10/3: Canada Covered

More than six months after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the smaller of the two nations has proven a worthy adversary, forcing back Russian troops and regaining previously held territory.

And despite alleged annexation referendums, Russian forces seem unable to hold back Ukrainian advances.

National Post columnist Adam Zivo joins me from Odesa to discuss how the war has changed in the last six months, what the mood is like on the ground away from the front lines, and whether there’s a worry about Vladimir Putin’s threats of a nuclear strike.

Background reading: Vladimir Putin's coming humiliation

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Three western provinces are squaring off against the Trudeau government over the enforcement of the planned firearm buyback program.

Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba have all raised objections to the buyback, with Alberta’s justice minister suggesting the province will ask Mounties not to enforce it.

National Post political reporter Ryan Tumilty joins the show to discuss what the provinces’ opposition to the buyback is, how the feds have responded, and which level of government ultimately has the upper hand when it comes to the RCMP and federal gun laws.

Background reading: Two more provinces join in opposition to gun buyback program that 'unnecessarily targets lawful gun owners'

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The tragic events that saw 10 people killed in rural Saskatchewan over the Labour Day weekend will get a full public inquest.

Saskatchewan’s coroner has announced that in the name of transparency, an inquest will be held next year into the deadly stabbing spree in Weldon and James Smith Cree Nation.

Regina Leader Post reporter Larissa Kurz joins Dave to discuss what the inquest will hope to uncover, who will hear evidence, and why the chief coroner says it’s important to conduct this investigation.

Background reading: Inquests will be held into all deaths stemming from tragedy at James Smith and Weldon

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The post-pandemic economic recovery has brought with it a return to business as usual for many Canadians.

But while that’s generally good news, it has also meant a record number of jobs going unfilled, with many sectors unable to operate at capacity due to vacancies.

Kevin Carmichael, editor-in-chief of the Financial Post, joins the show to discuss why we’re seeing such high numbers of job vacancies, what it could mean for wage growth in Canada, and what impact that could have on inflation.

Background reading: Persistent labour shortages may prove a bittersweet victory for workers

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While Quebec’s election may be all but a done deal, with Francois Legault’s party holding a sizable polling lead over his opponents, it’s far from a sleeper election.

Less than two weeks out from voting day and we’ve seen a race that upends traditional patterns of support, and has focused on controversial issues around languages, immigration and notions of freedom.

National Post columnist Tasha Kheiriddin joins the show to discuss how Legault has managed to change the power dynamic in Quebec, why the Conservatives are a growing force, and how this election could have ramifications at the federal level.

Background reading: Tasha Kheiriddin: Quebec election has profound implications for the rest of Canada

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Millions of Canadians at some point or another have suffered from depression, and sought out treatment.

Now, a controversial new study has poked a very large hole in long-held notions around depression and anti-depressants.

National Post health reporter Sharon Kirkey joins host Dave Breakenridge to discuss how widespread depression is, what this new study says about the relationship between anti-depressants and depression, and what it could mean for people currently getting treatment, or those seeking it out.

Background reading: Doctors have stopped believing that 'chemical imbalance' causes depression. They didn't tell us

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In the days since the death of Queen Elizabeth, plans for what is expected to be a monumental memorial have been unfolding.

With the queen now lying in state in London, attention is focused on her funeral on Monday at Westminster Abbey.

Toronto Sun columnist Christina Blizzard joins me to discuss what will happen in the lead-up to the funeral and the day itself, and what is next for the monarchy under the reign of King Charles.

Background reading: What now for King Charles III and the Royals?

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Pierre Poilievre’s first-ballot victory in the Conservative leadership race shows a party more unified than the campaign may have led many to believe.

The new opposition leader now faces a tall order: unite his caucus to present a government in waiting in order to beat the Trudeau Liberals in the next election, whenever that may come.

National Post political reporter Catherine Levesque joins me to discuss Poilievre’s win, what his message was to Canadians in his first speech as leader, and what comes next for the party. 

Background reading: Poilievre says 'Canadians are hurting', promises to transform 'hurt into hope'

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The manhunt for the last remaining suspect in a series of stabbing attacks in Saskatchewan ended with the capture and death of Myles Sanderson.

This brought an end to a horrific series of events that saw 12 people, including the two suspects, killed, and nearly 20 people sent to hospital.

Prior to the arrest, host Dave Breakenridge caught up with Saskatoon Star Phoenix reporter Zak Vescera to discuss how the tragedy unfolded, what we know about the victims, and the looming controversy over Myles Sanderson’s release on parole earlier this year.

Background reading: 'Collective sigh of relief': Stabbings suspect Myles Sanderson dead after highway pursuit

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In a province facing concerns over health care, education, and what to do with a booming oil-based budget surplus, the race to replace Jason Kenney as United Conservative Party and premier has largely focused on one major issue: Alberta’s autonomy.

The discussion about various ways to advance Alberta’s place in Confederation was once again front and centre at the final leadership debate in Edmonton.

National Post reporter Tyler Dawson joins the program to discuss Tuesday’s debate, whether anyone appears to have gained any ground on front-runner Danielle Smith, and why the issue of autonomy, or sovereignty, has been such a looming presence.

Background reading: Final UCP leadership debate focuses on same issues that ended Kenney's term: Alberta autonomy and COVID-19

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