Podcast appearances and mentions of graham thomson

This week, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is juggling two battles—diplomatic in Washington and defensive at home. As she joins Canada's premiers in efforts to counter looming U.S. tariffs, a political storm brews in Alberta. Former Alberta Health Services CEO Athana Mentzelopoulos has filed a wrongful dismissal lawsuit, alleging she was fired for investigating what she believed were questionable private health-care contracts. The allegations have not been tested in court, but the case has prompted calls from both the NDP opposition and a cabinet minister for Health Minister Adriana LaGrange's removal. How much political fallout could this controversy create for Smith and LaGrange? And how is the NDP responding? Meanwhile, a new Leger poll suggests a Mark Carney-led Liberal Party could erase recent Conservative gains, shaking up the federal race. Host Jason Markusoff speaks with political strategists Cheryl Oates and Andrew Sennyah, with longtime journalist Graham Thomson providing historical perspective.

Political pundit Graham Thomson on why and where Mark Carney, Chrystia Freeland and Pierre Poilievre are all playing up their Alberta roots. 

The rumour mill has former Prime Minister Stephen Harper taking over as the next chair of the Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo). What does this say about Danielle Smith's goal of an Alberta Pension Plan, and what might it mean for your retirement income?  2:45 | Veteran political columnist Graham Thomson digs into the AIMCo story, including the Harper rumour. We get into the implications of Premier Smith's leadership review, and the likelihood of deficit budgets in Alberta's future.  READ GRAHAM'S COLUMN: https://rtrj.info/111324GTStar 34:00 | You've got a brand new opportunity to experience some of the most spectacular and awe-inspiring areas of Jasper, and witness the dramatic and transformational effects of the July wildfire. Get the details on Sundog's new, limited-time tour "Wildlife of Jasper and the Ecology of Fire" in this edition of #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper.  BOOK YOUR TOUR - WILDLIFE OF JASPER and the ECOLOGY OF FIRE: https://www.sundogtours.com/package/wonders-of-jasper-and-the-ecology-of-fire 36:15 | How might a second Trump presidency impact Canada? Graham tells us what he's keeping an eye on. How about former Liberal finance minister (and future Liberal leader?) Bill Morneau calling out environment minister Stephen Gilbeault's emissions cap? We wrap with details on Alberta adding two seats in its Legislature, and some of the politicking going on behind the scenes.  55:55 | Have you heard about Mary McEachern's plight? The Rotary Foundation is refusing to respect Mary's husband Steve's dying wishes re: the allocation of their $40M estate. Ryan's all fired up.  SUPPORT MARY McEACHERN vs. ROTARY: https://www.steveandmarysgift.ca/ 1:02:45 | Registration for the Real Talk Pond Hockey Classic is now open! We'd love to see you in St. Albert on Saturday, February 1, 2025.  PLAY, SPONSOR, or VOLUNTEER at the REAL TALK POND HOCKEY CLASSIC: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/pond-hockey EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com  FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON:   / ryanjespersen   THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Fact or fiction? We task two of Alberta's most experienced journalists with scrutinizing our recent interview with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. 3:30 | Veteran commentators Graham Thomson and Markham Hislop dig into our June 12 interview with Premier Smith, including her eyebrow-raising comment about former premier Alison Redford, her thoughts on the future of carbon capture, her take on MLA Shannon Phillips' resignation, and an upcoming UCP-sponsored anti-vax event.  WATCH OUR INTERVIEW WITH PREMIER SMITH: https://rtrj.info/061224Premier 36:30 | Real Talker Sierra delivers a eulogy for the Canadian Energy Centre - aka The War Room - in The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park. FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com  When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, make sure you tell 'em Real Talk sent you!  FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON:   / ryanjespersen   THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

The UCP government has introduced bill after bill giving it more control over Alberta's municipalities. Is this flurry of activity a strategy to create chaos by flooding the public with too much, too fast? West of Centre host Kathleen Petty is joined by Jeromy Farkas, former Calgary city councillor, pollster Janet Brown and veteran columnist Graham Thomson.

Rakhi Pancholi is out. And Naheed Nenshi is in and the apparent frontrunner in the NDP leadership race. But Premier Danielle Smith's UCP is ready to defend a much bigger lead than it won in last year's election,at least according to a new poll. Guest host Jason Markusoff sorts through the numbers with pollster David Coletto. Then, our panel weighs in. It is made up of Lisa Young, a University of Calgary political scientist, freelance columnist Graham Thomson and the Toronto Star's Alex Boyd.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith joins us in the Real Talk studio just hours after meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.  1:37 | What did the PM say when Smith asked him to fire Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault? Did they make any progress on pharmacare? What's Premier Smith's response to Naheed Nenshi calling her "immoral"? Why didn't her government work harder to keep its promise on income tax cuts? What's the UCP's plan to clean up Alberta's abandoned wells? What's up with continued coal mining in the Rockies? Is Premier Smith concerned about the Red Deer Catholic School board banning pronouns in emails and Pride flags? And, what did she say to set Take Back Alberta's David Parker straight? Danielle Smith takes our questions - and yours - during a half hour interview.  38:21 | Political columnist Graham Thomson and former Calgary councillor Jeromy Farkas fact check our interview with Premier Smith, and tell us what most resonated with them.  1:19:05 | Is there still a stigma around skilled trades? Ryan and Johnny get into a couple emails after our March 13 conversation about post-secondary education and career paths.  EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com  FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch GET YOUR FREE REAL TALK SOCKS! BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Sweeping new rules on gender-related medical procedures, sex-ed and more have landed Alberta in the spotlight again this week. Two journalists break down the politics of Premier Danielle Smith's controversial move. Then, the federal government announced a three-year delay on the expansion of medical assistance in dying to those suffering solely from a mental illness. The House hears from someone who is deeply affected by the decision, and from politicians on both sides of the issue. And — the prime minister's traditional residence at 24 Sussex is in disrepair. But the organization responsible for maintaining the house says there's been some progress — asbestos abated, mould removed and rodents evicted. But, as the CBC's Jennifer Chevalier reports, there is no real plan for what comes next. Plus — B.C.'s public health officer releases her assessment of the province's prescribed safer supply program. The province's minister of mental health and addictions joins the program to discuss. This episode features the voices of: - Graham Thomson, freelance columnist - Tonda MacCharles, parliamentary bureau chief, Toronto Star - Ed Fast, Conservative MP - Arif Virani, federal justice minister - The CBC's Jennifer Chevalier - Jennifer Whiteside, B.C. mental health and addictions minister

It's shaping up to be another packed year for politics in Alberta. The United Conservatives are in the midst of a full reset on healthcare, all of the feuding between the provincial and federal governments will hit a new gear, plus, the NDP will likely have their turn to look for a new leader. This week, host Kathleen Petty talks to journalists Kelly Cryderman, Jason Markusoff and Graham Thomson about what to expect in politics in 2024.

The cost of cyber crimes is expected to top £9.3 trillion by 2025. And education institutions aren't exempt. Around 88% have reported a breach or attack in the last year. Our cyber experts Graham Thomson and Joanne Bone discuss the impact of cyber crimes, how organisations can minimise risk, the benefits of being secure and more.

This week on “It's Political” we check in on the Alberta election. NDP Leader Rachel Notley and UCP Leader Danielle Smith are in a hotly contested race and there's lots at stake for Albertans and all Canadians.  First, Toronto Star reporter Kieran Leavitt brings us a report from Lethbridge, in a riding the NDP needs to win if it is to form government. Then, we'll hear from Abacus Data's David Coletto and from pollster Janet Brown about their competing polls and what they tell us about the state of the race in Alberta. Finally, we'll sit down with experienced conservative adviser Ken Bossenkool, from Meredith Boessenkool Policy Advisors, Graham Thomson, a long-time columnist in Alberta, and Lisa Young, political science professor at the University of Calgary, to talk about Thursday's debate and why this election is important.  Clips this week were sourced from CPAC, Rachel Notley's YouTube channel, The U.C.P.'s YouTube channel, Danielle Smith's Twitter page, CBC, and CTV  This episode of “It's Political” was produced by Althia Raj. Kevin Sexton mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.

Greg Fergus, Liberal MP; Adam Chambers, Conservative MP; Tim Perry, WestJet Captain & ALPA Canada President; Graham Thomson, political columnist; Kelly Cryderman, The Globe and Mail; Christy Clark, former B.C. premier; and Darrell Dexter, former N.S. premier.

Sources inside the United Conservative Party say a faction's already organizing against Danielle Smith. Rumour has it if the UCP doesn't win big on May 29, she could be ousted as party leader.  3:00 | Are the rumblings valid or not? Veteran political columnist Graham Thomson tells us what he's hearing and what his gut's telling him. What does Graham make of Take Back Alberta founder David Parker's claim he "controls the premier's office"? And, with all this talk about Danielle Smith, is the media doing its job in applying proper scrutiny to Rachel Notley and the NDP? Ryan and Graham get into it.  40:52 | Thanks to the tireless work of firefighters across Yellowhead County, Jasper's power supply is stable, shelves are stocked, and the sky is clear. Ahead of May Long Weekend, we focus on some of the best spring openings in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper. PLAN YOUR SPRING GETAWAY TO JASPER: https://www.jasper.travel/ 43:43 | We hear a lot of talk about "diversification" from political parties eager to earn your vote. What are Alberta tech companies actually looking for in terms of political commitments? Council of Canadian Innovators president Benjamin Bergen explains where government can lead and where it should get out of the way. Plus, why is Alberta struggling more than any other province to recruit software engineers? Ben lays it out.  WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/RealTalkRJ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/RealTalkRJ/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@realtalkrj PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

We have an oil sands tailings pond leak sparking national questions, the federal government's controversial environmental assessment legislation before the Supreme Court, details on Alberta's efforts to procure children's medication and a new budget coming next week from Ottawa. Host Kathleen Petty is joined by the Globe and Mail's Kelly Cryderman, Alex Boyd from the Toronto Star and freelance columnist Graham Thomson to break down those topics.

| Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's Sovereignty Act is being described as “undemocratic,” “an overreach,” and “crazy”. Ryan tees up today's interviews with a few key points.  | She'll kick off 2023 as the new host of CTV's Power Play, Question Period, and an afternoon radio show. The talented Vassy Kapelos returns to her roots as an Alberta Legislative correspondent, and digs into Premier Smith's Bill One and Jason Kenney's legacy.  | He's been covering Alberta politics for decades. Columnist Graham Thomson takes us into the background, context, precedent, and likely outcomes of the Alberta Sovereignty within a United Canada Act. Plus, is it ethical for Premier Smith to hire the former MLA, Michaela Frey, who vacated her seat so Smith could run in Brooks-Medicine Hat?  | What happens when three teenage boys start dreaming about having their own bar? Usually nothing. But in today's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper, we check out a new episode from the Venture Beyond series, and go behind the scenes of the Jasper Brewing Co. WATCH THE FULL FEATURE: https://www.jasper.travel/discover-jasper/venture-beyond-series/ EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com REAL TALK ON APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast... REAL TALK ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/03RyuWq... WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/RealTalkRJ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/RealTalkRJ/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@realtalkrj PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS: https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

SESSION 2 | Pray {Colossians 1:3-14}  This weeks podcast features Graham Thomson preaching at Session 2 of the Medhurst Ministries 2020 Weekender. Graham is the pastor of Spen Valley Church in Cleckheaton and he speaks about how you can support Medhurst Ministries through prayer.

Premier Danielle Smith will once again be MLA Danielle Smith. The UCP leader won her byelection in Brooks-Medicine Hat this week and we're about to see exactly what is on Smith's legislative agenda for the rest of 2022. Host Kathleen Petty is joined by Kelly Cryderman from the Globe and Mail, Melissa Caouette of MC Consulting and freeland columnist Graham Thomson.

So … now what? On Wednesday, Jason Kenney announced he would resign as Alberta premier after receiving 51.4 per cent support from the party in a leadership vote. Host Kathleen Petty is joined by the CBC's Jason Markusoff, Kelly Cryderman from the Globe and Mail and freelance columnist Graham Thomson to discuss what comes next for the United Conservative Party — and for the province.

2:57 | Ryan starts the show with breaking news, as mourners at slain Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh's funeral are met with violence from Israeli defence forces. Plus, Elon Musk says his $44B Twitter purchase is "on hold": what does that mean moving forward? 11:49 | Veteran Alberta political correspondents Graham Thomson and Catherine Griwkowsky dig into the most important details of Jason Kenney's UCP leadership review, Brian Jean's presence at the Legislature, and a recent opinion from the Alberta Court of Appeal.  Read Catherine's work: https://www.politicstoday.news/alberta-today/ Read Graham's work: https://ipolitics.ca/opinions/kenney-takes-a-victory-lap-while-the-race-is-still-underway 38:46 | The stars of The Strategists podcast join for their bi-annual Real Talk Round Table. Zain Velji, Corey Hogan, and Stephen Carter make for a wildly-entertaining (and informative) half hour analyzing the federal Conservative leadership race, Kenney's UCP leadership review, and NDP leader Jagmeet Singh being harassed in Peterborough. See The Strategists live on May 19: https://thestrategists.ca/products/the-strategists-live-in-edmonton 1:15:36 | It's a grass roots political edition of Trash Talk, presented by Local Environmental, fuelled by your emails to talk@ryanjespersen.com!

1:33 | Vice chair and a senior advisor at Eurasia Group Gerald Butts, who served as the Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, discusses Canadian politics, the Emergencies Act, and Russia invading Ukraine. 16:11 | Federal Minister of Tourism, Randy Boissonnault addresses Canada's response to Russia's unprovoked attack on Ukraine, the impact of COVID on tourism and the Canadian economy, plus the upcoming federal budget. 33:34 | The Globe & Mail journalist Kelly Cryderman and political columnist Graham Thomson analyze the new Alberta budget, the undeniable influence the price of oil has had on it, and what it could mean for Jason Kenney's upcoming leadership review. 1:24:33 | #RealTalkRoundTable on the power of conspiracy theories with the author of Republic of Lies Anna Merlan, investigative journalist Justin Ling, and Sue Muncaster whose brother is a conspiracy theorist.  #TrashTalk | Ryan reads what's ticking Real Talkers off this week. Presented by Local Environmental

The Alberta government is predicting a balanced budget thanks to surging oil and gas prices. This week on The Loop, Rod Kurtz takes a look at how the province plans to spend your money. He's joined by political columnist Graham Thomson and Taleesha Thorogood, senior business advisor at Fasken Martineau DuMoulin and a former Conservative staffer.

Premier Jason Kenney is down his justice minister after Kaycee Madu was stripped of his duties for calling Edmonton's police chief over a personal traffic ticket last March.  Madu is the third member of Kenney's cabinet to fall into scandal in the last year, after Tracy Allard's Hawaii vacation during COVID and allegations of Devin Dreeshen's heavy drinking. This week host Kathleen Petty is joined by Rishi Nagar from RED FM, political columnist Graham Thomson and pollster Janet Brown to discuss what those incidents say about Alberta's government and the people running it.

2:08 | Canada's Defence Minister Hon. Anita Anand discusses navigating a complex relationship with China intensified by the diplomatic boycott of the Beijing 2022 Olympics, addressing pervasive sexual misconduct in Canada's military, and the role of Canadian service people in response to COVID-19 and natural disasters across the country. 16:55 | CBC provincial affairs reporter Janet French and award-winning journalist Graham Thomson unpack the recent goings-on in Alberta politics including the contentious Elections Statutes Amendment Act, Bill 81, and the worsening opioid crisis. 57:45 | University of Illinois romantic relationship researcher Dr. Brian Ogolsky explains his recent findings on older long-term intimate partners' heart rates synchronizing. 1:31:31 | #EatYourWords - Ryan insists Calgary Police Service's hate crimes co-ordinator, Constable Brian Denison, seriously check himself for comparing the local city hall's vaccine mandate to Nazi persecution that murdered millions. Presented by Prairie Catering

Just as the federal and provincial governments reach an uneasy peace over a childcare plan things have been heating up over another file: Natural resources. Ottawa is building a program to transition workers and has promised a cap on oil and gas emissions, as oil prices recently reached a seven-year high. New federal minister Jonathan Wilkinson joins guest host Jim Brown. Then, political scientist Lisa Young and columnist Graham Thomson talk about the upcoming United Conservative Party annual general meeting.

September closed with a bang. Alberta is calling in the army for hospital support, adding a vaccine mandate for the public service and the United Conservative Party has set a date for Premier Jason Kenney to face a leadership review. There's a lot of political news in Alberta again this week, and as one of our guests this week says “All roads lead to Jason Kenney.” Host Kathleen Petty is joined by Red FM host Rishi Nagar, Calgary Sun columnist Rick Bell, and CBC/iPolitics columnist Graham Thomson.

After months of rotten polls, controversial policies and the polarization of a pandemic, Alberta's premier may believe the worst days of his government are behind him. Thanks to improving COVID-19 stats, Alberta is opening on Canada Day. Add in a few small political wins — like an apology from a right wing adversary and higher oil prices powering up an economy set to lead the country — and suddenly Jason Kenney is planning for the second half of his mandate. Kathleen Petty asks three Alberta political columnists if the premier's dog days are over: The Calgary Sun's Rick Bell, Kelly Cryderman of The Globe and Mail and independent columnist Graham Thomson.

Alberta’s premier says we can get back to normal this summer with outdoor events, including the Calgary Stampede if vaccines beat the COVID-19 variants. But expectations are waning in the face of a brutal third wave. Jason Kenney has responded to demands from concerned Indigenous leaders and others calling for help with more vaccine eligibility and mandatory restrictions, including curfews. Meanwhile outspoken protesters rail against the prospect of tighter pandemic measures, even calling for Kenney’s resignation. Kathleen Petty looks at how the premier is managing it all with columnist Kelly Cryderman of The Globe and Mail, columnist Jason Markusoff of Macleans and independent columnist Graham Thomson.

Ste Walker and Graham Thomson share about why they planted churches in Yorkshire.

The Africa Attractiveness report has revealed that despite weak economic growth foreign direct investment on the continent increased by 6 percent in 2017. The report also shows that South Africa still attracts more investors, sharing the top with Morocco. It is the first time that South Africa was matched by another country in terms of being the most preferred investment destination. Ethiopia also showed an improvement jumping seven places to become the fifth-largest FDI recipient, its highest ranking. Elvis Presslin spoek to Africa Knowledge team leader at Ernst and Young, Graham Thomson.

Graham Thomson, Edmonton Journal Political Affairs Columnist

Graham Thomson, columnist with the Edmonton Journal, joined the show to talk about Brian Jean, the UCP and more.   

Rob connects with Graham Thomson, political Affairs columnist with Postmedia to chat about the first caucus meeting- and then he takes calls. 

Rob is joined by Postmedia/ Edmonton Journal columnist Graham Thomson to chat about the potential for WRP memberships being bought up by those who oppose the merger and WRP's representation at Pride parades.  Read his piece here: http://edmontonjournal.com/news/politics/graham-thomson-intolerant-wildrose-members-act-as-political-arsonists-in-homophobic-lake-of-fire