Western Context - News from Alberta, BC, and Canada

By Western Context

What's Western Context - News from Alberta, BC, and Canada about?

Removing bias and sensationalism from the news of Alberta, BC, and Canada. Providing the context and information needed to put you on the right side of the news.

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Western Context - News from Alberta, BC, and Canada episodes:

04.21.2024
Western Context 366 – The Last Resort
Trudeau’s 2024 budget features billions in new spending, Champagne tries to lure foreign grocers to Canada, and Alberta keeps its default electricity rate. Also, the federal government halts the deportation of a law-breaking climate activist. Hosts: Shane and Patrick Duration: 52:31 For detailed...
04.14.2024
Western Context 365 – Downgrade Diplomacy
BC gets another credit downgrade, Alberta battles the federal government over municipal control, and Trudeau’s South-East Asia trip cost $2M. Also, the CSIS director testifies that the Trudeau government did know about foreign interference. Hosts: Shane and Patrick Duration: 51:55 For detailed show...
04.07.2024
Western Context 364 – Intelligence Blackouts
A majority of Canada’s premiers align against Trudeau’s carbon tax, BC sees open drug use in hospitals, and Edmonton’s rolling blackouts show Alberta’s energy vulnerabilities. Also, MP Han Dong’s testimony shows the extent of Chinese foreign interference. Hosts: Shane and Patrick Duration:...
03.31.2024
Western Context 363 – Buyback Boondoggle
Canada refuses to sell LNG to another NATO ally, BC’s Haida Nation will have title over all of Haida Gwaii, and a third of gig workers would consider tax fraud. Also, $42m has been spent on Trudeau’s nonexistent gun buyback. Hosts:...
03.24.2024
Western Context 362 – Antagonizing Antics
The Conservative non confidence motion against Trudeau fails, the Liberals want to move the election date, and the Alberta NDP does not legally exist. Also, the RCMP warns that Canadians may revolt against the government. Hosts: Shane and Patrick Duration: 49:33 For detailed...
03.17.2024
Weestern Context 361 – Double Dipping
Alberta moves to allow municipal political parties, the auditor general fires government employees getting money on the side, and Canada pauses non-lethal exports to Israel. Also, Toronto Police give bad advice to deter car thieves. Hosts: Shane and Patrick Duration: 56:22 For detailed...
03.10.2024
Western Context 360 – Safety First
BC safe supply drugs are found in the hands of organized crime, we finally put the 2017 UCP leadership allegations to rest, and BC affordable housing is not going to intended buyers. Also, Canada restores its funding to UNRWA. Hosts: Shane...
03.03.2024
Western Context 359 – Phony Pharmacare
The Liberals’ new online harms act includes heavy punishments, Alberta’s 2024 budget contains surprises, and the new pharmacare plan covers very little medications. Also, new documents reveal more on the Winnipeg lab scientist firings. Hosts: Shane and Patrick Duration: 1:03:32 For detailed show...
02.25.2024
Western Context 358 – Guiding Our Future
Trudeau and Singh reach a deal on pharmacare, BC’s budget introduces a flipping tax and lots of spending, and Danielle Smith wants to build up the Heritage fund. Also, the BC NDP wants us to stop using the term British...
02.18.2024
Western Context 357 – Roads and Radicals
Steven Guilbeault says the feds will stop investing in roads, the Alberta government improves the childcare system, and BC suspends the license of a company that drives into highway overpasses. Also, ArriveCan costs even more money than we thought before. Hosts:...
02.11.2024
Western Context 356 – The Robinson Removal
Bell lays off more workers and asks for more money, a recall petition starts for Calgary’s mayor Jyoti Gondek, and Selina Robinson is removed from the BC NDP’s cabinet. Also, suspicious HSBC mortgages are fuelling the real estate crisis. Hosts: Shane...
02.04.2024
Western Context 355 – Equal But Separate
Danielle Smith debuts Alberta’s parental rights policy, the BC NDP quietly makes changes to the Lands Act, and the Trudeau Liberals give $48M to UNRWA. Also, segregation is on the rise in Canadian universities. Hosts: Shane and Patrick Duration: 1:03:07 For detailed show...
01.28.2024
Western Context 354 – Pulp Manifesto
A terrorist shoots up Edmonton City Hall, car thefts spike in Canada, and a federal court judge finds the use of the Emergencies Act unjustified. Also, a paper mill closing on Vancouver Island leads to investigation into a Chinese funded...
01.21.2024
Western Context 353 – In The Cold
Canada’s cold snap raises questions of BC Hydro’s future, Rachel Notley is stepping down as Alberta’s NDP leader, and even Liberal ministers agree that immigration is out of control. Also, an opinion piece questions Poilievre’s commitment to queer issues. Hosts: Shane...
01.14.2024
Western Context 352 – Plays and Parks
Trudeau’s Jamaica vacation causes a conflict of interest, Canada’s immigration isn’t helping the job market, and Banff’s pedestrian zone gets nixed by the National Park. Also, a Victoria theatre cancels a play set in Israel after being vandalized. Hosts: Shane and...
12.31.2023
Western Context 351 – 2023 In Context
We look at 2023’s news stories, including an Alberta election, changing BC political landscapes, and multiple crises like healthcare, housing and affordability getting worse. We also go over our favourite pictures, quotes, words and episodes of the year. Hosts: Shane and...
12.24.2023
Western Context 350 – Immigrants and Intervenors
Canada’s population increases like never before, the CBC writes fake news about Deena Hinshaw, and the Trudeau Liberals phase out gas car sales by 2035. Also, an investigation into Yuen Pau Woo reveals our cabinet may be compromised. Hosts: Shane and...
12.17.2023
Western Context 349 – Spring Smiles
UVIC’s equity hiring policy raises ire on social media, Alberta’s low income tax cut is nowhere to be seen, and the Liberals roll out the federal dental program. Also, Champagne looks at grocery competition to lower prices. Hosts: Shane and Patrick Duration:...
12.10.2023
Western Context 348 – Hampered and Divided
Speaker Greg Fergus’ impartiality is put to question, COP28 highlights the opposition to Canada’s new emissions cap, and the BC NDP finish 2023 with a divided opposition. Also, the mainstream media completely ignores the foreign interference inquiry. Hosts: Shane and Patrick Duration:...
12.03.2023
Western Context 347 – Slippery Slope
BC’s Unexplained Wealth Order claims its first forfeiture candidate, the UCP invoke the Sovereignty Act on provincial power generation, and BC’s healthcare is likened to a 3rd world country. Also, Google makes a deal with Trudeau on C-18. Hosts: Shane and...
11.26.2023
Western Context 346 – Leverage and Leaks
A leaked memo shows the BC NDP’s inner thoughts, Huawei invests in Alberta AI research, and the Liberals’ fall economic statement gives more money for journalists. Also, Edmonton’s mayor asks Trudeau for support in the battle against hate crimes. Hosts: Shane...
11.19.2023
Western Context 345 – Freedom and Fear
The Federal Court overturns the single use plastics ban, Trudeau and Eby’s battery plant announcement may cost more than expected, and Alberta calls for a balance between health and rights. Also, Iranian agents are operating in Canada with impunity. Hosts: Shane...
11.12.2023
Western Context 344 – Threats and Promises
The UCP convention showcases policy futures for Alberta, the UK says a terror attack in Canada is very likely, and Alberta is overhauling its healthcare system. Also, a Brampton food bank is banning international students. Hosts: Shane and Patrick Duration: 59:36 For detailed...
11.05.2023
Western Context 343 – Never Again
Alberta’s throne speech contains a few surprises, BC makes Holocaust education mandatory, and Alberta looks to overhaul auto insurance. Also, the Trudeau Liberals refuse to cut immigration targets. Hosts: Shane and Patrick Duration: 53:46 For detailed show notes visit westerncontext.ca.
10.29.2023
Western Context 342 – Axing the Tax
Liberal MPs bar the RCMP from speaking in committee on SNC Lavalin, security costs for protecting Trudeau continue to rise, and the BC NDP puts limits on short term rentals. Also, Trudeau partially flip flops on the carbon tax on...
10.22.2023
Western Context 341 – Mendacious Efforts
CBC tells its journalists not to call Hamas terrorists, the Supreme Court shuts down Trudeau’s environmental law C69, and another BC LNG project files for environmental assessment. Also, Trudeau will do all he can to prevent Alberta from leaving the...
10.15.2023
Western Context 340 – The Ideal Canada
We look at some policies we would wish to enact in Canada, including promoting corporate competitiveness, a suite of democratic reforms and developing Canadian energy to project global power. Also, we look at the best way to resolve Western alienation. Hosts:...
10.08.2023
Western Context 339 – Mandating the Truth
BC’s economic future looks unstable, Alberta experiences record population growth, and Justin Trudeau isn’t giving his cabinet ministers mandate letters. Also, a post by Pierre Poilievre about First Nations gets misrepresented by the Liberals and media. Hosts: Shane and Patrick Duration: 52:20 For...
10.01.2023
Western Context 338 – The Ovation Oopsie
Speaker Anthony Rota resigns after inviting a Waffen SS member to be honoured by Parliament, the Trudeau government wants to cut $1b in defence spending, and BC sets some housing targets. Also, streaming services have to register with the CRTC. Hosts:...
09.24.2023
Western Context 337 – Relations, Reactors and Retreats
Canada and India’s relationship tumbles even further, Alberta explores the idea of a provincial pension plan, and Canada helps Romania build more CANDU reactors. Also, the Trudeau cabinet spends $275k on an inflation summit. Hosts: Shane and Patrick Duration: 56:37 For detailed show...
09.17.2023
Western Context 336 – Jiminy Crickets
Alberta and BC show differing approaches to the drug crisis and public safety, and the federal government removes GST on rental starts and considers a grocery tax. Also, the Trudeau government gives subsidies to cricket farmers. Hosts: Shane and Patrick Duration: 46:12 For...
09.10.2023
Western Context 335 – A Drought of Good News
Canada finally launches the public inquiry on foreign interference, BC experiences severe drought conditions, and Alberta’s First Nations are grappling with drug-related deaths. Also, we added 40,000 jobs and 100,000 people in August. Hosts: Shane and Patrick Duration: 48:25 For detailed show notes...
09.03.2023
Western Context 334 – Drawing Conclusions
More Canadians are skeptical of the carbon tax’s effectiveness, Alberta and Ottawa have different timelines on net zero, and federal ministers pay lip service to housing woes. Also, the judicial system is becoming more political. Hosts: Shane and Patrick Duration: 52:03 For detailed...
08.20.2023
Western Context 333 – For the People
We look at the history of populism, what it means, and how it applies to both the left and right. We delve into both the US and Canada’s very successful populist movements. Also, Pierre Poilievre’s populist ideals are shunned by...
08.13.2023
Western Context 332 – Slash and Donate
More Canadians are skeptical of the carbon tax’s effectiveness, Alberta and Ottawa have different timelines on net zero, and federal ministers pay lip service to housing woes. Also, the judicial system is becoming more political. Hosts: Shane and Patrick Duration: 52:22 For detailed...
08.06.2023
Western Context 331 – Shrug and Blah
Alberta reviews new renewable energy projects, the source of BC’s wildfires is debated, and Alberta pulls support for the 2030 Commonwealth Games bid. Also, Trudeau and Poilievre trade barbs on housing. Hosts: Shane and Patrick Duration: 53:51 For detailed show notes visit westerncontext.ca.
07.30.2023
Western Context 330 – The More Things Change…
Trudeau performs a cabinet shuffle, the media highlights private Alberta medical clinics charging member fees, and problems at BC Ferries continue. Also, a TD report shows how immigration is fuelling unaffordability. Hosts: Shane and Patrick Duration: 53:45 For detailed show notes visit westerncontext.ca.
07.23.2023
Western Context 329 – Full Steam Ahead
An ex-RCMP officer is charged with using information to help China, Alberta’s health minister has a mandate to review and reform AHS, and Canada is committed to the digital services tax. Also, Steven Guilbeault continues to attack the oil and...
07.16.2023
Western Context 328 – Conferring and Obstructing
The Bank of Canada raises interest rates again, a conference on LNG takes place in Vancouver, and Edmonton’s mayor pleads for bail reform. Also, Toronto’s new mayor Olivia Chow was helped by pro-China groups. Hosts: Shane and Patrick Duration: 1:03:02 For detailed show...
07.09.2023
Western Context 327 – Take Me Back To Port
BC’s dockworkers are on strike, CBC retracts the Smith email interference story, and the Liberals and opposition make headway towards a public inquiry. Also, we look at the possible expansion of medical assistance in dying. Hosts: Shane and Patrick Duration: 52:09 For detailed...
07.02.2023
Western Context 326 – Humpty Dumpty’s Great Fall
A couple by-elections show the challenges for BC United’s rebranding, Google is set to remove Canadian news links in search, and BC’s children’s minister faces calls to resign. Also, a senate report shows the underfunded Arctic region’s importance. Hosts: Shane and...
06.25.2023
Western Context 325 – The Bill is Always Due
Half of small businesses can’t repay their CEBA loans, Danielle Smith negotiates climate targets with the federal government, and the amount paid by BC renters has reached a crisis level. Also, we see just how much McKinsey has affected the...
06.18.2023
Western Context 324 – Alternative Methods
BC Hydro is looking for more energy sources, Supreme Court judge Russell Brown retires amid controversy, and a wildfire cuts off Vancouver Island’s west coast. Also, serial killer Paul Bernardo is moved from max to medium security. Hosts: Shane and Patrick Duration:...
06.11.2023
Western Context 323 – The Ex-Special Rapporteur
David Johnson resigns as special rapporteur, the Bank of Canada hikes interest rates again, and the Five Eyes countries have a meeting about UFOs. Also, a clash of culture during Pride month shows Canada’s increasing polarization. Hosts: Shane and Patrick Duration: 50:47 For...
06.04.2023
Western Context 322 – A Miracle on the Prairies
Danielle Smith’s UCP wins a majority government in Alberta, BC’s health care crisis gets overdramatized, and Erin O’Toole says CSIS warned him of China’s interference. Also, a tweet from Pierre Poilievre highlights the homeless problem in Canada. Hosts: Shane and Patrick Duration:...
05.28.2023
Western Context 321 – Nothing Going On
We discuss the findings of David Johnston’s report on Chinese influence, two more possible secret Chinese police stations are uncovered in Quebec, and we look at the Alberta NDP’s equity platform. Also, the village of Lytton BC has yet to...
05.21.2023
Western Context 320 – Come and Get Me
Ethics issues in Alberta don’t get covered fairly, BC’s safe supply is getting sold on the streets, and coal plants will become illegal to run after 2030. Also, Trudeau’s new clean fuel standards will increase inflation and hit the poor...
05.14.2023
Western Context 319 – Cutting Down Our History
Canada’s passport redesign removes iconic historical images, the UCP makes a plan to reduce city crime, and BC’s old growth forests are still being logged. Also, the Alberta NDP spreads misinformation about healthcare. Hosts: Shane and Patrick Duration: 55:06 For detailed show notes...
05.07.2023
Western Context 318 – The Speed of Government
Conservative MP Michael Chong gets targeted by China, David Eby’s actions don’t match his words, and many Alberta ridings could produce surprising results. Also, the single use plastics ban may have papered over our environmental problems. Hosts: Shane and Patrick Duration: 1:00:20 For...
04.30.2023
Western Context 317 – A Striking Difference
Danielle Smith promises to not raise taxes, the public service strike blocks key infrastructure, and Rachel Notley is silent on nuclear power. Also, the media decides that questioning immigration policy is no longer racist. Hosts: Shane and Patrick Duration: 49:51 For detailed show...

What's Western Context - News from Alberta, BC, and Canada about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Western Context - News from Alberta, BC, and Canada episodes:

Western Context 366 – The Last Resort

Western Context 365 – Downgrade Diplomacy

Western Context 364 – Intelligence Blackouts

Western Context 363 – Buyback Boondoggle

Western Context 362 – Antagonizing Antics

Weestern Context 361 – Double Dipping

Western Context 360 – Safety First

Western Context 359 – Phony Pharmacare

Western Context 358 – Guiding Our Future

Western Context 357 – Roads and Radicals

Western Context 356 – The Robinson Removal

Western Context 355 – Equal But Separate

Western Context 354 – Pulp Manifesto

Western Context 353 – In The Cold

Western Context 352 – Plays and Parks

Western Context 351 – 2023 In Context

Western Context 350 – Immigrants and Intervenors

Western Context 349 – Spring Smiles

Western Context 348 – Hampered and Divided

Western Context 347 – Slippery Slope

Western Context 346 – Leverage and Leaks

Western Context 345 – Freedom and Fear

Western Context 344 – Threats and Promises

Western Context 343 – Never Again

Western Context 342 – Axing the Tax

Western Context 341 – Mendacious Efforts

Western Context 340 – The Ideal Canada

Western Context 339 – Mandating the Truth

Western Context 338 – The Ovation Oopsie

Western Context 337 – Relations, Reactors and Retreats

Western Context 336 – Jiminy Crickets

Western Context 335 – A Drought of Good News

Western Context 334 – Drawing Conclusions

Western Context 333 – For the People

Western Context 332 – Slash and Donate

Western Context 331 – Shrug and Blah

Western Context 330 – The More Things Change…

Western Context 329 – Full Steam Ahead

Western Context 328 – Conferring and Obstructing

Western Context 327 – Take Me Back To Port

Western Context 326 – Humpty Dumpty’s Great Fall

Western Context 325 – The Bill is Always Due

Western Context 324 – Alternative Methods

Western Context 323 – The Ex-Special Rapporteur

Western Context 322 – A Miracle on the Prairies

Western Context 321 – Nothing Going On

Western Context 320 – Come and Get Me

Western Context 319 – Cutting Down Our History

Western Context 318 – The Speed of Government

Western Context 317 – A Striking Difference