The LeDrew Three Minute Interview

Are Canadian schools failing to teach basic math skills?

In this episode of The LeDrew Three Minute Interview, Stephen speaks with Dave McGinn about the growing debate over math education in Ontario and across Canada.

McGinn, who regularly covers education policy and classroom trends for The Globe and Mail, explains why concerns over declining math skills have become a major issue for parents, educators, and policymakers alike.

The conversation focuses on the shift away from traditional arithmetic instruction toward “discovery math,” a teaching philosophy that critics argue has weakened students’ grasp of basic fundamentals like multiplication, division, and practical everyday math.

Topics include:

• Ontario’s ongoing review of math instruction
• Why EQAO scores continue to struggle
• The debate between traditional math and discovery math
• Whether schools moved too far away from fundamentals
• The role of government and education policy
• Why practical math skills still matter in everyday life
• And whether Canada is finally returning to a “back to basics” approach

LeDrew and McGinn also discuss the broader implications of declining numeracy — from financial literacy to workplace readiness — and why many parents feel the education system has drifted too far from core skills.

As Ontario reviews how math is taught in schools, the question remains: are students being prepared for real life, or are they falling behind on the basics?

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Should Members of Parliament be forced to face voters again if they cross the floor?

In this episode of The LeDrew Three Minute Interview, Stephen speaks with Jay Goldberg of the Consumer Choice Center about political accountability, recall elections, and the growing frustration many Canadians feel toward MPs who switch parties after being elected.

The discussion comes amid renewed debate over floor crossings in Canadian politics, with some voters arguing that changing parties after an election amounts to betraying the mandate voters originally supported.

Goldberg points to systems already in place in provinces like Alberta and British Columbia, where citizens can petition to trigger recall votes or by-elections. He argues Canadians should have similar powers federally — especially when MPs switch political allegiance midterm.

The conversation explores:

• Whether MPs should automatically face by-elections after crossing the floor
• The growing role of party leaders and “presidential-style” politics in Canada
• Why many voters feel disconnected from Ottawa
• Political accountability and democratic reform
• The difference between representing a party versus representing constituents
• And why recall powers are gaining attention across Canada

As public trust in politics continues to decline, this interview asks whether Canada’s democratic system needs stronger mechanisms to hold politicians accountable between elections.

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In this LeDrew Rant, LeDrew argues that Canada’s biggest problem isn’t a lack of government tools, as Carney puts it — but too much bureaucracy.

From delayed infrastructure projects to endless regulations and overlapping approvals, LeDrew says Canada has become a country where government growth is choking economic growth.

He points to decades of expanding bureaucracy, rising costs, and increasingly complex regulations as key reasons why investment is leaving Canada and major projects struggle to move forward.

LeDrew also criticizes the lasting impact of failed Trudeau-era policies, arguing that despite new leadership under Mark Carney, many of the same ministers, rules, and governing philosophies remain firmly in place.

As Canadians continue to face rising costs for housing, groceries, taxes, and energy, the rant asks a broader question:

Has Canada become too bureaucratic to succeed?

Three Minutes. Direct. Unfiltered.

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In this rant, Stephen LeDrew takes aim at Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent theories pronounced at a closed-door gathering of Ottawa Liberal insiders, defeated and retired U.S. Democrats, and political elites in Toronto.

LeDrew argues that while Canadians are justifiably worried about affordability, immigration, economic uncertainty, and the future of work, the answers are not untested global theories or vague promises of “new tools”, as Carney suggests. Instead, he says Ottawa already has the power to act — if it chooses to.

The rant focuses on:

- Rising costs of living and affordability pressures

- Gas prices, taxation, and household expenses

- Immigration policy and accountability concerns

- Government bureaucracy and endless project reviews

- Ottawa’s lack of action–just more words

- Canada’s economic stagnation despite massive natural resources

- Relations with the United States and trade realities

- And whether Ottawa is becoming totally disconnected from ordinary Canadians

LeDrew also explores whether the federal government is prioritizing rhetoric over practical action, arguing that many Canadians want less ideology and more common-sense solutions that improve everyday life.

As frustration grows over inflation, housing, and government spending, this rant asks whether Canada’s leadership is actually listening to the people it governs.

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Are Canadian Parents treating school as optional?

In this episode of The LeDrew Three Minute Interview, Stephen speaks with Dave McGinn, education reporter for The Globe and Mail, about the growing school attendance crisis in Ontario and across Canada.

McGinn recently reported on new provincial data showing that only around 40% of Ontario high school students meet attendance expectations — a dramatic shift from previous generations, where missing school was taken far more seriously.

The conversation explores how the pandemic changed attitudes toward attendance, online learning, and classroom expectations. With assignments increasingly posted digitally and many learning systems now accessible remotely, some students and parents no longer see physical attendance as essential.

Topics include:

• Canada’s declining school attendance rates
• The long-term impact of pandemic-era learning
• Whether online education weakened classroom discipline
• The role of parents, teachers, and government
• Why attendance may need to be tied to grades
• The importance of socialization and routine in schools
• And whether education systems are finally starting to address the problem

LeDrew and McGinn also discuss the broader life lessons connected to attendance — including responsibility, structure, and learning how to “show up” in everyday life.

As concerns grow about student engagement and educational outcomes, this interview asks whether schools are adapting — or losing control of the classroom experience altogether.

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Stephen LeDrew speaks with John Capobianco, “bigshot conservative” and political strategist, about the growing divide between what Ottawa says — and what Canadians are experiencing.

While the government highlights progress on affordability, trade, and economic policy, many Canadians are facing rising costs for gas, groceries, rent, and everyday essentials.

Capobianco argues that there are now two Canadas — one driven by political messaging and optimism, and another where families are struggling to make ends meet.

He also points out that many of the issues now being addressed — particularly affordability and cost of living — were first raised by Pierre Poilievre, forcing the political conversation to shift.

With Mark Carney leading a majority government, expectations are higher than ever — and the pressure is now on to deliver real results, not just promises.

The question becomes: will Canadians see change — or more of the same?

Three Minutes. Direct. Unfiltered.

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Is instability becoming the biggest threat to Canadian business?

In this episode of The Three Minute Interview, Stephen LeDrew welcomes back Toronto-area small business owner Mike Dicerbo for a candid discussion about the challenges facing manufacturers and entrepreneurs across Canada.

Dicerbo argues that the biggest obstacle today isn’t just taxation or regulation — it’s uncertainty. From fluctuating commodity prices to tariffs, supply chain delays, and shifting government policies, businesses are finding it increasingly difficult to plan, invest, or grow with confidence.

Drawing on real-world experience from inside Canadian manufacturing, Dicerbo explains how long production timelines, unpredictable costs, and growing bureaucracy are creating serious pressure on companies trying to stay competitive.

The conversation covers:

• Why instability is hurting Canadian manufacturing
• The impact of tariffs, surcharges, and regulation
• Commodity price volatility and supply chain uncertainty
• Why many business owners feel ignored by Ottawa
• The disconnect between politicians and industry
• And whether Canada can still rebuild a strong industrial economy

Dicerbo also argues that Canada needs more decision-makers with real business and labour experience — not career bureaucrats disconnected from the realities facing workers and employers.

As economic anxiety grows across the country, this interview asks a simple question: does Ottawa truly understand what businesses are dealing with?

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Does Canada need a “New World Order” with “New Tools? — or simply Better Decisions with our Current Form of Government?

In this episode of The LeDrew Three Minute Interview, Stephen speaks with Peter Shurman about immigration, energy policy, media influence, and the direction of Canada under Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Shurman argues that many of Canada’s biggest problems are not global — but domestic. From stalled pipeline projects and economic uncertainty to immigration concerns and government bureaucracy, he says Ottawa already has the tools to improve conditions if it chooses to act decisively.

The conversation explores:

• Mark Carney’s political vision and economic strategy
• Immigration pressures and public frustration
• Canada’s untapped oil and natural gas potential
• Why pipeline development remains stalled
• Comparisons between Canada and Norway’s energy wealth model
• Media funding and public trust in journalism
• The role of government bureaucracy in slowing economic growth
• And whether Canada is failing to capitalize on its natural advantages

LeDrew and Shurman also discuss the growing demand for Canadian energy abroad and the broader debate over whether government should focus less on creating new structures and more on enabling growth.

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Why is Ottawa moving away from a century-old program that supports Canadian veterans?

In this episode of The LeDrew Three Minute Interview, Stephen LeDrew is joined by Brian Lilley to discuss the growing controversy surrounding the future of Canada’s Commissionaires Program.

For nearly 100 years, the Commissionaires have provided employment opportunities for veterans while delivering security services for government buildings across the country. The program has long been viewed as a successful model that supports veterans, promotes community, and operates on a non-profit basis.

Now, questions arise after GardaWorld, a wealthy international company, lobbied the Carney Government to end the contract for the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires.

LeDrew and Lilley discuss:

• The history and purpose of the Commissionaires program
• Concerns about lobbying and political influence
• Why critics say the move makes little financial sense
• The role of private security firms and government contracts
• Potential impacts on veterans and employment
• And whether Ottawa doesn’t care about public backlash.

The conversation also explores broader concerns about government transparency, insider influence, and whether political decision-making is becoming increasingly disconnected from public priorities.

As scrutiny grows around the decision, many Canadians are asking a simple question: why replace a system that was already working in so many ways, AND supporting vets.

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Is Canada’s proposed Sovereign Wealth Fund a smart investment strategy — or a political slush fund waiting to happen?

In this episode of The LeDrew Three Minute Interview, Stephen speaks with Jay Goldberg of the Consumer Choice Center about Prime Minister Mark Carney’s proposed sovereign investment fund and the growing concerns surrounding government-controlled investing.

Goldberg argues the plan differs fundamentally from successful sovereign wealth funds like Norway’s because Canada would be borrowing money to create it — not investing surplus revenue. He also raises questions about political interference, noting that Carney has already suggested where investments should go, despite claims the fund would operate at arm’s length.

The conversation explores:

• Why borrowing to create a sovereign wealth fund is controversial
• Comparisons between Canada’s proposal and Norway’s fund
• The risks of governments “picking winners and losers”
• Ottawa’s history with investment agencies and infrastructure banks
• Canada’s growing brain drain and business flight
• High taxes, regulation, and economic competitiveness
• Why critics believe Canada should focus on lowering barriers for business instead

As economic uncertainty grows and investment leaves Canada, this interview asks whether Ottawa should be directing the economy — or getting out of the way.

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