Podcasts about prime minister harper

The Herle Burly was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as CN Rail, TikTok Canada. Greetings you curiouser and curiouser Herle Burly-ites! I've been hunkering down this last week here in London, England and that's spurred me to want to dive a little deeper into the U.K., it's relationships with Canada and the U.S., and trade. How those relationships have changed – in a Carney and Trump context – and what new dynamics are driving it all.I've got just the chap to do that with.  Now 4-time Herle Burly guest, Andrew MacDougall!Andrew is the former Director of Communications for Prime Minister Harper. Now, he lives in London, where he's a Partner at Trafalgar Strategy, and writes about politics and current affairs, and appears frequently on TV, in all the best journalistic places. That includes his most recent piece in The Ottawa Citizen, a poignant tribute to his late father, one-time Ottawa city councillor and dedicated family doctor, Greg MacDougall, who passed just a couple of weeks ago on Easter Sunday. Give that lovely piece a read, if you haven't yet.Time permitting here after all the U.K. talk, I also want to get Andrew's take on Carney and Poilievre and the performance of the Conservatives vs. Liberals, in the election just passed.Thank you for joining us on #TheHerleBurly podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts or your favourite podcast app.Watch episodes of The Herle Burly via Air Quotes Media on YouTube.

Roy L Hales/Cortes Currents - Aaron Gunn, the Conservative candidate for North Island Powell River, has responded to some of the allegations made about his position on residential schools. I am reading this out from his Twitter feed. I'd like to clear up what has been said today. I have always been firm in recognizing the truly horrific events that transpired in residential schools, and any attempt to suggest otherwise is simply false. I have never wavered in condemning these institutions of abuse, where countless First Nations suffered at the hands of a patronizing federal government. I have never wavered in condemning the theft of children from their families, or the forced destruction of Indigenous language, culture and traditions. Not only have I repeatedly denounced what happened at residential schools, through my documentaries I have also interviewed more than two dozen Indigenous leaders on the importance of economic reconciliation with First Nations while also highlighting the disproportionate impact the addictions crisis has had on their communities. Leader Pierre Poilievre explained it well at the AFN Assembly last July: I know that the relationship between First Nations and the federal government has been painful and destructive because of the federal government's terrible decisions. For decades, the residential school system removed children from the love and care of their families. It was a monstrous abuse of excessive governmental power that cut your children off from their cultures, languages, and traditions. In many cases, students were neglected and abused tragically. Too many young children never came home. Those were terrible crimes by a big and imposing government against each victim and against your communities. In 2008, the federal government under then Prime Minister Harper issued an apology and launched the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, but there is more work to be done. I know that Canada has no future without a strong future for the First Nations people. We must acknowledge the terrible mistakes of our past and learn from our history while celebrating Canada as the greatest country on earth. I look forward to working with great candidates such as former Haisla Chief Ellis Ross, to repeal the Liberals' radical anti-resource laws to quickly green-light good projects so First Nations and all Canadians bring home more powerful paycheques.

In this episode of The Global Exchange podcast, Colin Robertson sits down with Martha Hall Findlay, Philippe Lagassé, Bill Robson and Ian Brodie, to discuss the long-term effects and implications of the Trump-imposed tariffs on Canada. // Participants' bios - Martha Hall Findlay is the Director of the School of Public Policy and Palmer Chair in Public Policy, University of Calgary, CEO of the Canada West Foundation, Chief Sustainability Officer for Suncor and a Member of Parliament. - Philippe Lagasse is an Associate Professor and Barton Chair, Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University. He was recently awarded the Canadian Forces Medallion for distinguished service for his exemplary contribution to Canadian defence policy. - Bill Robson is President and CEO of the C.D Howe Institute. - Ian Brodie is a Program Director at CGAI and a Professor at the University of Calgary, Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Harper and the InterAmerican Development Bank. // Host bio: Colin Robertson is a former diplomat and Senior Advisor to the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, www.cgai.ca/colin_robertson // // Reading Recommendations: - "Time to Prepare" by Philippe Lagassé, https://www.readtheline.ca/p/philippe-lagasse-time-to-prepare - The Thursday Question by Ian Brodie, https://thethursdayquestion.substack.com/about // Recording Date: March 5, 2025 Release date: March 10, 2025

In Episode 62, Frank is joined by Chris Krueger of TD Cowen's Washington Research Group to discuss the first 30 days of the Trump Administration, and the on-going trade war with Canada. Chris outlines his biggest surprises to date, including the sheer torque of rulemaking from the executive branch - he figures his team in Washington undershot the runway when it suggested Trump 2.0 would be "all gas, no break."Frank provides insights into Canada's strategy for defending itself and thinks the current alignment across the country will be key to victory against the US tariffs, but he agrees with former Prime Minister Harper in suggesting that Canadians will need to be prepared to endure some hardships through this difficult period. He also explains the meaning of Interprovincial trade barriers, suggesting that they act as a 7% tariff on goods moving from province to province.  Chris also shares his biggest surprises to date in Trump's second term, including the influence of Elon Musk. Both Chris and Frank think that the right leaning Supreme Court will give Trump leeway to continue his changes in Washington but will keep some guardrails in place.This podcast was recorded on February 18, 2025.Chapter Headings03:23 Newfoundland Premier's “Chilling” Feedback from Trump Team10:38 Next Steps on Canada-US Tariff Debate15:40 Will Supreme Court Support Guard Rails for Executive Branch?24:40 Flooding the Zone to Change the Narrative in US31:22 Elon Musk's Influence on Whitehouse  For relevant disclosures, visit: tdsecurities.com/ca/en/legal#PodcastDisclosure. To learn more about TD Securities, visit us at tdsecurities.com or follow us on LinkedIn @tdsecurities.

The Herle Burly was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as CN Rail.Greetings, you curiouser and curiouser Herle Burly-ites! A deep dive on the pod today into what's become a political hot topic: Retirement Security and Canadian Pensions. The Bloc is threatening to trigger an early election over Bill C-319. A Bill that would raise Old Age Security payments for seniors between the ages of 65 and 74 by 10%.Today, I want to step back and examine the whole area from a policy perspective. And so, we've brought back the vaunted Herle Burly #PolicyPanel … Tyler Meredith, Jennifer Robson, and Sean Speer.Tyler is the former Head of Fiscal and Economic Policy for Prime Minister Trudeau and Ministers of Finance, Chrystia Freeland and Bill Morneau. Today, he's a Founding Partner at Meredith/Boessenkool Policy Advisors. Jennifer has held senior roles in policy development and research with the Federal Government. She's now Program Director and Associate Professor of Political Management at Carleton University.And Sean is a former senior economic advisor to Prime Minister Harper. Today, he's Senior Fellow at U of T's Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. He's also a Founder and Editor-at-Large at TheHub.ca.So, here's a road map of what I hope to cover today:What's the financial position of both current and soon-to-be retirees? How does an expanded CPP affect that? What was the government's rationale for increasing OAS to only those over 75? What impact would the Bloc's proposal have? How is the RRSP system working and how can we get more people saving earlier? And more!Thank you for joining us on #TheHerleBurly podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts or your favourite podcast app.Watch episodes of The Herle Burly via Air Quotes Media on YouTube.

Send us a textGreetings & welcome back to the podcast. This episode we are joined by Mr.Jason Kenney - 18th Premier of Alberta, and former Canadian Federal Cabinet Minister.  A brief history of Mr.Kenney's accomplishments & experience include:-18th Premier of Alberta from 2019 until 2022, and the leader of the United Conservative Party (UCP) from 2017 until 2022-Parliamentary secretary to Prime Minister Harper (2006-2007)-Secretary of State for Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity (2007–2008)-Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism (2008–2013)-Minister of Employment and Social Development (2013–2015)-Minister of Defence (2015)Mr. Jason Kenney received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012,and the Albertan version of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022.Mr. Kenney is currently a senior advisor for the law firm Bennett Jones, and is a Board Member of ATCO, Fairfax India Holdings Corp, Alliance for Responsible Citizenship, SE Health, Teneo, Peoples Group, Lighthouse Voyage, Coril Holdings Ltd., & Senior Fellow at the C.D. Howe Institute.Among other things we discussed A Few Reflections on 30 Years of Federal & Provincial Politics.Enjoy.Thank you to our sponsors.Without their support this episode would not be possible:Connate Water SolutionsEnverusContango MarketingCanadian Gas AssociationUpgrade LabsATB FinancialSupport the show

The Herle Burly was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as CN Rail.Greetings, Herle Burly-ites! And a happy, pre-rum and coke weekend to you loyal pod listeners. We've assembled our #PolicyPanel again to give us their thoughts on what has easily been the most contentious piece from the recent budget: the capital gains tax debate.Tyler Meredith, Ken Boessenkool, and Dr. Jennifer Robson are here to talk about those goddamned – or those absolutely spot on (depending on your point of view) – Capital Gains tax measures.Tyler is the former Head of Fiscal and Economic Policy for Prime Minister Trudeau and Ministers of Finance, Chrystia Freeland and Bill Morneau. Today, he's a Founding Partner at Meredith/Boessenkool Policy Advisors.Ken is the other, more conservative half of that founding partnership. He's one of Canada's leading policy strategists, having worked for Prime Minister Harper, Premier Klein, and Christy Clark among others. And he's a research fellow at the CD Howe Institute.Jennifer has been in senior roles in policy development and research with the Federal Government. She's now Program Director and Associate Professor of Political Management at Carleton University. Her research centres on the intersection of household finances and the design and implementation of social policy.So who better to dive into this topic and tax policy more generally? The answer is nobody. Nobody, godammit!Thank you for joining us on #TheHerleBurly podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts or your favourite podcast app.Watch episodes of The Herle Burly via Air Quotes Media on YouTube.

The Herle Burly was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as CN Rail.Our guest today is a long-time friend of the pod, back for his third appearance, Andrew MacDougall!Andrew is the former Director of Communications for Prime Minister Harper. Now he lives in London, England where he's a Director at Trafalgar Strategy, and writes about politics and current affairs, and appears frequently on TV, in all the best journalistic places. That includes his most recent piece in The Star on the snap, soggy election call by UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak.Today we're going to talk about what this election is about and the issues confronting the United Kingdom. And the overlap and lessons for he Canadian political scene. With more on Poilievre, Trudeau, and Singh.Thank you for joining us on #TheHerleBurly podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts or your favourite podcast app.Watch episodes of The Herle Burly via Air Quotes Media on YouTube.(1) https://relaywithkyla.beehiiv.com/p/welcome-1st-relay-kyla-ronellenfitsch

The Herle Burly was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as CN Rail.Joining me on the pod, are all the policy chops you could ever want. Our own Herle Burly Budget Lock-up! THE policy panel is here making their 4th appearance on the show: Dr. Jennifer Robson, Sean Speer and Tyler Meredith.I'll just remind you of their bona fides…Jennifer has held senior roles in policy development and research with the Federal Government. She's now Program Director and Associate Professor of Political Management at Carleton University. Her primary areas of research are at the intersection of household finances and the design and implementation of social policy. Sean is a former senior economic advisor to Prime Minister Harper. Today, he's Senior Fellow at U of T's Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. He's also a Founder and Editor-at-Large at the very excellent, TheHub dot ca.Tyler is the former Head of Fiscal and Economic Policy for Prime Minister Trudeau and Ministers of Finance, Chrystia Freeland and Bill Morneau. Today, he's a Founding Partner at Meredith/Boessenkool Policy Advisors.Thank you for joining us on #TheHerleBurly podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts or your favourite podcast app.Watch episodes of The Herle Burly via Air Quotes Media on YouTube.

Today we bring you a special extended episode of Fidelity Connects, focusing on the 2024 federal budget, released on April 16. We are featuring a panel of experts to break down the economic, tax, and political implications of the 2024 federal budget and what it all means for Canadians and their finances. Host Pamela Ritchie leads the discussion and is joined by Peter Bowen, Fidelity's Tax and Retirement expert, fresh from the Ottawa budget lock-up. Andrew Clee, Fidelity VP Product, provides insights on what the budget means for the markets and the economy. Also joining us today is David Herle, a former top advisor to Prime Minister Paul Martin, among others, and is a Principal Partner at the prominent research firm, The Gandalf Group. As well as Kory Teneycke, who is a former director of communications to Prime Minister Harper and is a Co-founder and CEO of Rubcion Strategy, a full-service public affairs company. Recorded on April 17, 2024.   At Fidelity, our mission is to build a better future for Canadian investors and help them stay ahead. We offer investors and institutions a range of innovative and trusted investment portfolios to help them reach their financial and life goals. Fidelity mutual funds and ETFs are available by working with a financial advisor or through an online brokerage account. Visit fidelity.ca/howtobuy for more information. For the third year in a row, FidelityConnects by Fidelity Investments Canada was ranked the #1 podcast by Canadian financial advisors in the 2023 Environics' Advisor Digital Experience Study.

The Herle Burly was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as CN Rail.Alright you holiday Herle Burly-ites, welcome to our last pod of the year. We'll be back week of January 8th , 2024, as I'm heading to my prairie homeland during the break for a little L-H-R in R time. That's a Herle acronym for Lemon Hart Rum in Regina time. But getting back to today's show … This is just a fantastic way to send out our podcasting year: Jason Kenney is our guest! The 18th Premier of Alberta. Former Leader of the United Conservative Party and the last leader of the Alberta PC Party. MP for the Reform Party and Canadian Alliance. And a multi-portfolio Cabinet Minister for Prime Minister Harper's Conservatives from 2006 to 2015. Just a highly distinguished political career. Which is where you might expect me to take the bulk of this conversation. Except that, I won't.Instead, today I want to talk to Mr. Kenny about the Conservative movement and modes of thinking on a larger scale and on a number of issues. Global Affairs. Russia and Ukraine. China. Israel and Gaza. Climate Change and different ways to grapple with it. The future of the U.S. Republican Party, and more.Thank you for joining us on #TheHerleBurly podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts or your favourite podcast app.Watch episodes of The Herle Burly via Air Quotes Media on YouTube.

Today we bring you a special one-hour episode of FidelityConnects, focusing on the 2023 federal budget, which was released on March 28th. Spending on dental coverage, a new grocery rebate, and investment in green technology are some of the big-ticket items tabled in the budget, bringing the projected deficit to 40.1 billion dollars. New tax measures, including a move to target banks with a dividend tax change, also made the final cut. Today we are proud to feature a panel of experts to break down the economic, tax, and political implications of the 2023 federal budget and what it all means for Canadians. Host Pamela Ritchie leads the discussion and is joined by David Herle, a former top advisor to Prime Minister Martin among others, and is a Principal Partner at the prominent research firm, The Gandalf Group. As well as Kory Teneycke, who is a former director of communications to Prime Minister Harper and is a co-founder and CEO of Rubicon Strategy, a full-service public affairs company. Also joining us today are Fidelity's Tax and Retirement experts, Peter Bowen and Michelle Munro, who were in the Ottawa budget lock-up. Peter is Vice-President of Tax and Retirement Research, and Michelle is Director. Peter and Michelle advise financial advisors and their clients on complex tax issues that affect Fidelity's investment funds and investors. Rounding out our panel is Fidelity Portfolio Manager David Wolf. David is a member of Fidelity's Global Asset Allocation team, and a former Adviser to the Governor of the Bank of Canada. Recorded on March 29, 2023. At Fidelity, our mission is to build a better future for Canadian investors and help them stay ahead. We offer investors and institutions a range of innovative and trusted investment portfolios to help them reach their financial and life goals. Fidelity mutual funds and ETFs are available by working with a financial advisor or through an online brokerage account. Visit fidelity.ca/howtobuy for more information. For the second year in a row, FidelityConnects by Fidelity Investments Canada was ranked the #1 podcast by Canadian financial advisors in the 2022 Environics' Advisor Digital Experience Study.

Inflation continues to weigh on Canadians, and it is not a new phenomenon. Throughout history, decision makers and markets have rallied and tamed the monetary beast before. But each time, the fight to restore price stability and confidence has been different, requiring a policy response that is suited for the unique circumstances of the time. So, what are the characteristics of the global and domestic economic woes we face today? What fiscal, monetary and free market weapons should come to bear? To offer his perspectives we welcome Canada's 22nd Prime Minister – the Right Honourable Stephen Harper. Prime Minister Harper co-founded the Modern Conservative party of Canada, won three successive national elections in 2006, 2008 and 2011, and lead our economy through the financial crisis. He was most recently inducted into Order of Canada, is an author and Chairman of Harper Associates Consulting and International Democrat Union. Today, with host Pamela Ritchie, we'll hear Prime Minister Harper's thoughts on inflation and liquidity. Additionally, the energy transition, cryptocurrencies and the current investment environment, noting we are in a period of macroeconomic and geopolitical turmoil. Prime Minister Harper also looks at geopolitics, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He'll also outline opportunities for Canada. Recorded on November 1, 2022. At Fidelity, our mission is to build a better future for Canadian investors and help them stay ahead. We offer investors and institutions a range of innovative and trusted investment portfolios to help them reach their financial and life goals. Fidelity mutual funds and ETFs are available by working with a financial advisor or through an online brokerage account. Visit fidelity.ca/howtobuy for more information. For the second year in a row, FidelityConnects by Fidelity Investments Canada was ranked the #1 podcast by Canadian financial advisors in the 2022 Environics' Advisor Digital Experience Study.

We're joined today by a special guest, the Honourable John Baird, former Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister serving under Prime Minister Harper. The inflation story is continuing to move markets, and a major piece of the inflation story this year has been geopolitics including the Ukraine crisis and its consequences on energy and agriculture. Also, a rising China, shifting supply chains, and economic and military alliances across the globe. John Baird shares his views today on the geopolitical climate, to help make sense of what it all means for Canada. John has had a front seat in the world of diplomacy, trade negotiations, national security and decision-making at the highest levels of government. Some highlights from John's discussion with host Pamela Ritchie include a look at the most significant geopolitical factors right now, the impact of inflation in Canada and globally, Canada's relationship with the U.S., infrastructure, housing, immigration, and more. Recorded on September 20, 2022. At Fidelity, our mission is to build a better future for Canadian investors and help them stay ahead. We offer investors and institutions a range of innovative and trusted investment portfolios to help them reach their financial and life goals. Fidelity mutual funds and ETFs are available by working with a financial advisor or through an online brokerage account. Visit fidelity.ca/howtobuy for more information. For the second year in a row, FidelityConnects by Fidelity Investments Canada was ranked the #1 podcast by Canadian financial advisors in the 2022 Environics' Advisor Digital Experience Study.

Born in Fort St. John, B.C, and raised on the family farm near Taylor in the B.C Peace River country, Jay Hill developed a strong work ethic at a young age. After graduating from high school, Jay held numerous positions in the oil and gas sector, both in exploration and production in northern BC. ​ In 1975, Jay returned to his roots and became a partner on the family farm with his father and brother. Off season he subsidized his farm income by continuing to work in the oil patch. ​ Jay honed his leadership skills as he served as President of the B.C. Grain Producers Association, Director with the B.C. Federation of Agriculture, a Director of Soil Conservation Canada, and Chair of the B.C. Provincial Seed Fair. ​ This experience led Jay to a career in federal politics where for 17 years and through 6 general elections, he was known by most as a dedicated, respected, and fair statesman – a rarity in the world of Canadian politics. ​ Later Jay played a key role in Canada's political landscape. As the party evolved from the Reform Party of Canada, to the Canadian Alliance and finally the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) Jay presided over the caucus transition, building morale and unity. Jay always served in senior roles, as Whip and House Leader, both in Opposition and in Government. ​ After being named to Cabinet in 2007, Prime Minister Harper appointed Jay to several roles that further developed his leadership skills. These included all-party and committee negotiations, Treasury Board fund approval, strategic and regulatory review of government departments, managing the House of Commons legislative program, and providing guidance and mentoring to new and would-be politicians. When Jay retired from full time politics in 2010, he established a government relations consulting practice to provide strategic counsel and guidance to CEO's and senior executives in the energy and telecom sectors. ​ Jay recently wrapped up his consulting practice but continues to help his brother on the family farm with planting and harvest. Jay also remains active and engaged in Canadian politics. *************************************************** Follow the Cross Border Interview Podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossborderpodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CrossBorderPod Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/CrossBorderInterviews Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI2i25ZVKTO84oUsLyO4jig Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/ Back the Show: https://www.patreon.com/CrossBoderInterviewPodcast The Cross Border Interview Podcast was Produced and Edited by Miranda, Brown & Associates Inc © 2022

Radical left and the radical right make the road to leadership risky. Sean Speer, former advisor to Prime Minister Harper and political commentator weighs in.

The Herle Burly was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as CN Rail. On the pod today is the prime architect of Doug Ford's landslide re-election in Ontario: Kory Teneycke. You all know Mr. Teneycke, a good Saskatchewan boy, former comms director to Prime Minister Harper and campaign manager for Doug Ford in both the 2018 and 2022 elections. Cast your mind back over 2 years ago and recall the fix Mr. Ford seemed to be in. His popularity was rock bottom. So, what changed? We'll dive deep into the details of the winning strategy with Kory and we'll also ask him about what surprised him about the other campaigns.Thank you for joining us on #TheHerleBurly podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts or your favourite podcast app.Watch conversations from The Herle Burly on YouTube. 

The Hon. Stockwell Day was in Parliament during 9/11 and also served as Minister of Public Safety under Prime Minister Harper. He is also a student of history.He joined me to talk about the significance and implication of the Emergency Measures Act that was invoked this time yesterday. All our content is viewer supported. To donate to help us make more content: https://www.faytene.tv/donate

The Herle Burly was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as CN Rail.Alright, today on the pod, we have a two-fer! I'm pretty chuffed that former MPs and Cabinet Ministers Lisa Raitt and Anne McLellan are here.Ms. Raitt is currently Vice-Chair of Global Investment Banking for CIBC and you'll remember her well as Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party as well as serving as Minister of Natural Resources, Labour and Transport for Prime Minister Harper.Ms. McLellan is Canadian and International Strategic Planning Advisor at Bennett Jones LLP. She served in Parliament as Deputy Prime Minister under Paul Martin, as well as Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and earlier, Minister of Natural Resources, Minister of Justice and Minister of Health.Today they're both here in their capacities as Co-Chairs of The Coalition for a Better Future, which supports nothing less than a complete rethink and re-imagination of what we can achieve as a country. A raising of our sights – to embrace a transformative vision for inclusive, sustainable economic growth and opportunity. Particularly relevant now amidst slow to stagnating economic growth as we try to recover from COVID.So, we're going to talk about all of that today. What policy gaps are they trying to fill here? Specifically, what are they proposing? And what are implications to a progressive policy agenda in this country?Thank you for joining us on #TheHerleBurly podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts or your favourite podcast app.Watch conversations from The Herle Burly on YouTube. 

In this podcast episode, Greg Marchildon interviews Jim Farney, an Associal Professor of Political Science and the University of Regina Director of the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy. A careful observer of Conservative politics in Canada, he previously published Social Conservatism and Party Politics in Canada and the United States. With co-editor Julie Simmons, he has recently completed a book entitled Open Federalism Revisited: Regional and Federal Dynamics in the Harper Era published by the University of Toronto Press in 2021. In our interview, we examine the impact and legacy of Prime Minister Harper’s shift from collaborative federalism to what he called “open federalism”, a term used to describe an older “watertight” compartment of view of federalism in which the two orders of government operate separately in their areas of jurisdiction.

In this episode, we’re talking about talking about carbon taxes. What do people know about carbon taxes? What do they think about them? What is it like talking about them across the political divide? Host Nick Martin talks with Mark Cameron from Canadians for Clean Prosperity, former policy director for Prime Minister Harper and a conservative who supports putting a price on carbon. Then he sits down with Dale Beugin from the Ecofiscal Commission to talk about the public perceptions of carbon taxes. Meanwhile, What the West hits downtown Calgary with office pup Churchill to talk to everyday Calgarians about what they think about carbon taxes.

Industry veteran Paul Rosen joins us and shares that for cannabis he feels that Toronto is the most important city in the world as it’s the capital of capital. It’s gained that distinction based on a series of Canada constitutional court rulings which ruled that a patient had the right to the medicine of his/her choosing. The court rulings led to the first regulatory infrastructure- the Medical Marijuana Access Regulations or MMAR which was built around home grow. Prime Minister Harper’s government then put in the Marijuana for Medical Purposes Regulations MMPR which ushered in the current medical industry. And set up the opportunity for Prime Minister Trudeau’s government to introduce legal adult use cannabis in parliament which goes into effect July 2018.

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One of the possible outcomes of Monday's vote is a minority government led by Prime Minister Harper. Both Justin Trudeau and Tom Mulcair have said they will not co-operate with a Harper-led Conservative minority government. What are the options for the other parties to combine their forces to form a government (Mulcair and Trudeau have been bad-mouthing each other throughout the campaign). Can the Conservatives hold off any Liberal/NDP/BQ coalition attempt? Can the Liberals and New Democrats afford to hook up with the BQ, as they attempted in 2008? Would the NDP, Liberals (and BQ) have the moral right to try to form a government if Canadians had kicked them to curb and Stephen Harper's Conservatives wound up with more seats than any other party, and more seats than two of the other parties perhaps? Henry Jacek a political science professor at McMaster University in Hamilton joins us to discuss. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The wave of millions fleeing Syria is a human refugee crisis which has generated vastly different response from national governments. In Europe, Germany and Sweden are willing to take hundreds of thousands, while Hungary is completing a wall with a razor wire fence already in place. Hungary's PM says any migrants crossing illegally into the country will be arrested. Meanwhile Denmark continues to urge migrants to stay away from Danish territory with an ad placed in Middle Eastern newspapers. In Canada, controversy over Prime Minister Harper's declaration security checks will be mandatory for migrants wishing to come here. Is PMSH correct to state refugees will not enter Canada without a background check? Guests: Martin Collacott - Former Canadian Ambassador to Syria and Richard Kurland - Immigration lawyer who has advised the federal and Quebec governments on immigration/refugee policies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Beauties join Roy for a special Sunday segment on the breaking news that the Canadian Federal Election is officially underway as Prime Minister Harper kicked off his campaign this morning. Have you decided who will get your vote? Will you vote in October? Is there one leader/party already out of consideration for you? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a long talk about Ryan’s video game habits we get down to Sleeping With The Elephant normality with Prime Minister Harper giving an exclusive interview to… CostCo Magazine? In American news it seems another shutdown may be in the future, this time over immigration. One can hope they come to their senses and throw […]

Inky Mark has led a life to this point that could be called the quintessential Canadian experience. Having immigrated to Canada in 1953 from his native China with his mother, the family was reunited in Manitoba. With Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees under his belt, the rise in the political system began with becoming Councillor, then Mayor of Dauphin, MB. The federal forum beckoned, and in 1997 Inky was elected as an MP for the Reform Party. Re-elected as a Canadian Alliance MP, he broke from the caucus to sit in the Democratic Representative Caucus in alliance with the Progressive Conservative party. With the merger of the CA and the PC parties, forming the Conservative Party of Canada, Inky was in a way back where he started. But it didn't last long. Known as the foremost critic of Stephen Harper, the party apparatus, and many of his caucus mates, he was branded an "outsider". He frequently complained that Prime Minister Harper was controlling, and he responded by refusing to attend Conservative events. Mark has called Prime Minister Harper a fascist and complained that he runs a "top-down dictatorship". He simply refused to sit as an MP with Harper as leader. But, Inky Mark is back. He will run for election in his old riding of Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette this year as an Independent. Always putting his track record as the way to judge his service, he hopes to return to representing his constituents in Ottawa, instead of MP's representing Ottawa to their constituents. We welcome Inky to speak out on what is wrong with Canada's Parliament and Democracy. The second half of the show will take a look at recent developments from the new session in Ottawa, and talk about future episodes on these "initiatives" from Emperor Harper. Join us, listen, chat, call in. It is an election year, and it matters like never before.

Colonel Pat Stogran (Ret) has had a long journey. From Quebec where he grew to love the outdoors, developing a fascination with martial arts that inspired him to a third-degree black belt, to Royal Roads Military College after high school. A young man that thought the exchange of service for an engineering degree was a fair deal. The degree was attained, but the military was his true calling. "I loved everything about the military," he remembers. "Being outdoors, testing yourself physically and mentally, the camaraderie you find in an army company or platoon. There was nothing about being a soldier I didn't love." He steadily rose through the ranks, his martial arts skills and natural leadership abilities turning heads at the DND. Named Commander of 3rd Battalion - Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (3PPCLI) for Canada's foray into Afghanistan. He talked the talk and walked the walk. But he also found flaws with the mission in his view. Back in Canada, promoted to Colonel, he commanded a Joint Operations Group at CFB Kingston. The position was enjoyable, but the newly created position of Veterans Ombudsman intrigued him. On October 15, 2007, Prime Minister Harper announced that the first holder of this position would be Pat Stogran. Blind compliance was not an option for him. The New Veterans Charter was the flashpoint. He realized the Government had no intention of improving the legislation, and became vocal about the deception over it. A three-year appointment was all the Government would stand. He believes common sense, decency and good governance are under attack in Canada. Power corrupts and it has corrupted this current Government - and he isn't afraid to say it. The goal is revolutionize the democratic affairs to eliminate the bureaucrats' power base and stop them from victimizing Canadians. http://www.therebelgorilla.com/  http://www.rebelgorillas.ca/

As things started to wind down at the Fur-Bearers office last week, we received a surprising piece of mail. The letter was addressed to Adrian Nelson, our Director of Communications. He wasn’t sure from whom the letter came, as the return label was only a postal code – H0H0H0. He later said that the letter also smelled faintly of candy canes and gingerbread, but didn’t think much of that. Signatures that appeared to read S. Claus, M. Claus, R. Deer and F. Jingles were listed. As a group, we discussed what this letter was. A trick from the trappers? A trap from the tricksters? A ruse by Prime Minister Harper (known universally to be on the naughty list)? While the discussion went on, Defender Radio host Michael Howie decided to don his old investigative journalist hat and make a few phones calls. What you’'ll hear on this week's episode is the unedited recordings of the evidence collected with a few well-placed phone calls.

Loonie Politics contributor Justin Ling speaks with The Craig Needles Show on AM980 about the two protestors who came within inches of Prime Minister Harper at a recent luncheon in Vancouver. The post Justin Ling speaks with The Craig Needles Show (01/2014) appeared first on Loonie Politics.

David Fransen David Fransen was appointed Consul General of Canada in Los Angeles by Prime Minister Harper in September 2008. He is Canada's senior representative in Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada. As Director General of the Center for Healthy Human Development at Health Canada from 1998 until 2001, Mr. Fransen led in the development of a federal-provincial agreement on early childhood development, a national diabetes strategy, and a national cancer control strategy. He was the Director General of the Office of Consumer Affairs from 1997 until 1998, and the Director of Economic Framework Policies at Industry Canada from 1995 until 1997. JP Stonestreet After graduating from The University of Kansas, he taught himself how to program in order to automate his tedious corporate job. That's when he got his start in software.For nearly 20 years, he's been a serial Internet entrepreneur and web consultant. He's built dozens of websites for large and small companies, in addition to several of his own.In 2003, he founded PromoteWare, which was a modular web development platform used to build client websites. In 2005, he founded QuoteCatcher.com, which was a business-to-business lead generation company. In 2008, he sold both websites to a company located a few miles from Silicon Valley. Now, he writes an entrepreneurial and online business blog at JPStonestreet.com, produces a Podcast called Smart Energized Entrepreneurs, teaches a web startup workshop called Web Startup 101, and speaks about online business and entrepreneurship whenever he has the chance. Michael Levine With more than 25 years experience and having worked with some of modern society's biggest names and companies, Michael Levine is the founder of LCO. As the author of 19 books, including Guerrilla PR - considered the most widely used introduction to Public Relations in the world - Levine is an industry expert who is frequently called upon by national media to provide PR insight into topical news and events. For almost 30 years, award-winning LCO – Levine Communications Office has created innovative and dynamic public relations plans for a host of renowned entertainment, literary and business clients. From our flagship Los Angeles office, our energetic team delivers full-service PR, communications and marketing on a global scale, priding ourselves on high standards and a personal approach. Founded by acclaimed PR expertMichael Levine, LCO has garnered a reputation as a leader in the field of Public Relations since being founded in 1983. David Michail David Michail primarily represents high growth start-up and Fortune 500 companies in a myriad of strategic domestic and international business transactions. His practice area focuses mainly within the media, technology and entertainment verticals with a particular emphasis on advertising and marketing law, intellectual property, information management and data privacy, entertainment, outsourcing, technology and internet, corporate, finance, mergers and acquisitions and other strategic advisory services.

Chris Pouy - Founder of Cow Wow Milk David Fransen - Counsel General of Canada David Michail - Lawyer Extraordinaire Chris Pouy - President and founder of Cow Wow Cereal Milk - an organic milk that tastes like the leftover milk in your cereal bowl. With the help of a few jokes from Jimmy Kimmel, Chris has been able to get his product nationally recognized. David Fransen - Appointed Consul General of Canada in Los Angeles by Prime Minister Harper in September 2008. He is Canada's senior representative in Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada.David Michail - Mr. Michail primarily represents high growth start-up and Fortune 500 companies. He calls in to give listeners free legal advice!

Prime Minister Harper insists his office not being investigated, just two individuals

Rex Murphy talks about the mingled fates of Senator Mike Duffy and Prime Minister Harper.

The Parliament of Canada has two houses, the elected lower house (the House of Commons) and the appointed upper house (the Senate). Both houses are involved in the passing of legislation. Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's first prime minister, said the Senate was to be a place of "sober second thought" so that legislation would receive proper and careful consideration before finally becoming law. Has excessive partisanship eroded the “sober second thought” of the Senate? Prime Minister Stephen Harper has appointed 58 Senators since taking office in 2006, despite his stated intention to either transform the Senate into an elected body or abolish it altogether. The Harper Government is presently seeking clarification from the Supreme Court on its powers to change the Senate. Will the recent scandals involving Harper appointees change that strategy? The speaker will voice his opinion related to those questions and also argue that the current appointment process is not in step with the preference Canadians consistently express as polls show a more democratic process for the Senate is preferable. As well, pending a more comprehensive reform, new procedures could have been established to create an independent and less partisan Senate appointment commission. Speaker: The Honourable Daniel P. Hays Dan Hays has been with Norton Rose Fulbright in their Calgary office (previously Macleod Dixon LLP) since his call to the bar and has practised in different areas, most recently in international and corporate operations. Mr. Hays was appointed to the Senate of Canada by Prime Minister Trudeau in 1984. Following retirement from the Senate on June 30, 2007, he was appointed Chair of Macleod Dixon LLP. During his years of service in the Senate, Mr. Hays held a number of leadership positions and at different times served as chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, the Standing Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources and the Special Committee on Senate Reform 2006. As well, he served as President of the Liberal Party of Canada from 1994-98. In 1999 he was appointed Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate, and in 2001, Prime Minister Chrétien appointed him Speaker of the Senate, a position he continued to hold under Prime Minister Martin. Following the 2006 federal general election, he was appointed Leader of the Opposition in the Senate. On January 22, 2007, he was made a Privy Councillor by Prime Minister Harper.

The Parliament of Canada has two houses, the elected lower house (the House of Commons) and the appointed upper house (the Senate). Both houses are involved in the passing of legislation. Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's first prime minister, said the Senate was to be a place of "sober second thought" so that legislation would receive proper and careful consideration before finally becoming law. Has excessive partisanship eroded the “sober second thought” of the Senate? Prime Minister Stephen Harper has appointed 58 Senators since taking office in 2006, despite his stated intention to either transform the Senate into an elected body or abolish it altogether. The Harper Government is presently seeking clarification from the Supreme Court on its powers to change the Senate. Will the recent scandals involving Harper appointees change that strategy? The speaker will voice his opinion related to those questions and also argue that the current appointment process is not in step with the preference Canadians consistently express as polls show a more democratic process for the Senate is preferable. As well, pending a more comprehensive reform, new procedures could have been established to create an independent and less partisan Senate appointment commission. Speaker: The Honourable Daniel P. Hays Dan Hays has been with Norton Rose Fulbright in their Calgary office (previously Macleod Dixon LLP) since his call to the bar and has practised in different areas, most recently in international and corporate operations. Mr. Hays was appointed to the Senate of Canada by Prime Minister Trudeau in 1984. Following retirement from the Senate on June 30, 2007, he was appointed Chair of Macleod Dixon LLP. During his years of service in the Senate, Mr. Hays held a number of leadership positions and at different times served as chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, the Standing Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources and the Special Committee on Senate Reform 2006. As well, he served as President of the Liberal Party of Canada from 1994-98. In 1999 he was appointed Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate, and in 2001, Prime Minister Chrétien appointed him Speaker of the Senate, a position he continued to hold under Prime Minister Martin. Following the 2006 federal general election, he was appointed Leader of the Opposition in the Senate. On January 22, 2007, he was made a Privy Councillor by Prime Minister Harper.

The Parliament of Canada has two houses, the elected lower house (the House of Commons) and the appointed upper house (the Senate). Both houses are involved in the passing of legislation. Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's first prime minister, said the Senate was to be a place of "sober second thought" so that legislation would receive proper and careful consideration before finally becoming law. Has excessive partisanship eroded the “sober second thought” of the Senate? Prime Minister Stephen Harper has appointed 58 Senators since taking office in 2006, despite his stated intention to either transform the Senate into an elected body or abolish it altogether. The Harper Government is presently seeking clarification from the Supreme Court on its powers to change the Senate. Will the recent scandals involving Harper appointees change that strategy? The speaker will voice his opinion related to those questions and also argue that the current appointment process is not in step with the preference Canadians consistently express as polls show a more democratic process for the Senate is preferable. As well, pending a more comprehensive reform, new procedures could have been established to create an independent and less partisan Senate appointment commission. Speaker: The Honourable Daniel P. Hays Dan Hays has been with Norton Rose Fulbright in their Calgary office (previously Macleod Dixon LLP) since his call to the bar and has practised in different areas, most recently in international and corporate operations. Mr. Hays was appointed to the Senate of Canada by Prime Minister Trudeau in 1984. Following retirement from the Senate on June 30, 2007, he was appointed Chair of Macleod Dixon LLP. During his years of service in the Senate, Mr. Hays held a number of leadership positions and at different times served as chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, the Standing Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources and the Special Committee on Senate Reform 2006. As well, he served as President of the Liberal Party of Canada from 1994-98. In 1999 he was appointed Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate, and in 2001, Prime Minister Chrétien appointed him Speaker of the Senate, a position he continued to hold under Prime Minister Martin. Following the 2006 federal general election, he was appointed Leader of the Opposition in the Senate. On January 22, 2007, he was made a Privy Councillor by Prime Minister Harper.

The Parliament of Canada has two houses, the elected lower house (the House of Commons) and the appointed upper house (the Senate). Both houses are involved in the passing of legislation. Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's first prime minister, said the Senate was to be a place of "sober second thought" so that legislation would receive proper and careful consideration before finally becoming law. Has excessive partisanship eroded the “sober second thought” of the Senate? Prime Minister Stephen Harper has appointed 58 Senators since taking office in 2006, despite his stated intention to either transform the Senate into an elected body or abolish it altogether. The Harper Government is presently seeking clarification from the Supreme Court on its powers to change the Senate. Will the recent scandals involving Harper appointees change that strategy? The speaker will voice his opinion related to those questions and also argue that the current appointment process is not in step with the preference Canadians consistently express as polls show a more democratic process for the Senate is preferable. As well, pending a more comprehensive reform, new procedures could have been established to create an independent and less partisan Senate appointment commission. Speaker: The Honourable Daniel P. Hays Dan Hays has been with Norton Rose Fulbright in their Calgary office (previously Macleod Dixon LLP) since his call to the bar and has practised in different areas, most recently in international and corporate operations. Mr. Hays was appointed to the Senate of Canada by Prime Minister Trudeau in 1984. Following retirement from the Senate on June 30, 2007, he was appointed Chair of Macleod Dixon LLP. During his years of service in the Senate, Mr. Hays held a number of leadership positions and at different times served as chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, the Standing Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources and the Special Committee on Senate Reform 2006. As well, he served as President of the Liberal Party of Canada from 1994-98. In 1999 he was appointed Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate, and in 2001, Prime Minister Chrétien appointed him Speaker of the Senate, a position he continued to hold under Prime Minister Martin. Following the 2006 federal general election, he was appointed Leader of the Opposition in the Senate. On January 22, 2007, he was made a Privy Councillor by Prime Minister Harper.

In 2008, Prime Minister Harper apologized for the shared government and church-run Indian Residential School System. As part of that apology, an independent Truth and Reconciliation Commission was struck, using a model practiced by only a handful of countries worldwide. Its mandate runs through 2014, and in June and July it will hold local public hearings in Alberta- hearings where former students and others will stand before us and tell their stories. What does this kind of courage have to do with Albertans and Canadians? What is the TRC trying to address, and why? Should we care? Should we attend? This presentation will address these questions, and invites you to bring your own. Speakers: Julie Graham and Mike Frank Julie Graham is the human rights Education and Campaigns Coordinator for KAIROS, the social justice organization of eleven national Canadian churches and church agencies, represented in Lethbridge by an energetic local chapter. The daughter of immigrants, she is from Coast Salish territory in BC and has Mennonite and United Church roots. Graham is an educator and writer and has worked on right relations and Indigenous rights for the past 20 years. Currently her work focuses on the TRC and what Indigenous rights mean for non-Indigenous Canadians. Mike Frank is the Director of Operations for the Blood Tribe Department of Health. His background includes working as a health support worker with the Indian Residential School program, Lethbridge College Instructor and Peigan Board of Education Instructor for their Native studies programs and most recently been the Chief Electoral Officer for the Kainai Chief and Council elections. Mike is also a graduate of the U of L and a member of the U of L FNMI Alumni chapter.

In 2008, Prime Minister Harper apologized for the shared government and church-run Indian Residential School System. As part of that apology, an independent Truth and Reconciliation Commission was struck, using a model practiced by only a handful of countries worldwide. Its mandate runs through 2014, and in June and July it will hold local public hearings in Alberta- hearings where former students and others will stand before us and tell their stories. What does this kind of courage have to do with Albertans and Canadians? What is the TRC trying to address, and why? Should we care? Should we attend? This presentation will address these questions, and invites you to bring your own. Speakers: Julie Graham and Mike Frank Julie Graham is the human rights Education and Campaigns Coordinator for KAIROS, the social justice organization of eleven national Canadian churches and church agencies, represented in Lethbridge by an energetic local chapter. The daughter of immigrants, she is from Coast Salish territory in BC and has Mennonite and United Church roots. Graham is an educator and writer and has worked on right relations and Indigenous rights for the past 20 years. Currently her work focuses on the TRC and what Indigenous rights mean for non-Indigenous Canadians. Mike Frank is the Director of Operations for the Blood Tribe Department of Health. His background includes working as a health support worker with the Indian Residential School program, Lethbridge College Instructor and Peigan Board of Education Instructor for their Native studies programs and most recently been the Chief Electoral Officer for the Kainai Chief and Council elections. Mike is also a graduate of the U of L and a member of the U of L FNMI Alumni chapter.

In 2008, Prime Minister Harper apologized for the shared government and church-run Indian Residential School System. As part of that apology, an independent Truth and Reconciliation Commission was struck, using a model practiced by only a handful of countries worldwide. Its mandate runs through 2014, and in June and July it will hold local public hearings in Alberta- hearings where former students and others will stand before us and tell their stories. What does this kind of courage have to do with Albertans and Canadians? What is the TRC trying to address, and why? Should we care? Should we attend? This presentation will address these questions, and invites you to bring your own. Speakers: Julie Graham and Mike Frank Julie Graham is the human rights Education and Campaigns Coordinator for KAIROS, the social justice organization of eleven national Canadian churches and church agencies, represented in Lethbridge by an energetic local chapter. The daughter of immigrants, she is from Coast Salish territory in BC and has Mennonite and United Church roots. Graham is an educator and writer and has worked on right relations and Indigenous rights for the past 20 years. Currently her work focuses on the TRC and what Indigenous rights mean for non-Indigenous Canadians. Mike Frank is the Director of Operations for the Blood Tribe Department of Health. His background includes working as a health support worker with the Indian Residential School program, Lethbridge College Instructor and Peigan Board of Education Instructor for their Native studies programs and most recently been the Chief Electoral Officer for the Kainai Chief and Council elections. Mike is also a graduate of the U of L and a member of the U of L FNMI Alumni chapter.

This week Ryan bought an XL Tim Hortons coffee in a hospital, two hilariously confusing news stories, and finally our first listener feedback! First up in the news we have Prime Minister Harper meeting with reality stars. Second we have Chuck Norris endorsing a Prime Minister… In Israel! Finally Lou “The Busy Zombie Lord” Page sends […]

It has not been uncommon to hear people decry the democratic deficit in Canada. Former Prime Minister Paul Martin defined a democratic deficit as MPs having, among other things, very limited independence. Prime Minister Harper has been accused of increasing the democratic deficit by using parliamentary tactics and omnibus bills to confine parliamentary debate. These tactics have not been limited to the federal government as provincial premiers across Canada have cancelled sittings of the legislature and used prorogation to severely restrict debate. Has Harper's government altered the role of Parliament in debate and scrutiny? With the recent omnibus crime bill and two budget implementation bills that both included over 400 pages of wide-ranging changes to legislation, many critics have argued that the Prime Minister has sidelined the House of Commons. Is there a difference in the role of Parliament under this government when compared with previous experiences? Should we be concerned about the function of an institution that has, for some Canadians, been deficient in democracy for decades? In a democracy, shouldn't governments do their utmost to find a fair balance between “getting things done” and provide parliamentary debate and scrutiny of legislation? The speaker will address these questions and unravel the relationship between voter apathy and elected governments in the context of today's reality, where majorities can be elected by 25% or less of the eligible voters. Speaker: Dr. Duane Bratt Duane Bratt is Chair and Professor in the Department of Policy Studies at Mount Royal University. Duane was educated at the Universities of Windsor (BA 1991, MA 1992) and Alberta (PhD 1996). His primary teaching area is international relations and public policy. His primary research interest delves into Canada's nuclear policies. Duane is a regular guest on Access Television's Alberta PrimeTime and CBC-Radio's Alberta at Noon, as well as a general media commentator on political matters. Recent publications include: Canada, the Provinces, and the Global Nuclear Revival (McGill-Queen's University Press: Montreal, 2012) and co-editor, Readings in Canadian Foreign Policy 2nd edition (Oxford University Press: Toronto, 2011).

It has not been uncommon to hear people decry the democratic deficit in Canada. Former Prime Minister Paul Martin defined a democratic deficit as MPs having, among other things, very limited independence. Prime Minister Harper has been accused of increasing the democratic deficit by using parliamentary tactics and omnibus bills to confine parliamentary debate. These tactics have not been limited to the federal government as provincial premiers across Canada have cancelled sittings of the legislature and used prorogation to severely restrict debate. Has Harper's government altered the role of Parliament in debate and scrutiny? With the recent omnibus crime bill and two budget implementation bills that both included over 400 pages of wide-ranging changes to legislation, many critics have argued that the Prime Minister has sidelined the House of Commons. Is there a difference in the role of Parliament under this government when compared with previous experiences? Should we be concerned about the function of an institution that has, for some Canadians, been deficient in democracy for decades? In a democracy, shouldn't governments do their utmost to find a fair balance between “getting things done” and provide parliamentary debate and scrutiny of legislation? The speaker will address these questions and unravel the relationship between voter apathy and elected governments in the context of today's reality, where majorities can be elected by 25% or less of the eligible voters. Speaker: Dr. Duane Bratt Duane Bratt is Chair and Professor in the Department of Policy Studies at Mount Royal University. Duane was educated at the Universities of Windsor (BA 1991, MA 1992) and Alberta (PhD 1996). His primary teaching area is international relations and public policy. His primary research interest delves into Canada's nuclear policies. Duane is a regular guest on Access Television's Alberta PrimeTime and CBC-Radio's Alberta at Noon, as well as a general media commentator on political matters. Recent publications include: Canada, the Provinces, and the Global Nuclear Revival (McGill-Queen's University Press: Montreal, 2012) and co-editor, Readings in Canadian Foreign Policy 2nd edition (Oxford University Press: Toronto, 2011).

It has not been uncommon to hear people decry the democratic deficit in Canada. Former Prime Minister Paul Martin defined a democratic deficit as MPs having, among other things, very limited independence. Prime Minister Harper has been accused of increasing the democratic deficit by using parliamentary tactics and omnibus bills to confine parliamentary debate. These tactics have not been limited to the federal government as provincial premiers across Canada have cancelled sittings of the legislature and used prorogation to severely restrict debate. Has Harper's government altered the role of Parliament in debate and scrutiny? With the recent omnibus crime bill and two budget implementation bills that both included over 400 pages of wide-ranging changes to legislation, many critics have argued that the Prime Minister has sidelined the House of Commons. Is there a difference in the role of Parliament under this government when compared with previous experiences? Should we be concerned about the function of an institution that has, for some Canadians, been deficient in democracy for decades? In a democracy, shouldn't governments do their utmost to find a fair balance between “getting things done” and provide parliamentary debate and scrutiny of legislation? The speaker will address these questions and unravel the relationship between voter apathy and elected governments in the context of today's reality, where majorities can be elected by 25% or less of the eligible voters. Speaker: Dr. Duane Bratt Duane Bratt is Chair and Professor in the Department of Policy Studies at Mount Royal University. Duane was educated at the Universities of Windsor (BA 1991, MA 1992) and Alberta (PhD 1996). His primary teaching area is international relations and public policy. His primary research interest delves into Canada's nuclear policies. Duane is a regular guest on Access Television's Alberta PrimeTime and CBC-Radio's Alberta at Noon, as well as a general media commentator on political matters. Recent publications include: Canada, the Provinces, and the Global Nuclear Revival (McGill-Queen's University Press: Montreal, 2012) and co-editor, Readings in Canadian Foreign Policy 2nd edition (Oxford University Press: Toronto, 2011).

It has not been uncommon to hear people decry the democratic deficit in Canada. Former Prime Minister Paul Martin defined a democratic deficit as MPs having, among other things, very limited independence. Prime Minister Harper has been accused of increasing the democratic deficit by using parliamentary tactics and omnibus bills to confine parliamentary debate. These tactics have not been limited to the federal government as provincial premiers across Canada have cancelled sittings of the legislature and used prorogation to severely restrict debate. Has Harper's government altered the role of Parliament in debate and scrutiny? With the recent omnibus crime bill and two budget implementation bills that both included over 400 pages of wide-ranging changes to legislation, many critics have argued that the Prime Minister has sidelined the House of Commons. Is there a difference in the role of Parliament under this government when compared with previous experiences? Should we be concerned about the function of an institution that has, for some Canadians, been deficient in democracy for decades? In a democracy, shouldn't governments do their utmost to find a fair balance between “getting things done” and provide parliamentary debate and scrutiny of legislation? The speaker will address these questions and unravel the relationship between voter apathy and elected governments in the context of today's reality, where majorities can be elected by 25% or less of the eligible voters. Speaker: Dr. Duane Bratt Duane Bratt is Chair and Professor in the Department of Policy Studies at Mount Royal University. Duane was educated at the Universities of Windsor (BA 1991, MA 1992) and Alberta (PhD 1996). His primary teaching area is international relations and public policy. His primary research interest delves into Canada's nuclear policies. Duane is a regular guest on Access Television's Alberta PrimeTime and CBC-Radio's Alberta at Noon, as well as a general media commentator on political matters. Recent publications include: Canada, the Provinces, and the Global Nuclear Revival (McGill-Queen's University Press: Montreal, 2012) and co-editor, Readings in Canadian Foreign Policy 2nd edition (Oxford University Press: Toronto, 2011).

Emerging super-power or developing country? Communist dictatorship or economic miracle of free-market enterprise? What's happening in China and what's been going on since Chairman Mao's successor Deng Xiaoping declared in 1985, that “it's okay for some people to get rich first”? Is the country opening up politically as well as economically? How free are ordinary Chinese? What do they talk about around the kitchen table? Although Canada established diplomatic relations with China in 1970, a year before it occupied a seat at the United Nations, Prime Minister Harper got off to a rocky start with the Chinese leadership. Relations appear to have improved since then and this year's visit resulted in the loan of two giant pandas. Why the change of heart? And what more is in the offing? Speaker: Trevor Page Trevor Page is a retired United Nations official, settled in Lethbridge. He served in China as the head of the U.N. World Food Programme from 1986 – 1990, when the country had just started opening up to the outside world. Since retirement, Trevor and his wife Jan Gong, a former official of China's central government, visit the country almost every year. They have family in China and try to keep abreast of what is going on in the country.

Emerging super-power or developing country? Communist dictatorship or economic miracle of free-market enterprise? What's happening in China and what's been going on since Chairman Mao's successor Deng Xiaoping declared in 1985, that “it's okay for some people to get rich first”? Is the country opening up politically as well as economically? How free are ordinary Chinese? What do they talk about around the kitchen table? Although Canada established diplomatic relations with China in 1970, a year before it occupied a seat at the United Nations, Prime Minister Harper got off to a rocky start with the Chinese leadership. Relations appear to have improved since then and this year's visit resulted in the loan of two giant pandas. Why the change of heart? And what more is in the offing? Speaker: Trevor Page Trevor Page is a retired United Nations official, settled in Lethbridge. He served in China as the head of the U.N. World Food Programme from 1986 – 1990, when the country had just started opening up to the outside world. Since retirement, Trevor and his wife Jan Gong, a former official of China's central government, visit the country almost every year. They have family in China and try to keep abreast of what is going on in the country.

Emerging super-power or developing country? Communist dictatorship or economic miracle of free-market enterprise? What's happening in China and what's been going on since Chairman Mao's successor Deng Xiaoping declared in 1985, that “it's okay for some people to get rich first”? Is the country opening up politically as well as economically? How free are ordinary Chinese? What do they talk about around the kitchen table? Although Canada established diplomatic relations with China in 1970, a year before it occupied a seat at the United Nations, Prime Minister Harper got off to a rocky start with the Chinese leadership. Relations appear to have improved since then and this year's visit resulted in the loan of two giant pandas. Why the change of heart? And what more is in the offing? Speaker: Trevor Page Trevor Page is a retired United Nations official, settled in Lethbridge. He served in China as the head of the U.N. World Food Programme from 1986 – 1990, when the country had just started opening up to the outside world. Since retirement, Trevor and his wife Jan Gong, a former official of China's central government, visit the country almost every year. They have family in China and try to keep abreast of what is going on in the country.

Governor General Michaëlle Jean has prorogued Parliament again this year, postponing the opening date from January 25 to March 3, in response to a request from Prime Minister Harper. Professor Duane Bratt will discuss the constitutional implications and role of prorogation in the context of last year's prorogation and the place it might have in managing ongoing minority governments. Speaker: Professor Duane Bratt, Mount Royal University Duane Bratt teaches political science and public policy in the Department of Policy Studies at Mount Royal University. He is also an Associate with the Centre for Military and Strategic Studies at the University of Calgary. Duane was educated at the Universities of Windsor (BA 1991, MA 1992) and Alberta (PhD 1996). His primary teaching area is international relations, with specialties in the sub-fields of international organizations and Canadian foreign policy. Duane is a regular guest on CITY-TV's Breakfast Television and CBC-radio's Wildrose Forum, as well as a general media commentator on political matters. Recent publications include: Canada and the Global Nuclear Revival (McGill-Queen's University Press, forthcoming), The Politics of CANDU Exports (University of Toronto Press: Toronto, 2006), and co-editor, Readings in Canadian Foreign Policy: Classic Debates and New Ideas (Oxford University Press: Toronto, 2006).

Governor General Michaëlle Jean has prorogued Parliament again this year, postponing the opening date from January 25 to March 3, in response to a request from Prime Minister Harper. Professor Duane Bratt will discuss the constitutional implications and role of prorogation in the context of last year's prorogation and the place it might have in managing ongoing minority governments. Speaker: Professor Duane Bratt, Mount Royal University Duane Bratt teaches political science and public policy in the Department of Policy Studies at Mount Royal University. He is also an Associate with the Centre for Military and Strategic Studies at the University of Calgary. Duane was educated at the Universities of Windsor (BA 1991, MA 1992) and Alberta (PhD 1996). His primary teaching area is international relations, with specialties in the sub-fields of international organizations and Canadian foreign policy. Duane is a regular guest on CITY-TV's Breakfast Television and CBC-radio's Wildrose Forum, as well as a general media commentator on political matters. Recent publications include: Canada and the Global Nuclear Revival (McGill-Queen's University Press, forthcoming), The Politics of CANDU Exports (University of Toronto Press: Toronto, 2006), and co-editor, Readings in Canadian Foreign Policy: Classic Debates and New Ideas (Oxford University Press: Toronto, 2006).

Economic downturn, recession or depression – where are we headed and how long will it last? Exports account for two-thirds of Canada’s industrial output and over 85% of our exports go to the USA. But Americans, caught in the credit-crunch that is paralyzing the industrial world, are buying less. Belts are being tightened. Inventories of goods are building. Factories are closing. The ranks of the unemployed are swelling to alarming levels, both in America and here at home. As the economies of Canada and the USA are intricately intertwined, it behooves our respective political leaders to coordinate their approach to the crisis. But cries of “Buy American” ring out in the U.S. Congress. How will President Obama deal with this? He’ll be in Canada all of 5hours on February 19th. And what should Prime Minister Harper be saying to him? Is it time to rethink the wisdom of putting all our eggs in the American basket? Speaker: Dr. Trevor Harrison, Ph.D. Dr. Trevor Harrison is best known for his studies of populist politics in Canada and the political culture of Alberta and the Canadian west in particular. In addition to numerous journal articles and book chapters, he is the author, co-author, or co-editor of seven books, including most recently, Twenty-First Century Japan: A New Sun Rising (Black Rose, 2008). His op-ed columns frequently appear in several national newspapers, as well as the Lethbridge Herald. Dr. Harrison is currently Professor and Chair of the department of sociology at the University of Lethbridge and Interim Director of the university’s Prentice Institute for Global Population and Economics. Previously, he was a visiting professor at the University of Alberta where he also co-founded the Parkland Institute and was its first Research Director.

Economic downturn, recession or depression – where are we headed and how long will it last? Exports account for two-thirds of Canada’s industrial output and over 85% of our exports go to the USA. But Americans, caught in the credit-crunch that is paralyzing the industrial world, are buying less. Belts are being tightened. Inventories of goods are building. Factories are closing. The ranks of the unemployed are swelling to alarming levels, both in America and here at home. As the economies of Canada and the USA are intricately intertwined, it behooves our respective political leaders to coordinate their approach to the crisis. But cries of “Buy American” ring out in the U.S. Congress. How will President Obama deal with this? He’ll be in Canada all of 5hours on February 19th. And what should Prime Minister Harper be saying to him? Is it time to rethink the wisdom of putting all our eggs in the American basket? Speaker: Dr. Trevor Harrison, Ph.D. Dr. Trevor Harrison is best known for his studies of populist politics in Canada and the political culture of Alberta and the Canadian west in particular. In addition to numerous journal articles and book chapters, he is the author, co-author, or co-editor of seven books, including most recently, Twenty-First Century Japan: A New Sun Rising (Black Rose, 2008). His op-ed columns frequently appear in several national newspapers, as well as the Lethbridge Herald. Dr. Harrison is currently Professor and Chair of the department of sociology at the University of Lethbridge and Interim Director of the university’s Prentice Institute for Global Population and Economics. Previously, he was a visiting professor at the University of Alberta where he also co-founded the Parkland Institute and was its first Research Director.