In this episode from 2021, Alex Aragona speaks with Graeme Thompson about the classical liberal tradition in Canada, and what the evolution of that tradition has looked like.

References from The Curious Task Episode 94 with Graeme Thompson

Matt Bufton speaks with Matt McManus about the philosophical foundations of liberalism and socialism, exploring how these two traditions intersect and diverge. They discuss McManus’ work on the political theory of liberal socialism, the historical tensions between the two ideologies, and the ways in which contemporary political movements reflect aspects of both. The conversation also touches on critiques of classical liberal thought, the role of the state in economic justice, and the potential for a synthesis between liberal and socialist principles.

The Political Theory of Liberal Socialism by Matt McManus

https://www.routledge.com/The-Political-Theory-of-Liberal-Socialism/McManus/p/book/9781032647234?srsltid=AfmBOorDPxbjpTmpCJ2dgOznjWaxh8s53bHfYJ9odk360mjLFnf77MK_ 

A Critical Legal Examination of Liberalism and Liberal Rights by Matt McManus

https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-61025-8 

Liberalism and Socialism: Mortal Enemies or Embittered Kin? (Edited by Matt McManus)

https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-79537-5

Why Socialists Shouldn’t Reject Liberalism An interview with

https://jacobin.com/2024/08/socialism-liberalism-mill-marx-moyn 

Matt's portfolio on Academia.edu 

https://umich.academia.edu/MatthewMcManus 

Including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit:

Alex Aragona speaks with James Harrigan about U.S.-Canada relations, with a focus on tariffs, trade policy, and economic misunderstandings that shape political discourse. James critiques the expansion of tariffs under Trump and challenges the idea that protectionism helps domestic industries. The conversation highlights the historical benefits of free trade, the consequences of government intervention in markets, and the flawed assumptions underlying modern trade restrictions.

References

James on X:

The Centre for American Culture and Ideas:

The Words And Numbers Podcast:

"Fair Trade Encourages Free Trade" by James Harrigan and Antony Davies:

Thanks to our patrons, including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit https://patreon.com/curioustask.

Matt Bufton speaks with Don Boudreaux about tariffs, free trade, and the economic misunderstandings that drive protectionist policies. Don critiques the balance of trade doctrine, drawing from historical examples and economic theory to explain why tariffs harm both consumers and producers. The discussion covers the impact of tariffs on the U.S. and Canada, how politicians exploit economic misconceptions, and why a policy of unilateral free trade would be the best path forward.

References

Globalization by Don Boudreaux

The Essential Hayek by Don Boudreaux

"The Case for Free Trade" by Don Boudreaux (Mercatus Center)

"Don't Get Played By Protectionists" (Cafe Hayek)

"On America's Trade Deficit With China" by Don Boudreaux

"Adam Smith Doesn't Like U.S. Trade Policy" by Stuart Anderson

Thanks to our patrons, including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit https://patreon.com/curioustask.

Matt Bufton speaks with Ryan Manucha about interprovincial trade in Canada, focusing on the legal and economic barriers that hinder free trade between provinces. They discuss Ryan’s book Booze, Cigarettes, and Constitutional Dust-Ups, examining how constitutional law, historical disputes, and political inertia have shaped Canada’s fragmented trade landscape. The conversation explores key legal cases, the role of the Supreme Court, and potential reforms that could enhance economic cooperation across the country.

References

Booze, Cigarettes, and Constitutional Dust-Ups: Canada's Quest for Interprovincial Free Trade by Ryan Manucha

Gold Seal Ltd. v. Alberta (Attorney-General) (1921) – Key legal case on interprovincial trade barriers

R. v. Comeau (2018) – Supreme Court decision on cross-border alcohol sales

Interprovincial Trade Barriers in Canada: Options for Moving Forward by Alvarez et al.

Provincial Red Tape Report Card by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)

Internal Trade in Canada: Case for Liberalization by the International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Thanks to our patrons, including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit https://patreon.com/curioustask.

Matt speaks with Bart Wilson about what economists often overlook in their analysis—specifically, the role of morality, human cooperation, and language in shaping economic behaviour. Wilson argues that mainstream economics tends to focus too much on scarcity and efficiency while neglecting the deeper social and moral foundations that make trade and prosperity possible. Drawing on his book Meaningful Economics: Making the Science of Prosperity More Human, he explores how concepts like property, reciprocity, and justice emerge from human relationships rather than being imposed from the top down. 

References:

Meaningful Economics: Making the Science of Prosperity More Human by Bart Wilson

The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith

The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith

Knowledge and Decisions by Thomas Sowell

The Invisible Heart: An Economic Romance by Russell Roberts

Thanks to our patrons, including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit our Patreon page. 

Alex Aragona speaks with Tim Thurley about gun policy in Canada, discussing the current state of firearm regulations, the shift away from a past political consensus, and whether recent legislative changes are effectively targeting crime. They explore the role of licensing, background checks, and storage laws, as well as the impact of smuggled firearms and high-profile policy changes like Bill C-21 and the handgun freeze. Thurley argues that recent policy shifts focus on legal gun owners while failing to address the main sources of gun crime in Canada.

References

"Aiming Off Target: Gun Policy in Canada" by Tim Thurley & Noah Schwartz (Macdonald-Laurier Institute)

"On gun control, Liberals opt for wedge politics over actual change" by Noah Schwartz

"More Guns, Less Crime" by John R. Lott Jr.

"The Culture of Fear: Why Americans Are Afraid of the Wrong Things" by Barry Glassner

"The Origins and Development of Canada’s Firearms Laws" by R. Blake Brown

"Armed: New Perspectives on Gun Control" by Gary Kleck & Don B. Kates

Thanks to our patrons, including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit https://patreon.com/curioustask.

Matt speaks with Ethan Nadelmann about vaping, e-cigarettes, and pouch nicotine alternatives to cigarettes within the broader context of health policy and the drug war. They discuss the misconceptions surrounding nicotine, harm reduction strategies, and how opposition to non-combustible nicotine mirrors past drug war policies. Ethan highlights international case studies, the role of public health organizations, and the influence of figures like Michael Bloomberg in shaping the global discourse - and misinformation - around alternatives to cigarettes.

References

"Thinking Seriously About Alternatives to Drug Prohibition" by Ethan Nadelmann

"The Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction" (KAC Reports)

"High Price" by Carl Hart

"Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness" by Richard H. Thaler & Cass R. Sunstein

"Ending the War on Drugs: A Solution for America" by Dirk Chase Eldredge

Thanks to our patrons, including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit https://patreon.com/curioustask.

Alex speaks with Eric Schliesser about the "freedom to" vs. "freedom from" debate in political theory, using Serene Khader’s book Faux Feminism as a central reference. They explore the historical distinction between negative and positive liberty, the role of hierarchy in structuring freedom, and how liberalism’s focus on removing restrictions can sometimes reinforce existing power structures. The discussion touches on feminist theory, liberal political thought, and broader critiques of market-based individualism.

References

Faux Feminism: Why We Fall for White Feminism and How We Can Stop by Serene Khader

Liberal Legislation and Freedom of Contract by T.H. Green

Two Concepts of Liberty by Isaiah Berlin

The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith

The Origins of Totalitarianism by Hannah Arendt

Capitalism and Freedom by Milton Friedman

Thanks to our patrons, including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit https://patreon.com/curioustask.

Alex Aragona moderates a discussion with Ryan Thorpe and Matt Bufton about the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and its relevance in today’s world. They explore the CBC’s historical mission to promote Canadian culture and information, its struggles to meet its mandate, and the challenges posed by media fragmentation and perceived biases. The conversation also touches on the roles of private media, government funding, and the rise of independent outlets as alternatives to a state broadcaster.

Lament for a Nation: The Defeat of Canadian Nationalism by George Grant

Peter Mansbridge Quote on CBC’s "Toronto Bias"

Canadaland

The Hub

The Narwhal

The Tyee

Thanks to our patrons, including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit https://patreon.com/curioustask.