10/3: Canada Covered

Explicit, AI-generated images of Taylor Swift have reignited the discussion around the nefarious uses of this emerging technology.

It has raised questions about how prevalent the problem is, and whether legislation is strong enough to address it.

National Post reporter Chris Knight joins the show to discuss cases in Canada, why this is a growing problem, and whether our current laws need to evolve with the technology.

Background reading: Canadians have very limited options if fake explicit photos end up on social media

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Tragedy has struck a small Manitoba community with the deaths of five people.

A woman, a teen girl and three small children were all killed over the weekend, and the partner of the woman and father of the three kids has been charged in their deaths.

Winnipeg Sun reporter Glen Dawkins joins the show to discuss how the investigation unfolded, what police are saying about the case, and what the reaction has been in the community.

Background reading: Manitoba man charged with murder in deaths of common-law partner, children and teen

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After weeks of speculation about developments in the case, London police have spoken publicly about its investigation into sexual assault allegations against members of Canada’s 2018 World Juniors team.

Five players from that squad have been charged, two years after revelations of a stalled investigation and a lawsuit settled out of court.

London Free-Press reporter Dale Carruthers joins host Dave Breakenridge to discuss the history of the case, why we’re seeing charges now, and what police had to say about the six-year delay.

Background reading: London police chief apologizes to complainant, defends Hockey Canada probe

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Canada is a big importer of illicit drugs, but many Canadians might not know that we’re also sending shipments of drugs like methamphetamines overseas, to Australia and elsewhere in the south Pacific.

This is being driven by gangs in Canada, but also Canadians overseas who are highly ranked in drug trafficking networks.

Vancouver Sun crime reporter Kim Bolan joins the show to discuss her investigation into Canadian gangs’ involvement in international drug trafficking networks, what authorities in other countries have to say about the problem, and the human toll once these drugs hit the streets.

Background reading: B.C. gangsters at the centre of a global drug trade

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Critics of the Liberals’ handling of the Freedom Convoy and its occupation of downtown Ottawa in 2022 were handed some vindication this week.

The Federal Court of Canada has ruled that the Trudeau government’s use of the Emergencies Act was unconstitutional.

National Post political reporter Chris Nardi joins the show to discuss why the court ruled against the Liberals, whether it opens the government to other legal action, and why the government is looking to appeal the ruling.

Background reading: Court rules Liberals' use of Emergencies Act was unjustified, unreasonable

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Outspoken author and academic Jordan Peterson’s legal fight against his profession’s governing body hit a snag in the Ontario Court of Appeal.

Peterson was fighting a sanction from the College of Psychologists of Ontario ordering him to undergo remedial social media training. Ontario's highest court declined to hear his appeal of a lower court ruling.

National Post reporter Tyler Dawson joins the show to discuss why Peterson was in hot water with the College, what his lawyer tried to argue in court and whether there’s any further recourse.

Background reading: Jordan Peterson says he's willing to risk licence over social media training after losing court battle

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Former Alberta premier Rachel Notley announced she is stepping down as the head of Alberta’s NDP.

The move, expected after last spring’s election defeat to Danielle Smith’s UCP, sparks a leadership contest that could ultimately shape the progressive movement, not just in Alberta, but in Canada.

Calgary Herald columnist Don Braid joins the show to discuss Notley’s legacy, where the provincial party goes from here, and whether the former premier has ambitions beyond Alberta.

Background reading: Braid: Rachel Notley announces she’s leaving Alberta NDP leadership, triggering party contest

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The RCMP has been under scrutiny for years, regarding how it performs as community law enforcement, how it manages national policing, and even whether it’s an organization capable of change.

Some even wonder whether it’s time to say goodbye to the Mounties as they exist now.

National Post political reporter Ryan Tumilty joins the show to discuss what shortcomings have been identified within the RCMP, how that affects its ability to carry out its core mandates, and whether the federal government or top brass are committed to change.

Background reading: After 150 years, is it time to say goodbye to the Mounties as we know them?

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For many Canadians, January marks a time when they reconsider their relationship with alcohol.

But looking beyond Dry January, is alcohol consumption in Canada something to be worried about?

National Post health reporter Sharon Kirkey joins the show to discuss why Canadians may be re-evaluating their drinking, who is actually drinking more, and how doctors are being encouraged to broach the subject with their patients.

Background reading: Canadian doctors to screen for risky drinking as polls suggest it's adults who have a problem

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While Justin Trudeau’s popularity has been waning, and things have been looking up for the Conservatives for quite some time, Pierre Poilievre and the Tories still have to convince Canadians they’re a government in waiting.

One new way the Tories have tried to do this has been with a series of videos, putting Poilievre front and centre, some focusing on the leader, some focusing on issues that are resonating with Canadians.

But as political communication goes, how effective are they?

National Post Parliamentary Bureau Chief Stuart Thomson joins the show to discuss why the Tories are trying this approach, what are the benefits of it, and what pitfalls the party should watch out for

Background reading: Poilievre's Conservatives are using the 'selfie' video to remake the Canadian political conversation

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