of truckers and thousands of protesters who initially came to demonstrate against vaccine mandates. Our Unpublished.vote question asks: Was the Emergencies Act required to bring an end to the occupation? YesNoUnsureYou can log on and vote right now at Unpublished.ca—Our new portal for political discussion and debate. Guests: Lori Turnbull, Director School of Public Administration, Dalhousie University

Canada's inflation rate in June was 8.1%, something we haven't seen since the early 1980's. To cool off the economy, the Bank of Canada has rigorously increased the cost of borrowing which slammed the brakes on our red-hot housing market. The reaction has seen the cost-of-living start sliding down towards the goal of two percent. Currently it stands at 7%.As you sat down for Thanksgiving dinner, you likely noticed it cost you much more than a year ago. The economy is still being roiled by other impacts which have many worried about which way it will go. Are we headed for a recession? That's the question we ask our panel this week on Unpublished TV with host Ed Hand. Our Unpublished Vote question asked:Do you feel the Canadian economy is on track for a recession? Yes, No or Unsure. Our audience voted: 84% = Yes12% = No4%   = UnsureHowever, you're watching and listening to Unpublished TV, whether through our social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, or on our podcast channels—iTunes, GooglePlay, Spotify, iHeartRadio and more—We would like to remind you that you can “cast your vote” on this topic at Unpublished.vote, and then email your MP to tell them why. Only on Unpublished.ca—Canada's forum for political discussion and debate.If you haven't voted yet, you can still do so at: GuestsIan Lee, Associate Professor at the Sprott School of Business at Carleton UniversityMichael Veall, Economics Professor at McMaster University

Sticker shock at the pumps and the grocery store is the number one concern of Canadians according to Ipsos Research, with 8 in 10 worried that a recession is in the financial horizon. Anyone who has had to fill up or pick up staples at the store has seen their buying power reduced. The latest inflation numbers peg the cost of living at 7% for August, which is down marginally from the previous month. The Bank of Canada has been aggressive in hitting the brakes on an overheated economy, hiking the prime rate in dramatic fashion which has seen a somewhat cooling of our scorching housing market. Economists do expect inflation to remain above 6 percent through the end of the year. Fuel prices and shelter have seen a bit of a dip but grocery prices remain at their highest level since the Empire Strikes Back hit the big screen in 1981. Our Unpublished Vote Question asks: Do you feel the Canadian economy is on track for a recession? Yes | No | UnsureYou can log on and vote right now at Unpublished.vote to cast your vote and email your MP to them why you feel the way you do.Guests: Ian Lee from the Sprott School of Business at Carleton UniversityMoshe Lander from Concordia University.Mostafa Askari, Chief Economist at Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy, uOttawa.

It's a laundry list of names vying for the votes of Ottawa residents for the top job in municipal politics in the Capital. Fourteen in all are looking for your vote to put them in the Mayor's chair for the next four years. Jim Watson had announced late last year that he would not seek re-election. There will also be a number of new faces around the Council table as many have decided not to run again. Coming up on the show we will take a look at the candidates running to lead the City of Ottawa over the next four years. Of the fourteen candidates, some names are familiar. Catherine McKenney, the former councillor for Somerset threw her hat in the ring early. So did former Regional Chair, Mayor and MPP, Bob Chiarelli. Long-time broadcaster and entrepreneur, Mark Sutcliffe has waded into the election waters for the first time and Mike Maguire, who finished second to Jim Watson in 2014 has jumped back in again. Nour Kadri is doing surprisingly well for a first-time candidate if Mainstreeet's last poll is any indication of how he is doing. Coming up on the Unpublished Cafe, we'll chat with the editor and publisher of the Orleans Star, Fred Sherwin, a long-time watcher of City Hall. As well, Brigitte Pellerin, columnist with the Ottawa Citizen will share her views on the hotly contested race.

It was a 7-month scorched earth strategy that led Pierre Poilievre to the top spot in the Conservative Party as leader. Can he turn that into a federal election victory?The member from Carleton was first in the race and had an insurmountable lead he would not relinquish. Almost 70 percent of members supported him, giving a first ballot victory. Let's face it. Poilievre was in control from the outset drawing big crowds and training his eye not only on the other contenders, but of course the Prime Minister as well. Our Unpublished poll question asked: Can a Pierre Poilievre led Conservative party win the next federal election?76.87% = Yes20.56% = No2.57% = UnsureHowever, you're watching and listening to our show, whether through our social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, or on our podcast channels—iTunes, GooglePlay, Spotify, iHeartRadio and more—I would like to remind you that you can still “cast your vote” on this topic and email your MP to tell them why. Click on the link below to do so. GuestsDarrell Bricker, CEO Ipsos Public Affairs @darrellbrickerWarren Kinsella, Political commentator/ former advisor PM Chretien @kinsellawarrenLori Turnbull, Director School of Public Administration Dalhousie University @LoriLturnbulGarry Keller, Strategy Corp / former Chief of Staff John Baird/Rona Ambrose @garry_keller

The day is drawing near for the federal Conservative Party to choose a new leader. September 10th in Ottawa delegates will gather to cast their ballot for the person to lead them into the next federal election, whenever that may be. Pierre Poilievre has led from the beginning and shows no sign of easing up. Jean Charest is a distant second in the race leaving Leslyn Lewis, Scott Aitcheson and Roman Baber in the dust. Former Ontario PC leader, Patrick Brown was turfed from the contest over the summer for what the party called initially, “improper corporate donations”, which then became “suspicious memberships”. That move has drawn legal action from Brown. The Party has been unable to knock Prime Minister Trudeau out of office three times despite ample opportunity to make their case with the electorate. In our last show before the Summer, we asked you which candidate would win the Conservative Crown and Pierre Poilievre was overwhelmingly the favourite. Our Unpublished Vote question today asks: Can a Pierre Poilievre led Conservative Party win the next federal election? Yes NoUnsureYou can log on and vote right now at our new portal for political discussion and debate,  Unpublished.ca, and have your voice heard. Guests: Lori Turnbull Director School of Public Administration Dalhousie University Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. Warren Kinsella, Political commentator, and former advisor Prime Minister Jean Chretien

Another month and another eye popping inflation number for Canadians. The cost of living rose 7.7 percent in May, a 40 year high. It won't surprise anyone who has filled up the tank or shopped for groceries in the last few months.  It has money minds worried about the economy running off the rails.The Bank of Canada has moved to curb inflation by hiking interest rates with further increases on the horizon. Fully three quarters of Canadians feel we are headed toward recession or are already there. This is more than a Made in Canada problem as the issues sparking it are global. Supply chain breakdown, Covid lockdowns in China and the Russian invasion of Ukraine have all thrown fuel on the red hot economy.Is Canada headed for a recession?Our Unpublished Vote question asks: Do you feel the Canadian economy is heading for a recession?Audience Response: 88% = Yes6% = No6% =  UnsureJoining us to discuss the potential for a global recession and the impact on Canada: Jim Stanford Director, Centre for Future Work @JimboStanfordMoshe Lander, Professor Economics, Concordia University @CU_researchnewsDavid Macdonald, Senior Economist Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives @DavidMacCdnIan Lee, Associate Professor Sprott School of Business Carleton UniversityMike Veall Professor Economics McMaster University @McMasterEcon

The price of everything is at a 30 year high in Canada. Record setting prices at the pump and on grocery store shelves have us clinging to our cash and eliminating all but the necessities. The Bank of Canada has moved with interest rate hikes to cool down the economy. But this is far from a “Just in Canada” type thing. So many other dominoes had to fall into place to get us here. Recently, a survey of economists found that half felt Canada was heading for a recession and the other half did not. Our Unpublished dot vote question asks, Is the Canadian economy heading for a recession? Yes NoUnsureLog on and vote right now at Unpublished.vote and have your voice heard. Listen to the podcast, read the articles, cast your vote, email your MP to tell them why, and then take a moment to check out the new Unpublished.ca portal for politics and current affairs in Canada, as we roll it out one section at a time in the coming weeks. Guests:Ian Lee of the Sprott School of BusinessMoshe Lander of Concordia University

You'd be hard pressed to recognize them as on the same team, but that is the picture before us of the federal Conservative leadership race. Six in all have lined up to present their case as best choice to lead the party into the next election. Will they tack even further to the right? Hello and welcome to Unpublished TV. It's been a bare-knuckle brawl in two debates so far. The party reports a record 600,000 party memberships sold, giving those people a say in who will capture the leadership. First to declare was Carleton MP, Pierre Poilievre, in the middle of the trucker protest in Ottawa. He has grabbed the most attention and support thus far. But it's a long campaign with the vote not coming until September 10th in Ottawa. Our Unpublished Vote question asked: Which candidate will the Conservatives select? Our audience responded:Pierre Poilievre = 83.02%Jean Charest = 4.72%Leslyn Lewis = 3.30%Patrick Brown = 5.19%Roman Baber = 3.77%Scott Aitchison = 0% However you're watching and listening to our show, whether through our social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, or on our podcast channels—iTunes, GooglePlay, Spotify, iHeartRadio and more—we would like to remind you that you can “cast your vote” on this topic at http://Unpublished.vote, and then email your MP to tell them why.Guests: Warren Kinsella, Political commentator / former advisor PM Chretien Lori Turnbull, Director School of Public Administration, Dalhousie UniversityCristine de Clercy, Professor Political Science, Western UniversityMario Canseco, President Research CoRick Peterson, Co-founder, Centre Ice Conservatives

With the nasty barbs, the explosive rhetoric and sucker punches to personality, Conservatives are lining up behind six potential candidates to lead them out of Opposition and into the government. Which way will they go? Animosity is driving the bus in the Conservatives largest leadership race ever. More than 400,000 memberships have been sold according to the Party leadership committee, with the closing deadline today. Six candidates in all are looking to lead the party into the next election with Carleton MP Pierre Poilievre siphoning off most of the air in the room. Former Quebec Premier and leader of the PC Party, Jean Charest is on the list, along with former Brampton Mayor and Ontario PC leader Patrick Brown and former leadership candidate, Leslyn Lewis in the ring. Roman Baber, a former Ontario MPP, and current Conservative MP Scott Aitchison round out the list. Two debates are behind us with the leadership convention set for September in Ottawa. Our Unpublished.vote question asks: Which candidate will the Conservatives select? Pierre PoilievreJean CharestLeslyn LewisPatrick BrownRoman BaberScott AitchisonYou can log on and vote anytime at Unpublished.vote to have your voice heard. Guests: Jack Jedwab, President of the Association of Canadian StudiesLori Williams, Mount Royal University David Coletto, Abacus Data Nelson Wiseman, Professor Emeritus, University of Toronto

The finish line is in sight for Ontario's political parties as we round into the last few days of the Ontario election campaign. Which way will the province go?  Boring, bland and blah have been the descriptors of this campaign. Not a lot of fireworks on the campaign trail. But around it? Severe thunderstorms raked the southern and eastern part of the province, leaving hundreds of thousands in the dark. Factor in the sky-high prices for everything, a war in Eastern Europe and another school shooting in the US, and the electorate could be forgiven for being distracted from the election. When the writ dropped, Ford's PCs were in the lead and in majority territory. They haven't relinquished much of it since. Our Unpublished Vote question this week asked: What do you think will be the outcome of the Ontario election?PC Majority: 56%PC Minority: 20.5%Liberal Majority: 0%Liberal minority: 7%NDP minority: 4%Other: 12%However, you're watching and listening to our show, whether through our social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, or on our podcast channels—iTunes, GooglePlay, Spotify, iHeartRadio and more—we would like to remind you that you can “cast your vote” on this topic at Unpublished.vote, and then email your MP to tell them why.Guests: Andrew Enns, Executive VP LegerMarvin Ryder, Associate Professor DeGroote School of Business, McMaster UniversityTasha Kheiridden, Principal, NavigatorStephanie Chouinard, Assistant Professor, Political Science at Queen's University

Advanced polls are now open in Ontario for the provincial election. And with less than two weeks to go in the campaign two party leaders have been diagnosed with Covid and are isolating. Andrea Horwath and Mike Schreiner are off the trail for precautions. Which way will Ontario go on June 2nd?The final debate was Monday, the last chance for leaders to make an impression and perhaps a knockout punch. This campaign appeared to be a referendum on Doug Ford's handling of the pandemic. But the skyrocketing cost of living has surged to the top of the list of concerns of Ontarians, distracting from the last four years. Our Unpublished Vote question asks: What do you think will be the outcome of the Ontario election? You can vote in our weekly poll by clicking the link below when it appears, and then comment on our site and email your MP to have your voice heard! Coming up on the Unpublished Cafe, we'll chat with Andrew Enns, Vice President of Leger360 about how Ontario views the candidates. As well, Genevieve Tellier of the University of Ottawa will join us. First, we're pleased to be joined by Mark Winfield, Professor of Political Science at York University…

In the “fog of war” the number of casualties of Russia's invasion of Ukraine is difficult to account. It is safe to say though the destruction of cities and infrastructure in Ukraine has been extensive. Targeting of hospitals and schools by Russian troops have come with the cry of war crimes and the town of Bucha, is ground zero for mass graves of Ukrainian civilians. Is Russia committing genocide in Ukraine? Seven weeks and counting since Russia invaded Ukraine all in the name of “deNaziifying” the country. Just over a year ago, Russian troops and equipment began to amass along the border with Ukraine all in the name of “training”. Since Russian troops crossed into Ukraine, they have been met with fierce resistance. NATO and European countries have been outraged by the invasion and attack, but NATO has not enforced a no fly zone over Ukraine for concern of broadening the conflict. Our Unpublished dot vote question asks, Does Russia's war on Ukraine amount to genocide?YesNoUnsureLog on and vote right now at Unpublished.vote and have your voice heard. Listen to the podcast, read the articles, cast your vote, email your MP to tell them why, and then take a moment to check out the new Unpublished.ca portal for politics and current affairs in Canada, as we roll it out one section at a time in the coming weeks. Guests:John Packer Professor of International Conflict Resolution University of Ottawa's Human Rights Research and Education Centre @JP_PeacekeepingYves Engler writer Canadian Dimension @EnglerYvesElliot Tepper Senior Fellow Norman Paterson School of International Affairs @CU_NPSIARadoslav Dimitrov Associate Professor Department of Political ScienceWestern University @WesternuPoliSci

Six weeks of bombing and shelling by Russian forces in Ukraine continue unabated. Ukrainian cities lie in ruins while mass graves have been discovered. The town of Bucha is ground zero for the call of “genocide”m which now echoes around the world. Is it genocide? Canada's MP's unanimously approved a motion to call Russia's attack, genocide. US President Biden and other world leaders have made the same accusation. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said it as well, citing “attacks on Russian speaking people in the eastern party of the country by Ukraine” as genocide against Russia. The term itself is very political and in need of thorough investigation. Our Unpublished dot vote question asks you: Is Russia's attack on Ukraine genocide? YesNo UnsureLog on and vote right now at Unpublished.vote and have your voice heard. Listen to the podcast, read the articles, cast your vote, email your MP to tell them why, and then take a moment to check out the new Unpublished.ca portal for politics and current affairs in Canada, as we roll it out one section at a time in the coming weeks. Guests:Yves Engler is a writer with Canadian DimensionElliot Tepper is a Senior Fellow at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University.John Packer is a Professor of International Conflict resolution with the University of Ottawa's Human Rights Research and Education Centre

Canada's most populous province is one month away from going to the polls. The PC's are looking to continue in power, while the official Opposition the NDP is looking to build on it's previous success while the Liberals, are trying to find their way out of the woods. Which way will voters go this time?  Four years after Doug Ford landed at Queen's Park, he is looking for another mandate. The party's just announced platform comes with some big spending, more than $198 billion. A return to balance will be further down the road. The NDP platform focuses on healthcare with promises of more nurses and PSW's although there was no price tag. The Liberals have announced a pay transparency plan and “before and after “ school care to run in line with the feds child care plan.  Our Unpublished dot vote question asks you: If the election was held right now, which party would you vote for? PC's. 50 percentLiberals. 20NDP. 15Green. 15 Log on and vote right now at Unpublished.vote and have your voice heard.  Listen to the podcast, read the articles, cast your vote, email your MP to tell them why, and then take a moment to check out the new Unpublished.ca portal for politics and current affairs in Canada, as we roll it out one section at a time in the coming weeks.  Guests:Darrell Bricker CEO Ipsos Public Affairs @darrellbrickerTom Parkin Political commentator @TomPark1nKarl Nerenberg Columnist Rabble.ca

We're about five weeks out from heading to the ballot box in Ontario. Between now and June 2nd, the candidates will be trudging the sidewalks, knocking on doors, or at least as much as they can in the sixth wave. Will the Province have new leadership on June 3rd? The last time Ontario went to the polls, the governing Liberals were reduced to a rump party of just seven seats. The N.D.P made gains and became the official Opposition. Midway through the mandate, the pandemic arrived turning everything upside down. As we grapple with a sixth wave while politicians try to turn the page on Covid, Russia has invaded Ukraine and the price of a home in Canada is the highest it's ever been. Our Unpublished dot vote question asks you. If the election was held tomorrow, who would you vote for, PC, Liberal, NDP, or Green? YesNoUnsureLog on and vote right now at Unpublished dot vote and have your voice heard. Listen to the podcast, read the articles, cast your vote, email your MP to tell them why, and then take a moment to check out the new Unpublished.ca portal for politics and current affairs in Canada, as we roll it out one section at a time in the coming weeks. Guests:Lori Turnbull from Dalhousie UniversityTim Abray from QueensDarrell Bricker, CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs.

Affordability. It is the number one concern of Canadians. Inflation is running at 5.7 percent this month following a five percent jump in March. Gas prices have never been this high, fuelled in part by the war in Ukraine. Supply chain disruptions are also having an impact on the cost of everything. The 2022 Federal budget was expected to give us a path out of the pandemic and on to the road to recovery. Does this budget tackle the costs? When we talk about about affordability, by far the biggest concern is the cost of buying a home. Prices were high before the pandemic, but they rose 20 percent last year, putting the average home at $816 thousand. Hardly chump change. Our Unpublished dot vote question asks you; Does the 2022 Federal budget address your economic concerns?0 Yes100 No0 UnsureHowever you're watching and listening to our show, whether through our social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, or on our podcast channels—iTunes, GooglePlay, Spotify, iHeartRadio and more—I would like to remind you that you can “cast your vote” on this topic at Unpublished.vote, and then email your MP to tell them why.Guests:Ian Lee Associate Professor Sprott School of Business Carleton University @SprottSchoolPhilip Cross Senior Fellow Macdonald Laurier Institute @MLInstitute

This is the first budget after the Liberals and NDP announced their supply and confidence agreement, which would see them prop up the government until 2025. In terms of new spending, this budget comes with much less than previous as Covid support programs come to an end. Just over 31 billion over the next five years. This budget will also see the deficit drop to $52 billion, down half from last year. That windfall comes in the form of higher oil prices and revenues. While the country has more than made up for lost jobs that evaporated during the pandemic, some money minds are looking for growth. Our Unpublished dot vote question asks: Does the 2022 federal budget address your economic concerns? YesNoUnsureYou can log on and vote right now at Unpublished dot vote.Listen to the podcast, read the articles, cast your vote, email your MP to tell them why, and then take a moment to check out the new Unpublished.ca portal for politics and current affairs in Canada, as we roll it out one section at a time in the coming weeks. Guests: Warren Kinsella, Political commentator and former special advisor to PM Jean ChretienJim Stanford is an Economist and the Director of the Centre for Future WorkDan Kelly is the President of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business

Will The Liberal -NDP Supply and Confidence Agreement run it's full course or will the honeymoon end before 2025? Hello and welcome to Unpublished TV. About two weeks ago, the parties unwrapped their agreement which would see the NDP support the minority government for progress on some NDP priorities, namely dental care and a pharma program. This is different than a coalition government which it is often referred. For one, no NDP members would be in Cabinet which is often a result in a coalition. The Conservatives, whom are in the middle of a leadership race, call it “backdoor socialism” and “undemocratic “. Our Unpublished dot vote question asks, Will the supply and confidence agreement between the two last until 2025? Yes, No or Unsure.The results of our survey find0% Yes88:46 No11.54 UnsureHowever you're watching and listening to our show, whether through our social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, or on our podcast channels—iTunes, GooglePlay, Spotify, iHeartRadio and more—We would like to remind you that you can cast-your-vote on this topic at Unpublished.vote, and then email your MP to tell them why.Guests:Nelson WisemanProfessor Emeritus Dept. Political Science University of Toronto @UofT_PolSciTasha Kheiriddin Columnist National Post @TashaKheiriddinTom Parkin Commentator/ Columnist @TomPark1nMario Canseco President Research Co

The whispers circling around Parliament Hill became louder this week as the federal Liberals and NDP announced a “supply and confidence agreement”, which could keep the Liberals in power until 2025. Will it last that long? The talks were off and on since January and really ramped up during the Ottawa occupation by the so called trucker convoy. The deal means the NDP will support the Liberals on a number of policies they mutually agree upon. Think dental care and pharmacare. It will also see the NDP support the Liberals on confidence votes like budgets. It could spare Canadians a trip to the ballot box for three years. Our Unpublished dot vote question asks:Will the supply and confidence agreement between the two last until 2025? Yes, No or Unsure. You can log on and vote right now at Unpublished dot vote and have your voice heard. GuestsLydia Miljan, Professor of Political Science at the University of Windsor.Karl Nerenberg of Rabble who covers the Hill. Karl Bélanger, President of Traxxion Strategies

More than 10 million Ukrainians or 1/4 of the population, have fled their homeland nearly a month after Russia began shelling its neighbor. It has created a humanitarian crisis. While not referred to as a war in Russia but rather a “special military operation”, the aim is to remove the current Ukrainian government. While most of the West has levelled punishing economic sanctions on Russia, others have stood by Russia's aggression. Ukraine has made no qualms about joining NATO which Russia sees as provocation, despite Ukraine being a sovereign nation. NATO members have rejected a no-fly zone over Ukraine for fear of being dragged further into the fray. Our Unpublished Vote question this week asks: Should NATO put boots on the ground to defend Ukraine? Our audience voted: Yes = 59%No = 35%Unsure = 6%However you're watching and listening to our show, whether through our social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, or on our podcast channels—iTunes, GooglePlay, Spotify, iHeartRadio and more—We would like to remind you that you can cast-your-vote on this topic at Unpublished.vote, and then email your MP to tell them why.Joining us to discuss the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Canada's role to play…Guests: Elliot Tepper, Senior Fellow, Norman Paterson School of International Affairs; Peggy Mason, President, Rideau Institute; Gilles Breton, Former Canadian diplomat in Russia; and Gar Pardy, Former Canadian Ambassador 

In the early morning of February 24th the world woke up to an invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Almost 200,000 Russian forces had been congregated along the Russian—Ukrainian border under the claim of “military training”. For some, it was a signal that an invasion was imminent. Where will it lead the world? All apologies to those who thought the Cold War was over, but here we are. While Russia has the numbers and firepower, the Russian army is being held back by Ukraine. And, while Vladimir Putin watches from the Kremlin, Ukraine President Voldimir Zelensky has taken up arms with his forces, while still communicating with world leaders. The scenes of destruction are devastating for those on the outside. NATO members have been offering assistance in the form of equipment but will not enforce a No-Fly Zone out of fear of escalating the conflict. Our Unpublished Vote question asks: Should NATO put boots on the ground to defend Ukraine? Yes, No or Unsure. You can log on and vote right now at Unpublished.vote and have your voice heard. Guests: Colin Robertson, former Canadian diplomat/Vice President at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute; Elliot Tepper, Senior Fellow Norman Paterson School of International Affairs Jane Boulden, Professor, Department of Political Science, Royal former Canadian diplomat /Vice President at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute @CAGlobalAffairs @DonaldColinRob1Military College

Canadians like to think we're more tolerant, nicer, more welcoming than our American neighbours. The images of racial conflict in the US are prevalent, but when something like that occurs north of the 49th parallel, we're shocked. Should we be? The freedom convoy is out of downtown Ottawa but the 3-week occupation is something the residents won't soon forget. As the collection of truckers made their way across the country, there were rumblings that other groups were using the movement for their own gain. The Confederate and Nazi flags that were seen on the first weekend solidified that view for many. Extremism in Canada has increased 320% over the last 5-years according to the Institute for Strategic Dialogue. Our Unpublished Vote question this week asks: Do you feel “extremism” is on the rise in Canada? Our audience responded: Yes      = 41.6%No        = 56.4%Unsure = 2.5% However you're watching and listening to our show, whether through our social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, or on our podcast channels—iTunes, GooglePlay, Spotify, iHeartRadio and more—We would like to remind you that you can “cast your vote” on this topic at Unpublished.vote, and then email your MP to tell them why. Guests: Barbara Perry, Professor Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, Ontario Tech University @CHBEOntarioTechAmarnath Amarasingam, Assistant Prof. School of Religion, Queen's University; Senior Fellow with the International Centre for the Study of Radicalization; Senior Fellow with the Institute for Strategic Dialogue @AmarAmarasingamAndrew Crosby, PhD Candidate, Sociology at Carleton University

The 3-week occupation of downtown Ottawa has dissipated. What began as a ‘trucker convoy' against vaccine mandates was co-opted by some extremists, such as the ones waving the Nazi and Confederate flags. They were dubbed “a few bad apples” among a peaceful protest, which was anything but peaceful. It also shone a light on a troubling aspect of Canada—that extremism is alive and well here. What will it take to stop it? The world got a glimpse inside the power of extremism during the January 6th insurrection at the US Capitol. For the residents of downtown Ottawa, the occupation of their neighborhoods felt eerily similar. Canadians, at least on the world stage, like to promote our tolerance for everyone, but that is an illusion. Hate grows here too. Our Unpublished Vote question asks: Do you feel “extremism” is on the rise in Canada? YesNoUnsure Unpublished.caListen to the podcast, read the articles, cast your vote, email your MP to tell them why, and then take a moment to check out the new Unpublished.ca portal for politics and current affairs in Canada, as we roll it out one section at a time in the coming weeks. Podcast Guests: Barbara Perry, Professor Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, Ontario Tech University; Stephanie Carvin, Associate Professor of International Relations at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs

The world has watched the occupation of downtown Ottawa for three weeks. This past weekend saw the authorities take back the streets for residents who have been living with the occupation of their city. One thing the so-called Freedom Convoy did was expose huge cracks in the Conservatives' Big Blue Tent. While some Tory MP's stood back, others wilfully egged on the truckers. It cost Erin O‘Toole his job as leader of the Party. While he says he's staying on as an MP, it sets up a leadership race for a party that doesn't seem to know its identity. Will it ever unite under one leader? With O'Toole now in the rear-view mirror, Conservatives now look toward a leadership race. Carleton MP Pierre Poilievre is the presumptive heir apparent, but others have yet to come forward. Our Unpublished Vote question asks: Can the Conservative Party be United?So far, our audience has responded… Yes = 61.59%No = 29.27%Unsure = 9.15% The Conservative Party of Canada was formed in December 2003, a merger between the Progressive Conservatives and the Canadian Alliance. It aimed to bring all the like-minded Tories together, but the factions still existed. They exploded during the so-called Freedom Convoy. You wonder what it will take to keep everyone happy or will they end up splitting into two again? If you haven't voted yet you can do so here >GUESTS: Warren Kinsella, Political commentator / former advisor PM Chretien; Twitter: @kinsellawarrenLori Turnbull, Director School of Public Administration, Dalhousie University; Twitter: @LoriturnbulSamuel Routley, Doctoral Student Western University  @SJRoutley

Call it what you will...'The Karen Convoy', ‘The Freedom Convoy' or ‘FluTruxClan', the two week occupation of downtown Ottawa has claimed one political life, that of Conservative Leader, Erin O'Toole, who was ousted as leader of the party when two thirds of his caucus voted to go in another direction. It will spawn a leadership race for the Tories. Can a new leader stop the party from shooting itself in the foot or unite all the views in the Big Blue Tent? The so called ‘Freedom Convoy' has turned downtown Ottawa on its head. It has also ignited similar protests at border crossings in Alberta, Manitoba and Canada's busiest crossing to the US, the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor. And in just a few days, the interim Conservative Leader, Candice Bergen has flip flopped from supporting the convoy to now telling them to go home. If you were a Conservative supporter, you might wonder what they'll say tomorrow. The Conservatives were disappointed in their performance in the last election and mumbling about new leadership has been around since late September. Which direction will the party sail now? Our Unpublished dot vote question asks:Can the Conservative Party of Canada be united? Yes No Unsure You can log on and vote right now at http://Unpublished.ca and have your voice heard. Guests: Scott Gilmore, Maclean's columnist and self-described, self-loathing Tory Frank Graves, Ekos Research Lori Turnbull, Dalhousie University Warren Kinsella, Political commentator and Former advisor to PM Chretien

Diplomatic efforts are doubling up to avoid war between Ukraine and Russia. Will it be enough? Since November, 100,000+ Russian troops have been stationed along the Ukraine-Russia border for what Russia calls military exercises. Ukrainians are growing more nervous about the prospect of war. Since the 2014 annexation of Crimea, Ukrainians have been dealing with violent insurgencies that have left thousands dead and their homes in tatters. French President Emmanuel Macron is meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to try and reach an agreement. The US has been warning of a possible invasion since late last year. Canada is keeping close tabs on the situation as the largest Ukrainian diaspora outside of Ukraine and Russia reside here: 1.2 million. This country has sent funding and non-military equipment along with troops for training Ukrainian military. It has not sent lethal military weapons. Macron refers to today's meeting as “dialogue and de-escalation”. This is a pivotal moment in the standoff. Guests:Dr. Alexander Lanoszka, Assistant Professor, Political Science Balsillie School of International Affairs, University of Waterloo;Gilles Breton, Former Canadian diplomat to RussiaAndrew Rasiulis, Canadian Global Affairs InstitutePeggy Mason, President of the Rideau Institute

Canada is home to the largest Ukrainian population outside of the Ukraine and Russia. Over 1.3 million make Canada their home here and they are looking for more from the federal government when it comes to their homeland. Modern day Ukraine came into existence with the collapse of the U.S.S.R, after which it became an independent nation. But, it also has an old nemesis leering across the border. Russia has been building up troops and equipment along its border with Ukraine in what it's calling military exercises. From the Ukrainian side, they view it as intimidation leading to a possible invasion. Canada has sent military aid in the form of funding, more soldiers to train Ukrainian military and non-lethal equipment such as night vision goggles and Kevlar vests. At this point, the federal government is backing off on lethal equipment. Should Canada revisit that decision? Russia does not like the western influence in Ukraine and in particular it's desire to join NATO. Russia sees that as encroaching on its sphere of influence. At the same time, the West is watching as more than 100,000 Russian troops amass on Ukraine's border. US President Joe Biden has been working the phones with allies to put together a response which would likely include sanctions. Russian leader Vladimir Putin has seen his approval dip considerably in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. In the past, when his approval plummeted, he found refuge by invading Georgia in 2008 and later, the Crimea during the Winter Olympics in Sochi.  Some international analysts see this as a way for Putin to shore up his support. Our Unpublished Vote question asks: Should Canada send military weapons to the Ukraine to defend itself? Yes NoUnsure Log and vote right now at Unpublished.ca and have your voice heard. Guests: Gilles Breton, Former Canadian Diplomat to RussiaMarcus Kolga, Founder of Disinfowatch and Senior Fellow at the Macdonald Laurier Institute

We're about two weeks away from the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics in China. Relations between Canada and China are the worst they've ever been. China was not happy when the House of Commons declared “Genocide” over the treatment of the Uyghur minority in China. There is also the “hostage diplomacy” of holding the two Michaels in prison on trumped up charges for three years in retaliation for the house arrest of Huawei exec, Meng Wanzhou. There have been threats and intimidation of Canadians on this soil for speaking up against the Chinese Communist Party. Add in a crackdown in Hong Kong, military intimidation of Taiwan, and the persecution of Tibetans and Uyghurs, and the Beijing Olympics become more than just a sporting event. In the face of all this Canada is sending its athletes, although it is standing with allies on a diplomatic boycott, a move China calls a farce. Then there's Covid of course. Its spreading across China and Chinese officials have threatened to move any athlete who tests positive from the Athletes Village to a government-run quarantine facility. Canadians are paying attention. Recent polls show Canadians support a full boycott of the Games. Considering all that has transpired, should Canada send its athletes to the Games? It's a complicated situation. Guests:Elliot Tepper, Professor  of Political Science at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs; Carleton UniversityAlan Freeman, Professor at the Graduate School of Public & International Affairs; uOttawaMargaret McCuaig Johnson, Senior Fellow with the Graduate School for Public and International Affairs; uOttawaBruce Kidd, Former Canadian Olympian and Professor of Sport and Public Policy; University of TorontoChemi Lhamo, Tibetan-Canadian ActivistZumretay Arkin, from the World Uyghur Congress

It is the pinnacle of amateur sports. In less than one month, those athletes will be competing for their country in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. Considering Canada's sour relationship with China, should this country be sending athletes? The Winter Olympics come every 4 years, and with it comes Nations cheering on their athletes, who put everything on the line for the opportunity. Canada has joined the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand in a diplomatic boycott of the games. Athletes will still be able to compete but diplomats, like Canada's Minister for Sport, will not be attending. For more than two years, Canada—China relations were strained due to the “hostage diplomacy “ of the Two-Michaels after Huawei executive, Meng Wanzhou, was detained in Vancouver for the US. China has responded to the threat of a boycott with the promise of retaliation. To make the situation even more complex, add in the Omicron variant spreading around the globe… Our poll question this week asks: Should Canada send athletes to the Beijing Winter Olympics? YesNoUnsureGuests: Jon Roe, Angus Reid InstituteBruce Kidd, former Canadian Olympian 1964Charles Burton, Former Canadian Diplomat to ChinaElliot Tepper, Distinguished Senior Fellow, Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University

Here we are, less than a week before Christmas. So many plans and gatherings.So much to do, so much to see. 2021 was going to make us forget about 2020. Afterall,  the majority are double-vaccinated against Covid-19 and the numbers of infected were dropping. Then just weeks ago, a new variant was uncovered in South Africa and it's spreading like wildfire around the globe and with it, more restrictions. The new variant is now the dominant variant with some unique characteristics, one of which is its extreme transmissibility. The healthcare sector is bracing for the next massive wave of infections. How it will impact the system is yet to be seen. Our Unpublished.vote question asks: Will the Omicron variant lead to a 5th wave of the pandemic in Canada? Our audience responded: Yes = 24.3%No = 70.8% Unsure = 4.9.%If you haven't voted yet, you can still have your voice heard at unpublished.voteGuests:Dean Karlen,  Professor of Physics University of Victoria;Steven Taylor, Professor, Psychiatry at the University of British Columbia. He is also the author of Psychology of Pandemics. Raywat Deonandan, Epidemiologist and Assistant Professor, uOttawaRyan Mallough, Senior Director, Ontario Canadian Federation of Independent Business

Well here we go again. Just as double vaccination rates are rising in Canada, so are the number of new cases of the latest variant of Covid-19: Omicron. Will it mean a fifth wave for Canada?  It was discovered in a neighbourhood in South Africa. It was hitting younger people in the largely unvaccinated area. What concerned the epidemiologists was the ability of the virus to spread quickly and to evade protection. How this will impact us, if at all, is yet to be seen, but the federal government was quick to close the border to people from a number of African nations.  Our Unpublished.vote question asks:  Will the Omicron variant lead to a fifth wave of the pandemic in Canada?  YesNoUnsure  You can log on and vote right now at Unpublished.vote.  Guests: Raywat Deonandan, Epidemiologist and Assistant Professor, University of OttawaSteve Joordens, Professor of Psychology University of Toronto, Scarborough David Coletto, CEO Abacus Data Dan Kelly, Canadian Federation of Independent 

It's back to business for MP's in the House of Commons as the Liberals took the wraps off their agenda with the Throne Speech. The Liberals do carry a minority into the House which means they will need the support of another party to get anything accomplished. The Opposition parties grumbled about the contents and the direction, but with a pandemic still here, supply chain issues costing us on everything and the destruction in B.C. from flooding, there is no shortage of starting places for the government. What should be their first priority? Our Unpublished.vote question asks you, Which government priority do you want addressed first? VaccinationsPaid sick leave$10 a day ChildcareConversion therapy Indigenous reconciliation military reformCOP26 commitments Other None of the AboveHowever you're watching and listening to our show, whether through our social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, or on our podcast channels—iTunes, GooglePlay, Spotify, iHeartRadio and more—We would like to remind you that you can “cast-your-vote” on this topic at Unpublished.vote, and then email your MP to tell them why. Guests: Darrell Bricker CEO Ipsos Public Affairs @darrellbrickerMarvin Ryder DeGroote School of Business McMaster University @DeGrooteBizStephanie Chouinard Assistant Professor Political Science at Queen's University @DrSChouinardWarren Kinsella Political commentator/ former Advisor PM Chrétien @kinsellawarren

They are the “frontline heroes “ of the pandemic. They were also first-in-line to be offered the Covid vaccine when it became available. So, it comes as a bit of a “??? “ when health care workers in Canada are still not rolling up their sleeves. Ontario and Quebec both had announced mandatory vaccines for those workers, who are after all, working with Covid patients. Now both have backed off saying it would lead to thousands leaving the healthcare sector, and potentially leading it to a collapse, although neither provided any detail on their claims. We know there have been thousands of cancelled procedures and tests that were scrubbed because of Covid. But, as the last line of defence against the virus, it might seem strange that these workers would refuse to be inoculated, if not to protect themselves, then perhaps their patients or their families. In this case, we're talking about those who are not allergic to the ingredients in the vaccine. Our Unpublished.vote question asks: Should healthcare workers be vaccinated against Covid to keep their jobs?Yes = 15.5%No =  83.7%Unsure = 0.8%However, you're watching and listening to our show, whether through our social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, or on our podcast channels—iTunes, GooglePlay, Spotify, iHeartRadio and more—I would like to remind you that you can “cast your vote” on this topic at Unpublished.vote, and then email your MP to tell them why.Guests: Doris Grinspun, CEO, Registered Nurses Association of OntarioMarty Moore, Lawyer, Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedom Colleen Flood, University Research Chair in Health, Law and Policy, uOttawaReferences:https://globalnews.ca/news/8376304/covid-vaccine-refusal-termination-poll/https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2021/11/15/quebec-judge-rules-provinces-abandoned-health-care-vaccine-mandate-is-legal.htmlhttps://angusreid.org/covid-firing-booster/https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/government-supply-firm-employee-loses-bid-to-halt-federal-vaccination-policyhttps://www.mcgill.ca/facmed-alumni/article/shelter-twitter-stormhttps://www.cmaj.ca/content/cmaj/early/2021/11/09/cmaj.211839.full.pdfhttps://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-quebec-judge-rules-provinces-abandoned-health-care-vaccine-mandate-is/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-quebec-wont-mandate-covid-19-vaccination-for-workers-in-schools/https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/canada-mandatory-vaccines-covid-19-healthcare-workers-1.6111486https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0196655321002741https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-experts-argue-why-making-vaccinations-mandatory-doesnt-necessarily/https://www.jccf.ca/mandatory-covid-vaccine-faqs/

The House of Commons will resume sitting on Monday, the first time since the Liberals won a minority government in the last election. In between, one of the largest Cabinets ever was introduced by the Prime Minister. That still leaves two months of idle MPs. What are the priorities of this next government? There's been a lot of road between the last election and the return of Parliament. The Liberals and NDP appear to be planning on working together on some shared goals, although NDP leader Jagmeet Singh says not every vote will be a “fait accompli”. The return to Parliament comes with Canada in the fourth wave of the pandemic, the country's largest trading partner talking protectionism and the devastating flooding that has swamped B.C. Our Unpublished.vote question asks: Which priority of the government do you want addressed first? Vaccinations Paid sick leave $10/day ChildcareBan on conversion therapy Indigenous reconciliation Military reform COP26 commitmentsOtherNone of the Above You can log on and vote right now at Unpublished.vote and have your voice heard. Guests: Lori Turnbull, Director of the School of Public Administration/Associate Professor of Political Science at Dalhousie UniversityTom Parkin, Political commentator

It's the Super Bowl for the Environment. COP26—The UN's climate change summit has just wrapped up in Scotland. Almost 200 countries were in attendance for the two week convention, along with thousands of demonstrators. Canada made some bold pledges during the event. Will they make a difference? A lot of words were thrown around, but will they lead to any concrete solutions to rising sea levels and rising emissions? Some of Canada's promises were made by the Liberals during the last election. It seems Canadians are behind them according to the latest Leger numbers which show almost seven in 10 Canadians support the reduction in oil and gas sector emissions to net zero by 2050. There is also strong support for other Canadian promises at COP26. Our Unpublished.vote question asks: Will Canada achieve its climate change pledges made at COP26?Yes = 2.5%No = 90.9%Unsure = 6.6%However you're watching and listening to our show, whether through our social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, or on our podcast channels—iTunes, GooglePlay, Spotify, iHeartRadio and more—I would like to remind you that you can still “cast your vote” on this topic at Unpublished.vote, and then email your MP to tell them why.Guests: Karl Nerenberg, Parliament Hill Reporter at Rabble.ca Dr. Thomas Gunton, Professor and Founding Director of the Resource and Environmental Planning Program at Simon Fraser UniversityDan McTeague, President Canadians for Affordable EnergyEddy Perez, Interantional Climate Diplomacy Manager, Climate Action Network Canada

Canada's military has garnered a lot of the spotlight lately, mainly for the wrong reasons. Complaints of sexual harassment and intimidation continue with seemingly no regard for the victims. Former Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan appeared to sit on his hands while decorated members of the military are facing allegations and charges. Will Canada's military get its act together? In searching for a cause to the problems, its best to start at the beginning. In Mark Popov's case, the beginning is the Royal Military College (RMC) in Kingston, where Canada's top military prospects are trained to become officers. In 2015, we heard stunning reports out of RMC about young soldiers verbally threatening young women with rape while they were touring the facility. Lieutenant Colonel Mark Popov was in charge of the recruits in 2015. He confined them to their barracks, gave them a thorough dressing down and went to search for those who started the episode. That was when he ran into interference from above. Mark Popov's story is a story of the Canadian military chain of command deciding to protect its reputation rather than fixing what appears to be a perpetual problem. To find out more about it and whether new leadership of the portfolio might change things, I'm pleased to be joined by retired Lieutenant Colonel Mark Popov.

Canadians continue to roll up their sleeves for the Covid-19 vaccine. Booster shots are now available for the those who qualify, and children 5-11 years old will soon be getting inoculated. So, it's a bit of a head scratcher why Ontario and Quebec have reversed their decision on mandatory vaccines for health care workers. They will no longer be required to be vaccinated to continue to work in a health care setting. Will this lead to a rise in infections? Remember when the pandemic set in and turned health care upside down? Then do you recall when a vaccine was approved, and the health care sector was at the front of the line to get it? Many were relieved to be vaccinated to protect themselves, their families and their patients. Ontario and Quebec both pledged to make those vaccines mandatory for healthcare workers, but they have reversed course, citing concern about losing those healthcare professionals and the impact it would have on the healthcare system. Not only have they had to deal with a pandemic, but it has pushed back treatments and other surgeries. That is what those provinces consider “real world” evidence. Our Unpublished.vote question asks: Should healthcare workers be vaccinated against Covid to keep their jobs?YesNoUnsure You can log on and vote right now at Unpublished.vote and have your voice heard. Guests: John Fraser, Ontario Liberal House Leader. MPP Ottawa SouthKerry Bowman, Bioethicist and Assistant Professor, Department of School of Environment, Faculty of Arts and Science at the University of Toronto

There are some new faces around the federal Cabinet table for the Liberals as the Prime Minister unveiled the “new bench” to lead the country out of the pandemic and toward recovery. 39 ministers in all, including a couple of new portfolios, Emergency Preparedness and Housing. Will this group get the job done? While the new government signaled it wanted to get down to business right away, it still took more than a month to name the new Cabinet. And this government won't be sitting in the House for another three weeks. Creating a Cabinet requires more than just picking your strengths or favourites. Gender, geography, experience, and electoral success all play a part. This current crop of Cabinet Ministers features many faces that have slipped over the last few years.Our Unpublished.vote question asks:Which Cabinet Minister will be the first to be shuffled out?Mélanie Joly, Foreign Affairs = 22.5%Anita Anand, Defence = 12.4%Steven Guilbeault, Environment = 29.2%Jean Yves Duclos, Health = 7.9%Patty Hajdu, Indigenous Affairs = 16.9%Other = 4.5%None of the Above = 6.7%However you're watching and listening to our show, whether through our social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, or on our podcast channels—iTunes, GooglePlay, Spotify, iHeartRadio and more—I would like to remind you that you can “cast your vote” on this topic at Unpublished.vote, and then email your MP to tell them why. Guests: Tasha Kheiriddin, Public Policy Analyst / Political Commentator @TashaKheiriddenMario Canseco, President at Research Co. @mario_cansecoNelson Wiseman, Professor, Political Studies  University of Toronto 

Glasgow Scotland is the host city for COP26, also known as the United Nations Climate Change Conference. The event brings leaders, from around the world together to discuss the impact of climate change and extreme weather, with an aim to finding solutions. In 2015, consensus was reached to keep global warming below 2 degrees with an aim at 1.5 to avoid a climate emergency. Canada is represented at COP26 with a number of promises made. Will they make a difference? More than 200 countries are in attendance at the Conference. Prime Minister Trudeau has made some ambitious promises at COP26 which will have a financial impact here at home. A hard cap on emissions for the oil and gas industry was announced along with encouragement for other countries to follow Canada's lead on pricing carbon. And, International aid from Canada is earmarked for poorer countries to meet their pollution targets. Our Unpublished.vote question asks: Will Canada's pledges at COP26 make a difference in climate change? YesNoUnsureYou can log on and vote right now at Unpublished.vote. Have your voice heard. Guests: Angela Keller-Herzog, Executive Director—Community Associations for Environmental SustainabilityDan McTeague, President of the Canadians for Affordable EnergyDouglas Auld, Professor in the Department of Economics and Finance, University of Guelph

In a year when Canadians were dragged to the polls for an election no one wanted, that got us back to where we started, Albertans were also trudging to the polls for a referendum on the Equalization Program to gain leverage with the federal government. The results were over 61% voting Yes to remove Equalization from the Constitution. Will it ever happen? The referendum was a campaign promise by Jason Kenney and the United Conservative Party. Equalization basically distributes wealth to “have not” provinces, primarily at the expense of Alberta and Ontario. What some Albertans see or don't like is the fact that funds are being given to provinces which have stifled their “perceived “growth. Think Quebec not allowing a pipeline through its territory. There are some nuances to adding up what each province will get. For example, in the calculation, the value of natural resource development can impact. It could give provinces the incentive to NOT develop those resources. Jason Kenney is not the first to want to change the Constitution. Doug Ford in Ontario used the “notwithstanding clause “ to get legislation through. Quebec wants to open it to enshrine French as the official language of the province and to declare itself a Nation. Our Unpublished.vote question asks: Do you feel Canada's Equalization Program should be changed?Yes = 88.9%No = 9.7%Unsure = 1.4%However, you're watching and listening to our show, whether through our social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, or on our podcast channels—iTunes, GooglePlay, Spotify, iHeartRadio and more—I would like to remind you that you can “cast your vote” on this topic at Unpublished.vote, and then email your MP to tell them why. Guests: Warren Kinsella, Former Advisor to Jean Chrétien and political commentator @kinsellawarrenJanet Brown, Principal Janet Brown Opinion Research @planetjanetyycDaniel Béland, Professor / Director Institute for the Study of Canada @danielbelandStephanie Chouinard, Assistant Professor Political Science, Queen's University @DrSChouinard

The federal Liberals took the wraps off their new Cabinet following their minority election win in September. Justin Trudeau continued to aim for gender parity in Cabinet despite losing four female MP's on election night. There is a bit of strategy to crafting a Cabinet with a number of considerations to consider, regional representation, defeated incumbents, loyalty and success. It's not an easy thing to do when you know some egos will be bruised. The purpose is to create a “team” to accomplish the government's goals. There are a number of faces in new portfolios, some that were head scratchers. Our Unpublished.vote question asks: Which Cabinet Minister will be the first to be shuffled out?Mélanie Joly, Foreign AffairsAnita Anand, DefenceSteven Guilbeault, EnvironmentJean Yves Duclos, HealthPatty Hajdu, Indigenous AffairsOtherNone of the AboveYou can log-on and vote right now at Unpublished.vote to have your voice heard. Guests:Nelson Wiseman, Director of Canadian Studies and Professor of Political Science; University of TorontoLori Turnbull, Director School of Public Administration; Dalhousie UniversityTasha Kheiriddin, Public Policy Analyst and Political Commentator

Since the pandemic started in Canada, the federal government has handed out more than $289 billion in Covid-support to Canadians who were affected by the lockdowns and restrictions. There were also income support programs for employers as well as rent subsidies to help affected businesses impacted. Now the federal government is pivoting to two new, more targeted programs to get Canada across the pandemic finish line. Will it be enough? The previous support programs are being replaced by two new programs, the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program which applies to those sectors hit by health restrictions. The other, Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program, for those businesses that can show a 50% decline in revenue from the beginning of the pandemic. The Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit would come into effect if lockdowns return. Our Unpublished.vote question asks: Should the federal government wind down the Canada Recovery Benefit?Our audience responded: Yes = 76%No = 21.8%Unsure= 2.2%However, you're watching and listening to our show, whether through our social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, or on our podcast channels—iTunes, GooglePlay, Spotify, iHeartRadio and more—I would like to remind you that you can “cast your vote” on this topic at Unpublished.vote, and then email your MP to tell them why.Guests: James Rilett, VP Restaurants Canada | Twitter: @RestaurantsONMBDavid Macdonald, Sr. Economist CCPA |Twitter: @DavidMacCdnRyan Mallough, Sr. Dir Prov. Affairs Ontario CFIB | Twitter: @R_MalloughMikal Skuterud, Professor Dept. of Economics at the University of Waterloo | Twitter: @mikalskuterud

The Canadian Constitution has been taking a beating from the provinces during the pandemic. Ontario uses the notwithstanding clause to get its way on third party election spending, despite their law violating Charter Rights. Then Quebec wanted to change part of the Constitution that applies to it, to declare itself a Nation and to make French the official language of the Province. Not to be outdone, Alberta has jumped in with a referendum on whether it can pull out of the Equalization Program. Will it work? Albertans had a number of referendums on their ballots earlier this week, in municipal elections. The most noteworthy was the vote on whether the Province should pull out of the Canada's Equalization program. The Premier says this isn't about playing politics, it's about fairness. When you consider, BC and Quebec are big recipients of Equalization from the federal government with about $20 billion coming from Alberta, they are also the biggest impediments to getting Alberta oil to tidewater. The Equalization program sees the federal government collect from the wealthiest provinces to distribute to other “have not” provinces. Jason Kenney says this is all about gaining leverage with the federal government. The Province feels hamstrung getting its commodities to market.Our Unpublished.vote question asks: Do you feel Canada's Equalization Program should be changed? Yes NoUnsure You can log on and vote right now at Unpublished.vote. Guests: Kevin Lacey, Alberta Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation Barry Cooper teaches political science at the University of Calgary as well as one of the authors of the Free Alberta StrategyJared Wesley, Associate Professor & Associate Chair, Graduate Programs | Department of Political Science | University of Alberta

Following our last federal election, which saw the Liberals return to government with another minority, voices have been rising about a more fair and equitable form of elections to better represent all voters. Does Canada need electoral reform now? In 2015, then Liberal leader, Justin Trudeau said if he won the election it would be the last federal election under the “First Past the Post” system. We've had two elections since that claim—both were First Past the Post. When you look at the numbers from the last election, Trudeau won with the support of just 20% of voters. Not exactly a rousing endorsement. In Europe, New Zealand and Australia, they have various forms of electoral reform, whether it's some form of Proportional Representation or Ranked Ballot. Our Unpublished.vote question asked you: Do you support electoral reform in Canada?Yes = 89.3%No =  6.2%Unsure = 4.4%However you're watching and listening to our show, whether through our social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, or on our podcast channels—iTunes, GooglePlay, Spotify, iHeartRadio and more—I would like to remind you that you can “cast your vote” on this topic at Unpublished.vote, and then email your MP to tell them why. Guests: Duff Conacher Co-founder Democracy WatchKatrina Miller, Program Director Broadbent InstituteReal Lavergne, Fair Vote Canada Karl Nerenberg, Parliamentary Correspondent with Rabble.ca

The mantra is clear for most small business operators, “we can't find people to work because of government subsidies” and it's hurting their recovery. How true does that ring? It's a sight seen many places across the country as lockdowns were eased and restrictions lifted, small businesses were delighted to resume operations. The only problem was finding people to work. When the pandemic arrived and Canada was shut down, the government filled the financial breach with the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). All those thrown out of work due to Covid were able to collect $500/week to make ends meet. It was a quick response to a dire need for many at no fault of their own. The government has moved the CERB to Employment Insurance for those unable to find work. The Canada Recovery Benefit followed for those still jobless or making 50% less than they were. But, in the case of the Recovery benefit, the payout was reduced to $300 a week. And the program comes to an end later this month. Our Unpublished.vote question asks: Do you feel now is the right time for the federal government to wind down the Recovery benefit? Yes No Unsure You can log-on to vote and email your MP at Unpublished.vote to have your voice heard. Guests: Dan Kelly, President and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent BusinessJennifer Robson, Associate Professor Political Management at Carleton University