Podcast appearances and mentions of Blaine Higgs

Nicole O'Byrne speaks with Gabriel Arsenault about his book The Higgs Years. Blaine Higgs was the premier of New Brunswick from 2018 to 2024. Leading his Progressive Conservative Party through six years of headline-making policy, in September 2024 he called an election, trying and failing to become the first premier since Liberal leader Frank McKenna to win three consecutive terms in that province. The Higgs Years analyzes Higgs's premiership, particularly in terms of his party's electoral pledge fulfillment record. Contributors portray Higgs as both a unifier and a divider: he successfully reduced New Brunswick's public debt, implemented ambitious governance reforms, and managed the province's response to the COVID-19 pandemic in a bipartisan manner. Yet he also intensified ethnic and linguistic divisions, embraced an executive style of governance, and emphasized wedge issues, such as abortion restrictions and gender identity in schools. While Higgs largely avoided divisiveness in critical areas such as housing, health care, and the environment, he was nonetheless known to alternate between being a unifying and a polarizing leader. Drawing on original data from the Polimeter, a nonpartisan tool that measures whether politicians keep the promises they make, The Higgs Years raises vital questions about the integrity of the relationship between voters and their government in New Brunswick. Gabriel Arsenault is associate professor of political science at the Université de Moncton and associate researcher at the Donald J. Savoie Institute. If you like our work, please consider supporting it: bit.ly/support_WTY. Your support contributes to the Champlain Society's mission of opening new windows to directly explore and experience Canada's past.

Donate to help us make more shows at www.faytene.tv/donate or by calling 1-866-844-0844.Join us as we pick up our eye-opening conversation with The Hon. Blaine Higgs, former Premier of New Brunswick.  

Donate to help us make more shows at www.faytene.tv/donate or by calling 1-866-844-0844.Join us for this powerful and insightful interview with Hon. Blaine Higgs, the former Premier of New Brunswick. He was recently named Canada's best fiscal manager of a province by the Fraser Institute.In this interview, we discuss critical issues impacting both the province and the nation and the challenges, solutions, and principles that have shaped New Brunswick's remarkable turnaround. Conversation Overview:  ✅ How New Brunswick reversed population decline and achieved economic growth  ✅ The bold fiscal policies that saved taxpayers $100 million annually in interest payments  ✅ Insights into Canada's energy challenges and the importance of national energy security  ✅ Why parental rights and accountability in government matter now more than ever  ✅ How strong leadership can build a legacy that benefits future generations  ➡️ Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to our channel and SHARE this episode with your friends and family to spread awareness about these important topics!  ---

Incumbents in all three provinces that voted in October took their licks, but David Eby in British Columbia and Scott Moe in Saskatchewan managed to secure re-election. That wasn't the case for Blaine Higgs in New Brunswick, who lost not only the premier's chair but his own seat.What happened in these three provincial campaigns — and what lessons might be drawn out of them as Justin Trudeau, Pierre Poilievre and Jagmeet Singh prepare for the upcoming federal election?The Pollster Panel is back on The Writ Podcast to provide their perspectives.Dan Arnold, chief strategy officer at Pollara, was director of research and advertising in Justin Trudeau's prime minister's office and was the Liberals' pollster during the last three federal election campaigns.Andrew Enns is executive vice-president at Léger. He conducted polling for the Conservatives in Stephen Harper's last three campaigns and has polled for provincial conservative parties across Canada.James Valcke is director of research and strategy at Viewpoints Research, which has polled for the NDP in elections across the country. He has worked on various central campaigns, including Jack Layton's breakthrough 2011 election.THE NUMBERS: The podcast is now available for everyone every week, so if you missed this week's episode, in which we dive into the Saskatchewan election results as well as the latest federal polls, you can watch it on YouTube here or find it in your favourite podcasting app. If you'd like to become a member of the Patreon and listen to the weekly mailbag episode, as well as a special episode every month, you can join the Patreon here.In addition to listening to this episode of The Writ Podcast in your inbox, at TheWrit.ca or on podcast apps like Apple Podcasts, you can also watch this episode on YouTube. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thewrit.ca/subscribe

Dan Murphy is the executive director of the Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick.

Scott Moe loses...but wins in Saskatchewan. Same with David Eby in BC. Blaine Higgs loses in New Brunswick, period. What's in store for Danielle Smith in Alberta and Tim Houston in Nova Scotia? We zero in on the top political stories in Canada on this episode of Real Talk.  3:15 | Max Fawcett, lead columnist at Canada's National Observer, breaks down the Saskatchewan election result, a wild week or two in B.C. (9:00), Nova Scotia's early election (15:45), the problem with election truthers (21:15), Danielle Smith's leadership review (32:45), Alberta's fight against Ottawa's proposed emissions cap (41:30), and the upcoming U.S. election (58:30).  READ MAX'S WORK: https://www.nationalobserver.com/ MIN. JONATHAN WILKINSON ON REAL TALK: https://rtrj.info/101724Wilkinson 1:10:50 | Did you check out Donald Trump on The Joe Rogan Experience? Jespo and Johnny talk about the moments that jumped out at them.  LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj  REAL TALK MUGS, SNAPBACKS, and TEES: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/c/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.

Dan Murphy is the executive director of the Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick. He speaks with host Steven Webb about work on municipal reform that former premier Blaine Higgs started.

How will the new Holt government fare when it comes to the work on municipal reform that former premier Blaine Higgs began? Jeanne Armstrong spoke to Dan Murphy with the Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick about how they're feeling.

Canadian journalist Nora Loreto reads the latest headlines for Wednesday, October 23, 2024.TRNN has partnered with Loreto to syndicate and share her daily news digest with our audience. Tune in every morning to the TRNN podcast feed to hear the latest important news stories from Canada and worldwide.Find more headlines from Nora at Sandy & Nora Talk Politics podcast feed.Help us continue producing radically independent news and in-depth analysis by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer.Sign up for our newsletterLike us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterDonate to support this podcastReferenced articles:Story 1 - Edmonton cop admits that he became a cop to be able to sexually terrorize women. Story 2 - Blaine Higgs is out and the news has been warmly received by Indigenous leaders.Story 3 - Is listeria on the rise or are we hearing more about cases? This is the question posed by CTV and for some reason is not actually answered in the subsequent article.Story 4 - Former CEO of Abercrombie&Fitch has been accused of running an international sex trafficking ring, luring men into the ring by promising to help their modelling careers.Story 5 - Top Ukrainian prosecutor resigns over scandal where prosecutors seemingly got disability designations to avoid being conscripted into war. Some 30,000 Ukrainian soldiers have deserted this past year.

MONOLOGUE Biden-Harris Regime's War on Christianity: Mockery, Persecution, and the Attack on Faith Threats against politicians could 'intensify' in wake of Trump assassination attempt, CSIS brief warns  https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/threats-against-politicians-csis Ross McLean – Crime and Security Specialist, Host of The McLean Chronicles podcast X @McLeanChronicle YouTube: @McLeanChronicle FACT CHECK THIS New Brunswick's Monumental Mistake: Dumping Higgs for Fiscal Disaster THE HOMESCHOOL ADVISOR Overcoming Common Homeschooling Challenges: Staying Organized and Managing Multiple Children  https://thebrillianthomeschool.com/overcoming-common-homeschooling-challenges/  Lauren Gideon, Director o Public Relations and Affairs at Classical Conversations https://Classicalconversations.com The City of Markham wants to tear down a beloved backyard hockey rink – and charge the owner hundreds of thousands in the process! https://www.rebelnews.com/the_city_of_markham_wants_to_tear_down_a_beloved_backyard_hockey_rink_and_charge_the_owner_hundreds_of_thousands_in_the_process Ontario school refuses to address violent bullying concerns https://www.rebelnews.com/ontario_school_refuses_to_address_violent_bullying_concerns David Menzies, Rebel News Mission Specialist New Brunswick will miss Blaine Higgs. He saved it from fiscal ruin https://nationalpost.com/opinion/np-view-new-brunswick-will-miss-blaine-higgs-he-saved-it-from-fiscal-ruin  Noah Jarvis – Journalist with True North https://tnc.news HEALTH AND WELLNESS COACH The Wrongful Demonization of Animal Fat and How this has Contributed to Chronic Illness https://eatcampogrande.com/blogs/cooking/animal-fat-has-been-wrongly-vilified-a-case-for-eating-more-healthy-meat  Pam Killeen is an author and health coach with a focus on educating people about improving their sleep quality. She's the host of the Circadian Reboot with Pam Killeen podcast/ https://pamkilleen.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Susan Holt's Liberal Party of New Brunswick has won the province's 2024 election, marking a significant shift in leadership and ending Blaine Higgs' pursuit of a third consecutive term. Plus, former B.C. premier Christy Clark is considering a post-Trudeau Liberal leadership bid. And the Trudeau government will soon ban flavoured vaping products nationally. Tune into The Daily Brief with Cosmin Dzsurdzsa and Noah Jarvis! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A disappointing night for the Progressive Conservatives. We hear how Blaine Higgs was feeling after his party's defeat in last night's election.

For the first time in nearly 30 years, the Kennebecasis Valley is entirely red. Two Liberal candidates unseated Blaine Higgs and Ted Flemming last night. Aaron Kennedy and Alyson Townsend speak with host Rachel Cave.

Canadian journalist Nora Loreto reads the latest headlines for Friday, September 13, 2024.TRNN has partnered with Loreto to syndicate and share her daily news digest with our audience. Tune in every morning to the TRNN podcast feed to hear the latest important news stories from Canada and worldwide.Find more headlines from Nora at Sandy & Nora Talk Politics podcast feed.Help us continue producing radically independent news and in-depth analysis by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer.Sign up for our newsletterLike us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterDonate to support this podcastReferenced stories:Like us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterDonate to support this podcastReferenced stories:Story 1 – TIFF stops screening of movie about Russia soldiers due to threats.Story 2 – Blaine Higgs goes on racist rant on Twitter, lying about asylum seekers arriving in New Brunswick.Story 3 – Activists given trespass notices at Berczy Park in Barrie. Story 4 – Rats fleeing the ship as it goes down? Second caquiste leaves the party in a week.Story 5 – Boeing workers on the US west coast vote overwhelmingly to strike.Story 6 – Typhoon Yagi slams Vietnam leaving more than 300 people missing or dead.

Premier Blaine Higgs says the feds are trying to force the province to take in thousands of asylum seekers, without providing federal funding assistance. But the federal immigration minister says the claim is largely fictitious. CBC's provincial affairs report Jacques Poitras joins us with the story.

Julie Dingwell is the executive director of Avenue B Harm Reduction in Saint John.

Premier Blaine Higgs says he won't approve any more safe injection sites, if re-elected. But advocates say the sites help reduce overdose deaths, and give people access to mental health and recovery services. CBC's Hadeel Ibrahim speaks with Julie Dingwell, executive director of Avenue B Harm Reduction in Saint John.

​Premier Blaine Higgs is urging a family not to name the nurses involved in a case where a family member died in a Fredericton hospital waiting room. Raechel Huizinga spoke to Jonathan Shapiro to get some background into what comes with that decision. He's a teaching fellow at the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University.

​Premier Blaine Higgs is urging a family not to name the nurses involved in a case where a family member died in a Fredericton hospital waiting room. Raechel Huizinga spoke to Jonathan Shapiro to get some background into what comes with that decision. He's a teaching fellow at the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University.

​Premier Blaine Higgs is urging a family not to name the nurses involved in a case where a family member died in a Fredericton hospital waiting room. Raechel Huizinga spoke to Jonathan Shapiro to get some background into what comes with that decision. He's a teaching fellow at the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University.

Premier Blaine Higgs is doubling down on his move to stop a sex education group from presenting in New Brunswick schools. Hear what he had to say in the legislature yesterday.

A non-profit organization has been banned from giving presentations at New Brunswick schools, after Premier Blaine Higgs raised concerns about a slide from the sexual education presentation he says was sent to him. We'll hear from the founder and president of HPV

A slide from a sex-ed presentation to high school students is under scrutiny by Premier Blaine Higgs. Nadine Thornhill, a sexuality educator based in Toronto, has hosted sex-ed workshops in high schools and universities all across the country and speaks with host Julia Wright about the importance of sex-ed in schools and at home.

Andrea Anderson-Mason has represented the riding of Fundy-The Isles-Saint John West for the past six years.Lori Turnbull is professor of political science in the faculty of management at Dalhousie University's School of Public Administration.

Premier Blaine Higgs has lost another caucus member heading into the next election.On Friday, former cabinet minister Andrea Anderson-Mason told CBC news she's decided not to run. Jeanne Armstrong spoke to political scientist Lori Turnbull about what it means for the PC Party of New Brunswick. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/andrea-anderson-mason-decides-not-to-run-1.7214119

CBC's ​J​acques Poitras takes a look at the lobbyists who worked for one of the companies supplying travel nurses to the New Brunswick health care system​, including one lobbyist who is a former colleague of Premier Blaine Higgs.  https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/former-mla-brian-macdonald-travel-nurse-lobbyist-1.7211180

Saint John business woman Susan Fullerton and Premier Blaine Higgs pay tribute to their late friend and associate.

The Canada Strong and Free conference is one of the biggest events of the year for Canadian conservatives. The party is polling high, and this event was set to be a launching point for an upcoming wave of victories. Boris Johnson and former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott were in the house, along with premiers Danielle Smith and Blaine Higgs.It's a strange place, where the movement grapples with big topics like climate change, housing costs and foreign policy. What are conservatives talking about? What do they disagree on? We sent our producers Aviva and Sam into the belly of the beast to find out.Host: Mattea RoachCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)Background reading:Poilievre pitches ‘common-sense Canadian consensus' at Canada Strong and Free conference, casts Trudeau as ‘illiberal' outlier – The Hill TimesBoris Johnson tells Canadian conservatives that freedom is the key to victory - National PostPoilievre attacks Trudeau for not reading intelligence briefing notes, breaking 'with liberalism itself' - National PostSponsors: AG1, RotmanWant your audio story on CANADALAND? Submissions for the Local Correspondent Audio Contest are now open! To learn more, visit canadaland.com/audiocontest and follow @CanadaLabs on Instagram to stay in the loop. If you value this podcast, Support us! You'll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You'll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you'll be a part of the solution to Canada's journalism crisis, you'll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Provincial affairs reporter Jacques Poitras explains the many obstacles to Premier Blaine Higgs' plan, both locally and internationally. 

When the prime minister challenged premiers to pitch him an alternative to the carbon tax, Premier Blaine Higgs was ready. Higgs says Justin Trudeau needs to look at "the big picture." But there are many obstacles to Higgs' plan, both here and internationally. Our provincial affairs reporter Jacques Poitras has the story. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/why-blaine-higgs-big-picture-emissions-plan-long-odds-1.7180911

An increasing number of young Canadians can't afford to buy a home, but Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek says not to worry: a lifetime of renting can give “more freedom” and make people feel “liberated,” calling home ownership an outdated concept. True North's Andrew Lawton says it's a convenient way to avoid solving the housing crisis, and also markedly similar to the controversial “own nothing and be happy” trope advanced a few years back by a World Economic Forum author. Also, Andrew shares his full fireside chat with Premier Blaine Higgs about federalism, conservatism, and parental rights, filmed live at the Canada Strong and Free Network's annual conference in Ottawa last week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rae Tyler was just 33 when she and her boyfriend, 35-year-old Jonathan Calhoun, died in a tent fire in Saint John on March 25. We hear from Rae Tyler's family and why her father is deeply troubled by a call he received from Premier Blaine Higgs.https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/rae-tyler-sj-profile-1.7168320

Last month, Raeann Tyler died in Saint John after a tent fire. Now, her family members are expressing their disappointment with remarks by Premier Blaine Higgs about the unhoused. Joy Saunders has passed away at the age of 105 in Lunenburg. She did a charity walk in 2020 at the age of 101. And on the phone-in: Pharmacist Graham Mackenzie discusses adverse drug effects and answers questions about medications.

Blaine Higgs, New Brunswick Premier; Robbyn Lewis, Maryland State Delegate & Antonio Hayes, Maryland State Senator; Pedro Antunes, Conference Board of Canada; The Front Bench with: Brian Gallant, James Moore, Tom Mulcair and Robert Benzie; Adrian Ghobrial, CTV News

Dorothy Shephard on her decision to not run in the next provincial election; reaction from Premier Blaine Higgs.

Premier Blaine Higgs speaks with the CBC's Jeanne Armstrong about the $300 workers benefit and the lucrative contracts awarded to travel nurses.

Lori Turnbull is a professor of political science in Dalhousie University's faculty of management. 

The recent decision by Meta to block news links in Canada in response to the Online News Act has not deterred Canadians from using Facebook, according to a recent data analysis. Plus, the Trudeau government has issued an LGBTQ travel advisory for the United States - an advisory that is usually reserved for authoritarian states in which homosexuality is criminalized. And disgruntled New Brunswick PC Party members have failed to trigger a leadership review of Blaine Higgs over his support for parental rights. Tune into The Daily Brief with Cosmin Dzsurdzsa and Lindsay Shepherd! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

​Last week, the province filed a motion to strike several sections of a ​Wolastoqey title claim in New Brunswick. Premier Blaine Higgs says he's protecting private property owners.​ Indigenous governance professor Pam Palm​ater calls it fear mongering.

Christian conservatives are signing up in big numbers to support Premier Blaine Higgs in an internal battle within the PC party. ​CBC's Jacques Poitras took a look at who is doing the recruiting work on his behalf​.

Caucus revolts, ministerial resignations, cabinet shuffles, leadership challenges and the threat of an early election — you don't need to go much further than New Brunswick to get your fill of political drama.Premier Blaine Higgs has been facing down opponents within his caucus and within his party over the last few weeks. The spark was a proposed change to laws regarding LGBTQ students but the turmoil goes far deeper than that, as some members of his Progressive Conservative government and party denounce his top-down, autocratic style. A few of the renegades were shuffled out of cabinet but a leadership challenge is in the works.It isn't clear how much longer this can go on without the pressure release of an election.To try to explain what's happening, I'm joined this week by Michelle LeBlanc, journalist with Radio-Canada Acadie, and Jacques Poitras, New Brunswick provincial affairs reporter for the CBC.As always, in addition to listening to the episode in your inbox, at TheWrit.ca or on podcast apps like Apple Podcasts, you can also watch this episode on YouTube.Are you a subscriber to The Writ? Then keep an eye on the chat, where I often solicit questions for the podcast. You can find The Writ's subscribers-only chat here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thewrit.ca/subscribe

Did the Trudeau Liberals remove food price tags in a photo op lauding the government's grocery rebate payment? Plus, the founder of the Don't Delete Parents campaign predicts parents will push New Brunswick premier Blaine Higgs to victory if a leadership review unfolds. And former prime minister Stephen Harper calls for stronger global ties between Hungary and conservative parties. Tune into The Daily Brief with Cosmin Dzsurdzsa and Elie Cantin-Nantel! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's a clear winner in the standoff between Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and the CBC. Seven months after reporting Smith's office had emailed Crown Prosecutors in an attempt to influence proceedings relating to the Coutts border blockade, the CBC says it "regrets" including details that couldn't be confirmed. Earlier this spring, Smith threatened legal action against the news outlet if an apology wasn't issued.  4:00 | What are the implications here? How will the CBC walking back its story impact public perception of the journalists involved and the brand as a whole? Ryan shares his personal perspective, including why media professionals across the country are finding this a tough pill to swallow.  16:35 | Who are the most and least popular political leaders in Canada right now? 338 Canada poll analyst Philippe Fournier breaks down recent numbers from Angus Reid Institute and Abacus Data, including a detailed look at Danielle Smith, Scott Moe, David Eby, Heather Stefanson, Blaine Higgs, Justin Trudeau, and Pierre Poilievre. 37:16 | After a nearly twenty year career as a TV meteorologist, Chris Gloninger is calling it quits, citing PTSD from sustained harassment and abuse. He joins Ryan a day ahead of his final broadcast for KCCI-8 in Des Moines, Iowa with details on why he decided to walk away from his broadcast career, and what he's doing next. FOLLOW CHRIS ON TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ChrisGloninger 1:07:50 | Our Real Talk Ryan Jespersen YouTube channel is now even easier to navigate! Ryan and Johnny outline a few improvements that'll make our interview highlights easier to share with your friends.  APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN FOR THE REAL TALK JULIE ROHR SCHOLARSHIP: https://ryanjespersen.com/scholarship THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING US BY SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/RealTalkRJ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/RealTalkRJ/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@realtalkrj 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

This month, New Brunswick's Department of Education announced changes to a policy meant to protect LGBTQ students. As of Saturday, the minister responsible says staff can't call kids under 16 by their preferred pronouns or names unless they have parental permission, though the actual text of the changes differs. Premier Blaine Higgs has added to the controversy with misleading comments about coming out as transgender being “trendy” and the risks of gender-affirming care. For these changes and a number of Higgs' past moves, two of his cabinet ministers have resigned, and more than half the party's riding presidents have signed letters that could trigger a vote on his leadership. Today on Front Burner, CBC New Brunswick reporter Hadeel Ibrahim and provincial affairs reporter Jacques Poitras explain the upheaval amoung LGBTQ advocates and Higgs' own MLAs, and the fears for backsliding of rights beyond the province. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts

John Williston is a regional vice-president with the Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick.

Cabinet ministers have quit. Some party leaders are calling for him to resign. But New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs tells Brian Lilley he'll stake his political career to take a stand for parents in his province to be involved when their kids ask at school to be identified by a different gender or name. Higgs discusses what he thinks of attempts by Justin Trudeau, activists, and progressive media to portray him as “far right,” and why he's confident the public is on his side. The premier also shares his own thoughts about the prime minister and federal policies he believes are hurting New Brunswick — and the country. (Recorded June 22, 2023) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joyce Murray, Coast Guard Minister; Vice Admiral (Retired) Mark Norman, Former Royal Canadian Navy Commander; Blaine Higgs, News Brunswick Premier; Brian Gallant, Former New Brunswick Premier; Kate Harrison, Summa Strategies; Tom Mulcair, CTV News Political Analyst; Robert Benzie, The Toronto Star 

Justin Trudeau blames “far-right political actors” over what he says is a rise in “hate” against trans kids, referring to a policy in New Brunswick that teachers must notify parents if they learn a child of theirs under 16 seeks to change their gender. New Brunswick premier Blaine Higgs has pushed back, saying Trudeau doesn't support parents. News Forum host and parental rights advocate Tanya Granic Allen joins True North's Andrew Lawton to discuss. Also, Justice Russell Brown has resigned from the Supreme Court of Canada, meaning Trudeau will soon be able to appoint his sixth judge to the bench. Plus, Maxime Bernier says True North is “like CBC” for asking him about his past attendance at Davos. Andrew weighs in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trump indictment: Focus groups, Blaine Higgs, Fentanyl test strip barber, Zarina Zabrisky: Eastern Front, 12-year-old University of Ottawa grad, COP 28 bots, Kherson Rabbi, Singapore racing grounds and more

A policy in New Brunswick that took 10 years to create, and was implemented by a Conservative government three years ago, is now being “reviewed” by that same government. Policy 713 was designed to provide safety for LGBTQIA+ kids in public schools, from washroom use to students being able to change their names or pronouns without parental contact. Premier Blaine Higgs has been vague about what that review actually entails, and phrases such as “parents have a right to know” have been used.Thus far, while the homophobia and transphobia driving anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation in the United States is definitely present in Canada, our governments have not allowed it space in policy. The review of Policy 713 in New Brunswick is the first real test of whether we'll go down the same road, and it comes at the beginning of the most politically fraught Pride month in years...GUEST: Dale Smith, parliamentary press gallery journalist, national columnist for XtraWe love hearing from our listeners. If you'd like to offer feedback, suggest an episode topic or have a question about this episode or any other, you can find The Big Story on Twitter @thebigstoryfpn, you can email us at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca, and you can call and leave a voicemail at 416-935-5935.