EdUp Canada

In this episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, host Michael Sangster is joined by Scott Reid, a former communications director for Prime Minister Paul Martin, and Alex Panetta, a CBC correspondent in Washington. In their conversation, they dive into: 

* What are the political and economic challenges facing Canada,  

* How has the position of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau been weakened  

* How the dynamics will change with the U.S. under Trump's tariffs 

* How to best deal with and overcome internal leadership struggles.  

01:51 Grey Cup Memories and Political Anecdotes 

03:28 Chrystia Freeland's Resignation and Political Fallout 

07:04 US-Canada Relations and Trump's Influence 

16:33 Speculations on Trudeau's Political Future 

22:13 Unconventional Leadership Selection 

23:15 Potential Candidates for Leadership 

23:54 The Desire for Leadership 

24:43 Personal Skills and Career Reflections 

30:18 Mentorship and Influences 

37:27 Predictions for the Future 

Scott Reid is one of Canada’s most sought- after corporate communications and issues management professionals and a founder of the firm Feschuk.Reid. A former senior advisor to Prime Minister Paul Martin, he has counselled countless CEOs, senior executives and political leaders. Scott currently serves as an on-air analyst for CTV News, Newstalk 1010AM and the Bellmedia network and was previously a columnist for the Ottawa Citizen. In 2022, Scott was named one of Canada’s 50 most influential Canadians by Maclean’s Magazine for his work on the popular Curse of Politics podcast. He is a Fellow at the Clayton Riddell School of Political Management at Carleton University and is an Adjunct Professor at Queen’s University’s School of Policy Studies where he teaches a course on government & public communications as part of the Masters of Public Administration program. Scott holds a B.A. (Honours) from Queens University and is the father of four sons. 

Alexander Panetta is a Washington-based correspondent for CBC News who has covered American politics and Canada-U.S. issues since 2013. He previously worked in Ottawa, Quebec City and internationally, reporting on politics, conflict, disaster and the Montreal Expos. 

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On this episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, host Michael Sangster welcomes Krista Livingstone Clark from Discovery College in British Columbia. They discuss the importance of specialized skill training and how it can efficiently launch careers. Krista details Discovery College's comprehensive healthcare and dental programs, highlighting the high demand and rewarding opportunities in these fields. They explore the college's approach to education, including regulatory requirements, program accessibility, and small class sizes. Krista also reflects on her personal journey, the impact of mentorship, and the importance of fostering leadership among students.   

01:32 Discovery College's Impact on Education 

03:48 Diving into Healthcare Training 

07:48 Enrollment and Assessment Process 

10:38 Regulatory Requirements for Nursing Programs 

14:24 Expanding Access to Education 

16:30 Krista's Personal Journey and Success 

17:59 Focus on Dental Programs 

21:56 Healthcare Assistants vs. Community Support Workers 

26:02 Discovery College's Legacy and Future 

32:51 Mentorship and Leadership 

36:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 

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In this episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, host Michael Sangster explores the unique opportunities and impactful stories in career colleges with Dr. Doris Jeanne MacKinnon, the Director of Education and Development at the National Association of Career Colleges. They delve into Dr. MacKinnon's passion for lifelong learning, particularly in career education, and her significant contributions through her writing. Dr. MacKinnon shares her experiences on Indigenous studies, particularly focusing on the stories of Métis women, and emphasizes the importance of understanding and reconciliation. The episode also highlights the rigorous process career colleges undergo to ensure their programs meet regulatory standards. Dr. MacKinnon discusses her journey with horses and the therapeutic relationship she shares with them, showcasing her multifaceted life beyond her academic achievements. 

00:50 Meet Dr. Doris Jeanne MacKinnon 

01:57 Understanding Learning Outcomes 

03:29 Passion for Career College Education 

04:37 Regulations and Oversight in Career Colleges 

06:55 Indigenous Studies and Reconciliation 

12:23 Marie Rose Delorme Smith: A Legacy 

16:00 Curiosity and Success in Research 

17:52 Developing Effective Curriculum 

21:52 Personal Reflections and Future Writing 

24:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 

About Dr. Doris Jeanne MacKinnon: 

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In this episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, host Michael Sangster interviews Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, a distinguished political leader with over 20 years of experience in the House of Commons. Dr. Axworthy discusses his contributions to Canadian and global policy, his efforts to revitalize the University of Winnipeg, and the challenges facing Canada's education system. They explore the importance of advanced education, the role of international students, and the current state of Canada-US relations. Dr. Axworthy emphasizes the need for good governance and public service, drawing from his long and storied career in politics. 

01:10 Welcoming Dr. Lloyd Axworthy 

02:08 Life and Politics with Lloyd Axworthy 

05:24 Canada's Place in the World 

20:36 Challenges in Canadian Education 

27:14 Reflections on Public Service 

35:33 Conclusion and Farewell 

Lloyd Axworthy P.C., C.C., O.M., is the chair of the World Refugee and Migration Council, an international body established to develop solutions to problems in the current refugee system.  

Dr. Axworthy led Canada's election observation mission to Ukraine in 2019. 

He  recently served as Board Chair of CUSO International, a Canadian-based international development agency and was on the executive committee of the International Institute of Sustainable Development. He is past member of the Boards of the MaArthur Foundation and Human Rights Watch. 

From 2004 to 2014, Dr. Axworthy was the President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Winnipeg. In his ten years he pioneered community learning programs for Aboriginal and low-income youth. 

He served seven years as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba and  twenty-one years as an elected member of the Canadian Parliament, holding several Cabinet posts, including Minister of Employment and Immigration, Western Diversification and  Minister of Foreign Affairs. In that position he was known for his work in advancing the Human Security agenda that included the Treaty on anti-personnel land mines, the International Criminal Court, and the Protocol on Child Soldiers.  

In 1997, he was nominated by United States Senator Patrick Leahy for the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on banning land mines.  

In 2001, he was awarded Princeton University’s James Madison Medal for outstanding public service. 

In 2002, he was awarded The Order of Canada and in 2016, he was made a Companion - the highest rank of the Order. 

In 2004, he published a book, Navigating a New World. His new memoir Lloyd Axworthy: My Life In Politics was released in October, 2024. 

Lloyd Axworthy holds a BA from the University of Winnipeg, and Ph.D from Princeton University. In addition, he has received sixteen honourary doctorates since leaving government. 

He lives in Ottawa with his wife, Denise Ommanney. They have three children. 

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In this episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, host Michael Sangster sits down with Jodi Hall, the CEO of the Canadian Association of Long-Term Care. They delve into the critical staffing shortages in the Canadian long-term care sector, attributed to a high demand for registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and personal support workers. They also discuss the implications of an aging population and the housing crisis for long-term care. The conversation further covers government's role in supporting long-term care, the importance of mentorship, and the need for national occupational standards for personal care providers. The episode highlights the enduring challenges and potential solutions to improve the long-term care sector in Canada. 

00:45 Exploring the Canadian Health Care Sector 

02:08 Challenges in Long-Term Care 

03:10 Addressing Staffing Shortages 

05:48 The Future of Long-Term Care 

07:29 Changes in Long-Term Care Roles 

09:42 Skills for Success in Long-Term Care 

13:49 Positive Government Initiatives 

16:16 Housing Crisis in Long-Term Care 

18:54 The Importance of Palliative Care 

21:14 Advocacy and Priorities 

24:05 Mentorship and Leadership 

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In this episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, host Michael Sangster sits down with Ravi Misir, the Director of Operations at Northwest Law Enforcement Academy in Winnipeg. They discuss how the Academy, founded by retired police chief Herb Stephen, uniquely prepares students for careers in law enforcement through comprehensive and in-depth training. The discussion covers the diverse backgrounds of instructors, the practical and academic components of the 11-month program, and the Academy's strong emphasis on communication skills. Additionally, Ravi talks about the Academy's close relationships with police services across Canada and their specialized courses on Indigenous awareness.

01:52 The Unique Training at Northwest Law Enforcement Academy 

02:49 In-Depth Training Programs and Their Impact 

03:58 Practical Training and Real-World Scenarios 

04:59 Building Relationships with Police Agencies 

06:49 Instructor Expertise and Diverse Backgrounds 

09:44 Communication Skills: A Key Focus 

12:34 Indigenous Training and Cultural Awareness 

14:32 Program Length and Practical Components 

16:59 Changes in Student Demographics and Training Methods 

20:03 The Importance of Communication Skills 

28:01 Interview Training and Long-Term Support 

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In this special edition of EdUp Canada, host Michael Sangster is joined by political commentator, Evan Solomon, on the eve of the US election. They delve into the potential outcomes and impacts of the USA election on Canada-U.S. relations, focusing on key issues such as tariffs and economic ties. Evan shares his unique perspectives on the divisive nature of current US politics, the history and future of Donald Trump’s influence on the Republican Party, and the stark differences between Democratic and Republican approaches to tariffs. They also discuss Canadian politics, including the future of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's tenure and the challenges facing the Trudeau government. Evan and Michael also discuss political polarization, the importance of taking risks, and the need for mentorship.  

00:39 Special Edition: The USA Election and its Impact on Canada 

01:13 Guest Introduction: Evan Solomon 

02:36 US-Canada Relations and Tariffs 

07:52 Election Predictions and Voter Behavior 

17:37 Canadian Politics and Trudeau's Future 

20:24 Political Rivals and Election Strategies 

21:17 Trudeau's Resilience and Political Longevity 

22:38 The Importance of Skills and Fearlessness 

26:46 Mentorship and Finding Your Tribe 

29:19 Current Political and Social Concerns 

34:41 Final Thoughts and Farewell 

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In this episode of EdUp Canada, host Michael Sangster speaks with Stuart Bentley, president and co-founder of triOS Corporation, and Mimi Saleh, an early childhood education instructor at Eastern College. They explore the crucial role of experiential learning, emotional intelligence, and developmental understanding in early childhood education. The discussion also touches on the personalized culture within triOS and Eastern College, the growing demand in the early childhood education workforce, and the support systems in place for student success. Stuart and Mimi share insights into mentoring, the impact of Maria Montessori's principles, and the regulatory challenges faced by private colleges.  

01:13 Meet the Guests: Stuart Bentley and Mimi Saleh 

03:07 The Importance of Experiential Learning 

04:37 Mimi Saleh on Real-Life Teaching Scenarios 

10:46 Building Emotional Intelligence in ECE 

13:13 Enrollment and Employment Strategies at triOS and Eastern College 

15:40 Teaching Job-Ready Skills 

16:05 Internship Placement Process 

16:59 Job Fair Insights 

18:01 Mentorship and Influences 

19:31 Entrepreneurial Beginnings 

22:34 Advice for Early Learning Educators 

23:50 Challenges and Misconceptions in the Sector 

25:01 Regulatory Environment and Quality Assurance 

29:01 The Importance of Soft Skills 

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About Stuart Bentley: 

Stuart Bentley is the President and co-founder of triOS Corporation, the parent company of Eastern College, triOS College Business Technology Healthcare Inc. and Lifecycle Systems Corporation. He has served on several private and public company’s board of directors and currently serves on the Board of AME Learning Inc. and the New Brunswick Association of Private Colleges and Universities (NBAPCU). He has previously served as the New Brunswick representative, Executive Committee Member and Treasurer on the National Association of Career Colleges (NACC) board. He is an active member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and Chief Executives Organization (CEO). Stuart has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from McMaster University. 

About Mimi Saleh:  

Mimi Saleh is an Early Childhood Education (ECE) program coordinator and instructor at Eastern and triOS College. With extensive experience in the field, Mimi is deeply passionate about fostering the holistic development of young children and equipping future educators with the tools and knowledge to excel in their profession.   

Beyond her academic role, Mimi is involved in curriculum development, always seeking to improve and update course materials to reflect the latest research and best practices in the field of early childhood education. Outside of the classroom, she is committed to creating lasting impacts in her community by getting involved in community events and writing children's books. 

Mimi has a Bachelor in Psychology, Early Childhood Education and is pursuing a Master's in Education.   

In this episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, host Michael Sangster speaks with Rick Butler, President and CEO of Lokken College in Alberta. They discuss the dire need for skilled labor in Canada amidst surprising funding cuts from both federal and provincial governments. Rick highlights Lokken College's tailored programs and personalized educational approaches that have led to a 100% employment rate for graduates in sectors like hospitality, industrial trades, and retail. The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating regulatory approvals, meeting high demand with limited class sizes, and the importance of soft skills and real labor market needs. Despite significant funding cuts, the resilience and dedication of the college's staff and leadership in continuing to deliver quality education are emphasized. The episode concludes with a reflection on the emotional impact of graduations and a call to recognize the critical contributions of regulated career colleges. 

01:00 Meet Rick Butler from Lokken College 

01:06 The Importance of Skilled Trades in Canada 

01:47 Lokken College's Unique Approach 

02:44 Student Demographics and Success Rates 

04:32 Programs and Employment Outcomes 

05:42 Personalized Learning and Mentorship 

10:50 Challenges and Government Policies 

19:20 Regulatory System and Training Approval 

22:16 Soft Skills for Success 

24:28 Government Policies and Funding Challenges 

26:36 Impact of Funding Cuts on Students and Staff 

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In this episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, host Michael Sangster dives into the transformative world of early childhood education with Grace DiMarcantonio, a seasoned instructor, and Dean Tremain, Executive Vice President of the Canadian Business College. They extensively discuss the pivotal role of regulated career colleges in shaping the future of early childhood education, the pros and cons of hybrid learning models brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of passionate and hands-on teaching. Featuring personal experiences that highlight the impact of mentorship, the conversation also examines the college's approach to admissions, financial planning, and job placement support. Emphasizing significant federal and provincial investments in childcare, the episode underscores the need for skilled educators to address critical societal needs and create promising opportunities for future professionals. 

01:52 Meet the Guests: Grace DiMarcantonio and Dean Tremain 

02:49 The Passion and Impact of Early Childhood Education 

07:26 The Hybrid Learning Model: Adapting to Change 

12:19 Hands-On Learning and Practicum Experiences 

14:48 Admissions and Career Readiness 

18:02 Career Services and Mock Interviews 

18:26 Facing the Two Scary Moments in Student Life 

19:53 Addressing Major Issues in Ontario 

20:47 The Importance of Childcare 

21:25 Personal Mentorship Stories 

26:16 Dean's Mentorship Experience 

29:08 Recap and Final Thoughts 

31:30 The Future of Early Childhood Education 

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