10/3: Canada Covered

The Olympic Winter Games wrapped up in Beijing without a major COVID incident, and Canada wound up with a respectable 26 medals.

Despite some judging controversy and questions over whether we might wind up with a bronze in figure skating down the line, Canadian officials feel we fared rather well.

Postmedia national sportswriter Dan Barnes joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss our surprise medallists, where we fared worse than expected, and where the Canadian Olympic Committee needs to focus in advance of Italy in four years.

Background reading: Canada's Olympians come up with 26 (maybe 27) medals at Beijing 2022

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After weeks of blockades in Ottawa and border crossings in several provinces, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked the Emergencies Act to deal with what the PM calls an “illegal obstruction.”

What was purported to be a protest against vaccine mandates for truckers has dragged on, and public opinion polls have shown a growing frustration with the blockades, and for the government’s handling of the issue.

National Post columnist John Ivison joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss how we got to this point, why Trudeau may have overreached with the Emergencies Act despite public support, what happens after the blockade ends.

Background reading: John Ivison: Trudeau’s intolerance of 'unacceptable views' has brought us to this moment

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The Olympics are supposed to be an event that fosters competition and fair play while encouraging athletes to strive to do their best.

But the Winter Games in Beijing have shown that there’s a disconnect between the ideal, and reality.

National Post columnist Sabrina Maddeaux joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss why Russia continues to flout rules, problems with Olympic judging, and the optics of allowing the Chinese regime to host the Games.

Background reading: Sabrina Maddeaux: Russian Kamila Valieva's young age doesn't excuse doping leniency at Beijing Olympics

Sabrina Maddeaux: The Beijing Olympics judging isn't winning any medals. That needs to change

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As the women’s Olympic hockey tournament hits the elimination round, Canada and the U.S., as expected, have been the dominant teams.

But is a tournament where two teams shine brighter than the others involved good for the games?

Postmedia national sports writer Scott Stinson, who is part of our team covering the Olympics, joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss why the rivalry between the Canadians and the Americans is fun to watch, elevates the Games, and ultimately helps women’s hockey.

Background reading: Scott Stinson: Canada and the United States put on a dazzling show, worthy of the Olympics

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The federal Conservatives are looking for a new leader after Erin O’Toole was dumped in a vote by members of his caucus.

This comes on the heels of a disappointing election result, and as the party reckoned with its response to the convoy that has occupied swaths of downtown Ottawa for nearly two weeks.

In a special panel discussion, National Post Comment Editor Carson Jerema and National Post Columnist Adam Zivo join Dave Breakenridge to discuss why O’Toole was sent packing, what the race to replace him will look like, and how the party needs to position itself to be successful.

Background reading: O’Toole’s divisive leadership style comes back to haunt him

Erin O'Toole did everything he could to lose the Conservative leadership

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Despite rising case numbers, and in some cases even rising hospitalizations, some jurisdictions are lifting COVID-19 restrictions.

Denmark, the UK and Ireland are among some of the countries rolling back public health measures, and some officials in Canada are hinting we could be approaching that stage here.

National Post reporter Tristin Hopper joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss why the mood is changing, where Canada would need to get to in terms of cases to follow those other countries, and how officials prepare people for the switch.

Background reading: Health officials are hinting at ending COVID restrictions (and not because of the truckers)

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The Olympic Winter Games kick off this week in Beijing, and Canada looks to match the high bar our athletes set in South Korea in 2018.

With NHLers not taking to the ice, and some key athletes from past Olympics retiring, not to mention an ongoing pandemic, it’s shaping up to be tough-to-predict couple of weeks.

Postmedia national sports writer Scott Stinson, who is part of our team covering the games, joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss who our strongest medal hopefuls are, where we could see some surprises, and how COVID-19 could play havoc on the competitions

Background reading: Check out all our Olympic coverage

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Tensions between Ukraine and Russia have caught the attention of Western allies, including the U.S., the U.K. and Canada.

The deployment of an estimated 100,000 Russian troops near Ukraine’s border have some concerned about an invasion on a larger scale than the Crimean annexation in 2014.

National Post political reporter Bryan Passifiume joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss our country’s response, why the issue is of concern to Canada, and whether there is a larger role for us to play in bringing about a resolution to the standoff.

Background reading: Canada Has vital stake in Ukraine outcome but no 'currency or heft', experts say

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The Winter Olympics in Beijing are set to kick off next week, with Canadian athletes looking to match their medal haul from South Korea in 2018.

But what goes into making an Olympian. A lot of training and a lot of money.

Postmedia national sportswriter Dan Barnes joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss how Canada’s Olympians are funded, how successful the Own the Podium program has been, and how we’re expected to fare at these games.

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When Canada appears at the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Winter Games in Beijing in early February, there won’t be a delegation of diplomats and politicians cheering them on.

Canada is among a number of Western nations following through on a diplomatic boycott of the games over China’s record of human rights abuses. The move is the latest in a series of tensions with the global superpower.

Tasha Kheiriddin, a National Post columnist and principal with Navigator LTD, joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss issues with Canada-China relations, the importance of the boycott, and what this means for politics here at home.

Background reading: Tasha Kheiriddin: A diplomatic boycott of Beijing is a no-brainer, except in Ottawa

Tasha Kheiriddin: Reinstate Canada-China committee to push back against Beijing

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