CANADALAND

Who is Daniel Robson?

Since 2025, Robson quickly established himself as a prolific freelance columnist, with bylines in the Ottawa Citizen, the Montreal Gazette, The Hub, Western Standard, and Policy Options.

But there’s one problem: he doesn’t seem to exist.

When a Turkish journalist began asking Canadian editors to verify Robson’s biographical details, they realized they couldn’t and that Robson’s persona and writing was A.I. generated.

Who or what is behind this mysterious A.I. entity and what does it have to do with Morocco?

Stuart Benson of the Hill Times joins Julian Abraham to go down the Daniel Robson rabbit hole.

Host: Julian Abraham

Credits: James Nicholson (Senior Producer), Gökçe On (Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Jesse Brown (Editor)

Guest: Stuart Benson

Additional music by Audio Network

Vote for CANADALAND at the Signal Awards! Nominations include “My Chatbot Encouraged my Psychosis” for Best Writing and “The Freelancer’s Guide to Getting Revenge When You’ve Been Ripped Off” in Arts and Culture

Further reading:

• Why Policy Options removed an article published under the name Daniel Robson - Policy Options
• Exclusive—Fake AI columnist dupes Canadian press to target Moroccan dissidents, and a Turkish 'middleman' - Türkiye Today
• AI fabrication suspected of writing dozens of articles in Canadian publications - The Globe and Mail
• Why the Citizen removed articles by Daniel Robson — and what we're doing next | Ottawa Citizen
• A statement on articles by ‘Daniel Robson’ - The Hub
• Industry 'frustrated' as Liberals' Bill C-39 falls short of proactive strike-prevention powers - The Hill Times
• Baked potato offered as incentive for attendees of Nova Scotia MAID info night - Toronto Sun

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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.

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Earlier this year, we asked you to call in and tell us about news stories that were a big deal in your town, but were not necessarily getting much, if any, national attention. We ended up hearing some incredible stories and even got a few leads out of that episode.

This week, we decided to dive back into the world of local news and pose the same question to our listeners — and you did not disappoint.

On this episode, we hear what it’s really like to weather a referendum storm from an Alberta citizen, we experience an Ontario town’s “gift of nuclear waste,” and our host James reconnects with an old friend of the forest.

Host: James Nicholson

Credits: Caleb Thompson (Producer), Tony Wang (Executive Producer), Jesse Brown (Publisher)

Additional music by Audio Network & Kale Beaudry

Further Reading:

• 'It's not a done deal': Community nearest nuclear waste site to hire lawyer - NWO News Watch
• As Alberta separatism referendum looms, flags become symbol of voting intention — and tension - CBC
• Cat in the Hat suspect who chased a teen girl in B.C. appears to be a trend copycat - CBC
• This B.C. woman accidentally sold toxic mushrooms to customers - CBC
• Kale Beaudry & dangertree - Bandcamp

This show is available exclusively to Canadaland supporters

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Mark Carney sat down for a wide-ranging hour-long interview with the New York Times. The headlines focused on Canada’s preparations for the “extreme tail risk” of a US invasion, but what else can we learn about Carney’s political approach from the 8000 word transcript?

The interview drew criticism in Canada, centered around Carney’s choice of a foreign outlet, rather than a Canadian one. But what can that tell us about his intended audience and communications strategy?

Zain Velji joins San Grewal to discuss our Prime Minister’s global messaging and the domestic concerns waiting at home.

Host: San Grewal

Credits: James Nicholson (Senior Producer), Julian Abrham (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Jesse Brown (Editor)

Guest: Zain Velji

Further reading:

• A Transcript From The Times Interview with Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada - New York Times
• Special Edition: Our Interview With Mark Carney - The New York Times
• Do the PM’s liaisons south of the border amount to cheating on Canada’s media? - The Rewrite [Substack]
• Carney tells NYT he studied risk of U.S.-led military action in Canada | CBC News
• Opinion | When Mark Carney wants to speak to Americans, this is how he does it - Toronto Star
• As federal budget nears, Canada’s health ministers to meet to talk funding | Globalnews.ca
• Meta bans another Toronto performer from Instagram and Facebook, saying an old photo of dancers in bikinis promotes harm

Sponsors:

Fizz Mobile: Visit fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 25 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.

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

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.

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Elizabeth May is a fierce, dogged critic. No matter the government. Mark Carney’s Liberals are no exception. I wanted to know what she’s actually seen and heard, because even though Elizabeth May has been pissed before, host Noor Azrieh is sensing a rage she hasn’t seen before.

Plus, after a long hiatus, Parliament reconvened last week. And Mark Carney’s Liberals wasted no time tabling their Building Canada Strong Act. So, what is it?

Host: Noor Azrieh

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

Guests: Elizabeth May, Nick Taylor-Vaisey,

Background reading:

• Bill C-39 Introduction – Government of Canada
• Poilievre dismisses Bill C-39 as all talk, no action at outset of Commons debate – The Globe and Mail
• Five things to know about the Liberals' new Building Canada Strong Act – Toronto Star
• Carney’s Bill C-39 overhauls environmental reviews and Indigenous consultation – The Narwhal
• Liberals table bill to speed up major project approvals, avert labour disruptions – CBC News
• Why a plan to end strikes impacting ‘national interest’ is drawing criticism – Global 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

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Did you know we have a monthly supporter exclusive show?

Last week, Canadaland’s senior producer James Nicholson took over Off The Record and asked you about all the interesting stories happening in small towns across Canada.

That episode comes out Oct 1st!

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

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.

Make sure you’re up to date on our upcoming events by going to canadaland.com/live!

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You can't really call Regina a news desert. They still have a newspaper. But if you actually look under the hood you’ll discover that they stopped printing the newspaper in Regina. They stopped editing it in Regina. The editor lives somewhere else. And as far the CBC goes, well, that acronym is now synonymous with layoffs.

Everyone from the legacy media who purports to be telling people in Regina what is going on in their own community is doing so with less resources than ever before. These are zombie news organizations. That creates a news vacuum. A place for someone new to step in. And somebody did.

And that somebody peddles garbage. That's not a value judgment of this new news source in Regina. It's just the objective truth. They're a garbage company called Just Bins. They provide dumpsters and news to the people of Regina. And they may be providing news to more people in Regina than anyone else.

Host: Jesse Brown

Credits: Kevin O’Keefe (Reporter), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), max collins (Production Manager), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher), Caleb Thompson (additional production assistance)

Additional music by Audio Network

Further Reading:

Guardian Law Group no longer representing URSU in Just Bins/Khan defamation lawsuit

Sponsors:

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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.

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The announcement that the EU is “opening the door” to Canada for associate membership overshadowed how the story initially broke.

Following detailed reporting in the Wall Street Journal, Carney denied that Canada was seeking membership in the EU.

Days later, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced that Canada was in fact being considered for associate membership.

Why did Carney and government sources initially deny the story? And should Canadian media hold him accountable for misleading the public?

Host: Julian Abraham

Credits: James Nicholson (Producer), Gökçe On (Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Jesse Brown (Editor)

Guest: Douglas Soltys

Additional music by Audio Network

Further reading:

• Mark Carney’s Audacious Bid to Make Canada an ‘Associate Member’ of the EU - WSJ
• PM Carney says Canada ‘not looking to become member’ of the EU - CTV News
• Carney says Canada planning to discuss 'unique alliance' with EU, but not membership | CBC News
• Chris Selley: Carney's EU cuteness is an unwelcome return to Justin Trudeau's playbook
• Kawhi Leonard is a Raptor again. Are we sure that's a good thing? | CBC Sports
• Mark Carney plan to open four major airports to private investment | TikTok - Globe and Mail

Sponsors:

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.

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

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

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.

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Apocalyptic A.I. headlines are all over the news, following a former Anthropic employee’s whistleblowing on the threat to humanity posed by out of control A.I. systems.

But that was just the start: a flurry of safety-related announcements from major A.I. companies underscored the tangible risk of the technology.

Douglas Soltys of Betakit joins to explain A.I.’s existential media moment, and how it affects Canada’s push for adoption and innovation.

Could Canada emerge as a leader on A.I. regulation?

Host: Julian Abraham

Credits: James Nicholson (Producer), Camerin Wild (Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Jesse Brown (Editor)

Guest: Douglas Soltys

Additional music by Audio Network

Further reading:

• Experts: How would AI actually kill everyone? | CNN Business
• AI researchers 'earnestly believe' it could kill all humans within the next decade, Anthropic employee says | CBC News
• Justin Ling: It’s the nuclear bomb of the 21st century. This is how we can control it
• AI minister affirms Canada will have tech super-regulator “with teeth” | BetaKit
• Carney Calls for Global Tech Body to Boost AI Guardrails - Yahoo/Bloomberg
• Canada is investing $150M to make AI safer. Will it work? | CBC News
• Mark Carney plan to open four major airports to private investment | TikTok
• Why did quantum leaders sound the Q-Day alarm at a FinTech conference? | BetaKit

What’s a local story you think we should know about? What’s the hot gossip in your community’s Facebook Group? What’s the heated discussion in your city’s subreddit?

Call in and let us know on September 24th, 5-7 pm EDT, by going to callinstudio.com/show/canadaland or dialing in at 888-401-7056 when the time comes, so mark your calendars!

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.

Sponsors:

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 Mobile: Visit fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 25 off and 10GB of free data.

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

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.

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Prime Minister Mark Carney came into office promising to turn Canada into an investment destination. One of the biggest tests of that promise is happening in Saskatchewan.

In this episode, host Noor Azrieh and senior producer Aviva Lessard take you inside the politics that made Bell’s $50 billion AI data centre behemoth in Saskatchewan possible.

Host: Noor Azrieh

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)

Guests: Tom McIntosh, Ray Orb, Tammy Robert, Kim Breckner, and more!

Background reading:

• The AI Data Centre-Driven Privatization of SaskPower Is Underway. You Knew It Was Coming.  – Our Sask by Tammy Robert 
• Bell plans expansion of Sask. AI data centre, making it largest private investment in province's history – CBC News
• Drone video of Bell Canada AI data centre construction site – CBC News
• Bell announces $50-billion buildout to produce Canada’s largest data centre in Saskatchewan – Betakit
• 10 Questions about Bell’s AI Data Centre Expansion Answered – Global News
• NDP seeks pause on massive Regina-area AI data centre – CTV News

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 CAN25 to get 25 off and 10GB of free data.

If you’re ready to hear the 'CHA CHING' of your first sale today, head over to SHOPIFY.COM to start your free trial today!

Did you know we have a monthly supporter exclusive show?

Tons of interesting stories are happening every single day in small towns across Canada — but we can only be in so many places at once. Our show rarely gets to zoom in and see what's happening in the weird and wonderful world of local news.

So tell us: What's a local story you think we should know about? What's the hot gossip in your community's Facebook Group? What's the heated discussion in your city's subreddit?

Call in and let us know on September 24th, 5-7 pm EDT, by going to callinstudio.com/show/canadaland or dialing in at 888-401-7056 when the time comes, so mark your calendars!

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.

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. 

Make sure you’re up to date on our upcoming events by going to canadaland.com/live!

Can't get enough Canadaland? Follow us @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram and @Canadaland_Media on TikTok!

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He was the doctor who almost got Joe Rogan cancelled. The controversy he roiled on Rogan brought the show some its highest ever ratings. So you might have been among the 40 million who caught Dr. Peter McCullough on Rogan where he spoke out against the COVID vaccine near the start of the pandemic. He was accused of undermining public health efforts and spreading misinformation.

And last week Dr. McCullough was on Parliament Hill. But chances are you didn’t hear about that appearance. Most of the mainstream media, and nearly all the nation’s MPs, took a pass on attending the Allison Inquiry into injuries sustained by Canadians from the vaccine.

Dr. McCullough joins us today. But he’s not here to debate his opinion on the science of vaccines.  Instead we wanted to discuss his experience at the centre of the Rogan controversy. We wanted to ask him whether people should be getting medical advice from shows like Rogan’s. We wanted to know what he thought about the splintering of public faith in mainstream institutions, a splintering that the pandemic sped up. We wanted to know where he thinks all this division has left us. At least, that’s what we set out to do….

Host: Jesse Brown

Credits: Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), Chad Galloway (Audio Editing & Production), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher)

Additional music by Audio Network

Fact checking by Julian Abraham

More information:

Allison Inquiry | Listening to Canadian Covid-19 Vaccine Injured

Conservative MP holds independent hearings into COVID-19 vaccine injuries - CBC

MP calls for public participation in COVID-19 vaccine injury inquiry - Global News

It's hard to bury victims' tears at Allison vaccine injury inquiry - Toronto Sun

'My life is effectively destroyed': Allison Inquiry exposes twin faces of fight against COVID vaccine policies - National Post 

‘I felt duped’: COVID vaccine injury victim not impressed by inquiry into Canadian vaccine injuries - CTV

Dr. Peter McCullough’s Libertarian Medical Train Makes a Pit Stop in East Palestine - McGill

Joe Rogan podcast hosts doctor known for pushing debunked claims about Covid-19 - The Independent

Spotify to Add ‘Content Advisory’ Warnings to Podcasts With Covid Discussion - The Rolling Stone

Sponsors: 

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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.

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There was no shortage of retrospective 9/11 coverage in Canadian outlets, but the tone and focus was a lot different than south of the border. Jean Chretien’s address in Gander foregrounded how much has changed in the Canada/US relationship, while a Canadian Press article focusing on Islamophobia caused outrage online.

Jan Wong joins Jesse Brown to talk about journalistic approaches to covering historical tragedies, and to reflect on 9/11’s impact. 

Plus, Mao’s unspoken legacy in China and why no one wants to report on vaccine injuries.

Host: Jesse Brown

Credits: James Nicholson (Producer), Julian Abraham (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Jesse Brown (Editor)

Guest: Jan Wong

Further reading: 

• Jean Chrétien says 'we bow to no one' in fiery 9/11 speech in Gander, N.L. | CBC News
• 25 years since 9/11, Canada is not further ahead on tackling Islamophobia: advocates - CTV News
• HUNTER: What CBC 'Journalist Standards' boss doesn't know about 9/11 - Toronto Sun
• Sheryl Saperia: 25 years on, what would bin Laden see? - National Post
• Mao, Cultural Revolution cast long shadow over China 50 years on | Reuters
• WARMINGTON: The vaccine injured told their truth at Allison Inquiry – government should listen - Toronto Sun  

Sponsors:

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 Mobile: Visit fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 25 off and 10GB of free data.

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

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. 

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