Canadaland

It took Danielle Smith (basically) a year to get her new West Coast pipeline from Ottawa - a massive project with a price tag between 35 to 44 billion dollars. Alberta is pushing for construction to start in less than a year. That timeline is a big test for Carney, because it will be the first project to use the fast-tracking powers his government passed through the controversial Bill C-5. But, there are still a ton of unanswered questions, Falice Chin of the Hub joins host Noor Azrieh to answer them. What exactly has the government signed us up for?Plus, an update on David Eby’s snap election in BC with Mo Amir from This is VANCOLOUR.Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Falice Chin, Mo AmirBackground reading:6 unanswered questions hanging over Alberta’s ‘Pacific Link’ oil pipeline – The HubCarney’s expensive Alberta truce:

Today we’re reopening the files on what might be the strangest and most shocking Canadian media story in recent memory. The Ottawa Citizen journalist, David Pugliese, who was allegedly compromised by the KGB.On October 24th, 2024, Chris Alexander, former MP and former Harper cabinet minister, also a former Canadian diplomat to Russia, gave sworn testimony at a parliamentary inquiry into Russian interference and disinformation campaigns in Canada. And that’s where the allegations first came to public light.The story stunned the Canadian media world. David Pugliese has been a fixture in Canadian journalism for almost 40 years. He does serious in-depth reporting about national defense. And the idea that all this time he's been a secret Russian agent, it just seemed nuts.But these were serious, potentially career-ending, potentially criminal allegations. Pugliese denied the allegations outright in clear and emphatic language. The Canadian Association of Journalists stood by his side and decried the allegation

Who is Daniel Robson?Since 2025, Robson quickly established himself as a prolific freelance columnist, with bylines in the Ottawa Citizen, the Montreal Gazette, The Hub, Western Standard, and Policy Options.But there’s one problem: he doesn’t seem to exist. When a Turkish journalist began asking Canadian editors to verify Robson’s biographical details, they realized they couldn’t and that Robson’s persona and writing was A.I. generated. Who or what is behind this mysterious A.I. entity and what does it have to do with Morocco? Stuart Benson of the Hill Times joins Julian Abraham to go down the Daniel Robson rabbit hole. Host: Julian AbrahamCredits: James Nicholson (Senior Producer), Gökçe On (Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Stuart BensonAdditional music by Audio NetworkVote for CANADALAND at the Signal Awards! Nominations include “My Chatbot Encouraged my Psychosis” for Best Writing and “The Freelancer’s Guide to Getting Revenge When You’ve Been Ripped Off” in

Earlier this year, we asked you to call in and tell us about news stories that were a big deal in your town, but were not necessarily getting much, if any, national attention. We ended up hearing some incredible stories and even got a few leads out of that episode. This week, we decided to dive back into the world of local news and pose the same question to our listeners — and you did not disappoint.On this episode, we hear what it’s really like to weather a referendum storm from an Alberta citizen, we experience an Ontario town’s “gift of nuclear waste,” and our host James reconnects with an old friend of the forest. Host: James NicholsonCredits: Caleb Thompson (Producer), Tony Wang (Executive Producer), Jesse Brown (Publisher)Additional music by Audio Network & Kale BeaudryFurther Reading:'It's not a done deal': Community nearest nuclear waste site to hire lawyer - NWO News Watch As Alberta separatism referendum looms, flags become symbol of voting intention — and tension - CBCCat in the Hat

Mark Carney sat down for a wide-ranging hour-long interview with the New York Times. The headlines focused on Canada’s preparations for the “extreme tail risk” of a US invasion, but what else can we learn about Carney’s political approach from the 8000 word transcript?The interview drew criticism in Canada, centered around Carney’s choice of a foreign outlet, rather than a Canadian one. But what can that tell us about his intended audience and communications strategy? Zain Velji joins San Grewal to discuss our Prime Minister’s global messaging and the domestic concerns waiting at home. Host: San GrewalCredits: James Nicholson (Senior Producer), Julian Abrham (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Zain VeljiFurther reading: A Transcript From The Times Interview with Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada - New York TimesSpecial Edition: Our Interview With Mark Carney - The New York Times Do the PM’s liaisons south of the border amount to cheating on Canada’s media? - The Re

Elizabeth May is a fierce, dogged critic. No matter the government. Mark Carney’s Liberals are no exception. I wanted to know what she’s actually seen and heard, because even though Elizabeth May has been pissed before, host Noor Azrieh is sensing a rage she hasn’t seen before.Plus, after a long hiatus, Parliament reconvened last week. And Mark Carney’s Liberals wasted no time tabling their Building Canada Strong Act. So, what is it?Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor), Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Elizabeth May, Nick Taylor-Vaisey,Background reading:Bill C-39 Introduction – Government of CanadaPoilievre dismisses Bill C-39 as all talk, no action at outset of Commons debate – The Globe and MailFive things to know about the Liberals' new Building Canada Strong Act – Toronto StarCarney’s Bill C-39 overhauls environmental reviews and Indigenous consultation – The NarwhalLiberals t

You can't really call Regina a news desert. They still have a newspaper. But if you actually look under the hood you’ll discover that they stopped printing the newspaper in Regina. They stopped editing it in Regina. The editor lives somewhere else. And as far the CBC goes, well, that acronym is now synonymous with layoffs.Everyone from the legacy media who purports to be telling people in Regina what is going on in their own community is doing so with less resources than ever before. These are zombie news organizations. That creates a news vacuum. A place for someone new to step in. And somebody did.And that somebody peddles garbage. That's not a value judgment of this new news source in Regina. It's just the objective truth. They're a garbage company called Just Bins. They provide dumpsters and news to the people of Regina. And they may be providing news to more people in Regina than anyone else.Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Kevin O’Keefe (Reporter), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technica

The announcement that the EU is “opening the door” to Canada for associate membership overshadowed how the story initially broke. Following detailed reporting in the Wall Street Journal, Carney denied that Canada was seeking membership in the EU. Days later, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced that Canada was in fact being considered for associate membership. Why did Carney and government sources initially deny the story? And should Canadian media hold him accountable for misleading the public? Host: Julian AbrahamCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Gökçe On (Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Douglas SoltysAdditional music by Audio NetworkFurther reading: Mark Carney’s Audacious Bid to Make Canada an ‘Associate Member’ of the EU - WSJ PM Carney says Canada ‘not looking to become member’ of the EU - CTV News Carney says Canada planning to discuss 'unique alliance' with EU, but not membership | CBC NewsChris Selley: Carney&

Apocalyptic A.I. headlines are all over the news, following a former Anthropic employee’s whistleblowing on the threat to humanity posed by out of control A.I. systems. But that was just the start: a flurry of safety-related announcements from major A.I. companies underscored the tangible risk of the technology. Douglas Soltys of Betakit joins to explain A.I.’s existential media moment, and how it affects Canada’s push for adoption and innovation. Could Canada emerge as a leader on A.I. regulation?Host: Julian AbrahamCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Camerin Wild (Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Douglas SoltysAdditional music by Audio NetworkFurther reading: Experts: How would AI actually kill everyone? | CNN BusinessAI researchers 'earnestly believe' it could kill all humans within the next decade, Anthropic employee says | CBC News Justin Ling: It’s the nuclear bomb of the 21st century. This is how we can control itAI minister affirms Canada will

Prime Minister Mark Carney came into office promising to turn Canada into an investment destination. One of the biggest tests of that promise is happening in Saskatchewan.In this episode, host Noor Azrieh and senior producer Aviva Lessard take you inside the politics that made Bell’s $50 billion AI data centre behemoth in Saskatchewan possible.Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Tom McIntosh, Ray Orb, Tammy Robert, Kim Breckner, and more!Background reading:The AI Data Centre-Driven Privatization of SaskPower Is Underway. You Knew It Was Coming.  – Our Sask by Tammy Robert Bell plans expansion of Sask. AI data centre, making it largest private investment in province's history – CBC NewsDrone video of Bell Canada AI data centre construction site – CBC NewsBell announces

He was the doctor who almost got Joe Rogan cancelled. The controversy he roiled on Rogan brought the show some its highest ever ratings. So you might have been among the 40 million who caught Dr. Peter McCullough on Rogan where he spoke out against the COVID vaccine near the start of the pandemic. He was accused of undermining public health efforts and spreading misinformation.And last week Dr. McCullough was on Parliament Hill. But chances are you didn’t hear about that appearance. Most of the mainstream media, and nearly all the nation’s MPs, took a pass on attending the Allison Inquiry into injuries sustained by Canadians from the vaccine.Dr. McCullough joins us today. But he’s not here to debate his opinion on the science of vaccines.  Instead we wanted to discuss his experience at the centre of the Rogan controversy. We wanted to ask him whether people should be getting medical advice from shows like Rogan’s. We wanted to know what he thought about the splintering of public faith in mainstream institutio

There was no shortage of retrospective 9/11 coverage in Canadian outlets, but the tone and focus was a lot different than south of the border. Jean Chretien’s address in Gander foregrounded how much has changed in the Canada/US relationship, while a Canadian Press article focusing on Islamophobia caused outrage online.Jan Wong joins Jesse Brown to talk about journalistic approaches to covering historical tragedies, and to reflect on 9/11’s impact. Plus, Mao’s unspoken legacy in China and why no one wants to report on vaccine injuries.Host: Jesse BrownCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Julian Abraham (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Jan WongFurther reading: Jean Chrétien says 'we bow to no one' in fiery 9/11 speech in Gander, N.L. | CBC News25 years since 9/11, Canada is not further ahead on tackling Islamophobia: advocates - CTV NewsHUNTER: What CBC 'Journalist Standards' boss doesn't know about 9/11 - Toronto SunSheryl Saperia: 25 years on, what would

A report in the Wall Street Journal suggests that Carney’s is pushing for Canada to join the EU as an “associate member.” Carney says he’s pursuing an “unique alliance,” rather than membership. As Carney heads to France to address the EU parliament on Thursday, questions swirl around what exactly this new relationship between Canada and the EU will entail. Meanwhile, the President of the EU parliament announces a new “antenna” office in Ottawa. Jan Wong joins Jesse Brown to consider the likelihood of Canada’s European future. Host: Jesse BrownCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Julian Abraham (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Jan WongFurther reading: Mark Carney’s Audacious Bid to Make Canada an ‘Associate Member’ of the EU - WSJ Carney says Canada planning to discuss 'unique alliance' with EU, but not membership | CBC NewsWhy PM Carney’s trip to Europe this week has just taken on mor

South of the border, billionaires are getting eaten alive. Up here, Mark Carney is trying to court them. This week, host Sam talks to three wealthy Canadians who think that's a mistake, and who are actually asking the government to tax them more.Host: Sam KonnertCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Claire Trottier, Emma Davis, Floyd MarinescuBackground reading:The Rich List - MacleansI’m giving the CRA an extra $1M this year. Crazy, right? - Toronto StarThe troubling rise of income and wealth inequality in Canada - Policy OptionsDo Billionaires Really Move To Avoid Wealth Taxes? - ForbesCapital gains tax hike would greatly reduce Canada’s competitiveness - Fraser InstituteCEO pay hit a record high in 2024 - Canada's National ObserverSponsors: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bun

It is the biggest leveraged buyout in history. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) just bought EA Games: one of the world’s biggest video game companies. PIF joined forces with two American investment firms (one run by Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner) to buy the gaming giant for $55 billion.But this could be about a lot more than just video games. EA has more than 700 million players worldwide, and it’s collecting vast amounts of data on them. What are the national security and privacy implications of a foreign sovereign wealth fund controlling a company with all that data? And given EA has a Canadian subsidiary with Canadian employees and, of course, Canadian players — how has the Canadian government scrutinized this deal?Host: Gemma BoothroydCredits: Gemma Boothroyd (Reporter), Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), Chad Galloway (Audio Editing & Production), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher)Fact checking by Julian Abraham  Additional music by Audio NetworkImage b

A trend of “Blame Canada” memes is causing a schism amongst conservatives. Far-right conservative influencers are gleefully amplifying MAGA-style messaging around Carney and Canada, while more moderate conservative voices are calling them “traitorous.” Under Pierre Poilievre, the CPC embraced right-wing influencers, offering them “content creator” passes and access to events, but now they’re trying to distance themselves.Is the turf war between establishment conservatives and edgy memelords overblown? Harrison Lowman of the Hub joins Julian Abraham to explore the AI slop that is dividing conservatives in Canada. Host: Julian AbrahamCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Harrison LowmanPhoto: Donald Trump Truth Social Post (likely generated by A.I.)Further reading: Ben Woodfinden: 'Blame Canada' conservatives are no better than woke statue topplers - National PostThe Cons

As the 25th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, the CBC’s longstanding policy towards reporting on acts of terrorism suddenly became an international story.A leaked internal CBC memo that instructed journalists not to refer to 9/11 as a terrorist attack without attribution sparked backlash on both sides of the border. In the context of the trade war, CBC’s journalistic policy became a flashpoint for Republicans, with US Ambassador Pete Hoekstra suggesting it further jeopardized trade relations between Canada and the US. Jen Gerson of The Line joins Julian Abraham to explain how the CBC escalated trade war tensions (even if it didn’t intend to) and what happens next now that the CBC changed its policy towards 9/11. Host: Julian AbrahamCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Jen GersonPhoto: Ken LundFurther reading: 9/11 wasn't a 'terrorist attack,' according to the CBC | Toronto Su

 BC’s Conservative caucus is hemorrhaging members. In the last three weeks, 8 MLAs have left the Conservative caucus, followed by accusations that paint a pretty clear picture: Whatever crisis is happening inside the BC Conservatives, Kerry-Lynne Findlay is at the centre of it. Host Sam Konnert talks to BC political commentator and host of “This is Vancolor”, Mo Amir, to spell out what exactly is going on. Host: Sam KonnertCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Mo AmirPhoto: Taymaz ValleyBackground reading:Will Kerry-Lynne Findlay’s First Stand Also Be Her Last? – The TyeeAnother B.C. Conservative MLA steps away from party to sit as Independent – CBC NewsB.C. Conservative caucus is down to 30. Here’s how it lost 14 members  – Global NewsRCMP ask to meet ex-B.C. Conservative who

In the history of journalism, there have been a number of iconic interviews. Interviews that defined a generation and uncovered truths from some of the biggest political scandals of the time. Richard Nixon, Monica Lewinsky, the ex-Duke of York formerly known as Prince Andrew, to name only a few.Today, we bring you an interview with Nathen Mazri. Former Garfield Eats proprietor, former PPC candidate, and now, running for Toronto City Council in Ward 1 Etobicoke North. Will this interview be as era-defining as the others? His CV is likely stranger than any other candidate, and his legally distinct Garfield (called Nathfield) campaign song probably isn’t going to top the charts. He only got 235 votes during the last federal election, so why does he think he has a shot at being mayor of Toronto in 2030?Is he delusional? Or is his conviction so strong that he might just do it? Further Reading:Nathen MazriCanadian entrepreneur behind GarfieldEATS wants to disrupt fast-food, one lasagna at a time - Globe &

Canadians are increasingly getting their news from the New York Times. As the NYT increases its global footprint, growing to over 3 million international subscribers, Canada remains its largest international market. With its expansion of staff and Canadian coverage, The Times is competing for scoops with outlets like The Globe and Mail and CBC. Will an American outlet eventually dominate Canadian news? Host: San GrewalCredits: James Nicholson (Producer),  Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer and Fact Checker), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Morgan CampbellPhoto: Wilson RiveraFurther reading: https://www.nytco.com/press/the-new-york-times-reaches-three-million-international-subscribers/https://bayobserver.ca/new-york-times-insists-its-beefed-up-coverage-of-canada-has-nothing-to-do-with-trump/https://pressgazette.co.uk/media-audience-and-business-data/media_metrics/most-popular-websites-news-world-mo