WONK

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WONK episodes

January 25, 2024 It’s not easy being a Liberal in Alberta. Anne McLellan on a life in politics
Anne McLellan is known as ‘Landslide Annie’ for her nail biting wins as a Liberal MP in Alberta. She served as Minister of Natural Resources, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Minister of Public Safety, Minister of Health and deputy Prime minister. Today, she’s a co-chair, along with former conservative cabinet minister Lisa Raitt, of the coalition for a Better Future. She talks to host Edward Greenspon about working for Jean Chrétien, why Alberta is misunderstood and Canada’s lack of focus on long-term growth.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
32 min
January 18, 2024 Chief Crystal Smith on the life-changing impacts of LNG
Crystal Smith is the elected chief of the Haisla National Council and the guiding force behind a multi-billion-dollar LNG project on Haisla territory that is fast becoming a model for Indigenous led and owned development. She talks to host Edward Greenspon about the dramatic changes occurring in her home town of Kitimaat Village, overcoming environmental opposition to LNG, and her hopes for the future.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
30 min
January 11, 2024 From space to cabinet: Marc Garneau on a remarkable life
Marc Garneau has been a naval officer, an astronaut and a cabinet minister. He’s led the Canadian Space Agency and served as ‘Capcom’ at NASA – that is, the voice of Houston on shuttle missions. For his remarkable career(s), his name is etched in the history books, on two highschools and a postage stamp. Garneau talks to host Edward Greenspon about a life of no regrets, the highs and lows of astronaut life, and why he’s never asked Justin Trudeau about his exit from cabinet.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
35 min
December 21, 2023 Mentoring Elon Musk and the future of wind: Peter Nicholson
Peter Nicholson has advised leaders of the OECD, major corporations and was instrumental in Canada's deficit busting 1995 budget. Today, the dean of public policy thinking in Canada has turned his efforts to the topic of wind power, and its potential to make Atlantic Canada the next energy superpower. He talks to Edward Greenspon about the urgent energy transition, why he ‘marches toward the sound of gunfire,’ and how he became mentor to a young Elon Musk.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
35 min
December 14, 2023 Jayna Hefford on launching the Professional Women’s Hockey League
Jayna Hefford is one of Canada’s most decorated Olympians, having won four straight gold medals. She’s also one of the top goal scorers ever to play the game of hockey. Now she’s turning her considerable talents to the Professional Women’s Hockey League, a six-team league of elite players that hits the ice next month, on Jan. 1, 2024. She talks to host Edward Greenspon about inspiring a new generation players, working with Billie Jean King and what it takes to launch a brand new league.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
25 min
December 07, 2023 Jeff Elgie on his fight to save local news in Canada
At a time when news outlets are falling into decline and disappearing from the map, Jeff Elgie has been steadily growing Village Media from his base in Sault Ste Marie, Ont. In the process he has wound up at the centre of one of the most important debates of the digital news era: how to effectively sustain journalism and, by extension, the strength of our democratic fabric. He talks to host Edward Greenspon about the government's recently announced $100-million agreement with Google, and what motivates him to keep fighting for local news.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
34 min
November 30, 2023 Bob Rae on life at the UN and following in his dad’s footsteps
As Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations Bob Rae has taken on what may be his most consequential role in a 45-year career largely in public service. From the invasion of Ukraine to the war between Israel and Hamas, he speaks for Canada with a rare and often critical clarity. Ambassador Rae talks to host Edward Greenspon about the emotional toll of life at the UN and Canada’s recent diplomatic efforts.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
24 min
November 29, 2023 Introducing Wonk
Sounding out smart policy and the passionate people behind it. Wonk is a weekly conversation with the leaders and policymakers who are shaping our democracy, driving the economy, and tackling the issues that matter to Canadians. Hosted by author, former journalist and president and CEO of the Public Policy Forum, Edward Greenspon, Wonk is rooted in the belief that good policy – and thoughtful discussion -- make a better Canada. New episodes on Thursdays.
1 min
March 30, 2023 Ep. 78: Growing Canada's Infrastructure with John Casola
In this episode of Policy Speaking, John Casola, Chief Investment officer of the Canada Infrastructure Bank, joins host Edward Greenspon to break down what the Infrastructure Bank does, why we need it and what projects are in the pipeline.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
42 min
March 08, 2023 Ep. 77: Trade and Tough Decisions with Steve Verheul
In this episode of Policy Speaking, Steve Verheul, Canada's former Chief Trade Negotiator, joins host Edward Greenspon to discuss negotiating the new NAFTA, the strength of middle powers, and Canada's potential leadership in creating a new trading system.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
42 min

About WONK

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WONK is a show about big ideas in unprecedented times. Hosted by Michael Serapio, we unpack some of the most pressing issues and challenges facing Canada, and talk to some leading thinkers and…