Poutine Politics

Bill C-71, "An Act to amend certain Acts and Regulations in relation to firearms", passed into Royal Assent in June 2019 with relatively little fanfare in the media, but with much heated debate in Parliament and the Senate, as well as gun enthusiasts across Canada.

There are many moving parts to these changes, as they make amendments to the "Firearms Act" and the Criminal Code based on gun-related issues.

But does it address the problems of gun violence in Canada? Or is it just legislation that makes gun ownership more restrictive in this country? Mike and Adam dive into the bill and share their thoughts.

Election season is ramping up, and we have our first official policy platform from one of the major parties - it's the NDP!

Adam and Mike review some of the major points of the platform and provide their opinions. We're not pulling any punches here, and we believe you won't be disappointed (in us, not the platform).

Find the NDP platform for yourself here: https://action.ndp.ca/page/-/2019/Q2/2019-06-19_Commitments-Doc_EN.pdf

SEX!

Now that I have your attention, here comes Episode 10 of Poutine Politics!

When the Progressive Conservatives were elected in Ontario in June 2018, one of the items they ran on was to reform the health & physical education curriculum (including sexual education, which is basically the only part anyone focused on...) for the public school system.

After a repeal process that left many people feeling bitter and a consultation process that left many people confused, the new curriculum has been introduced, leaving the rest of the people frustrated. But is it really all that bad? Are the changes being overblown, just like many things in the media?

Mike and Adam delve into the "sex-ed" curriculum and give you their thoughts!

The Federal Government has shown sizable deficits since the 2008 worldwide financial crisis, with unfortunately no end in sight at this time. Liberals and Conservatives have both promised returns to budget surpluses in an attempt to win support from all corners of the country, but so far have very little or nothing to show for it. Continued efforts to cut taxes are popular with the populace at large, but either lead to increased federal debt or underfunded programs.

Canadians for Tax Fairness (taxfairness.ca) have created a policy document titled "Platform for Tax Fairness". Inside, they have provided options that the government could implement in order to fund some of the more popular policies being mentioned before the 2019 election, such as universal pharmacare, affordable child care and a Canadian "Green New Deal".

Adam & Mike parse through the details and give their opinions on some of the major points of the "Platform for Tax Fairness".

With climate change starting to dominate the discussion leading up to the 2019 election, the Conservative Party of Canada provided "A Real Plan to Protect The Environment", their climate change platform if they form our next federal government.

Adam & Mike take a dive into the document (available at arealplan.ca) and give you their opinions on some of the highlights (or lowlights).

CLIMATE CHANGE! Everyone's talking about it, or should be if they're not. The current existential threat of humanity. In episode 7 of Poutine Politics, Mike and Adam introduce us to "Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming" (drawdown.org), review some of the most effective methods to reduce and remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and discuss some current political policy towards renewable energy.

The August long weekend is upon us! You know what that means? THE PRICE OF GAS IS GOING UP! But is it really that simple? Mike and Adam discuss what kinds of situations can have an effect on your wallet when you fill up at the pump.

Elizabeth May, leader of the Green Party of Canada, passed through our area recently and held a public town hall. Adam & Mike discuss some of the issues and questions that were covered during the town hall.

In episode 4 of Poutine Politics, Mike and Adam discuss traffic issues and methods to alleviate congestion and gridlock. Some griping on local mass transit ensues.

In the third episode of Poutine Politics, Adam and Mike discuss their opinions (and maybe some facts as well...) on electoral reform in Canada.