10/3: Canada Covered

Could all the talk about COVID-19 in the last 14 month have made us more fearful of the virus than we should be? 

There’s no doubt COVID-19 is a serious virus and that public health measures have been needed to try to stem the spread, but along with those have come stress and anxiety — especially among younger people — tied to inflated perceptions of the virus’s risk. 

National Post reporter Tristin Hopper joins Dave Breakenridge to talk about why this anxiety is hitting younger people, what is driving it, and why better communication and policy from leaders could help address it. 

Background reading: When COVID-19 anxiety stops making sense 

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COVID-19 has effectively cancelled many activities we enjoyed and even took for granted. Sporting events, dining out, but also, concerts, movies and plays. 

The arts sector in Canada is a big contributor to the economy but has taken a beating over the last 14 months. 

Calgary Herald arts reporter Eric Volmers joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss what facets of the arts sector have been hardest hit, what artists have done to stay creative and keep performing, and how quickly we could see concerts and productions once we’re out of the pandemic. 

Background reading: How 14 months of COVID-19 and lockdowns impacted the arts in Canada

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Conservative infighting in Alberta came to a head last week, when Jason Kenney’s UCP caucus kicked out two of its members.
The vote came after one MLA stepped down as chair of the caucus and told the premier it was time to resign. But it’s just the latest in attempts by some MLAs to undermine the premier.   Calgary Sun columnist Rick Bell joins Dave to discuss why the MLAs were voted out, whether Jason Kenney is in deeper trouble with the party’s base, and where the party goes next.   Background reading: Kenney and crew throw two rocking-the-boat UCP MLAs overboard

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Could a federal bill really seek to regulate your cat videos on YouTube, or dance challenges on Tik Tok? 

Will it control what you see when you log onto popular streaming sites?  

That’s been the concern as MPs have debated Bill C-10, which updates Canada’s Broadcast Act. But what will the bill actually do? 

National Post political reporter Anja Karadeglija joins Dave to discuss the overall intent of the bill, concerns over what it will regulate, and the government’s communication missteps in promoting the legislation

Background reading: Bill C-10 amendments allowing regulation of social media content don't violate Charter rights: justice minister

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Notorious NHL tough guy Tom Wilson found himself at the centre of more controversy when he was fined, but not suspended, for violations on the ice in a game against the New York Rangers. 

The $5,000 penalty for the Washington Capitals forward sparked a brawl-filled rematch, but also plenty of criticism of how the league dealt with the whole incident 

Postmedia National Sports columnist Scott Stinson joins Dave to discuss the how the league handles frequent flyers, whether Wilson’s kind of play has a place in the NHL, and how they can do better to address similar on-ice incidents in the future. 

Background reading: The NHL took a pass on punishing Tom Wilson. Did it honestly expect the New York Rangers to do the same?

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Alberta has been battered by the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a case rate higher than any U.S. state or Canadian province. 

And after weeks of pressure, and various smaller measures, Premier Jason Kenney announced a host of new restrictions this week to try to flatten the curve. 

Lisa Johnson, who covers provincial politics for the Edmonton Journal, walks us through the new measures, why they’re being brought in now, and the presser Kenney is facing from people both in favour of and opposed to new restrictions. 

Background reading: Alberta K-12 students to move online, patios and salons closed, fines increased under new COVID-19 measures 

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Amid growing pressure to address allegations of sexual misconduct in the Canadian Forces, the federal government announced an external review of how the military handles these cases. 

The announcement follows high-profile allegations against current and former high-ranking soldiers in the Canadian Forces, including the former Chief of Defence Staff 

National Post Political reporter Christopher Nardi joins the show to discuss why we’re getting a review now, what the review will address, and whether we’ll see meaningful change, or if this review will wind up like past investigations into the culture of our military. 

Background reading: Yet another review of sexual misconduct in Canadian military assailed as ‘cruel’

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As a horrible second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic ravages India, there has been pressure on the Trudeau government to enact travel measures to prevent further spread of variants in Canada. 

In response to that pressure the government announced a ban on direct flights from India and Pakistan for 30 days. But did it come too late to make a difference?

Toronto Sun reporter Bryan Passifiume joins Dave to discuss what the ban covers, why it’s important to keep an eye on COVID hotspots, and whether there are any gaps in the plan.  

Background reading: Canada suspends passenger flights from India, Pakistan 

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The Canadian Football league has unveiled a bold plan for a return to play this year after missing the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

While the start of the season has been pushed back later into the summer, the league is eyeing games with fans in the stands, and the latest Grey Cup Ever. 

Postmedia national sports writer Dan Barnes joins Dave to discuss the plan, why having in-person attendance is crucial to the league, and whether it can survive another lost season. 

Background reading: Canadian Football League plans 14-game season starting Aug. 5

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The Trudeau Liberals delivered their first budget since before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with an eye to post-pandemic economic recovery. 

But it also shows the government eyeing an election. 

Parliamentary Bureau Chief and National Post Columnist John Ivison joins Dave to discuss the spending priorities of the budget, what it means for Canada’s bottom line long term, and how it potentially disadvantages Trudeau’s biggest rivals come election time. 

Background reading: John Ivison: A federal budget for you? No, it's out to crush the NDP and shame Conservatives

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