10/3: Canada Covered

Concerns are being raised over safe supply programs in Canada because of what’s being done after drugs are administered to users in the program.

A National Post investigation found many users are selling their safe supply drugs to other users so they can in turn buy stronger opioids on the street.

National Post columnist Adam Zivo joins the show to discuss the findings of his investigation, why addiction physicians are worried, and what, if anything is being done to stop the practice.

Background reading: Drug fail: The Liberal government's 'safer supply' is fuelling a new opioid crisis

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King Charles has been officially crowned, and the people of the Commonwealth have returned to their daily lives.

But the momentous event has once again sparked questions about whether Canada needs to be tied to the monarchy at all.

National Post reporter Joseph Brean joins the show to discuss what Canadians feel about the monarchy, why there are compelling reasons to end ties to the Crown, and ultimately why it’s not likely to happen.

Background reading: 'People love pageantry' — Why Canada will stick with the monarchy and King Charles

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Could the Canadian curse finally lift in the Stanley Cup Playoffs?

It’s been 30 years since a team from this side of the border hoisted the top prize in hockey, and heading into the second round, two Canadian teams were being eyed by oddsmakers as the favourites to make the finals.

Postmedia national sports writer Scott Stinson joins the show to discuss why a Canadian team winning the Stanley Cup is a perennial topic, what makes the Leafs and Oilers the favourites, and what it could mean to Toronto or Edmonton to have their team take the league title.

Background reading: Maple Leafs favoured to win the Stanley Cup in latest odds

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Polls show Alberta’s election will be a close race, and could ultimately come down to which leader voters like more.

UCP leader Danielle Smith and NDP leader Rachel Notley are definitely political opposites, but as people? They may not be as different as you’d imagine.

National Post reporter, and producer of this podcast, Tyler Dawson joins the show to discuss how each leader got her political start, how those closest to them would describe the leaders, and how the election could hinge on personal popularity.

Background reading: The comeback queens: Rachel Notley vs Danielle Smith in the battle for Alberta

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Albertans go to the polls in late May, but the campaign is already in full swing.

Danielle Smith’s UCP and Rachel Notley’s NDP are jockeying for position in what polls are showing is going to be an extremely tight race for control of the legislature.

Edmonton Journal legislature reporters Matthew Black and Lisa Johnson join the show to break down key issues of the campaign, which ridings could be close, and why the battle will largely be fought over Calgary.

Background reading: UCP and NDP both pledge personal income tax freeze

Smith defends taxpayer dollars for Calgary arena infrastructure as NDP calls for transparency

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You’ve seen the headlines: Teen fatally stabbed on Transit in B.C., a man seriously injured after being knifed while waiting for a bus in Edmonton, a woman dying after being set on fire in Toronto.

From coast to coast, Canada has seen an uptick in what police are calling unprovoked stranger attacks. They’re not just happening in big cities either.

National Post reporter Tristin Hopper joins the show to discuss what’s driving these sometimes deadly assaults, what it has meant to how safe Canadians feel, and what can be done to address the issue.

Background reading: Background reading: Canada is seeing violent crime like never before. What's behind the wave of killings and attacks

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Are social media apps like TikTok causing users to exhibit signs of disorders like Tourette’s or other conditions?

Or because people seem to congregate in communities online, is social media just amplifying what’s already there?

National Post reporter Tyler Dawson, who also produces this podcast, joins the show to discuss research showing young people are acquiring symptoms via social media use, what may be causing these tics, and whether some people are faking symptoms for online clout. 

Background reading: Your kid suddenly has Tourette’s? 'TikTok tics' may be to blame

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Nearly three years after Canada’s worst mass killing, a report looking into the RCMP response has been released.

The Mass Casualties Commission report has laid blame on the RCMP’s handling of the incident and suggested sweeping police reform.

National Post political reporter Ryan Tumilty joins the show to discuss where the inquiry found the RCMP failed, what changes it recommends to the national police force, and whether there is political will for major reform.

Background reading: Key witnesses ignored, no warnings: N.S. mass shooting inquiry lays blame on RCMP

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This is a story of the Sixties Scoop. Of a family torn apart and separated for decades before being reunited.

This is also a story of identity, and the long-lasting effects that these separations can have on a family.

London Free Press reporter Randy Richmond joins the show to discuss how one family was separated by the Sixties Scoop, ultimately re-united and how they had to reckon with their own histories, and come to terms with trauma and tragedy.

Background reading: The boy with two names: A scattered family, a nation's shame, a death in jail

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A number of NHL players have kicked off controversy by refusing to wear rainbow-themed jerseys as part of their teams’ Pride Night festivities.

It has put the notion of the players’ individual beliefs at odds with the league’s attempts to grow the game, and make more people feel included in the hockey world.

Postmedia national sports columnist Scott Stinson joins the show to discuss how the NHL has responded to these cases, what the refusal means to the league’s efforts for inclusivity, and what more can be done to promote the message that hockey is in fact for everyone.

Background reading: NHL's Pride Nights were to send a message of inclusivity. They are doing the opposite

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