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The historian and educator Greg N. Fraser discusses his book Joseph William McKay: A Métis Business Leader in Colonial British Columbia (Heritage House, 2021), with Joseph Planta.

Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Joseph William McKay

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.

One of the more interesting figures in the history of British Columbia comes alive in a recent book by Greg N. Fraser, who joins me now. Mr. Fraser, a long-time educator, has written Joseph William McKay: A Métis Business Leader in Colonial British Columbia, a biography of a remarkable figure whose lifespan, 1829 to 1900, affords him the chance to get a front row seat to the exploration and development of what would become this province. McKay, at the age of 15 commences a career with the Hudson’s Bay Company, and eventually meets and works with James Douglas, who would become his mentor. At the age of twenty-three, he oversees the building of Nanaimo. In the Gold Rush years, he’s dispatched to Fort Kamloops and Fort Yale. He eventually becomes Chief Factor, the highest rank within the HBC. McKay is a unique life as within the context of the colonial system, he manages through personal skill and success to move through the company and maintain good relations. He advocates on behalf of Indigenous Peoples, and later becomes Federal Agent, for the federal government. McKay is not without his complexities, especially in light of a twenty-first century context, but it’s a notable life nonetheless. I’ll ask Greg about why McKay is somebody we should know about, and I’ll also get him to tell us what it was like to write this book. Greg Fraser taught Canadian, BC, and Indigenous history in the Vernon and Nanaimo school districts. He continued his career teaching at Okanagan University-College, and Vancouver Island University Elder College. This book is published by Heritage House. He joined me from Nanaimo earlier this week. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Greg Fraser; Mr. Fraser, good morning.

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Vicente L. Rafael, Professor of History at the University of Washington, discusses his new book The Sovereign Trickster: Death and Laughter in the Age of Duterte (Duke University Press, 2022), with Joseph Planta.

Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Sovereign Trickster

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.

One of the more important books of the season, made more urgent with the upcoming presidential elections in The Philippines in May is the new one by Vicente L. Rafael, The Sovereign Trickster: Death and Laughter in the Age of Duterte. It’s an engaging book that looks at the contemporary Philippines, with its roots in colonialism and conflict; and how the Duterte era is not an aberration, but a symptom within counterinsurgency, neoliberalism and the country’s history of electoral violence. In a way that, explains the rise of Duterte six years ago when he was elected president, but also signals why it’s not some passing fad. It still enjoys popular support, and the tone and rhetoric could continue even though the man himself is term limited. Mr. Rafael, who joins me now, chronicles in his book how Duterte deploys his humour and obscenity to gain people’s support, and then how his projection of masculinity and misogyny has evoked laughter, nervous or otherwise, amongst the people he rules. Vince also bears witness in the book, to those who bear witness daily, the photojournalists who have covered Duterte’s war on drugs. Some iconic images have emerged, and as he chronicles in this new book, the public’s view on life and death has been altered as a result. Vicente Rafael is the award-winning, Giovanni and Anne Costigan Professor of History and Southeast Asian Studies at the University of Washington in Seattle, where I’ve reached him. He was educated at Ateneo de Manila and Cornell universities. He has written several books on the history and cultural politics of the Philippines including Contracting Colonialism, White Love and Other Events in Filipino History, The Promise of the Foreign, and most recently, Motherless Tongues: The Insurgency of Language Amid Wars of Translation. All, including this new book have been published by Duke University Press. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Vicente Rafael; Professor Rafael, good morning.

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The veteran journalist Mark Bulgutch discusses his new book Inspiring Canadians: Forty Brilliant Canadians and Their Visions For the Nation (Douglas & McIntyre, 2022), with Joseph Planta.

Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Inspiring Canadians

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.

Mark Bulgutch joins me again. He’s got a new book out, Inspiring Canadians: Forty Brilliant Canadians and Their Visions For the Nation. In the book, Mark has talked to variety of accomplished and notable Canadians who offer their thoughts on what ails the country, with a focus on what Canada is doing right, and what needs to change to make the country a better one. This all comes from a place of reverence for Canada. Mark writes in the introduction about how grateful he is to have been born in a country that accepted his parents as immigrants. Whether it’s climate change, or gun control, elder care, social justice and race, education, indigenous rights, a better country is possible and it’s engaging and yes, inspiring to read what these folks say. Among the people that Mr. Bulgutch speaks to are: Perry Bellegarde, Adam Fenech, Dr. Najma Ahmed, Laura Tamblyn Watts, Santa Ono, Paulette Senior, Michael Prince, Kwame McKenzie, Duff Conacher, Christopher Waddell, Donald MacPherson, and many others. Mark Bulgutch worked for CBC News for over thirty-five years. He is the recipient of countless industry awards, like fourteen Gemini Awards. His previous books include That’s Why I’m a Journalist, That’s Why I’m a Doctor, and Extraordinary Canadians, which he co-authored with Peter Mansbridge, who also provides the foreword for this book, which is published by Douglas & McIntyre. We taped this interview one week ago. Please welcome back to the Planta: On the Line program, Mark Bulgutch; Mr. Bulgutch, good morning.

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The singer and songwriter Carol Lipnik discusses her new album, Goddess of Imperfection (Mermaid Alley Music, 2022), with Joseph Planta.

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.

Carol Lipnik joins me now. The singer and songwriter has a new album, Goddess of Imperfection that’s out this Friday, 11 March 2022. The collection features original songs that pay tribute to the uncertain state of the world. These are songs that are described as reaching above the chaos. They are mesmerising, thoughtful, haunting even at times. They’re meditations that look at ourselves, the people around us, our culture, and songs that push back against the pressures of perfection. I’ll ask Ms. Lipnik about some of the songs on the album, what they mean to her at this time, growing up in Coney Island, New York, and her incredible voice whose range has been lauded for it’s multiple octaves. The New York Times once described her as an “ethereal vocal phenomenon.” Carol Lipnik has built a dedicated following through her popular weekly performance residence at the East Village boîte Pangea, as well as performances at the Rose Theater in Lincoln Center, as well other numerous venues in New York City and its environs. She is the winner of the BroadwayWorld Award for Best Alternative Cabaret Show. She has released six albums on her Mermaid Alley Music label, which also releases this new album. She will be doing a special concert Tuesday, 05 April 2022 at Joe’s Pub at the Public Theater in Manhattan. Visit www.CarolLipnik.com. She joined me from New York City two weeks ago. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Carol Lipnik; Ms. Lipnik, good morning.

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The activist Bonnie Robichaud discusses her new memoir It Should Be Easy to Fix (Between the Lines, 2022), with Joseph Planta.

Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: It Should Be Easy to Fix

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.

In 1977, Bonnie Robichaud, a wife, and mother of five young children, got a job at the Department of Defence military base in North Bay, Ontario. It was a unionised job, with steady pay, benefits, and vacation time. Her supervisor on the job begins to sexually harass and intimidate her. She considers staying silent, even thinks about quitting. After her probationary period is up, she files a complaint. She’s told by a high-ranking officer at the base that she’s the only one to have ever complained, and Robichaud says, “Good. Then it should be easy to fix.” That’s the title of her new book, It Should Be Easy to Fix. It’s a comprehensive look at the over decade long battle for justice that ended up at the Supreme Court of Canada, where legal precedent was set regarding sexual harassment in a workplace. It’s landmark labour history, and Ms. Robichaud joins me now to discuss her experience at work, through the various legal proceedings at commissions and tribunals, through to the various court cases. I’ll ask her about why she chose to fight when it would have been easier not to, and how she’s allowed herself to not be defeated and in fact become politicised as a result. She’s a long-time union activist, public speaker, and mentor. And she joined me from Ottawa, where she lives. The book is published by Between the Lines. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Bonnie Robichaud; Ms. Robichaud, good morning.

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The writer and producer Geoff D’Eon discusses the new documentary, How the Wild Things Sleep, which debuts Friday, 11 March 2022 on CBC’s The Nature of Things, sleep and its importance to humans and other creatures like primates, bees, geese, and more, with Joseph Planta.

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.

There’s a fascinating documentary that will premiere this Friday night on CBC’s The Nature of Things. How the Wild Things Sleep looks at sleep as researchers study the sleeping habits of orangutans, honeybees, elephants, fur seals, and Canadian geese. The documentary looks at how their experiences might be instructive as to our own, humans that is. Geoff D’Eon joins me now. He’s one of the writers of the film, and we’ll talk about what’s in the film, how creatures like seals can keep one half of their brains awake at all times while sleeping in water, while Canadian geese can do the same, flying hundreds of kilometers a day, even while sleeping. We all lose some function when we don’t sleep enough, and in the film we see the same happens to orangutans and bees. Yet, elephants seem to have no effect on their cognitive abilities if they have less sleep. The film is produced by Tell Tale Productions, and was shot by world-class production teams in Canada, the United States, Germany, South Africa, and Japan. I’ll ask Geoff about how the film was made, about some of the striking shots in it, and what it’s like to write for the film’s narrator, David Suzuki, the long-time presenter of the Nature of Things. Geoff D’Eon is an award-winning veteran of television and event production, with experience as a journalist, producer, writer, director, and executive producer. In his 25-year plus career with the CBC, his work was recognised with twelve Gemini Awards, an International Emmy nomination, and countless other journalism and news awards. In 2001, he produced and directed Rick Mercer’s Talking to Americans, which is the highest-rated comedy special in the history of CBC Television. How the Wild Things Sleep premieres this Friday night, 11 March 2022 at 9pm (9.30pm in Newfoundland) on CBC and CBC Gem. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Geoff D’Eon; Mr. D’Eon, good morning.

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The fine art photographer Michelle Leone Huisman discusses her new exhibition Global Pandemic (03 March-10 April 2022 at the Dal Schindell Gallery, 5800 University Boulevard at UBC), a collection of photographs of masks found on the street, with Joseph Planta.

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.

It doesn’t matter what part of the city one finds themselves in, or any city for that matter, masks are an expected way of life now. They’re also all over the place. They fall accidentally or carelessly and have become part of the litter that we see on busy and not so busy streets. They’re a symbol of this pandemic, and they’re a reminder of the ongoing, insidious emergency of the accumulation of waste. My guest now, Michelle Leone Huisman has created art during the pandemic. First was her collection of photographs An Unexpected Collection. It showcased photographs of wooden spoons broken during the banging of pots for the 7pm cheer for first responders. I’ll ask her about that collection, and we’ll discuss her current showcase, Global Pandemic, which is a collection of photographs that depict masks that have been safely collected from streets and sidewalks throughout Vancouver, which have been arranged to be photographed in various configurations. I’ll get Michelle to tell us about what she’s seen and what she depicts. The exhibit begins tomorrow, Wednesday, 03 March 2022, and runs until 10 April 2022. It’s at the Dal Schindell Gallery, 5800 University Boulevard, at UBC. Admission is free. I’ll ask Ms. Huisman about how she takes the photographs, and how they’re printed. It’s a 19th-century technique called tri-colour bichromate gum over palladium. Michelle Huisman is a graduate of Ryerson and Emily Carr University. Visit www.MichelleHuisman.com for more, as well as www.schindellgallery.ca. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Michelle Leone Huisman; Ms. Huisman, good morning.

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The #1 Billboard singer and songwriter Spencer Day discusses his new album Broadway by Day (Club44 Records, 2022), with Joseph Planta.

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.

Spencer Day joins me now. The acclaimed singer and songwriter has a new album out, today in fact, Broadway by Day. It’s available on all the streaming platforms, and on CD in stores and online. It features songs not usually heard in a pop/jazz context. They’re arrangements of classic Broadway songs, as well as less frequently heard ones out of the context of the show, done in Mr. Day’s style, sometimes surprising too. There are arrangements done in swing as well as Latin. I’ll ask Spencer about these songs, and what it’s like to cover them as he has. Some of the tracks on the album include “One” and “What I Did for Love,” from A Chorus Line, “Bali Ha’i” from South Pacific, “I’d Be Surprisingly Good for You” from Evita, “It Only Takes a Moment” from Hello, Dolly! featuring Jane Monheit, as well as “If I Loved You” from Carousel, which features a saxophone solo by Dave Koz, and more. Spencer Day is the #1 Billboard jazz/pop singer and songwriter who is acclaimed for his witty and sophisticated pop songs. His 2018 album Angel City spawned two hit singles, which were big hits online and elsewhere. His earlier album Vagabond reached number eleven on the Billboard Album chart and stayed on there for 47 weeks. He even performed the lead single “Til You Come to Me” on the CBS Late Late Show. Visit www.spencerday.com for more. This new album is from Club44 Records. He joined me from his home in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico ten days ago. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Spencer Day; Mr. Day, good morning.

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The writer John Payton Foden discusses his first novel Magenta (Crowsnest Books, 2021), with Joseph Planta.

Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Magenta

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.

Magenta is a new novel, the first by the writer John Payton Foden, who joins me now. He takes the reader into war-torn Sarajevo, as we see a journalist named Silva make her way through a city under siege in order to recover the body of a filmmaker she knew. The book is an exploration of good and evil, and how the concepts evolve in a time of war. I’ll ask Mr. Foden about what he mined in terms of his conception of hatred. We’ll also talk about the time he writes about, how media has changed over the last thirty years, as well as the kinds of people that found themselves in this part of the world, not to mention people from countries like Canada, who went there. John Payton Foden is a Toronto-based writer. He has worked as a consultant lobbyist with a particular expertise in cities. His writing has appeared in the National Post and the Globe and Mail, and he’s provided commentary on the major broadcasting outlets in this country. The website for more is at www.presterjohn.ca. Magenta is published by Crowsnest Books. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, John Foden; Mr. Foden, good morning.

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The writer and poet Bruce Meyer discusses his new short story collection Toast Soldiers (Crowsnet Books, 2021), with Joseph Planta.

Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Toast Soldiers

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.

There’s a new short story collection from the poet and author Bruce Meyer. He joins me now to talk about Toast Soldiers. The stories therein are described as ones of individuals who fight against the fate that they’ve been dealt, sometimes their facing defeat, sometimes their confronting their past, or a changing world around them. Sometimes it’s the elements. A few of the characters have to deal with the effects of war. We’ll talk about what it’s like writing about conflict and coming home. I’ll get Bruce to describe the stories in this book, what he’s exploring when he writes, how he writes, and more. Bruce Meyer is the author of sixty-seven books of poetry, short stories, fiction, and nonfiction, including three national bestsellers: The Golden Thread, Portraits of Canadian Writers, and the anthology he co-edited with Barry Callaghan, We Wasn’t Pals. He is also a broadcaster, and was the inaugural poet laurate of the City of Barrie, Ontario. He teaches at Georgian College, and Victoria College at the University of Toronto. This book is published by Crowsnet Books. He joined me from Barrie last week. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Bruce Meyer; Professor Meyer, good morning.

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