Podcasts about sir john a macdonald

Should Canada be ashamed of its own history — or honest about it?In this episode of The LeDrew Three Minute Interview, Stephen LeDrew speaks with Mark Johnson, lawyer, columnist, and founder of Save Our History, about how the Town Council refuses to restore a Sir John A. Macdonald statue in Picton, Ontario.Johnson explains that the statue was originally installed through local fundraising and private support, without cost to the municipality. It recognized Macdonald's connection to Picton, where Canada's first prime minister began his legal career. But in 2021, amid national controversy over residential schools and the Kamloops graves misinformation, the statue was removed and placed in storage.Now, Johnson and Save Our History are pushing for the statue to be returned to public view.The conversation covers:Why the Sir John A. Macdonald statue was removed in PictonThe role of activists and local political pressureWhether Canadian history is being erased instead of debatedThe broader trend of removing statues and renaming public spacesThe controversy over historical figures like Macdonald and ChamplainWhy Johnson believes Canadians should learn from history without hiding itAnd whether local politicians are giving in to pressure instead of public opinionLeDrew and Johnson argue that history should be understood in full — not reduced to present-day political slogans. They acknowledge that historical figures were imperfect, but question whether removing statues helps Canadians understand the country's past.Learn more about Save Our History:saveourhistory.caContribute To Information and Debate that is NOT Paid For, and Influenced,ByThe Carney Government:https://paypal.me/3minuteinterviewCheques accepted at:Stephen LeDrew303 Bay StreetToronto, OntarioM5H 2R1Follow Stephen on other social media platforms.https://www.stephenledrew.ca / stephen.ledrew / stephenledrew Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are in a moment of heightened focus on Canadian national identity.Ever since Donald Trump threatened to annex Canada, many Canadians have responded with the assertion that Canadian identity is unique from the United States.But this national mood comes only a few years after a campaign of tearing down statues of Canada's seminal historic figures, and then-prime minister Justin Trudeau calling Canada a “post-national state.” Most recently, a so-called prank show with funding from the CBC targeted Canadians who have defended the legacy of Canada's founding prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald.So, is the wave of Canadian patriotism that's played out over the past year grounded in a firm understanding of the history – both good and bad – that has shaped the country? This a moment when Canadians would benefit from knowing the historic roots of their democracy and the stories of figures like Macdonald who helped build a nation on the northern half of the continent.One voice who has consistently stood up for the idea that Canadians should have a robust and balanced view of their past is Trent University history professor Christopher Dummitt.Dummitt joins Inside Policy Talks to discuss his efforts to reach beyond the classroom with his new Canadian history YouTube channel – titled Well... That Didn't Suck! – and share his views on the current state of Canadians' relationship with their history.On the podcast, he tells Ian Campbell, digital editor at MLI, that one source of Canada's amnesia about its cultural and democratic roots is the deliberate erasure of Canadian national symbols that took place in the 1960s. This was most famously exemplified by the new Canadian flag created by the Pearson government, devoid of any reference to Canada's British heritage – the very roots that gave Canada its parliamentary democracy.Dummitt says the toppling of historic statues that has taken place in the 2020s is “in a sense just a continuation of what happened in the 1960s and 1970s.”Part of the solution, says Dummitt, is to restore provincial history curriculums that teach a cohesive Canadian national story.

Hub Headlines features audio versions of the best commentaries and analysis published daily in The Hub. Enjoy listening to original and provocative takes on the issues that matter while you are on the go.0:20 - Why Benjamin Netanyahu's government is pursuing legal action against the New York Times, by Stephen Staley6:50 - I can't believe we're still arguing about Sir John A. Macdonald statues, by Jerry AmernicThis program is narrated by automated voices. To get full-length editions of popular Hub podcasts and other great perks, subscribe to the Hub for only $2 a week: https://thehub.ca/join/hero/Subscribe to The Hub's podcast feed to get all our best content:https://tinyurl.com/3a7zpd7e (Apple)https://tinyurl.com/y8akmfn7 (Spotify)xWatch The Hub on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHubCanadaThe Hub on X: https://x.com/thehubcanada?lang=enCREDITS:Alisha Rao – Producer & Editor Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author and political commentator Jerry Amernic recounts being lured to Vancouver under false pretenses by a CBC-linked prank show targeting critics of mainstream Canadian history narratives. He explains the elaborate deception involving fake producers and a staged interview about Sir John A. Macdonald, raising questions about the CBC's role in publicly mocking conservatives. He argues that this emboldens activists who misrepresent Canadian history and, consequently, undermine national institutions.The Hub is Canada's fastest growing independent digital news outlet. Subscribe to The Hub's podcast feed to get all our best content:https://tinyurl.com/3a7zpd7e (Apple)https://tinyurl.com/y8akmfn7 (Spotify)Watch a video version on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHubCanadaFollow The Hub on X: https://x.com/thehubcanada?lang=en CREDITS:Amal Attar-Guzman - Producer and Video EditorElia Gross - Sound Editor Harrison Lowman - Host Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with J.D.M. Stewart, author of The Prime Ministers, to talk about Canada's history, leadership, and how we understand our national identity today.We discuss the legacy of past prime ministers, including figures like Sir John A. Macdonald, Robert Borden, and Louis Saint Laurent, and how their records are being revisited in modern debates. The conversation explores how Canadians are balancing modern-day values with our past, including questions around cancel culture, historical memory, and how we assess leadership over time.We also touch on how arts, writing, and storytelling shape how we see ourselves as a country — and why they are central to Canadian identity.

In this episode of The LeDrew Three Minute Interview, Stephen LeDrew speaks with author Jerry Amernic about his book Sleepwoking.Amernic examines the recent wave of historical re-interpretations in Canada, including controversies surrounding figures like Sir John A. Macdonald, Egerton Ryerson, and Henry Dundas. Across the country, statues have been vandalized, institutions renamed, and historical figures slandered.Amernic argues that the claims used to justify these changes are based on misinformation or incomplete history.Why do these narratives spread so easily? And why are governments, universities, and media institutions so quick to accept them?LeDrew and Amernic discuss the role of social media, activism, and modern political culture in shaping how Canadians understand their past — and why it's more important than ever to separate fact from fiction.Three minutes. Direct. Unfiltered.You can purchase Sleepwoking here - https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1775239942 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Larry Ostola speaks with J.D.M Stewart about his book The Prime Ministers: Canada's Leaders and the Nation They Shaped. After a surprising conversation with young Canadians who didn't recognize the name Lester B. Pearson – Nobel Peace Prize winner and Canada's fourteenth prime minister — author J.D.M. Stewart set out to bring the country's history to a new generation. The result is The Prime Ministers, a lively, accessible chronicle of Canada's leaders, from Sir John A. Macdonald in 1867 to Mark Carney in 2025. With engaging prose and fresh insights, Stewart captures the defining moments of each prime minister's time in office, revealing how they managed relationships with Indigenous peoples, the environment, American presidents, and international powers. He also explores how their reputations have evolved – who has been forgotten, who remains controversial, and who has become a lasting part of Canada's cultural fabric. The Prime Ministers is a necessary and important book, intended both for newcomers to Canadian history and those who have loved it for a long time. J.D.M. Stewart is a writer, historian, and one of the country's foremost experts on Canadian prime ministers. His commentary regularly appears in the Globe & Mail, The Hub, and the Literary Review of Canada. His previous book, Being Prime Minister, was a Hill Times Top 100 pick. He has also inspired a generation of students during his thirty-year career teaching history to high school students in Toronto, Montreal, and Panama City. He lives in Toronto. 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.

Marc Miller is a Mark Carney Liberal cabinet minister — and a holdover from Justin Trudeau's government. In fact, most of Carney's cabinet is. From Mélanie Joly to François-Philippe Champagne to Anita Anand, the same names keep reappearing. It's difficult to take seriously claims that this is a “new” government in any meaningful sense, or slogans like “Canada is back,” when the same people have been running the country for nearly a decade. More outrageous still is the Liberals' ongoing attempt to blame Stephen Harper for current failures — even though his government ended eleven years ago. That argument has long since passed from implausible into absurd. One of the worst holdovers is Marc Miller. It is surprising he remains in cabinet at all, given that his chief qualification appears to have been his personal friendship with Justin Trudeau — including serving as a member of Trudeau's wedding party. That relationship, rather than any demonstrated competence, explains his rise and longevity in power. Today, Miller holds the title of Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture — a disturbing mandate in itself. A minister in charge of defining “identity” should concern anyone who believes such things emerge organically from history, culture, and shared experience, not government decree. The irony is that the same Liberal Party once described Canada as a “post-national” country — more a hotel than a homeland. Miller previously served as Minister of Immigration, where he oversaw a period of reckless and historically unprecedented mass immigration that did profound damage to social trust, public services, and national cohesion. This is the same government that removed Sir John A. Macdonald from the ten-dollar bill, rewrote the national anthem, tore down statues, and casually accused Canada of committing genocide. It is difficult to take lectures on national identity seriously from officials who have spent years dismantling it. Against that backdrop, Miller recently testified before a parliamentary committee and was questioned by Conservative MP Rachael Thomas about “social cohesion.” The question was straightforward and reasonable. In other countries, “social cohesion” has become a euphemism for enforced silence: in China, obedience; in the United Kingdom, avoiding discussion of politically inconvenient crimes for fear of being labelled Islamophobic. What, exactly, does it mean in Canada? Miller's answer did little to clarify matters. He warned of “intense disinformation” and claimed social cohesion is weakened when “falsities are propagated through media sources both legitimate and illegitimate.” That raises an obvious question: who decides which media sources are “illegitimate”? Canadians were recently told, incorrectly and repeatedly, that a mass murderer was female — even described as “a female in a dress” in emergency alerts. This misinformation was amplified by police, politicians, and much of the mainstream media, including the CBC. The state broadcaster went so far as to emphasize pronouns and refer to the killer by first name, as though discussing a personal acquaintance. Was that disinformation? Or, in Marc Miller's framework, was it “social cohesion” — the deliberate suppression of uncomfortable facts in the name of public calm? More troubling still is Miller's assertion that a strong, dominant CBC is essential to Canadian democracy. He describes the broadcaster as independent, despite its consistent alignment with Liberal positions on everything from climate policy to Donald Trump to gender ideology. On no major cultural or political issue does the CBC meaningfully dissent from the governing party that funds it. This is the practical reality of government-subsidized media. As one Liberal MP bluntly told a National Post reporter on X: https://x.com/Taleeb/status/1832480006578028641 “Your paper wouldn't be in business were it not for the subsidies that the government that you hate put in place — the same subsidies your Trump-adjacent foreign hedge fund owners gladly take to pay your salary.” That is not independence. That is power reminding journalists who pays the bills. This authoritarian instinct is familiar. It echoes Justin Trudeau's own worldview — that there is a single, approved truth, known by the governing class, and that dissent is illegitimate. Trudeau has said as much openly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDfMybczw1k And more explicitly still: https://x.com/AreOhEssEyeEe/status/1758912476572189069 “They don't believe in science or progress and are very often misogynistic and racist… Do we tolerate these people?” Those words were not rhetorical. The Trudeau government arrested peaceful protesters, froze hundreds of bank accounts, and punished citizens for embarrassing the regime. With new censorship laws now advancing, there is every reason to believe the same logic will be extended further. Independent media coverage of the recent transgender mass murder will almost certainly be cited as justification for additional controls on speech and journalism.

In 1886, Canada's first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, finally set out to see the country he had helped stitch together by rail. The Canadian Pacific Railway had just been completed, and a grand cross-country tour was planned, complete with speeches, pomp, and a private rail car.What no one planned for was his wife.Lady Agnes Macdonald was bored.So bored, in fact, that she abandoned the Prime Minister's private car, climbed into the locomotive cab, blasted the whistle at crossings, ignored orders from her husband, and eventually talked her way into riding on the cowcatcher at the very front of the train, from the Rocky Mountains all the way to the Pacific Ocean.Yes. The outside of the train.Sitting on a candle box.At speed.Through mountain descents, landslides, near derailments, forest fires, and even a full-on pig collision in the Fraser Valley.Joined reluctantly by a deeply stressed government superintendent whose job description rapidly shifted to “human seatbelt.”Along the way, Lady Agnes waved to crowds, dared her husband to join her (he did, briefly), and redefined Victorian ideas of decorum, safety, and common sense—while Sir John A. retreated back to the bar car.Based on “Fur and Gold” by John Pearson (Black Press Media) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hub Headlines features audio versions of the best commentaries and analysis published daily in The Hub. Enjoy listening to original and provocative takes on the issues that matter while you are on the go.   0:20 - Fault Lines: Healing Canada's widening rifts, by Stephen Staley   8:51 - As First Nations, we must stop waiting on Ottawa and start working towards our dreams, by Crystal Smith   14:31 - Mark Carney's spelling and the ghost of Sir John A. Macdonald, by Patrice Dutil   This program is narrated by automated voices. To get full-length editions of popular Hub podcasts and other great perks, subscribe to the Hub for only $2 a week: https://thehub.ca/join/hero/   Subscribe to The Hub's podcast feed to get all our best content: https://tinyurl.com/3a7zpd7e (Apple) https://tinyurl.com/y8akmfn7 (Spotify) Watch The Hub on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHubCanada The Hub on X: https://x.com/thehubcanada?lang=en   CREDITS: Alisha Rao – Producer & Sound Editor   To contact us, sign up for updates, and access transcripts, email support@thehub.ca

On the January 3, 2026 edition of The Richard Crouse Show we meet Canadian author, speaker, and productivity consultant Chris Bailey. Over the past decade, he’s built a devoted international following through his newsletter and podcast (~1M downloads) and has delivered hundreds of talks and consultations for clients including Microsoft, Zipcar, IDEO, Intuit, and The New York Times Content Studio. In “Intentional,” he argues that intentionality, not intensity, is the real key to following through. Through this shift, he offers a counterintuitive, refreshing alternative to our culture’s all-or-nothing approach to productivity. Then we get to know Julie Daniluk is a registered holistic nutritionist, TV host, and bestselling author of “Meals That Heal Inflammation” (with a revised edition featuring over 110 recipes). The book focuses on reducing chronic inflammation through diet, exploring its root causes, identifying food triggers, and providing delicious, healing recipes. Then Victoria Hetherington, novelist, nonfiction writer, NPR's The Moth storyteller, educator and author of “The Friend Machine: On the Trail of AI Companionship” stops by. A deeply personal blend of memoir, cultural criticism, and investigative journalism examining loneliness, AI companions (like Replika), commodified intimacy, and the blurring lines between human and machine relationships it’s available now wherever fine books are sold. Finally, historian, award-winning educator, and commentator J.D.M. Stewart drops in to talk about his latest book, “The Prime Ministers: Canada’s Leaders and the Nation They Shaped.” It is the first comprehensive chronicle of all Canadian prime ministers in over 25 years, covering from Sir John A. Macdonald to the current one (Mark Carney in the book's timeline). It emphasizes fresh perspectives on Indigenous relations, environmental policies, U.S. ties, and evolving reputations, while aiming to make history accessible amid concerns about young Canadians' knowledge gaps.

On the January 3, 2026 edition of The Richard Crouse Show we meet Canadian author, speaker, and productivity consultant Chris Bailey. Over the past decade, he's built a devoted international following through his newsletter and podcast (~1M downloads) and has delivered hundreds of talks and consultations for clients including Microsoft, Zipcar, IDEO, Intuit, and The New York Times Content Studio. In “Intentional,” he argues that intentionality, not intensity, is the real key to following through. Through this shift, he offers a counterintuitive, refreshing alternative to our culture's all-or-nothing approach to productivity. Then we get to know Julie Daniluk is a registered holistic nutritionist, TV host, and bestselling author of “Meals That Heal Inflammation” (with a revised edition featuring over 110 recipes). The book focuses on reducing chronic inflammation through diet, exploring its root causes, identifying food triggers, and providing delicious, healing recipes. Then Victoria Hetherington, novelist, nonfiction writer, NPR's The Moth storyteller, educator and author of “The Friend Machine: On the Trail of AI Companionship” stops by. A deeply personal blend of memoir, cultural criticism, and investigative journalism examining loneliness, AI companions (like Replika), commodified intimacy, and the blurring lines between human and machine relationships it's available now wherever fine books are sold. Finally, historian, award-winning educator, and commentator J.D.M. Stewart drops in to talk about his latest book, “The Prime Ministers: Canada's Leaders and the Nation They Shaped.” It is the first comprehensive chronicle of all Canadian prime ministers in over 25 years, covering from Sir John A. Macdonald to the current one (Mark Carney in the book's timeline). It emphasizes fresh perspectives on Indigenous relations, environmental policies, U.S. ties, and evolving reputations, while aiming to make history accessible amid concerns about young Canadians' knowledge gaps.

Some of our favourite guests of the year return to talk about books that helped meaningfully explain 2025. We talk about the evergreen appeal of Plato as well as Jewish identity with former Yale fascism scholar Jason Stanley. The déjà vu of trade wars and Canadian nationalism are tackled by journalist and author Stephen Maher. His pick is a book that details the last election of Sir John A. Macdonald and first election of Wilfrid Laurier.Then the career works of Herman Melville as a blueprint for modern America with historian Rick Perlstein.This is part one, in a series that will continue on tomorrow's show! The books:The Republic Book 8 by Plato Being Jewish After Gaza: A Reckoning by Peter BeinartThe History of Canada Series: The Destiny of Canada by Christopher PenningtonThe Lightning-Rod Man by Herman Melville

J.D.M. Stewart joins Stephen LeDrew to discuss why the history of Canada's prime ministers is essential to understanding the country today. Drawing from his new book, The Prime Ministers, Stewart explains how leaders from Sir John A. Macdonald onward shaped Canada's identity, managed crises, and navigated the often tense relationship with the United States. From early American ambitions toward British North America to modern-day friction between Washington and Ottawa, Stewart shows how personality, diplomacy and leadership style have influenced Canada's place in the world.This conversation dives into why prime ministers matter, how history repeats itself, and why Canadians should care about the people who built the nation. A thoughtful and timely discussion about Canada's story, its leaders and what binds us together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greg Marchildon speaks with Stephen Azzi and Patrice Dutil about their book, Statecraft: Canadian Prime Ministers and Their Cabinets. This collection of essays explores the politics of cabinet government in Canada through the lens of statecraft, examining how prime ministers have exercised leadership since 1867. Through twenty critical essays, leading scholars analyse the challenges faced by individual leaders from Sir John A. Macdonald to Justin Trudeau. They address questions such as: What influenced cabinet appointments? Why were ministers shuffled or dismissed? How did the drive for re-election shape leadership styles? At its core, the book defines statecraft as the art of decisive leadership amid shifting social, economic, and cultural realities. It is a balancing act—maintaining cabinet cohesion, prioritizing urgent issues, and navigating the pursuit of political survival. Even the most seasoned leaders may master it one day and falter the next. Drawing on extensive research, Statecraft bridges history and political science, offering fresh insights into the strategies, decisions, and leadership techniques that have defined Canada's prime ministers. Stephen Azzi is a professor of political management, history, and political science at Carleton University. Patrice Dutil is a professor in the Department of Politics and Public Administration at Toronto Metropolitan University. Image Credit: UTP 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.

Statues of historic Canadian figures have become a hot topic of conversation. Behind closed doors, a federal board quietly decided no historic plaques will be made to remember Sir John A. Macdonald, despite his "historic person" status. Tom Korski, managing editor for Blacklock's Reporter, joins Taylor MacPherson to explain how the situation was made

Who is calling the shots in Canada? From federal boards deciding that Sir John A. Macdonald is a polarizing and too-controversial figure to be named, to the BC Ferries receiving a cool $Billion from the Feds, without any Minister knowing anything about it, there needs to be concern about bureaucrats and Trudeau appointees making decisions without accountability. With billions of taxpayer dollars on the line and no transparency in investigations, the question arises: Is this really the democracy Canadians voted for? Stephen discusses how we need change, a shift in policies, and more accountable leadership. This is your Three Minutes - totally accountable! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elias Makos is joined by Andrew Caddell, a town councillor in Kamouraska, and President of the Task Force on Linguistic policy and Neil Drabkin, is a lawyer who served as federal prosecutor and a political commentator who was a chief of staff in the Harper government on The Big 5. Over the past 11 years, more than 17,500 foreigners with criminal records have been cleared to enter Canada. Five years after protestors brought down the statue of John A. Macdonald in Dominion Square/Place du Canada, the city of Montreal has still not begun restoration work on it. The Legault government is launching a pilot project which will last 12 months, allowing stores in Laval, Gatineau and Saint-Georges-de-Beauce to stay open until 8 PM on weekends instead of 5PM.

Today, we're looking at Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree recusing himself from files related to two Sri Lankan terror groups in an effort to reduce any apparent conflicts of interest. Plus, Canada set a new record for asylum claims in 2024, with the country receiving the fourth most claims of any nation last year. And finally, five years after a wooden sarcophagus was set up around a statue of Canada's first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, at the Ontario legislature, the tomb has been removed.

Greg Brady spoke to Daniel Tate, Executive Director Integrity TO about Ontario education minister steps in to prevent erasure of Sir John A. Macdonald, Ryerson and Dundas from Toronto schools. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg Brady spoke to Daniel Tate, Executive Director Integrity TO about Ontario education minister steps in to prevent erasure of Sir John A. Macdonald, Ryerson and Dundas from Toronto schools. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are many statues of Canada's first Prime Minister across this country — but in recent years statues of John A. Macdonald have been toppled or taken down to protest his role as an architect of the residential schools system and his treatment of Indigenous people. We'll talk about what to do about the statues - and why the plans to clean up and uncover one John A. Mcdonald in Toronto is particularly controversial.

Greg Brady and the panel of: Stephanie Smyth, Toronto—St. Paul MPP Brad Bradford, Toronto city councillor for Beaches - East York Discuss: 1.Two more teens charged with murder in Riverdale double shooting: Given that two of the suspects charged are 18 and 20 years old, how should the justice system balance accountability with the potential for rehabilitation in young adults involved in serious crimes? https://www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/article/two-additional-suspects-charged-in-toronto-double-homicide/ 2. Sir John A. Macdonald statue at Queen's Park to be uncovered after 5 years: What does the decision to uncover the Sir John A. Macdonald statue at Queen's Park reveal about Ontario's approach to reconciling its colonial past, and how can public monuments serve as tools for healing or division in a multicultural society? In what ways can public monuments, such as the Sir John A. Macdonald statue, be recontextualized to educate the public about historical injustices without erasing uncomfortable truths? 3. Hudson's Bay will terminate more than 8,000 employees, close stores by Sunday: Should companies facing bankruptcy be legally obligated to prioritize severance and benefits for frontline workers over executive bonuses, and what does the current situation at Hudson's Bay reveal about the future of retail? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Greg Brady and the panel of: Stephanie Smyth, Toronto—St. Paul MPP Brad Bradford, Toronto city councillor for Beaches - East York Discuss: 1.Two more teens charged with murder in Riverdale double shooting: Given that two of the suspects charged are 18 and 20 years old, how should the justice system balance accountability with the potential for rehabilitation in young adults involved in serious crimes? https://www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/article/two-additional-suspects-charged-in-toronto-double-homicide/ 2. Sir John A. Macdonald statue at Queen's Park to be uncovered after 5 years: What does the decision to uncover the Sir John A. Macdonald statue at Queen's Park reveal about Ontario's approach to reconciling its colonial past, and how can public monuments serve as tools for healing or division in a multicultural society? In what ways can public monuments, such as the Sir John A. Macdonald statue, be recontextualized to educate the public about historical injustices without erasing uncomfortable truths? 3. Hudson's Bay will terminate more than 8,000 employees, close stores by Sunday: Should companies facing bankruptcy be legally obligated to prioritize severance and benefits for frontline workers over executive bonuses, and what does the current situation at Hudson's Bay reveal about the future of retail? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A statue was boxed up in 2020 amid protests. After five years, it’s being released. Plus - How did the King do during his Throne Speech today? GUEST: Scott Reid - CTV Political Commentator

In this solo deep-dive episode of Breaking History, Matt Ehret tackles the untold history of Canada, exposing the imperial roots of Confederation and the British Crown's long war on republicanism. Broadcasting from Alberta, Matt unpacks how Canada's formation in 1867 was engineered to thwart U.S.-style sovereignty, tracing British counter-revolutionary strategies through figures like Lord Alfred Milner, Mark Carney, and Sir John A. Macdonald. Through historical analysis and biting insight, Matt reveals how pro-British networks derailed movements for Canadian-American unity, crushed visionary infrastructure projects like the Bering Strait rail link, and weaponized cultural identity against liberty itself. He highlights unsung Canadian nationalists, compares economic models of empire vs. republic, and makes the case for an Alberta revival rooted in real independence, not just secession. From Franklin and Lincoln to Russia and China, Ehret draws powerful global parallels to today's moment, calling for bold reforms like Glass-Steagall, a return to national banking, and a vision-driven economy. This isn't just Canadian history, it's a blueprint for reclaiming sovereignty from the empire, one idea at a time.

On Episode 81, we discuss why we're taking UBC to court for its political activity, we walk you through an Ontario Court of Appeal decision that found Ontario's COVID-19 protest ban violated peaceful assembly, and we explain why McGill is breaking with its student union. Stories and cases discussed in this week's episode: WARMINGTON: Why punish guy trying to free Sir John A. Macdonald from a box?McGill cuts contractual relationship with student union following pro-Palestinian protestUBC professors taking school to court over 'political' actions by administrationCOVID-19 rules barring protests in 2021 were unconstitutional: Ontario's top courtHomeowners with treeless yards in Quebec town risk $200 'tree police' taxNot Reserving Judgment is a podcast about Canadian constitutional law hosted by Josh Dehaas, Joanna Baron, and Christine Van Geyn. The show is brought to you by the Canadian Constitution Foundation, a non-partisan legal charity dedicated to defending rights and freedoms. To support our work, visit theccf.ca/donate.

As he positions himself to become the next likely prime minister of Canada, Mark Carney is increasingly presenting himself as the last champion of diversity, equity and inclusion in an era where public and private support for such measures is waning. Plus, a new petition is calling on the Toronto District School Board to reverse its decision to rename three schools named after Sir John A Macdonald, Egerton Ryerson, and Henry Dundas. And Doug Ford outlined $40 billion in new spending promises and admitted that he wouldn't balance the provincial budget if he's re-elected. Tune into The Daily Brief with Cosmin Dzsurdzsa and Geoff Knight! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In recent years, Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's first prime minister, has become a contentious subject. Statues have been taken down, his name has been removed from schools and his face has been removed from the $10 bill. However, one author is pushing back against the noise. The Agenda invites author Patrice Dutil to speak on his latest book, "Sir John A. Macdonald & the Apocalyptic Year 1885."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg Marchildon speaks with Patrice Dutil about his book, Sir John A. Macdonald - And The Apocalyptic Year 1885. In 1885, Sir John A. Macdonald faced a series of unprecedented challenges during his long political career. These included threats to Canada's sovereignty, armed resistance in the North-West, food insecurity among Indigenous peoples, a financial crisis jeopardizing the Canadian Pacific Railway, protests against Chinese immigration, nationalist dissent in Quebec, a devastating smallpox epidemic in Montreal, and opposition to expanding voting rights. Political historian Patrice Dutil examines how Macdonald, at the height of his powers, managed these crises, stabilized his government, and helped secure the future of Canada. Patrice Dutil is the author or editor of a dozen books, and a professor at Toronto Metropolitan University. He founded and edited the Literary Review of Canada and led the Champlain Society for seven years and used to be a host on Witness to Yesterday. Dutil is a senior fellow at the Bill Graham Centre and the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. His works include Ballots and Brawls: The 1867 Canadian General Election and Prime Ministerial Power in Canada (co-edited with Roger Hall). Image Credit: Simon & Schuster 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.

Imagine Indigenous people getting to vote for the first time — and voting for John A. Macdonald. Many did. And it was Canada's first prime minister who gave them the vote. The Conservative leader also kept Aboriginal communities fed (against fierce Liberal opposition) when the buffalo disappeared and protected them from disease, as Patrice Dutil, author of the new book, Sir John A. Macdonald and The Apocalyptic Year 1885, tells Brian. And, yes, Macdonald also offered Indigenous children schooling: a well-intended initiative he's now being vilified for. But Canada now unfortunately privileges ahistorical, ignorant, and often spiteful slanders against John A. while lionizing a murderous secessionist like Louis Riel. As Dutil explains, Macdonald was a fascinating, brilliant, and benevolent founding father. It's time we remembered that again. (Recorded November 28, 2024) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

True North has released its first children's book today, an illustrated story book titled “A Day with Sir John A.“The book is a blend of fiction and non-fiction, featuring a young boy named Emerson and Canada's first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. Plus, Premiers across Canada called on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to immediately deal with border issues in order to avoid US President Trump's 25% tariffs. And Northvolt AB said it still plans to go ahead with constructing its electric vehicle battery manufacturing plant in Quebec, despite its parent company filing for bankruptcy in the United States and the CEO recently resigning. Tune into The Daily Brief with Cosmin Dzsurdzsa and William McBeath! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a recent press conference, investigative journalist Sam Cooper and Independent MP Kevin Vuong accused four officials of being involved in a foreign interference scheme. Plus, a True North exclusive reveals the planning behind a Parks Canada exhibit that smears Canada's first prime minister, Sir John A Macdonald. And the Edmonton Police Service confirmed it was investigating an alleged sexual assault involving an Uber driver. Tune into The Daily Brief with Cosmin Dzsurdzsa and Clayton DeMaine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every Monday, we start your week with a journey through Ontario Morning country to get a sense of the music coming out of our listening area. Today's artist is someone who was once described by CBC's Tom Power as 'one of the shining jewels in the crown of Canadian songwriters. Host Nav Nanwa got to sit down and speak with singer/songwriter Jadea Kelly and her latest project..Canada's first Prime Minister has long been an important figure of Canadian history and in his adopted hometown of Kingston. Lately however, there's been a public discussion of Sir John A Macdonald's life and legacy ,particularly with regard to Indigenous peoples.In 2015,  a performance art series in Kingston explored different views of Canada's first Prime Minister. This week, there is an updated version of that performance art  series returning to City Park. Host NavNanwa spoke to co curator of Talkin' Back to Johnny Mac, Erin Sutherland, about the recent changes.

How should we remember Sir John A Macdonald? At the newly resdesigned Bellevue House in Kingston, visitors can see that Macdonald had many accomplishments as Canada's first prime minister, but he also left behind a complicated legacy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hostilities continue in the region on the eve of Oct. 7th anniversary. Blackfoot First Nations in Alberta are copying beaver dams to tackle drought. Charlottetown is wondering what to do with a statue of Sir John A. MacDonald.

On the phone-in today: Author Ian Sutton who wrote "Pardon Our Dust: Decisions for the End of Life", discusses green burial options including the lesser known process of aquamation. And off the top of the show, we speak with professor Alex Khasnabish from MSVU about the sharp rise in the number of hate crimes being reported by the Halifax Police. And we also hear an update from PEI about the Sir John A. MacDonald statue which is currently in storage.

Historica Canada quietly deleted a sympathetic portrayal of Sir John A. Macdonald from its official YouTube page, citing “feedback from educators” on the first Canadian prime minister's “controversial” legacy. To nobody's surprise, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has replaced outgoing Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Wayne Eyre with a key mover involved in the Liberal government's woke military “culture change” agenda. And Immigration Minister Marc Miller said that Ottawa is toying with the idea of buying up hotels to house the exponential influx of asylum seekers coming to Canada. Tune into The Daily Brief with Cosmin Dzsurdzsa and William McBeath. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a Text Message.Can colonialism be morally justified? Nigel Biggar explores the distinctions between colonialism and colonization, motivations behind European expansion, Sir John A. Macdonald's legacy, and the ongoing impact on First Nations people, including the controversial claims of unmarked graves at Kamloops Residential School, while advocating for integrity and humility in confronting our colonial past.Nigel Biggar is a retired professor of ethics and author known for his work on the moral complexities of colonialism, including his book "Colonialism: A Moral Reckoning.Support the Show.www.biggerthanmepodcast.com

Statue dedicated to Private Alexander Watson removed from St. Catharines city hall after 138 years and moved to a local cemetery. Reason, Watson, from St. Catharines, fought with the 90th Winnipeg Battalion Rifles in the Northwest Resistance, or Rebellion. He died in 1885 from wounds suffered in battle and the people of St. Catharines erected the statue of him in 1886. - Canadian history being cleansed?  As well, our guest Joe Warmington of the SUN papers wrote about this story and yesterday with his young son visited the home of Canada's first prime minister Sir John A MacDonald in Kingston, Ontario. Joe is troubled by how MacDonald is portrayed there. Does Canada's history deserve to be treated this way, or can we learn from the past and forge a better path forward?  Guest: Joe Warmington. SUN papers columnist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's good news for residents of Fort McMurray, Alberta - an evacuation order for the city has been lifted - allowing thousands of wildfire evacuees to begin returning home. Also: Ukraine introduces new laws to conscript more soldiers - as Russia gains more ground on the battlefield. Plus: The legacy of Sir John A. MacDonald has been an intense subject of debate in recent years. Now, the site of his former home has reopened, offering a new experience to visitors - and highlighting indigenous voices.

Hi. This week, the stars of Evil Men talk about the threat of AI, meeting celebrities while egg shopping, and magical birthdays. Then, Chris tells the awful story of Canada's first Prime Minister, Sir. John. A. Macdonald. Enjoy? Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

Hi. This week, the stars of Evil Men talk about the threat of AI, meeting celebrities while egg shopping, and magical birthdays. Then, Chris tells the awful story of Canada's first Prime Minister, Sir. John. A. Macdonald. Enjoy?***SEE JAMES IN DAVEY & JONESIE'S LOCKER ON AMAZON PRIME VIDEO AND HULU.Davey & Jonesie's Locker is a science fiction teen comedy television series created by Evany Rosen starring Veronika Slowikowska and Jaelynn Thora Brooks. But also? James is in it, along with several other members of the Evil Men family, including Jackie Pirico, Aaron Eves and MORE. Check out the trailer HERE.  CHRIS STARS IN A MOVIE!Be sure to check out Chris Locke's starring role in the new movie Who's Yer Father?, now playing at theatres and streaming on many platforms!MICHAEL IS PREVIEWING HIS SHOW FOR THE EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL!The first one sold out, so Michael is doing another preview of his Edinburgh show Thanks For Murdering My Grandfather, The Mafia! (Not) on Tuesday, April 30 at the Tranzac Club in Toronto. With special guests Chris Locke and Bita Joudaki. GET TICKETS HERE!***Support Evil Men on Patreon for EXCLUSIVE bonus episodes and special treats… like the video recording of our recent live episode! Follow Evil Men on Twitter and Instagram and now TikTok. And rate and review us wherever possible!And keep track of past Evilometer scores at Evilpedia, created by listener Christian MilesBrought to you By: The Sonar Network Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The province says it's prepared to force the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board to sell its Sir John A. Macdonald property. How has this been received by the HWDSB? Guest: Todd White, Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board Trustee for Wards 5 & 10 - It would appear that for as divided as Canada appears to be nowadays there's still something many can agree on, opposing the Carbon Tax. Guest: Kate Harrison, Vice Chair of Summa Strategies - The Blue Jays are set to start their season a lot sooner than you may realize but that is not all that's happening in the baseball world. Shohei Ohtani is in the news for less than good reasons. Guest: Mike Wilner, Baseball Columnist for the Toronto Star

Host David Leis and Professor Patrice Dutil talk about the controversial legacy of Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's inaugural Prime Minister. Do Canadians know the true history of Sir John A. Macdonald? His pivotal role in shaping Canada's history, efforts in Indigenous community programs, and how Macdonald's leadership during crises such as the smallpox outbreak of 1885 saved lives, to list a few. Is he still relevant in today's world?

Far-left protesters descend on Davos as global leaders meet for the World Economic Forum – and True North is on the ground to cover the conference. Plus, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre pledges to stop arresting journalists following the recent arrest of Rebel News journalist David Menzies by a police bodyguard for Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. And the department of family medicine at Hamilton's McMaster University is apologizing for recognizing Sir John A Macdonald's birthday. Tune into The Daily Brief with Isaac Lamoureux and Noah Jarvis! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Larry Ostola talks to Patrice Dutil about his book, Statesmen, Strategists & Diplomats: Canada's Prime Ministers and the Making of Foreign Policy, published by UBC Press in June 2023. Statesmen, Strategists, and Diplomats explores how prime ministers from Sir John A. Macdonald to Justin Trudeau have shaped foreign policy by manipulating government structures, adopting and rejecting options, and imprinting their personalities on the process. Contributors provide fresh, sometimes surprising perspectives on a wide range of policy decisions – increasing or decreasing department budgets, forming or ending alliances, pursuing trade relationships, and the management of the prime minister's personal diplomacy – particularly as these choices affected the bureaucracies that deliver foreign policy diplomatically and militarily. No other book has been devoted to a systematic analysis of the central role of Canadian prime ministers in fashioning foreign policy. This innovative focus is destined to trigger a new appreciation for the formidable personal attention and acuity involved in a successful approach to external affairs. This original work will appeal to those interested in the work of Canadian prime ministers and the making of foreign policy; to scholars and students of Canadian foreign policy and its history; and broadly to Canadian historians, political scientists, and scholars of public administration. Patrice Dutil is a professor of politics and public administration at Toronto Metropolitan University. He is the author of Prime Ministerial Power in Canada: Its Origins under Macdonald, Laurier, and Borden and Devil's Advocate: Godfroy Langlois and the Politics of Liberal Progressivism in Laurier's Quebec. Among his many edited books are The Unexpected Louis St-Laurent: Politics and Policies for a Modern Canada and Macdonald at 200: New Reflections and Legacies (with Roger Hall). He was the founding editor of the Literary Review of Canada (1991–96) and president of the Champlain Society (2010–17). Image Credit: UBC Press 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.

Elias Makos is joined by Justine McIntyre, consultant and former city councillor, andDan Delmar, Co-founder of the PR and content firm TNKR Media. The City of Montreal is set to reveal the future of the Sir John A. Macdonald statue today A climate protester splashed paint on a painting in the National Gallery of Canada Tuesday as part of escalating activities demanding “urgent action on the climate crisis.” The school year agenda given by the student union at Cégep du Vieux Montréal has caused some controversy

Patrice Dutil meets David A. Wilson to talk about his book Canadian Spy Story: Irish Revolutionaries and the Secret Police, published by McGill-Queens University Press. In an effort to disable the Irish revolutionaries from attacking Canada and stirring Irish sympathies in Canada, Sir John A. Macdonald established a sophisticated spy ring to infiltrate Fenian ranks. They examine the ideas that animated the Fenians, their success and their failures. They also reflect on the socio-political situation and on the actions taken by the Government of Canada's, taking particular note of individuals like Gilbert McMicken, Frederick Ermatinger, Charles Clarke and the grand spy Henri Le Caron. This podcast was produced by Jessica Schmidt. If you like our work, please consider supporting it: https://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.