It’s been one year since Mark Carney took office — and the results may surprise you. On this episode, Brian Crombie is joined by Stephen Maher for a wide-ranging conversation on Carney’s leadership, political evolution, and what comes next for Canada. 🇨🇦 From outsider to leader — How Carney transitioned from global banker to Prime Minister
⚖️ Compromise vs. consistency — The reality behind key policy decisions
🌾 National unity challenges — Western alienation, regional tensions, and Canada’s future
🏛 Parliament in focus — Floor crossing and political accountability Stephen gives Carney an “A” for his first year — but warns the real test is still ahead. 💭 Plus, Brian’s closing commentary: “The Future Belongs to the Countries That Build” — a powerful reflection on infrastructure, growth, and Canada’s moment on the global stage.

On this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian Crombie sits down with Peter Biro, founder of Democracy Think Tank and Senior Fellow at both the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights and Massey College, to unpack the complex legal, moral, and geopolitical questions surrounding the Iran conflict. From the limits of international law and pre-emptive self-defense to the moral and ideological inconsistencies of modern political discourse, they explore how political language and human rights debates shape perceptions of conflict. They also examine Canada’s role in humanitarian intervention and the challenges of applying the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine in today’s world. This episode is a thoughtful, in-depth discussion on war, law, ethics, and the difficult decisions nations face in an increasingly complex global landscape.

On this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian Crombie speaks with Professor Michael Albrecht, a technology and energy expert, about a provocative question: Could Canada eventually align more closely with Europe — or even become part of the European Union? They examine shifting geopolitics, trade patterns, NATO’s evolving role, and Canada’s changing strategic identity. From transatlantic alliances to Canada’s global positioning beyond the United States, this episode challenges long-held assumptions and explores how thoughtful conversation across divides can shape a nation’s future.

On this International Women’s Day, Brian speaks with Professor Jacqueline Murray, PhD, FRSC, FRHistS, University Professor Emerita of History at the University of Guelph, about the fragility of women’s rights and the historical forces that shape gender equality. They explore:

• Historical roots: From biblical texts to Enlightenment philosophy, how ideas about gender shaped legal and social inequality.
• Milestones and limits: The U.S. Equal Rights Amendment, Canada’s 1927 Persons Case, and the gaps these reforms left.
• Contemporary challenges: Resurgent anti-feminist movements, abortion rights rollbacks, online misogyny, and threats to democratic institutions.

Professor Murray emphasizes that rights are not permanent—they are political achievements that require vigilance to maintain.

On this week’s Brian Crombie Hour, Brian speaks with Carolyn Whitzman, housing researcher and Adjunct Professor at the University of Toronto’s School of Cities, about Canada’s housing crisis and whether homelessness can be eliminated within a generation. They discuss:

• Government roles: Why federal targets, provincial regulations, and municipal approvals all matter.
• Supportive housing: Building 50,000 supportive homes per year could end chronic homelessness and save costs compared to emergency responses.
• True affordability: Why “80% of market rent” isn’t enough, and how targeted housing in the right locations is key.

Brian also presses on economic viability, approvals, and the capital stack — asking the big question: if housing is essential infrastructure, why isn’t it treated that way?

On this week’s Brian Crombie Hour, Brian speaks with Dr. Patrick James Christian, psychoanalytical anthropologist and former U.S. Army Special Forces officer, about the psychological dimensions of modern conflict and the Ukraine war. They explore:

• Psychological warfare: How civilian populations are targeted to weaken societal cohesion and morale.
• Mobilized identity: Russia’s recruitment strategies, Ukraine’s societal transformation, and the growing role of civilians — including women — in the conflict.
• Civil society’s role: How media, leadership, and communities can either amplify trauma or strengthen resilience in an era of asymmetric warfare.

Dr. Christian argues that today’s wars are fought not just with weapons, but in minds and societies — making psychological resilience a central front.

On this week’s Brian Crombie Hour, Brian speaks with Theo Argitis, Senior Vice President at the Business Council of Canada, about Canada’s sluggish economic growth and what it will take to reverse stagnation. They explore:

• Growth and investment: Why business investment is low, productivity is stagnant, and trade tensions are reshaping Canada’s economic landscape.
• Industrial strategy and state capacity: How government intervention, defense spending, and industrial policy could strengthen competitiveness — and what lessons history offers.
• Political courage: Whether incremental measures are enough or if Canada needs bold, ambitious reforms to boost productivity, attract capital, and secure long-term prosperity.

Theo argues that collaboration between business and government is essential for Canada to navigate global economic fragmentation and achieve sustainable growth.

On this week’s The Brian Crombie Hour, Friday’s show dives into the real, unfiltered world of relationships — far beyond the curated, algorithm-driven version. Part 1 — Folklaur Chevrier on Modern Dating
Brian talks with Folklaur Chevrier about navigating romance in today’s digital culture. They discuss:

• The gap between online personas and real-life presence
• Why authenticity can feel risky in a cancel-culture environment
• The evolving role of chivalry
• Politics, religion, and finances in dating — and whether avoidance is wise
• The delicate balance men face between strength and vulnerability
• What genuine interest really looks like

This conversation explores boundaries, attraction, respect, and the tension between performance and sincerity in modern connection. Part 2 — Brian Crombie: Rags, Riches & Masculinity
Brian reflects on personal moments from a recent business trip — including the birth of his first grandchild, medical uncertainty, a tough argument, and David Szalay’s novel Flesh. He asks the hard question: amid career, strategy, and social performance, how much energy do we spend protecting intimacy? Markets fluctuate, status rises and falls, masculinity can be performed — but connection requires humility, honesty, and presence. When the cycles reset, what actually endures?

On this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, Thursday’s show takes a hard look at Ontario’s housing market — and why what’s being called a “slowdown” may actually be a full-scale dislocation. Brian is joined by Richard Lyall, President of the Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON), to examine the economic consequences of inaction:

• 400,000 Ontarians could be left without homes by 2035
• $40 billion in GDP and $20 billion in social value are at risk
• 96,000+ jobs across industries are wiped out annually when housing stalls
• 21,000 apprentices are losing hours
• 9,000 experienced site supervisors are exiting early

This conversation goes beyond construction, exploring why builder viability math is failing, how inclusionary zoning may be stalling supply, the risk of a permanent skills drain in the trades, and a proposed three-year “circuit breaker” to restart housing without a permanent bailout. Brian closes the show with his six-point plan to address Ontario’s housing crisis, tackling policy, jobs, tax reform, and long-term capacity to build. If housing is Ontario’s economic engine, what happens when the pipeline freezes? This episode is essential listening for anyone concerned about the province’s economy, jobs, and future affordability.