Podcasts about national defence

At a time of heightened geopolitical tension and with the acknowledgment of diverse threats to our sovereignty and security, Canada is redefining what sovereignty means and how stakeholders can contribute to the defence of our great nation. In alignment with the Government of Canada's command signal that Canada must defend its own sovereignty on its own terms, the Canadian Army is undergoing a generational modernization to become the Army Canada now needs.In parallel, the Government of Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy charts a path to a more sovereign, innovation‑driven defence industrial base, with implications for businesses, researchers, and communities across the country.On June 4th, 2026, The Empire Club of Canada welcomed Lieutenant-General Michael Wright, Commander of the Canadian Army for a keynote entitled, Forging the Army Canada Needs: Stakeholder Opportunities to Contribute to the Defence of Canada.  The Commander laid out his vision for a modern Army and how it aligns with the Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) and broader government priorities to enhance, equip, develop and future-proof the land forces for Canada's sovereignty.Following the speech, Jody Thomas, Senior Advisor at Counsel Public Affairs moderated a fireside chat that also included Bernie Derible, Ontario's Agent General ASEAN and Ontario's Military and Defence Representative and Patrick Kelly, Director General, Defence Investment Agency, on how the private and public sector can collaborate to ensure that Canada forges the Army it needs to meet this inflection point in Canada's National Defence.

The battlefield is saturated with explosives—from factory‑made munitions and improvised bombs to drones delivering lethal payloads. At the same time, unexploded ordnance from past wars may still lie hidden beneath the ground. Neutralizing these threats is essential to keeping troops moving and civilians safe. This is where Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operators like Master Warrant Officer Marty Gratrix come in. He offers an inside look at a career spent defusing danger with no room for error.Feel free to contact Captain Adam Orton with any comments or questions:armyconnect-connectionarmee@forces.gc.caConnect with the Canadian Army on social media:Facebook  | X (Twitter) | Instagram | YouTubeVisit Forces.ca if you are considering a career in the Army.Copyright Information© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of National Defence, 2026

In this month's episode we are speaking with the Ombudsman for the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces, Mario Baril.In our conversation we talk about the scope of his role, how the Ombudsman's office can support Military family members, and some of the tools and resources that have been created by his team. Mr. Baril also tells us what he has learned about - and from - Military families since taking on this role in July 2025.About our Guest:Mario Baril is a seasoned public service executive and accredited mediator with nearly two decades of leadership experience in advancing organizational health and strategic governance across the Government of Canada.Mario Baril has served in the executive ranks of the federal public service, holding a variety of senior leadership roles as a member of Senior Executive Management tables. His experience includes providing strategic counsel to Deputy Ministers as Chief of Staff at the Treasury Board Secretariat, advising Ministers' Offices on strategic and business communications at Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), and delivering his leadership vision at the Association of Professional Executives of the Public Service of Canada. More recently, in 2018, Mario established the first organizational Ombudsman Office at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), and pursued his passion for healthy workplaces through the delivery of Ombudsman confidential services at Public Services and Procurement Canada from 2022 to 2025.In March 2025, Mario was appointed by the Governor General in Council—on the recommendation of the Minister of National Defence—as Special Advisor to the Minister and Ombudsman for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces, effective July 2, 2025.Mario is an Accredited Mediator (IMAQ) and a Certified Leadership Coach (Destination Leadership, 2024). Throughout his career, Mario led numerous departmental and national initiatives aimed at promoting organizational health. He played a key role in establishing a new role and mandate of the Canadian Innovation Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace—a national initiative recognized and highlighted as a success in the 29th Annual Report to the Prime Minister on the Public Service of Canada. He served on the Advisory Board for the Centre of Expertise on Mental Health in the Workplace and contributed to the Interdepartmental Committee on Mental Health Performance Measurement at the Treasury Board Secretariat.Mario holds a master's degree in public administration from ÉNAP, a bachelor's degree in social sciences (Economics, Public Policy, and Management) from the University of Ottawa, and a college diploma in journalism.Outside of his professional life, Mario is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys sailing, swimming, canoeing, cycling, downhill skiing, and trekking in Mont-Tremblant. A passionate traveler, he has explored numerous countries with his wife, Danielle, and their two sons—embracing diverse cultures and forging meaningful connections around the world.Links:Military Benefits Browser https://www.canada.ca/en/ombudsman-national-defence-forces/education-information/caf-members/compensation-benefits/mbb.htmlABCs of Military Postings https://www.canada.ca/en/ombudsman-national-defence-forces/education-information/caf-members/career/postings/abc-military-postings.htmlEnglish homepage https://www.canada.ca/en/ombudsman-national-defence-forces.htmlFrench homepage https://www.canada.ca/fr/ombudsman-defense-nationale-forces.html

On May 4, 2026, Auditor General Karen Hogan and Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development Jerry V. DeMarco released five critical performance audits. Their reports highlight significant gaps in federal oversight, ranging from climate change preparedness to the management of public health resources and Indigenous funding.Below is a summary of the key findings from their latest reports:

What are the real differences between the 2024 and 2026 National Defence Strategy – and why is this an evolution, not a revolution? How is Australia thinking about national resilience, and what does a ‘whole-of-nation' approach to security look like in practice? Are we investing in the right capabilities – and at the right speed – to meet the challenges ahead? How do global conflicts, from Ukraine to the Middle East, shape Australia's defence outlook and strategic choices? In this episode, David Andrews joins Sharryn Parker to unpack Australia's 2026 National Defence Strategy – what's changed, what hasn't, and what it means for national resilience and deterrence. David Andrews is Senior Policy Advisor at the ANU National Security College (NSC). Sharryn Parker is Senior Policy Advisor at NSC, on secondment from the Department of Defence. TRANSCRIPTShow notes:· ANU National Security College academic programs – find out more· 2026 National Defence Strategy· 2026 Integrated Investment ProgramWe'd love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to NatSecPod@anu.edu.au. You can tweet us @NSC_ANU and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on future episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Australian Government has unveiled the 2026 National Defence Strategy, outlining reprioritised investments in drones, missile defence and undersea warfare capabilities. While the government claims the new strategy includes record defence spending to three per cent of GDP by 2033, the opposition has accused Labor of artificially inflating the numbers.

The Australian Government has unveiled the 2026 National Defence Strategy, outlining reprioritised investments in drones, missile defence and undersea warfare capabilities. While the government claims the new strategy includes record defence spending allocations, the opposition has accused Labor of artificially inflating the numbers. - ২০২৬ সালের জাতীয় প্রতিরক্ষা কৌশল প্রকাশ করেছে অস্ট্রেলিয়া সরকার, যেখানে ড্রোন, ক্ষেপণাস্ত্র প্রতিরক্ষা এবং সাবমেরিন যুদ্ধ সক্ষমতায় বিনিয়োগকে নতুন করে অগ্রাধিকার দেওয়া হয়েছে। সরকার বলছে, এই নতুন কৌশলে প্রতিরক্ষা খাতে রেকর্ড পরিমাণ বরাদ্দ রাখা হয়েছে। তবে বিরোধী দল অভিযোগ করেছে, লেবার সরকার পরিসংখ্যানগুলোকে কৃত্রিমভাবে বড় করে দেখিয়েছে।

The Australian Government has unveiled the 2026 National Defence Strategy, outlining reprioritised investments in drones, missile defence and undersea warfare capabilities. While the government claims the new strategy includes record defence spending allocations, the opposition has accused Labor of artificially inflating the numbers.

It took five years of DNA testing, forensic analysis and genealogical sleuthing to restore his name — and reveal a hidden past. Pte. Albert Henry Detmold, was the son of British Jews from London, and the nephew of Rufus Isaacs — better known as Lord Reading — who served as Britain's Chief Justice and later as Viceroy of India. It is the first time since Canada launched its missing war identification unit in 2007 that a Jewish soldier has been identified, although Detmold enlisted instead as Presbyterian. In this episode of The CJN's “North Star” podcast, host Ellin Bessner speaks with the historians and forensic experts who identified Detmold through DNA and traced his family. Sarah Lockyer, Alexandra McKinnon and Melissa Davidson of the Department of National Defence's Casualty Identification Unit describe how they uncovered both his identity — and a family history that had been largely forgotten. Related links Learn more about Pte. Albert Detmold , and also about the 100,000 Canadians who fought in the Battle for Hill 70 in August 1917 Read more about the 4,700 Jewish troops who wore a Canadian military uniform in the First World War, in The CJN from 2021 , and from 2016 , Register to help identify Canadian war dead with no known grave, for the Department of National Defence's Casualty Identification Program Credits Host and writer: Ellin Bessner ( @ebessner ) Production team: Zachary Kauffman (senior producer), Andrea Varsany (producer), Michael Fraiman (executive producer), Alicia Richler (editorial director), Yael Sher (marketing and communications coordinator) Music: Bret Higgins Support our show Subscribe to The CJN newsletter Donate to The CJN (+ get a charitable tax receipt) Subscribe to North Star (Not sure how? Click here ) Watch our podcasts on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@TheCJN Help others find this podcast by leaving us a review for “North Star” on Apple Podcasts via your iPhone or iPad device, or with your Android. (Spotify allows only starred ratings but you can do that, too!)

The Canadian prime minister, Mark Carney, has given his generals and admirals an unusual command: spend money. Lots of it. Quickly. For years, it was the other way around. Canada wore the uniform of a serious NATO ally – while undershooting the alliance's 2% of GDP defence spending target. Now, spurred by what Carney has called a “rupture” in geopolitics, Ottawa is adding billions to hit NATO's target by 31 March 2026 – the end of the fiscal year. Military leaders are scrambling to reverse a culture of frugality and long planning cycles. Parliament's budget watchdog has said the Department of National Defence sometimes struggles to spend the funds it already has. The Conservative defence critic has said the new billions are money “the department won't be able to shovel out the door.” Neal Razzell follows the money to see what changes — and what doesn't — when a military tries to expand at speed. In Quebec, at Canada's main basic training base, he watches the rebuild begin — as recruits and instructors grapple with the limits of time, staff and space. In British Columbia, at the Navy's Pacific headquarters, he asks the commander of Maritime Forces Pacific what “spend fast” can actually fix in a fleet Carney says is less than half operational.This episode of The Documentary comes to you from Assignment, investigations and journeys into the heart of global events.

On this episode of #TheGlobalExchange, Colin Robertson sits down with Andrew Rasiulis and `Paul Meyer to discuss Ukraine, Iran and what current events mean for Canada and world order. // Participants' bios: Andrew Rasiulis is a CGAI Fellow. He served in the Canadian Forces and then with the Department of National Defence responsible for Eastern Europe. Paul Meyer served as Canada's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN and the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva. He is a fellow in international security and adjunct Professor of International Studies at Simon Fraser University, and a Director of the Canadian Pugwash Group. // Host bio: Colin Robertson is a former diplomat and Senior Advisor to the Canadian Global Affairs Institute. // Reading Recommendations: - "The Ukraine War & the Eurasian World Order" by Glenn Diesen - "Great Power Diplomacy: The Skill of Statecraft from Attila the Hun to Kissinger" by A. Wess Mitchell // Music Credit: Drew Phillips | Producer: Jordyn Carroll // Recording Date: March 04, 2026 Release date: March 16, 2026

It's very possible the Iranian regime could survive this war, and if so, there would be dire consequences for Iranians in Iran and around the world. Dr. Thomas Juneau is a former analyst for the Department of National Defence, and a professor at the University of Ottawa specializing in Middle East (Iran, Yemen) security and intelligence. He talks to us about justification for war (intelligence vs. politics), potential outcomes, and implications including here in Canada in our feature interview (3:15) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/. MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 47:30 | Jespo and Johnny debrief after the Juneau interview, and reflect on our March 11 Iranian-Canadian Round Table. Real Talkers chime in via the Live Chat powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:16:00 | Four MPs - three Conservatives and now a New Democrat - have crossed the floor to Mark Carney's Liberal government. What do you think about Nunavut MP Lori Idlout's move?  SEND US AN EMAIL: talk@ryanjespersen.com  BUY YOUR FULL HOUSE LOTTERY TICKETS TODAY: https://bit.ly/4sWLHOz FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: 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.

Ever wonder how the infantry is structured and fights on the battlefield? Lieutenant-Colonel Cullen Downey from The Royal Canadian Regiment breaks down everything from the fire team to a battalion, exploring leadership, tactics, and specializations. A must‑listen for anyone curious about the soldiers at the pointy end of the spear.Feel free to contact Captain Adam Orton with any comments or questions:armyconnect-connectionarmee@forces.gc.caConnect with the Canadian Army on social media:Facebook  | X (Twitter) | Instagram | YouTubeVisit Forces.ca if you are considering a career in the Army.Copyright Information© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of National Defence, 2026

Lieutenant-General Michael Wright says the Army we have is not the Army we need – and that is about to change. To kick off season 7, the Army Commander outlines an ambitious modernization agenda: a major structural realignment, new weapons and capabilities, and new personal kit for soldiers. All this so the Army can evolve beyond "contribution warfare" missions and be ready for large-scale combat operations.Feel free to contact Captain Adam Orton with any comments or questions:armyconnect-connectionarmee@forces.gc.caConnect with the Canadian Army on social media:Facebook  | X (Twitter) | Instagram | YouTubeVisit Forces.ca if you are considering a career in the Army.Copyright Information© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of National Defence, 2026

In this episode of Peace Matters, we examine the growing challenges facing European security. As defence budgets rise, U.S. priorities shift, and crises stretch from Ukraine to the Arctic and beyond, security decisions are increasingly made under pressure—and often at a distance from public debate.Drawing on perspectives from Europe's Eastern Flank as well as EU governance and democratic accountability, the discussion explores whether Europe is emerging as an independent security actor, how defence trade-offs are communicated to citizens, and where democratic legitimacy fits into rapid crisis decision-making. From NATO burden-sharing and sanctions to threat perceptions, internal divisions, and public trust, the episode asks a central question: how can Europe defend itself while remaining democratically accountable in an age of uncertainty?Guests:Teresa Coratella is Deputy Head and a Policy Fellow of the Rome office of the European Council on Foreign Relations, a pan-European think tank. She works on Italian foreign policy, European populists and Eurosceptics parties, disinformation and hybrid threats. Half Italian and half Polish, she also follows closely Polish foreign politics as well as the Visegrad group. She is a College of Europe and IVLP Alumna as well as mentor of Women in International Security Italy. Brigadier General Tomasz K. Kowalik is the Deputy Chief of Staff Support at NATO's Multinational Corps Northeast in Szczecin, Poland. A career officer in the Polish Armed Forces since 1993, he has held senior roles across Poland's Ministry of National Defence, the Polish General Staff, and NATO Headquarters in Brussels, where he served as Special Assistant to the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee. He previously directed Poland's Department of Military Foreign Affairs, overseeing bilateral defence relations and defence attachés worldwide. A graduate of West Point, with a PhD in pedagogy, Brig. Gen. Kowalik is also a published author on NATO security and defence transformation.Moderation:Gjergj Loka, Project Assistant at the IIPThe episode was recorded on 28 January 2026.

About This Episode: In this solo Stageworthy episode, host Phil Rickaby takes a deep dive into the idea of “nation-building” — and why Canada keeps getting it wrong. Sparked by post-election rhetoric around pipelines, railways, housing, and AI infrastructure, Phil argues that these are construction projects, not nation-building ones. True nation-building, he suggests, happens through culture — and specifically through the arts. Drawing on Canadian history, from the Massey Commission to the creation of the Canada Council for the Arts, Phil traces how arts funding was once understood as a form of national defence — a way of protecting Canadian identity from cultural erasure. He contrasts that history with today's fixation on GDP, ROI, and “bankable” outcomes, and asks what happens to a country when its soul is treated as discretionary. This episode is part rant, part cultural history lesson, and part call to action — urging Canada to remember that theatres, music, film, and storytelling don't just entertain us. They define us. Support Stageworthy: If you love the show, consider supporting on Patreon: patreon.com/stageworthy Patrons get early access to episodes, participate in conversations about topics to cover, and more. With three backer levels: $2, $7, and $20. Subscribe & Follow:

On this episode of #TheGlobalExchange, Colin Robertson sits down with The Honourable Perrin Beatty and The Honourable John Manley to look at Canada, the world in 2026 and the world in 2026 in the context of the Carney government's foreign policy review. // Participants' bios - The Honourable Perrin Beatty is a former Minister of National Defence, former President and CEO of CBC and former President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. - The Honourable John Manley is a former Finance and Industry Minister and served as the eighth Deputy Prime Minister to Canada. // Host bio: Colin Robertson is a former diplomat and Senior Advisor to the Canadian Global Affairs Institute. // Reading Recommendations: - "Autocracy Inc." by Anne Applebaum - "He Did Not Conquer" by Madelaine Drohan - "James Madison" by Garry Wills - "Canada Rising: From Crisis to Renewal" by The Honourable Perrin Beatty and Fen Olser Hampson // Music Credit: Drew Phillips | Producer: Jordyn Carroll // Recording Date: January 12, 2026 Release date: January 13, 2026

In this episode of Defence Deconstructed, we're featuring a fireside chat from our November 27th 2025 conference, Creating Pan-Domain Continental Defence, with the Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force, Lieutenant-General Jamie Speiser-Blanchet. Thank you the Department of National Defence's MINDS program and all our sponsors who made the conference, and this episode, possible. We'd also like to thank everyone who donated to the Institute on Giving Tuesday, your support is incredibly important in helping us deliver our programming. If you didn't have a chance to donate, but still want to support the Institute or podcast, you can still do so through the support link on our website. // Guest bios: - Lieutenant-General Jamie Speiser-Blanchet is the Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force // Host bio: - David Perry is President and CEO of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute // Defence Deconstructed was brought to you by Irving Shipbuilding. // Music Credit: Drew Phillips | Producer: Jordyn Carroll Release date: 26 December 2025

Ho ho ho! We're feeling festive before the holiday break, but this conversation is serious. HR leader Kin Choi shares hard-earned lessons on leading through constant change, adaptability, mental health, and systems-level thinking in today's workplace.Watch this episode to find out:Why resisting change creates more risk than stabilityHow leaders can build a healthier mindset around uncertaintyWhat decades in HR reveal about employee assistance programsWhy most workplace mental health models stay reactiveHow large institutions can move the “middle” through changeWhat post-secondary disruption reveals about Canada's workforce futureThis conversation challenges conventional thinking on change management and workplace mental health, offering practical insights for leaders navigating complexity, disruption, and long-term organizational health.GuestKin Choi is the Vice President of Human Resources at Algonquin College, with more than 30 years of senior leadership experience across Canada's public and private sectors. He has held executive roles at TELUS Health and National Defence, leading complex organizations through large-scale change. Kin's work focuses on workforce transformation, mental health, and building resilient systems that perform under pressure.Host Dr. Ryan Todd is a psychiatrist, mental health advocate, and co-founder of Headversity, a workplace mental health training solution. Dr. Todd combines his clinical expertise with innovative approaches to empower individuals and organizations to thrive.

In this episode of Defence Deconstructed, we're featuring the second panel from our November 12th 2025 Defence Procurement Conference, with Lieutenant-General Jamie Speiser-Blanchet, Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee and Lieutenant-General Michael Wright. Thank you the Department of National Defence's MINDS program and all our sponsors who made the conference, and this episode, possible. We'd also like to thank everyone who donated to the Institute on Giving Tuesday, your support is incredibly important in helping us deliver our programming. If you didn't have a chance to donate, but still want to support the Institute or podcast, you can still do so through the support link on our website – if you do before the end of the year you'll be eligible for a 100% CRA charitable donation tax credit for 2025. // Guest bios: - Lieutenant-General Jamie Speiser-Blanchet is the Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force - Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee is the Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy - Lieutenant-General Michael Wright is the Commander of the Canadian Army // Host bio: - David Perry is President and CEO of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute // Defence Deconstructed was brought to you by Irving Shipbuilding. // Music Credit: Drew Phillips | Producer: Jordyn Carroll Release date: 19 December 2025

In this episode of Defence Deconstructed, we're featuring a fireside chat from our November 27th 2025 conference, Creating Pan-Domain Continental Defence, with Secretary of State (Defence Procurement), The Honourable Stephen Fuhr. Thank you the Department of National Defence's MINDS program and all our sponsors who made the conference, and this episode, possible. We'd also like to thank everyone who donated to the Institute on Giving Tuesday, your support is incredibly important in helping us deliver our programming. If you didn't have a chance to donate, but still want to support the Institute or podcast, you can still do so through the support link on our website – if you do before the end of the year you'll be eligible for a 100% CRA charitable donation tax credit for 2025. // Guest bios: - The Honourable Stephen Fuhr is the Secretary of State (Defence Procurement). // Host bio: - David Perry is President and CEO of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute // Defence Deconstructed was brought to you by Irving Shipbuilding. // Music Credit: Drew Phillips | Producer: Jordyn Carroll Release date: 12 December 2025

The UN children's agency is calling for urgent action to protect kids in Sudan. Warning in a new report, millions of children are in dire need of life-saving aid.And: A position-defining vote, or a political stunt? Conservatives put forward a non-binding motion on Ottawa's pipeline agreement with Alberta. In an interview with CBC News on Sunday, Poilievre said it was designed to force Prime Minister Mark Carney to prove to Canadians he's serious about building a pipeline. Liberals say it's a waste of time, and they are rejecting it as a cynical ploy to divide them.Also: The Department of National Defence is looking to recruit hundreds of thousands of reservists. It's the most ambitious revamping of the Canadian forces since the Cold War. The question is — how will they pull it off when they're struggling to recruit, feed, clothe and equip the members they already have?Plus: Canada's ambassador to US steps down, dozens of Indigenous cultural items back on Canadian soil, Israel debates conscription for ultra orthodox, and more.

In this episode of Defence Deconstructed, we're featuring a panel discussion from our November 27th 2025 conference Creating Pan-Domain Continental Defence, that was focused on “Integrated Air and Missile Defence”. It featuring CGAI Fellows Col (ret'd) Dr. Al Stephenson, Peter Bates and Dr. James Fergusson, as well as Peggy Mason, the President of the Rideau Institute. Thank you the Department of National Defence's MINDS program and all our sponsors who made the conference, and this episode, possible. We'd also like to thank everyone who donated to the Institute on Giving Tuesday, your support is incredibly important in helping us deliver our programming. If you didn't have a chance to donate, but still want to support the Institute or podcast, you can still do so through the support link on our website – if you do before the end of the year you'll be eligible for a 100% CRA charitable donation tax credit for 2025. // Guest bios: - Peter Bates is a CGAI Fellow and a retired veteran Canadian Foreign Service Officer. - Dr. James Fergusson is a CGAI Fellow and Professor Emeritus in the Department of Political Studies, and Deputy Director of the Centre for Defence and Security Studies. - Peggy Mason is the President of the Rideau Institute - Col (ret'd) Dr. Al Stephenson is a CGAI Fellow and is an aviation consultant and a 35-year veteran of the Canadian Forces. // Host bio: - David Perry is President and CEO of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute // Defence Deconstructed was brought to you by Irving Shipbuilding. // Music Credit: Drew Phillips | Producer: Jordyn Carroll Release date: 05 December 2025

Canada's reputation for politically driven flip-flopping over important military purchases is getting bad, especially given Ottawa's plans to dramatically beef up our forces. But here we go again: the Liberals, after cancelling the purchase of the F-35 next-generation fighter jet, then reversing years later, are considering cancelling again to spite a U.S. president who will be gone in 2028. Brian talks with David Bercuson, director of the University of Calgary's Centre for Military and Strategic Studies and Alan Williams, former assistant deputy minister of materiel at the Department of National Defence. They discuss why the F-35 was picked in the first place (and then picked again) and how short-term politics is corrupting a momentous decision that could have grave consequences in a more dangerous world. (Recorded November 21, 2025) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Canada has seen four incidents in just two months of Canadian Border Service Agency primary inspection kiosks going down at some of the country's busiest airports.CBSA's President Erin O'Gorman admitted they use what it calls 'legacy systems', but besides the security delays at air and land-crossings, these outages highlight the real neglect Ottawa has done to its agencies' technologies. Host Maria Kestane speaks to David Shipley, CEO and co-founder of Beauceron Security to discuss the reality of Canada's ability to defend itself against National security threats, and whether or not these outages are as bad as they seem. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

This week on The CEO Series, Karl Moore speaks with General Jennie Carignan, Canada’s Chief of the Defence Staff. General Carignan discusses how the Canadian Armed Forces are leveraging big data and artificial intelligence in military operations, what it’s like reporting directly to the Minister of National Defence, and the growing importance of the Arctic for national sovereignty and security.

In this episode of Defence Deconstructed, we make available the third panel from our September 16th 2025 conference Charting Canada's Digital Ambition, titled “Setting the Conditions for Success”. Featuring Jody Thomas, ADM Nutan Behki and Mel Crocker, moderated by BGen (Ret'd) Chris Ayotte, the four discuss human and technological risk point in both government and industry. This conference was organized by Triple Helix, supported by the Department of National Defence's Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security (MINDS) program, CGAI's strategic sponsors, and conference sponsors Dell Technologies and Microsoft. // Guest bios: - Jody Thomas is the former National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister - Nutan Behki is Assistant Deputy Minister for Shared Services Canada - Mel Crocker is the Chief Information Officer of Air Canada - Brigadier-General (Ret'd) Chris Ayotte is Principal BD Manager for the National Security and Defence Team at AWS Canada. // Host bio: - David Perry is President and CEO of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute // Defence Deconstructed was brought to you by Irving Shipbuilding. // Music Credit: Drew Phillips | Producer: Jordyn Carroll Release date: 17 October 2025

In this episode of Defence Deconstructed, we make available the two keynote speeches from our conference, Charting Canada's Digital Ambition, on 16th September: The Honourable Jenna Sudds and Lieutenant-General Steve Boivin. In their respective speeches, the two cover the current culture of government within the private sector, how the government is operating with digital transformation at its core, the status of the uncertain and rapidly evolving global security environment, as well as 6 of the 29 operations running out of the Canadian Joint Operations Command. This conference was organized by Triple Helix, supported by the Department of National Defence's Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security (MINDS) program, CGAI's strategic sponsors, and conference sponsors Dell Technologies and Microsoft. // Guest bios: - The Honourable Jenna Sudds is the MP for Kanata and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and to the Secretary of State - Lieutenant-General Steve Boivin is the Commander of the Canadian Joint Operations Command // Host bio: - David Perry is President and CEO of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute // Defence Deconstructed was brought to you by Irving Shipbuilding. // Music Credit: Drew Phillips | Producer: Jordyn Carroll Release date: 10 October 2025

In this #TripleHelix episode of #DefenceDeconstructed, we sit down with Vice Admiral (Ret'd) Ron Lloyd to discuss his new policy perspective, "Nine Actionable Decisions for the Prime Minister to Best Posture Defence". We discuss specific recommendations; the need to make changes to the underlying small p policy set in the Government of Canada, if you want to achieve big capital P policy outcomes. We also preview our upcoming conference "Charting Canada's Digital Ambition" on 16th September. // Guest bios: Vice Admiral (Ret'd) Ron LLoyd was the 35th Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy from 2016-2019. During that time he was also “double hatted” as the acting Vice Chief of the Defence Staff for almost half a year and as the first Chief Data Officer for the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces for a full year. // Host bio: Dr. David Perry is President and CEO of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute // Recommended Readings: - "Nine Actionable Decisions for the Prime Minister to Best Posture Defence" by Vice Admiral (Ret'd) Ron LLoyd - "How Big Things Get Done" by Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner // Defence Deconstructed was brought to you by Irving Shipbuilding. // Music Credit: Drew Phillips | Producer: Jordyn Carroll Release date: 29 August 2025

Troops are notoriously tough on their gear—armoured vehicles, weapons, field equipment, and electronics all take a beating. But have no fear, we have the right people across the country and overseas to get everything back in working order! In this episode, Master Warrant Officer Josh Wolfrom talks about the critical work of the Corps of Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RCEME).Feel free to contact Captain Adam Orton with any comments or questions:armyconnect-connectionarmee@forces.gc.caConnect with the Canadian Army on social media:Facebook  | X (Twitter) | Instagram | YouTubeVisit Forces.ca if you are considering a career in the Army.Copyright Information© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of National Defence, 2025

The answer is no, no she hasn't.As a combat veteran who served and sacrificed along side friends who will never come home from Afghanistan, who carries the scars—both visible and invisible—of combat, I am beyond disgusted by the recent appointment of Jill McKnight as Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, to be clear I'm not the only one either. Countless veterans from across this national and outside of it have reached out to share their distain and disgusted. It's not only insulting; it shows utter contempt by Mark Carney's Liberal cabinet towards those who've actually served our nation and risked everything to uphold our freedoms. Incompetence we already knew Mark was capable of, but this is a whole new level.Substack: https://substack.com/@kelsisheren - - - - - - - - - - - -SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS - - - - - - - - - - - -Ketone IQ- 30% off with code KELSI - https://ketone.com/KELSIGood Livin- 20% off with code KELSI - https://www.itsgoodlivin.com/?ref=KELSIBrass & Unity - 20% off with code UNITY - http://brassandunity.com - - - - - - - - - - - - -SHOPB&U Jewelry & Eyewear: https://brassandunity.com - - - - - - - - - - - - -Follow #thekelsisherenperspective- - - - - - - - - - - - -CHARITYHeroic Hearts Project - https://www.heroicheartsproject.orgAll Secure Foundation - http://allsecurefoundation.orgDefenders of Freedom -https://www.defendersoffreedom.usBoot Campaign - https://bootcampaign.org

On this episode of #TheGlobalExchange, Colin Robertson sits down with Andrew Rasiulis and H.E. Kaspars Ozoliņš to discuss the latest events in Putins visit to Alaska and Zelensky's upcoming meeting with the support of European leaders. // Participants' bios - Andrew Rasiulis is a CGAI Fellow who previously served in the Canadian Armed Forces and Department of National Defence. - H.E. Kaspars Ozoliņš is the Latvian Ambassador to Canada. // Host bio: Colin Robertson is a former diplomat and Senior Advisor to the Canadian Global Affairs Institute. // Reading Recommendations: - "Nexus" by Yuval Noah Harari - "The World of the Cold War: 1945-1991" by Vladislav Zubok // Music Credit: Drew Phillips | Producer: Jordyn Carroll // Recording Date: August 18, 2025 Release date: August 18, 2025

In this episode of #DefenceDeconstructed, we make available a CGAI webinar conducted in April with Andrew Rasiulis, Chris Shapardanov, Alexandra Richards, Robert Baines and Chris Kilford on their respective travels and experiences to the multinational brigade in Latvia. This webinar was made possible due to a NATO Public Policy grant. // Guest bios: - Andrew Rasiulis is a CGAI Fellow who previously served in the Canadian Armed Forces and Department of National Defence. - Chris Shapardanov is a member of the University of Ottawa's Information Integrity Lab and a former diplomat. He is now a Senior Associate at David Pratt and Associates. - Alexandra Richards is a PhD candidate at Simon Frasier University working on public opinion, security and defence issues. - Robert Baines is the President and CEO of the NATO Association of Canada. - Chris Kilford is the President of Victoria Branch of the Canadian International Council. He previously had a 36 year career in the Canadian Armed Forces Forces. // Host bio: Dr. David Perry is President and CEO of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute // Defence Deconstructed was brought to you by Irving Shipbuilding. // Music Credit: Drew Phillips | Producer: Jordyn Carroll Release date: 08 August 2025

They say amateurs talk about tactics, but professionals study logistics. Making sure front line soldiers have everything they need, from ammunition to vehicles and everything in between, means that the fighters can focus on operations. Lieutenant-Colonel Nathan Richards is the Commanding Officer of the National Support Element in Latvia. He explains how his team runs the logistics hub in support of the Canadian-led Multinational Brigade.Feel free to contact Captain Adam Orton with any comments or questions:armyconnect-connectionarmee@forces.gc.caConnect with the Canadian Army on social media:Facebook  | X (Twitter) | Instagram | YouTubeVisit Forces.ca if you are considering a career in the Army.Copyright Information© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of National Defence, 2025

Making sure bombs hit their targets is no easy job, and it's not only up to the pilots. Dive into the world of Joint Terminal Attack Controllers with Warrant Officer Jace Avery to learn about the people who keep one eye on the sky and one on the ground.Feel free to contact Captain Adam Orton with any comments or questions:armyconnect-connectionarmee@forces.gc.caConnect with the Canadian Army on social media:Facebook  | X (Twitter) | Instagram | YouTubeVisit Forces.ca if you are considering a career in the Army.Copyright Information© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of National Defence, 2025

On this episode of #TheGlobalExchange, Colin Robertson sits down with Hon. Perrin Beatty, Vice-Admiral (Retd) Mark Norman, Vincent Rigby and Tim Sargent to discuss the risks and opportunities of the recently announced Canada-European Union Security and Defence partnership. // Participants' bios - Hon. Perrin Beatty is a former Minister of National Defence, former President and CEO of CBC and former President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. - Vice-Admiral (Retd) Mark Norman served as the Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy and former Vice Chief of the Defence Staff. - Vincent Rigby is a former National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister and is Slater Family Professor of Practice at McGill's Max Bell School of Public Policy. - Tim Sargent served as Deputy Minister in several portfolios and is now Senior Fellow and Director of the Domestic Policy Program at the MacDonald-Laurier Institute. // Host bio: Colin Robertson is a former diplomat and Senior Advisor to the Canadian Global Affairs Institute. // Reading Recommendations: - "The Allies Strike Back, 1941-1943" by James Holland - "The Three-Body Problem" by Cixin Liu - "On Freedom" by Timothy Snyder // Music Credit: Drew Phillips | Producer: Jordyn Carroll // Recording Date: July 11, 2025 Release date: July 15, 2025

Mystery surrounds the Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR), making it the subject of many myths. Lieutenant-Colonel Declan Ward is the Commanding Officer of CSOR and sheds some light on what happens in the shadows of special operations.Feel free to contact Captain Adam Orton with any comments or questions:armyconnect-connectionarmee@forces.gc.caConnect with the Canadian Army on social media:Facebook  | X (Twitter) | Instagram | YouTubeVisit Forces.ca if you are considering a career in the Army.Copyright Information© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of National Defence, 2025

Basic training can be intimidating. You're far away from home with strangers and, of course, there are the instructors. Sergeant Melanie Wilson is one of those instructors. Listen in to hear what's happening behind the scenes while recruits are learning to become members of the military.Feel free to contact Captain Adam Orton with any comments or questions:armyconnect-connectionarmee@forces.gc.caConnect with the Canadian Army on social media:Facebook  | X (Twitter) | Instagram | YouTubeVisit Forces.ca if you are considering a career in the Army.Copyright Information© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of National Defence, 2025

The Prime Minister announces a huge boost to military spending, to the relief of a former Canadian Army commander who says that, in an unstable world, that investment is long overdue. An Australian woman is accused of killing her inlaws by serving them Beef Wellington with poisonous mushrooms, and her trial has become a national obsession. While our guest was photographing protests in Los Angeles, he was shot in the leg with a rubber bullet. He tells us the President's decision to send in the National Guard has only made Angelenos less safe. In an annual tradition, staff at a Winnipeg high school all become guidance counsellors, and what they're guiding is a family of ducks. A Canadian classic rock banger has become a staple of this year's Stanley Cup playoffs; we'll get Rik Emmett from Triumph on the line to lay his feelings about "Lay It On The Line" on the line.When a group of young Black men posted a video in which they tried matcha for the first time, it got a lot of love, and a lot of noisy haters. But their videos, and their joy, are proving infectious.As It Happens, the Monday Edition. Radio that celebrates a matcha made in heaven.

With the Ukraine war, the emergence of drones as a major weapon & the demand for new defence spending in the Western alliance, there's a lot to talk about.

Over the past decade, there's been much debate around whether Canada's presence on the world stage has diminished. As Canada prepares to host the upcoming G7 summit in Alberta, along with attending next month's NATO Summit in The Hague, is there an opportunity for a Mark Carney led Canada to take on a more prominent role in a shifting global order? Host Steve Paikin asks: Richard Fadden, Former Director of CSIS - the Canadian Security Intelligence Service; Former National Security Adviser to Stephen Harper, and Former Deputy Minister for the Department of National Defence. Adam Chapnick, Professor of defence studies at the Royal Military College of Canada and Co-author of: "Canada First, Not Canada Alone: A History of Canadian Foreign Policy." Kerry Buck, Former Canadian Ambassador to NATO and Senior Fellow at the University of Ottawa. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join former director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, David Vigneault, and Hoover Senior Fellow, H.R. McMaster, as they discuss the Canadian federal election results, trade, and the potential for a common agenda for the future of the US-Canada alliance. Reflecting on Prime Minister Mark Carney's victory in the Canadian federal election in April 2025 and President Trump's recent controversial comments on Canada as the ‘51st state', Vigneault provides his thoughts on the importance of the US-Canada relationship and outlines a positive agenda of cooperation between both countries in areas including North American defense, intelligence cooperation, missile defense, supply chain resilience and energy security. Vigneault discusses Canada's relationship with Mexico, the dangers associated with conflicts in South Asia, including the current conflict between Pakistan and India, and how best to secure critical infrastructure, sensitive technologies, and intellectual property from hostile countries such as China. ABOUT THE SPEAKERS David Vigneault is the former director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, also known as CSIS. Under his leadership, CSIS elevated awareness of vulnerabilities in sectors critical to Canadian innovation and sovereignty—ranging from biopharmaceuticals and artificial intelligence to aerospace and quantum computing. Prior to CSIS, Vigneault served as Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet for Security and Intelligence in the Privy Council Office. He also held roles in the Canada Border Services Agency, the Communications Security Establishment, and the Department of National Defence. In August 2024, Vigneault joined Strider Technologies—a U.S.-based strategic intelligence firm—where he guides security strategy across public and private sector domains. H.R. McMaster is the Fouad and Michelle Ajami Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. He is also the Bernard and Susan Liautaud Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute and lecturer at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. He was the 25th assistant to the president for National Security Affairs. Upon graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1984, McMaster served as a commissioned officer in the United States Army for thirty-four years before retiring as a Lieutenant General in June 2018.

People throw the word "fascist" around a lot these days, but does it actually fit U.S. President Donald Trump? An internationally-respected Canadian scholar says yes.  2:35 | Dr. Andy Knight, professor of political science at the University of Alberta, tells us why he thinks the US should be declared a pariah state. We hear firsthand how USAID cuts are impacting critical programs in the Caribbean. Dr. Knight tells us what he thinks about the U of A dumping its DEI initiative, and takes us into his report for the Department of National Defence on white supremacy in the Canadian Forces. FOLLOW ANDY ON BLUESKY: https://bsky.app/profile/knight54.bsky.social 1:02:00 | Jespo and Johnny catch up on developments over the weekend, including the ICChange Gala and Rory's big win at The Masters.  1:08:00 | Turns out politicians exaggerate. Do you care about revelations both the Conservatives and Liberals are stretching the truth about the number of people at their rallies? 1:20:00 | Real Talkers Morgan and Tisha respond to comments they've seen in the Real Talk Live Chat, including use of the word "Libtard".  1:30:00 | Real Talker Sheryl tells us about her sweet lab Sidney, who survived a near-drowning in the North Saskatchewan River. Positive Reflections is presented weekly on Real Talk by our friends at Solar by Kuby. SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com  GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kuby.ca/ SUPPORT THE FULL HOUSE LOTTERY TODAY! https://fullhouse.ca/ REGISTER FOR THE REAL TALK GOLF CLASSIC: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/real-ta... FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: 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.

Ryan Stacey is a certified Private Investigator, the C.E.O./Founder of Black Light Investigative and Surveillance Services and the President of TESA International Media Inc.Ryan is also known as a citizen journalist, active Canadian Disclosure Ufologist and a private paranormal/psychogenic investigator. He is the creator of the Ultraspectrum Classification System, the founder of The Experiencer Support Association, and the podcast host of Beyond The Tin Foil Hat and several other media programs.Ryan has previously worked with MUFON as the Director of Field Investigator Training and the National Chief Investigator for MUFON Canada. Ryan has also worked as a Reservist Infantry Soldier for the Department of National Defence, identifies as an Omnist and is an active Freemason.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beyond-the-tin-foil-hat--5335638/support.

A military veteran with 25 years of service, Penny van den Berg shares her journey to founding her courses and coaching business called Gottaminute, which focuses on empowering introverts. Key themes discussed include overcoming self-doubt, course iteration, and the importance of reflection.Penny van den Berg is a military veteran, experienced trainer, coach, and founder of Gottaminute.In this episode, Ari, Abe, and Penny discuss:The value of integrating a coaching perspective into course designPenny's background and journey into course creationThe structure and focus of Penny's course for introvertsHow Penny incorporates her coaching mindset into her coursesThe importance of practicing communication skills in safe environmentsPenny's experience and approach to teaching assertive communicationThe concept of soft skills and their continuous practiceMethods for ensuring that course participants achieve behavior changeThe iterative process of course development based on feedback and new findingsChallenges related to teaching and applying soft skills“If we're basing our behaviors on acquired values more than our core values, there's going to be a misalignment.” — Penny van den BergGuest Bio:Penny van den Berg is a military veteran having served in various roles over her 25 years in uniform. Her final ten years of service left an indelible mark and were the impetus to continue her educational pursuit in coaching. She had the opportunity and privilege to be a Conflict Management Coach for both military members and Department of National Defence employees, and it was this experience that solidified her focus on coaching after military retirement. She experienced the profound positive impact coaching provided with feedback such as "transformative" and "the skills I've learned have even helped my marriage".Penny is an experienced trainer and coach with a Bachelor's degree in psychology and has specialized training in mediation, conflict management, conflict dynamic, and life coaching. She founded Gottaminute in 2023 and provides coaching and education services. Penny has worked separately with individuals in Europe and North America providing coaching services and product development.Her vision is for introverts to have a deeper connection with themselves and others through conversation. And with this deeper self-connection, they can experience an increase in confidence to make their presence, voice, and ideas heard and understood.Resources or websites mentioned in this episode:MiraseeRuzukuPenny's website: GottaMinute.caFree downloadable resource for podcast listeners: Confident Conversations Success PathCredits:Hosts: Ari Iny and Abe CrystalProducer: Michi LantzEditor: Michi LantzExecutive Producer: Danny InyAudio Editor: Marvin del RosarioMusic Soundscape: Chad Michael SnavelyMaking our hosts sound great: Home Brew AudioTo catch the great episodes that are coming up on Course Lab, please follow us on Mirasee FM's YouTube channel or your favorite podcast player. And if you enjoyed the show, please leave us a comment or a starred review. It's the best way to help us get these ideas to more people.Music credits:Track Title: Bossa BBArtist Name: MarieWriter Name: Chelsea McGoughPublisher Name: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONTrack Title: Coo CoosArtist Name: Dresden, The FlamingoWriter Name: Matthew WigtonPublisher Name: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONTrack Title: GraceArtist Name: ShimmerWriter Name: Matthew WigtonPublisher Name: BOSS SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONSTrack Title: Carousel LightsArtist Name: Chelsea McGoughWriter Name: Chelsea McGoughWriter Name: Matthew WigtonPublisher Name: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONPublisher Name: BOSS SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONSSpecial effects credits:24990513_birds-chirping_by_promission used with permission of the author and under license by AudioJungle/Envato Market.Episode transcript: Speaking Up: Confidence and Communication for Course Creators (Penny van den Berg) coming soon.

Host Alex Pierson is joined by the former Minister of Justice, National Defence & Foreign Affairs under Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Mr. Peter MacKay. Alex and Peter talk about why a conference being hosted by a group that is considered terrorist by many of our allies is allowed in Canada, and what it really takes to label a group as terrorists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Justin Trudeau, Canada's long-standing Prime Minister, announced his resignation this week, marking a seismic shift in the nation's political landscape. Trudeau's departure comes after nearly a decade as Prime Minister and thirteen years as leader of the Liberal Party. His resignation was not entirely unexpected but has sparked a wave of introspection within Canadian politics.Here is what you need to know if you don't care about Canada unless they're playing hockey or changing heads of state as told to us this episode by Evan Scrimshaw.The Breaking Point: Why Trudeau ResignedTrudeau's decision to step down was a culmination of mounting pressure from within his party and worsening public opinion. In recent months, his leadership faced escalating dissent. A pivotal moment was the resignation of the finance minister, which signaled deep fractures within the Liberal Party. Over the holiday season, Trudeau faced an ultimatum from his caucus—resign or face a vote of no confidence.Several factors contributed to Trudeau's plummeting support:* Declining Poll Numbers: Trudeau's approval ratings had been steadily eroding, with the Liberal Party polling over 20 points behind the opposition Conservative Party.* Special Election Defeats: Losing in traditionally strong Liberal ridings signaled waning public support.* Policy Disconnect: While many of Trudeau's policies were popular in principle, his personal brand had become a liability. Voters who liked Liberal initiatives often dismissed them outright when they were linked to Trudeau.Trudeau's tenure will be remembered as one of bold progressive initiatives juxtaposed with ethical controversies. On the positive side, his government achieved significant reductions in child poverty, lowered carbon emissions, and introduced affordable childcare programs. Yet, his administration was marred by scandals, including:* Ethics Violations: Pressure on the attorney general to favor a Quebec-based company, SNC-Lavalin, during a corruption probe.* Conflicts of Interest: Controversies surrounding contracts awarded to organizations with personal ties to Trudeau's family.* Housing Crisis: Critics argue Trudeau's inaction exacerbated Canada's housing affordability crisis, with rents and mortgage rates soaring during his leadership.As Scrimshaw put it, Trudeau's administration embodied “reckless disregard” for ethical boundaries. While these issues might have been survivable individually, collectively, they eroded trust in his leadership.Trudeau's resignation has thrown the Liberal Party into a leadership race. He will remain interim Prime Minister until March, with no parliamentary sittings until then. Key contenders for his replacement include:* Chrystia Freeland, the current finance minister and one of Trudeau's closest allies.* Mark Carney, former Bank of Canada and Bank of England Governor.* Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence.* Other candidates, including Francois-Philippe Champagne, Dominic LeBlanc, and former B.C. Premier Christy Clark.The party faces a critical choice: selecting a leader who can halt its decline and prepare it for the next general election. Scrimshaw warns that without decisive leadership, the Liberal Party risks being overtaken by the New Democratic Party (NDP) or marginalized altogether, as seen historically with the UK's Liberal Party being replaced by Labour.As Trudeau exits, the Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, appears poised to seize power in the next election. Poilievre, a pragmatic and relatively moderate conservative, has maintained focus on fiscal discipline while distancing himself from extreme social conservatism. The scale of the Conservative victory—whether narrow or overwhelming—will shape the trajectory of Canadian politics for years to come.Trudeau's political obituary is one of contrasts. He entered office as a symbol of youthful energy and progressive ideals, but over time, his administration became a cautionary tale of hubris and ethical lapses. His departure offers an opportunity for renewal within the Liberal Party and Canadian politics at large. Yet, the path forward is fraught with challenges, as the party grapples with its identity and viability in a rapidly shifting political landscape.ChaptersOpening and Introduction (00:00:00–00:00:45)General overview of topics, including Trudeau's resignation, Zuckerberg's changes at Meta, and upcoming political discussions.The Revival of Government (00:00:45–00:01:25)Commentary on the return of political activity in the House and the Trump administration's cabinet hearings.Justin Trudeau Resigns (00:01:25–00:08:45)A detailed discussion of Trudeau's resignation, his legacy, and the future of the Liberal Party.Global Political Trends and Liberal Party Risks (00:08:45–00:12:15)Insights into parallels between Canadian and UK politics, the Liberal Party's identity crisis, and risks of being overtaken by the NDP.Future Leadership of the Liberal Party (00:12:15–00:14:22)Breakdown of potential leadership candidates and their implications.Conservatives' Prospects and Pierre Poilievre (00:14:22–00:21:57)Analysis of Poilievre's leadership style and the Conservative Party's likely dominance in the next election.Discussion with Tom Merritt on Meta (00:39:00–00:41:07)A conversation with Tom Merritt on the implications of Meta's changes for political and social discourse.The Trump Administration's Strategy (00:26:23–00:29:56, 00:42:00–00:49:20)Overview of Donald Trump's legislative plans, reconciliation tactics, and the challenges facing the House and Senate. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.politicspoliticspolitics.com/subscribe

Host Alex Pierson speaks with political experts from all walks of life to better understand what it means when we hear that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is not only proroguing parliament but also announcing his plans to resign. So Alex speaks with: GUEST: Melissa Lantsman, The Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party & MP of Thornhill GUEST: Peter MacKay, Canada's former Minister of Justice and Attorney General, and also Minister of National Defence and Minister of Foreign Affairs GUEST: Steve Paikin, Author, Broadcaster, & host of TVO's ‘The Agenda' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices