10/3: Canada Covered

Already smarting from the shutdown of the Keystone XL pipeline, Canada’s oil industry is now facing the prospect that a long-operating oil line could be shut down. 

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has revoked an easement for Enbridge’s Line 5, which ships oil from Alberta, through the U.S. and onto refineries in southern Ontario, but also several U.S. states.  

This has raised concern, not only in oil-producing Alberta, but in Ontario and Quebec. 

Financial Post energy reporter Geoffrey Morgan joins Dave to discuss Michigan’s concerns over the pipeline, how the Canadian government is responding, and what the ramifications would be in Canada and the U.S. if Line 5 is shut down. 

Background reading: Ontario relieved Ottawa fighting for Line 5, but fears pipeline could become politically toxic 

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The bombshell interview between Oprah Winfrey and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, cast damning allegations on the Royal Family. 

The pair most notably revealed that comments were made on the skin colour of their son archie and that Meghan was prevented from seeking mental health treatment. 

The interview garnered wide reaction around the world, and re-opened a long-simmering debate in Canada. What to do with the Monarchy. 

Josh Traptow with the Monarchist League of Canada joins the show to discuss why the interview was so important, how it impacts the perception of the Royal Family as a whole, and why dropping the monarchy in Canada is not as easy as some think. 

Background reading: Everything we learned in the Harry and Meghan interview 

Abolish the monarchy? In Canada, it would be a royal pain in the butt 

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Parliament is set to debate a bill that will introduce a new definition of hate as it aims to tackle hateful content online. 

But free speech proponents are concerned the bill could bring back previously repealed provisions of hate speech law that were seen as highly politicized and subjective. 

National Post political reporter Anja Karadeglija joins the podcast to discuss the what kind of online content this legislation is looking to target, why the feds are bringing this law in now, and why free speech advocates are worried. 

Background reading: New definition of hate to be included in Liberal bill that might also revive contentious hate speech law 

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While COVID-19 cases have spread throughout the population, cases in continuing and long-term care have grabbed headlines due to the size of outbreaks, and the death toll among the elderly. 

 

The pandemic has laid bare problems within the system many will rely on as they age. And reports show a wave is coming as the baby boomers get older 

 

Calgary Herald columnist Licia Corbella joins Dave to discuss the toll the pandemic has taken on long-term care, what needs need to be addressed to handle the incoming “grey tsunami” and the potential cost if changes aren’t made. 

 

Background reading: The coming grey wave of boomers will overwhelm society if we don't act now 

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Investigations have been opened into allegations of misconduct against the current and former Chiefs of Defence Staff. 

Even as the military tries to reckon with a checkered history on dealing with sexual abuse within the ranks, it is looking into claims against retired General John Vance and Admiral Art McDonald. 

Ottawa Citizen reporter David Pugliese, who covers defence and military issues, comes on to discuss the allegations, what could happen as a result of the investigations, and what this means for the military’s attempts to address abuse. 

Background reading: Hours before stepping down from top military job, defence chief vowed to get tough on sexual misconduct   Sexual misconduct allegations against Gen. Jon Vance show need for independent investigative body, committee hears

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International travellers returning to Canada amid the COVID-19 pandemic now face a mandatory 72-hour quarantine in designated hotels, and a potentially longer stay at a government isolation facility. 

The National Post’s Tyler Dawson joins Dave to discuss what these centres are like, why there’s so much secrecy around them, and why people are concerned about the isolation process. 

Background reading: Welcome to hotel of last resort, the government-run quarantine you really want to leave

 

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The Trudeau government has followed through on more of its gun control plans, with legislation that will allow cities to effectively ban handguns. 

But do these measures actually achieve the stated goal of making Canadians safer? 

National Post columnist Matt Gurney joins Dave to discuss issues with delegating bans to cities, why the legislation is targeting the wrong people, and why Liberal actions don’t match their overheated rhetoric. 

Background reading: Matt Gurney: Only one reason for the Liberals' toothless gun law — they know lawful firearm owners are not a threat 

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The COVID-19 pandemic has forced global change. We work differently, we shop differently, we interact differently. 

After a year of living with the virus, Postmedia’s PostPandemic project is taking an in-depth look at the significant social, institutional and economic issues the pandemic has brought to light in Canada. And how it’s re-shaping the country  

National Post health reporter Sharon Kirkey joins Dave to discuss where Canada is at one year into this pandemic, whether we’re through the worst of it, and what a post-COVID world could look like. 

Background reading: It's only 'the end of the beginning.' COVID-19 will be with us for years

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Despite assurances that Canada would receive millions of COVID-19 vaccine doses in the first quarter of the year, shipment delays have put the country off target. 

And every delayed shipment has the potential to further push back the goal of re-opening society, and risks more infections of the virus. 

National post reporter Tristin Hopper joins Dave to discuss where Canada’s vaccine plan failed, when we could expect to get back on track, and what the health and economic consequences are of a delay. 

Background reading: How Ottawa utterly botched the COVID-19 Vaccine rollout   More death, more deficits: The dire consequences of Canada's vaccine procurement

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The federal government has added 13 groups to its list of terror groups, including five ISIS affiliates, and a handful of far right extremist groups, including the Proud Boys.

The move comes after parliament voted to call on the government to add the Proud Boys to the list in the wake of its involvement in the Jan. 6 events at the U.S. Capitol.

But what does the terror designation actually do?

Former CSIS terrorism analyst Phil Gurski joins Dave to discuss the purpose of Canada’s terror group list, where it can be helpful in dealing with extremist groups, but where politics can muddy the process.

Background reading: Gurski: Listing the Proud Boys as a 'terrorist entity' is mostly about politics

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