CANADALAND

Jeremy Hansen makes history as the first Canadian to travel to the moon, but why is Canada on board with this latest iteration of the space race? 

China plans to reach the moon by 2030, and future US efforts will involve Musk’s SpaceX and Bezos’ Blue Origin. Meanwhile, Canadian companies are bidding to put nuclear reactors on the moon. 

Are we sure we should be colonizing the moon?

Host: Sam Konnert

Credits: James Nicholson (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate producer and Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)

Guest: Rahim Mohamed

Additional music by Audio Network

 It’s crowd-finding time at Canadaland! Share this episode with three people or simply send them over to canadaland.com/share and we’ll help them get started with a starter pack of some of our favourite episodes.

Further reading: 

• The new space race: Why the U.S. and China are racing to the moon | CBC News
• Here are 5 reasons Artemis II matters to Canada -  CTV News
• The Canadian Space Mining Corporation thinks it can put a nuclear reactor on the moon by 2029 | BetaKit   
• China is going to the Moon by 2030. Here’s what’s known about the mission – and why it matters - The Conversation
• Elon Musk says SpaceX will prioritize a city on the moon instead of a colony on Mars - Scientific American
• Julie Payette’s disastrous reign as governor general: ‘Act of perpetual petulance’ - National Post
• #1160 Confessions of a Girls Gone Wild Merch Girl - CANADALAND [Podcast]
• #1306 The Freelancer’s Guide to Getting Revenge When You’ve Been Ripped Off - - CANADALAND [Podcast]

Sponsors: 

Fizz: Visit fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN40 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.

Article: Article is offering our listeners $50 off your first purchase of $100 or more. To claim, visit article.com/canadaland and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.

Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at Shopify.ca

If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch at our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The notwithstanding clause has been controversial since it was written into Canada’s Constitution, and now it’s facing its biggest test yet. The Supreme Court of Canada just wrapped up its longest-ever hearing on Bill 21 — Quebec’s law on religious symbols. What started as a debate over laïcité has become a major constitutional showdown. Host Noor speaks with Pearl Eliadis to break down what’s really at stake, and what this case could mean for the future of the notwithstanding clause in Canada.

Plus, an update on the controversial Liberal Bill C-12 from Adam B. Sadinsky.

Host: Noor Azrieh

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)

Guests: Pearl Eliadis, Adam B. Sadinsky

Image credit: Pat Lachance

Background reading:

• A Canadian Supreme Court Case Could Test the Country’s Unity – The New York Times 
• A Supreme constitutional clash: Canadians’ rights against government powers – The Globe and Mail
• 6 key moments from the Supreme Court challenge of Quebec's secularism law – CBC News
• Opinion: Bill 21 the product of modern identity politics, not the Quiet Revolution – Montreal Gazette
• Bill 21: Supreme Court chief justice calls English community's argument 'almost outrageous'  – Montreal Gazette
• A major immigration reform bill is now law in Canada. Some worry it rolls back refugee rights – CBC News

Sponsors: 

Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadaland

Visit fizz.ca to learn more about Fizz mobile and its long list of added-value features. 

Activate a first plan using the referral code CAN40 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.

Everyone is still finding their way. Find yours and feel lighter.

Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.

Did you know we have a monthly supporter exclusive show? Last episode, we asked you if you’ve ever fallen for fake news. I guess even our savvy, discerning audience isn’t infallible. You all had a lot to say! 

If you want to hear that (or if you want to catch up on all the great episodes of Off The Record you’ve missed!) become a supporter at canadaland.com/join.

It’s crowd-finding time at Canadaland! Share this episode with three people or simply send them over to canadaland.com/share and we’ll help them get started with a starter pack of some of our favourite episodes.

If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. 

Can't get enough Canadaland? Follow @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram for clips, announcements, explainers and more.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nardwuar the Human Serviette is one of the biggest media personalities to come out of Canada. He’s a prolific interviewer with a knack for shocking his guests by bringing up little-known personal details about their lives during interviews. He’s an absurd figure beloved by hip hop stars. He’s a punk from Vancouver who has 100s of millions of views on YouTube but still does his weekly community radio show. This is his story as told by the people who know him best.

This episode originally aired on February 17, 2020.

Host: Jesse Brown

Original Credits: Kevin Sexton (Producer), David Crosbie (Senior Producer), Andréa Schmidt (Managing Editor), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher)

Additional music by Audio Network

Photo: Kris Krüg 

More information:

• Nardwuar appointed to Order of Canada — Global News
• #314 Nardwuar: The Interview — CANADALAND

Sponsors: 

Squarespace: Check out https://squarespace.com/canadaland for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch use code canadaland to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

Fizz: Visit https://fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.

Douglas: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today. Visit https://douglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offer.

BetterHelp: Visit https://betterhelp.com/canadaland today to get 10% off your first month.

It’s crowd-finding time at Canadaland! Share this episode with three people or simply send them over to canadaland.com/share and we’ll help them get started with a starter pack of some of our favourite episodes.

Can’t get enough Canadaland? Follow @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram for clips, announcements, explainers and more.

If you value this podcast, support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch at our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nardwuar the Human Serviette is one of the biggest media personalities to come out of Canada. He’s a prolific interviewer with a knack for shocking his guests by bringing up little-known personal details about their lives during interviews. He’s an absurd figure beloved by hip hop stars. He’s a punk from Vancouver who has 100s of millions of views on YouTube but still does his weekly community radio show. This is his story as told by the people who know him best.

This episode originally aired on February 17, 2020.

Host: Jesse Brown

Original Credits: Kevin Sexton (Producer), David Crosbie (Senior Producer), Andréa Schmidt (Managing Editor), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher)

Additional music by Audio Network

Photo: Kris Krüg 

More information:

• Nardwuar appointed to Order of Canada — Global News
• #314 Nardwuar: The Interview — CANADALAND

Sponsors: 

Squarespace: Check out https://squarespace.com/canadaland for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch use code canadaland to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

Fizz: Visit https://fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.

Douglas:  Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today.  Visit https://douglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offer.

BetterHelp: Visit https://betterhelp.com/canadaland today to get 10% off your first month.

It’s crowd-finding time at Canadaland! Share this episode with three people or simply send them over to canadaland.com/share and we’ll help them get started with a starter pack of some of our favourite episodes.

Can’t get enough Canadaland? Follow @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram for clips, announcements, explainers and more.

If you value this podcast, support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch at our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two major legal rulings against social media giants in the US are being heralded as the “Big Tobacco” moment for Big Tech. 

But will the courts actually be able to protect users from harm on these platforms? 

Here in Canada, attempts to regulate big tech companies have largely failed, but Carney’s government has signalled a renewed focus on addressing online harms. Will the government commit to meaningful legislation? Should we follow Australia’s example and ban social media for youth? 

Host: Jesse Brown 

Credits: James Nicholson (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer and Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)

Guest: Douglas Soltys

 It’s crowd-finding time at Canadaland! Share this episode with three people or simply send them over to canadaland.com/share and we’ll help them get started with a starter pack of some of our favourite episodes.

Further reading: 

• New Mexico seeking changes to Meta's platform after jury finds company liable - CNBC
• Jury in Los Angeles finds Meta and YouTube liable in landmark social media addiction trial | CBC News
• ‘The era of invincibility is over’: the week big tech was brought to heel | Social media | The Guardian
• Why the Meta Verdicts Are a Big Deal (And What It Was Like to Testify) - Center For Humane Technology [Podcast] 
• #172 Why Governments Want to Ban Kids From AI and Social Media - CANADALAND Politics [Podcast] 
• U.S. court cases create the opportunity for a new kind of conversation about social media use | CBC News
• Australia’s teen social media ban is a flop. But there’s no joy in ‘I told you so’ | Samantha Floreani | The Guardian 
• Social media giants are not complying with under-16s social media ban, new report finds - The Conversation
• An AI Upheaval Is Coming for Media. This Journalist Is Already All In. - WSJ
• Meet the Tech Reporters Using AI to Help Write and Edit Their Stories | WIRED 
• Canada's Polite Pogram - The Atlantic 
• Hanes: Vanier's cancellation of Holocaust commemoration 'cowardly,' survivor says - Montreal Gazette
• Charges dropped against woman arrested after antisemitic incident at Montreal protest | CBC News 

Sponsors: 

Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at Shopify.ca

oxio: Head over to canadaland.oxio.ca and use code CANADALAND for your first month free! 

Hot Docs: Hot Docs runs April 23 to May 3 in Toronto. Tickets and packages are now on sale! Learn more, find films and buy tickets online at hotdocs.ca

Article: Article is offering our listeners $50 off your first purchase of $100 or more. To claim, visit article.com/canadaland and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.

If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch at our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here’s the thing — spotting fake news is harder than we like to admit. At Canadaland, we spend all day in the media. We’re supposed to know what’s real and what’s not.

But when you want something to be true? You let it slide. You give it the benefit of the doubt.

So we put it to our staff and you, the audience: tell us your fake news stories. The harmless ones, the ones that fooled you for a second, and the ones that didn’t stay harmless. The ones that actually caused panic — which, apparently, happens more than you’d think.

Host: Sam Konnert

Credits: Tristan Capacchione (Producer), Tony Wang (Executive Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Publisher)

Photo: Tony Wang (Note: The photo was generated by A.I. in the past, and Tony Wang edited it to include the text “FAKE NEWS”.)

Additional music by Audio Network

Further Reading:

• Child-snatching eagle video created as student project — CBC
• University Cancels Swim Program, StatsCan Apology, the Fifenstocks, and the "Winter Wasteland" (Documentary) — CBC
• Calgary Aquarium Closure, Advertising to Infants, Winnipeg Real Estate Heating Up, Actor Malcolm Kind interview, and Dave's Homemade Drugs — CBC
• Caring hands: man becomes Canada's first male doula — CBC (This isn’t fake news, I just thought it was funny that there was a real story about the first male doula, that came out after This is That)
• AI Generated Avengers Doomsday trailer
• Flemish Secession Hoax — Wikipedia

Sponsors: 

Hot Docs: Hot Docs runs April 23 to May 3 in Toronto. Tickets and packages are now on sale! Learn more, find films and buy tickets online at https://hotdocs.ca

It’s crowd-finding time at Canadaland! Share this episode with three people or simply send them over to canadaland.com/share and we’ll help them get started with a starter pack of some of our favourite episodes.

Can’t get enough Canadaland? Follow @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram for clips, announcements, explainers and more.

This show is (normally) available exclusively to Canadaland supporters. To become one, go to https://canadaland.com/join/. You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch at our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Air Canada’s CEO retires early following backlash around his inability to speak French. 

An English-only statement from Michael Rousseau following the tragic accident at LaGuardia airport sparked a heated debate around bilingualism. Politicians expressed their disappointment, columnists and commenters online debated Air Canada’s language requirements. Even Elon Musk weighed in.  

Should we get serious about bilingualism or is this debate a sign that we’re not a serious country?  

Host: Jesse Brown 

Credits: James Nicholson (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer and Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)

Guest: Douglas Soltys

Further reading: 

• Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau to retire later this year following language controversy | CBC News 
• Chris Selley: It's insane to focus on the French of Air Canada's CEO - National Post
• In Air Canada’s French fallout, it is unfairly treated as both a private and public entity - The Globe and Mail  
• Air Canada learned nothing during the five years since its last French scandal - The Globe and Mail
• 'Can you redo that in English?': Air Canada CEO's 5-year struggle with French - Montreal Gazette
• ‘That’s crazy’ Elon Musk weighs in on Air Canada CEO resignation, French-language laws -CTV News   
• Will Xanadu lead Canadian tech back to public markets? | BetaKit
• #1176 Men’s Elegant Cardigan, XL - CANADALAND [Podcast]  

It’s crowd-finding time at Canadaland! Share this episode with three people or simply send them over to canadaland.com/share and we’ll help them get started with a starter pack of some of our favourite episodes.

Sponsors: 

Squarespace: Check out Squarespace.com/canadaland for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch use code canadaland to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain

Fizz: Visit fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN40 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.

Douglas: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today. Visit douglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offer.

If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch at our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Carney has proposed a 1,000-kilometre high-speed rail line connecting Toronto to Quebec City, with trains reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h. It would be Canada’s first true high-speed rail system. On paper, the idea is appealing. But building it is far from straightforward. 

Host Noor Azrieh, tries to answer the question: how do you build ambitious, nation-shaping infrastructure in a country where the human realities on the ground are so complex?

Host: Noor Azrieh

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)

Guests: Katie Koopman, Lindsay Davidson, Andrew Hyett, Paul Langan, Conservative MP Philip Lawrence

Background reading:

• Canada is getting high-speed rail 
• Alto's CEO answers questions about the high-speed rail project – CBC News
• High-speed rail project connecting Toronto and Quebec City sparks backlash over cost, land use – The Globe and Mail
• Local researchers fill information gap in high-speed rail debate – The Kingston Whig Standard
• Chris Selley: More alarming numbers for Canada's high-speed rail fantasy – National Post

It’s crowd-finding time at Canadaland! Share this episode with three people or simply send them over to canadaland.com/share and we’ll help them get started with a starter pack of some of our favourite episodes.

Sponsors: 

Visit fizz.ca to learn more about Fizz mobile and its long list of added-value features and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN40 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.

Article is offering our listeners $50 off your first purchase of $100 or more. To claim, visit article.com/canadaland and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout. 

Did you know we have a monthly supporter exclusive show?

Last week, we asked you if you’ve ever fallen for fake news. I guess even our savvy, discerning audience isn’t infallible. You all had a lot to say! So this week on Off The Record, it’s time to talk about fake news.

If you want to hear that (or if you want to catch up on all the great episodes of Off The Record you’ve missed!) become a supporter at canadaland.com/join or call in on March 26th and we’ll give you a free month of Canadaland premium.

If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. 

Can't get enough Canadaland? Follow @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram for clips, announcements, explainers and more.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why are media companies like CNN and Substack joining forces with prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi?

Both Polymarket and Kalshi have been all over the news and editorial pages: will these markets be a blight of insider trading and foreign interference? The next step on the slippery slope to online gambling addiction? Should we really be able to bet on kidnapping, war, the timing of someone else's death? 

But thanks to recent partnerships between big media and the prediction market companies, Polymarket and Kalshi are moving from being the subject of headlines to the co-creators of those headlines.

Up until last week this was mostly an American game that Canadians could surreptitiously play through VPNs. Then it was announced that Canadian fintech company Wealthsimple, cleared regulatory hurdles to bring the markets to its millions of existing customers, bringing the tech to the masses.

Gemma Boothroyd brings us the story.

Host: Jesse Brown

Credits: Gemma Boothroyd (Reporter), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher)

Fact checking by Julian Abraham

Additional music by Audio Network 

More information:

• Strait of Hormuz tanker traffic won't return to normal for months, Kalshi bettors predict — CNBC 
• "Controversial" predictions trading model could let you profit from real-world outcomes. — Global news
• NHL player poll: As sports betting increases, so do harassing messages — and Venmo requests — The Athletic
• Polymarket gamblers threaten Israeli journalist over missile strike story | Israel | — The Guardian
• MLB further embraces sports betting in deal with prediction platform Polymarket — The Athletic
• Polymarket and Dow Jones, Publisher of The Wall Street Journal, Announce Exclusive Prediction Market Partnership — Dow Jones
• Power Corporation Announces Additional Investment in Wealthsimple — Power Corporation
• Betting on the Gatorade color? A former company executive reveals how it’s selected — The Athletic

Sponsors: 

Squarespace: Check out https://squarespace.com/canadaland for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch use code canadaland to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

Fizz: Visit https://fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.

CarGurus: Buy your next car today with CarGurus at https://cargurus.ca

It’s crowd-finding time at Canadaland! Share this episode with three people or simply send them over to canadaland.com/share and we’ll help them get started with a starter pack of some of our favourite episodes.

Can’t get enough Canadaland? Follow @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram for clips, announcements, explainers and more.

If you value this podcast, support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch at our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The NDP is picking a new leader, but can any of the candidates lead them back to relevance? 

In Manitoba this weekend, the NDP is gathering to name a new leader, but a recent poll suggests that almost half of previous NDP voters don’t recognize the names of the candidates. 

Avi Lewis is the frontrunner, with impressive fundraising and big ideas, but will his playbook translate into national interest in the party?

Host: Noor Azrieh

Credits: James Nicholson (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate producer and Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)

Guest: Zain Velji

Further reading: 

• Almost half of former NDP voters don't recognize names of leadership candidates: poll - CTV News
• A Low-Energy, High-Stakes NDP Leadership Race - Policy Magazine
• The NDP has become a party of puppy dogs - The Globe and Mail
• He comes from a line of old-school NDP leaders — but can Avi Lewis make the party feel new again? - Toronto Star
• In a provincial first, Alberta government to partially fund independent school construction | CBC News
• U.S. sanctions Vancouver company for alleged ties to Hezbollah | Globalnews.ca      

Sponsors: 

Squarespace: Check out Squarespace.com/canadaland for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch use code canadaland to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

Douglas:  Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today.  Visit douglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offer.

Fizz: Visit fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN40 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.

If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch at our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.