CANADALAND

Unsealed U.S. indictments allege that India-based organized crime networks orchestrated political assassinations, extortion schemes, and large-scale drug trafficking across North America and Europe. And according to prosecutors, Canada wasn't just another country caught in the crossfire. It was both a target for extortion and a hub for cross-border operations.Host Noor Azrieh asks Punjab-based journalist and author Jupinderjit Singh: who and what, exactly, are we dealing with? Plus a conversation with Sikhs for Justice organizer Inderjeet Gosal, who says he’s got a bounty on his head.Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor), T ony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Jupinderjit Singh, Inderjeet GosalBackground reading:International Crackdown on India-Based Organized Crime Gangs Results in 24 Arrests in U.S., Canada, and Europe – United States Department of JusticeGangs of Punjab: Guns, Greed, and Girlfriends – Jupinderjit SinghIndictments tying Bishnoi to Surrey, B.C., killing detail alleged global criminal network – CBC NewsThe story of a Bishnoi foot soldier – Global NewsCBC INVESTIGATES | Extortion, drugs, assassination and transnational Indian crime syndicates: ’Operation Hard Ball’ explained – Radio CanadaDeportation order issued against Bishnoi associate linked to gun used in B.C. shootings – CBC NewsCanadian border agency investigates almost 200 extortion-related cases in Greater Toronto – Toronto Star Ontario Sikh leader explains why he refused protection: 'I’d rather take India’s bullet' – CBC NewsSponsors: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadalandVisit fizz.ca to learn more about Fizz mobile and its long list of added-value features, and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN40 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.Did you know we have a monthly supporter-exclusive show? Last episode, on Off the Record, Sam Konnert asked Jesse Brown all about the state of the company and where we're going in 2026. Also, why did Jesse cave to the union's demands in contract bargaining?If you want to hear that (or if you want to catch up on all the great episodes of Off The Record you’ve missed!) become a supporter at canadaland.com/join.If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. Make sure you’re up to date on our upcoming events by going to canadaland.com/live!Can't get enough Canadaland? Follow us @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram and @Canadaland_Media on TikTok!

Kevin O'Leary is not just a rich Canadian businessman — he's a phenomenon. He's a media phenomenon both here in Canada and in the US. And he's known for one thing: being an asshole. But is he really an asshole? Is it just a schtick? A character? A clown that he plays on TV to entertain us all? Or is it all sincere? Does he mean all of the stuff he says? And if he does mean it, why should we believe anything he says? Is he actually an expert? In life, in business, in politics? We tracked down the people who worked with him as his legend was being spun, including the guy that "discovered" him.Further Reading:Kiddies’ Togs Manufacturing Company Ltd. — McCord MuseumLearning from Mattel — Tuck School of Business at DartmouthMATTEL – How the Giant Toy Maker Fell So Far So Fast — L.A. Business JournalKevin O'Leary: He's not a billionaire, he just plays one on TV — Globe & MailRichard Stursberg leaves CBC — CBCLawsuits in fatal cottage country boat crash involving Kevin O’Leary finally settled. Here's what we know — National PostWonder Valley — O’Leary VenturesHost: Jesse BrownCredits: Tristan Capacchione (Producer, Senior Production Supervisor), Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editing & Production), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher)Fact checking by: Julian AbrahamAdditional music by: Audio NetworkPhoto: Philip RomanoSponsors: oxio: Head over to https://canadaland.oxio.ca and use code CANADALAND for your first month free! Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at https://shopify.caBetterHelp: Visit https://betterHelp.com/canadaland today to get 10% off your first month.Can’t get enough Canadaland? Follow @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram for clips, announcements, explainers and more.If you value this podcast, support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch at our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody.

Danielle Smith announces a $13 billion Meta data centre in Sturgeon County, Alberta, set to be the largest in Canada.In contrast to Carney’s federal A.I. strategy, which promised clean, sovereign, and ethical A.I.,  Smith refers to the Meta project as a “digital refinery,” fuelled by a natural gas plant that will be built to power it. Instead of digital sovereignty, is Canada going to end up being a branch-plant, resource economy at the service of Big Tech? Plus, the best Canadian films you probably haven’t seen, and Big Tech’s new hiring target: philosophers. Host: Jesse BrownCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer and Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Douglas SoltysFurther reading: Big Tech joins Calgary Stampede oil bash, as Alberta courts data centres | CBC News Meta to build $13 billion data centre in Alberta, largest outside the U.S. | Globalnews.ca 'Responsible corporate citizen:' Meta, Premier Danielle Smith defend $13B Alberta mega data centre plan - Edmonton JournalSupersized data centres are coming to Canada. One province is at the epicentre | CBC News Meta to build Canada’s largest data centre north of Edmonton | BetaKitMeta axes feature that allowed tagging Instagram users to generate AI images of them | CBC News  Vancouver’s Growing Anti-AI Movement | The Tyee Meta’s AI Data Center Caught Leaking Deadly Bacteria Into Water Town Uses for Irrigation - Futurism The Revenge of the Philosophy Majors - NY Times The 100 best Canadian films ever made - The Globe and Mail Join Jesse Brown at the University of Waterloo for:Campus Town Hall - Civil Conversations7pm | July 21st, 2026University of WaterlooPearl Sullivan Engineering BuildingPSE 7303Supported by Heterodox AcademySponsors:Fizz Mobile: Visit fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN40 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.Douglas:  Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today.  Visit douglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offer.Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at Shopify.ca If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch at our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. 

Booze, bridges, and the fog of the trade war.Canada’s booze boycotts are working, and Senator Adam Schiff says it’s unfair and devastating for the California wine industry. Isn’t that the point? Meanwhile, Carney offers concessions to Trump on the Gordie Howe Bridge deal. Did we get bamboozled? Plus, a Wall Street Journal deep dive paints Carney as the leader of the resistance against Trump. Host: Jesse BrownCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer and Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Douglas SoltysFurther reading: Canada’s boycott of U.S. wines ‘causing devastating harm,’ California senator says - CTV NewsRepublican bill targets Canada's provincial booze bans | CBC NewsU.S. “We demand Canada stop this alcohol boycott that isn’t working and also we don’t even care” - The BeavertonOntario runs $8M tab storing U.S. alcohol, as province's plans for stockpile still uncertain | CBC NewsHow will Gordie Howe Bridge profit-share deal work between Canada, U.S.? | Globalnews.caCanada gives share of Gordie Howe Bridge profits to U.S. to get Trump go-ahead - Financial PostTruckers say Gordie Howe bridge changes everything - CTV News 42% of Canadian manufacturing companies have moved to the U.S. or are considering it, and Ottawa is running out of time to stop them - The HubJohn Ivison: Carney may lead the Trump ‘resistance,’ but Canadian casualties are mounting - National PostThe Reverse-Centaur’s Guide to Criticizing AI (05 Dec 2025) – Pluralistic: Daily links from Cory Doctorow The First Chinese EVs Reaching Canada Aren’t The Bargains Buyers Were Promised | Carscoops  Join Jesse Brown at the University of Waterloo for:Campus Town Hall - Civil Conversations7pm | July 21st, 2026University of WaterlooPearl Sullivan Engineering BuildingPSE 7303Supported by Heterodox AcademySponsors:Fizz Mobile: Visit fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN40 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.Douglas:  Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today.  Visit douglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offer.BetterHelp:  Visit BetterHelp.com/canadaland today to get 10% off your first month. If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch at our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. 

Canada’s Access to Information Act was supposed to give Canadians a window into their government. But more than 40 years later, critics say the system is failing — with delays, redactions, and a culture of secrecy. Host Noor Azrieh speaks with transparency activist Ken Rubin, journalist Dean Beeby, and lawyer Matt Malone about the fight over the future of access to information in Canada, and why proposed changes could make it even harder to hold governments accountable.Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Annie Tuba (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Photo: Tony WangGuests: Ken Rubin, Dean Beeby, Matt MaloneBackground reading:Ottawa experts raise alarm over ‘regressive’ government proposals for access-to-information law – Ottawa CitizenInformation commissioner 'disappointed' by lack of federal ambition on access reform – The Canadian PressFederal transparency law changes could shield government emails, text messages – The NarwhalOff to a bad start: Treasury Board already wants to make access to information worse – The Hill TimesLiberal government's addiction to secrecy – Dean BeebyCanada's Bad Boy of Freedom of Information – Dean Beeby Open By Default – Investigative Journalism FoundationDean Beeby's FOI Tip Sheet Sponsors: Head over to canadaland.oxio.ca and use code CANADALAND for your first month free!Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadalandDid you know we have a monthly supporter-exclusive show? Last week, on Off the Record, Sam Konnert asked Jesse Brown all about the state of the company and where we're going in 2026. Also, why did Jesse cave to the union's demands in contract bargaining?If you want to hear that (or if you want to catch up on all the great episodes of Off The Record you’ve missed!) become a supporter at canadaland.com/join.If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. Make sure you’re up to date on our upcoming events by going to canadaland.com/live!Can't get enough Canadaland? Follow us @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram and @Canadaland_Media on TikTok!

Canada’s  Assisted Human Reproduction Act made it illegal to pay a woman to donate her eggs in Canada. The goal was to avoid incentivizing women to donate their eggs without fully understanding the risks of the procedure. But loopholes and a lax regulatory system have let a “grey market” prosper.In her investigation Gemma Boothroyd spent months meeting egg donors, doctors, researchers, lawyers — the long list of people working, often unseen, to make a baby for intended parents.Host: Gemma BoothroydCredits: Gemma Boothroyd (Reporter), Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), Chad Galloway (Audio Editing & Production), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher)Fact checking by Lucie Laumonier   Additional music by Audio NetworkMore information:What 53 Egg Donors Said They Wish They Knew…Alana Cattapan’s research team’s work on egg donors in Canada Canadian assisted reproductive technologies registry CARTR PLUS annual report The Human Egg Trade | The WalrusThe Business of Egg Transactions and Need for Improved Regulation of the Fertility Industry in Canada | Alberta Law Review Egg donor self-reports of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: severity by trigger type, oocytes retrieved, and prior history - PMCFirst prosecution under Assisted Human Reproduction Act ends in conviction - PMCSponsors: Fizz: Visit https://fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at https://shopify.caArticle: Article is offering our listeners $50 off your first purchase of $100 or more. To claim, visit https://article.com/canadaland and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.Can’t get enough Canadaland? Follow @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram for clips, announcements, explainers and more.If you value this podcast, support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch at our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody.

Canadian newsrooms are hesitant to embrace A.I. but new tools offer the potential to revolutionize workflows and expand the capacity of individual journalists. Rather than a threat to journalism, Kevin Newman joins Julian Abraham to explain why A.I. should be viewed as an opportunity for newsrooms to create new business models and do more in-depth reporting.  Host: Julian AbrahamCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer and Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Kevin NewmanPhoto: igovar igovarAdditional music by Audio NetworkStudents and new-to-audio reporters: Canadaland is launching another year of our Audio Journalism Fellowship! If you’re a journalism student or audio storyteller looking to gain some invaluable experience, this is a really unique opportunity. Find out more:https://www.labs.canadaland.com/ Further reading: Journalists pushing AI into newsrooms are practicing terrible journalism - Halifax ExaminerThe way I briefed myself six months ago is now laughably obsolete - Alex Panetta [Substack]AskLaura.ai - AI Fact CheckingABC will trial using AI for journalism. What are the risks and benefits? - The ConversationAI in Canadian newsrooms: media engaging cautiously - J-SourceEmpowering newsrooms with AI and advanced technologies - Reuters Opinion | The Star tried something with AI it had never done before. Then, we pumped the brakes. Here's why - Toronto StarThe New York Times Got Caught Using AI Hallucinations in Its Reporting | The WalrusIran Is Trolling Us and We’re Not Doing Anything About It - The New York Times‘Horrendous’ Toronto police scandal allegations linked to Ryan Wedding cocaine case in new Project South documents - Toronto Star   Sponsors:Fizz: Visit fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN40 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.Squarespace: Check out Squarespace.com/canadaland for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch use code canadaland to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.Douglas:  Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today.  Visit douglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offer. If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch at our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. 

A new strictly Canadian social media platform is promising a friendlier alternative, but is it too Canadian to succeed? Gander Social launched on Canada Day with an ambitious plan to “fix” social media with a bot-free, less divisive approach that includes moderation based on the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. But, do people really want social media that “makes them smile”? Host: Julian AbrahamCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer and Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Kevin NewmanAdditional music by Audio NetworkImage Credit: Cedric FauntleroyStudents and new-to-audio reporters: Canadaland is launching another year of our Audio Journalism Fellowship! If you’re a journalism student or audio storyteller looking to gain some invaluable experience, this is a really unique opportunity. Find out more:https://www.labs.canadaland.com/ Further reading: Canadian social-media platform Gander officially launches this week, promising data sovereignty - The Globe and MailInvestor Outlook: Gander Social expands with Canadian data focus [Bloomberg]- Arlene Dickinson and Amber Mac sever ties with Gander Social | BetaKit Luke Lebrun Thread [Bluesky]Welcome to the Mark Carney major projects sweepstakes - The Globe and MailThe Biggest Tell That Something Was Written by AI - The Atlantic   Sponsors:oxio: Head over to canadaland.oxio.ca and use code CANADALAND for your first month free! Douglas:  Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today.  Visit douglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offer.BetterHelp:  Visit BetterHelp.com/canadaland today to get 10% off your first month. If you value this podcast, support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch at our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. 

 Fifty years ago, Alberta had a chance to build one of the greatest sovereign wealth funds in the world. It could have been a trillion-dollar province.This episode, host Sam traces the full story of the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund: the booms, the busts, and the mistakes made along the way. How did the richest province in Canadian history end up with almost nothing saved? And now that Mark Carney is trying to build something similar for the whole country, does Ottawa actually know what it's doing, or is it about to make the same mistakes all over again?Host: Sam KonnertCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Annie Tuba (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Photo Credit: @ABDanielleSmithGuests: Trevor Tombe, Keith BrownseyBackground reading:Alberta government expects $100 payouts to arrive within 2 weeks of applications – Global NewsThe Canada Strong Fund isn’t a sovereign wealth fund — and that’s OK – Policy OptionsCanada’s new sovereign wealth fund is ambitious, but its design raises questions – The ConversationAlberta's fund a cautionary tale for Carney's national sovereign wealth fund – National PostAlberta’s oil inheritance is being pilfered (by Albertans) – The Globe and MailSponsors: Visit fizz.ca to learn more about Fizz mobile and its long list of added-value features, and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN40 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadalandSee less carts go abandoned and more sales go ‘CHA CHING’ with Shopify and their Shop Pay button.  Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at Shopify.caDid you know we have a monthly supporter-exclusive show? Last week, on Off the Record, Sam Konnert asked Jesse Brown all about the state of the company and where we're going in 2026. Also, why did Jesse cave to the union's demands in contract bargaining?If you want to hear that (or if you want to catch up on all the great episodes of Off The Record you’ve missed!) become a supporter at canadaland.com/join.If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. Do you know someone who should work at Canadaland? Well, our audio journalism fellowship is back this fall, and applications are open from now til the end of June. We’re looking for a couple of recent grads or working journalists who want to move into the world of audio journalism. Find out more or apply by going to labs.canadaland.com Make sure you’re up to date on our upcoming events by going to canadaland.com/live!Can't get enough Canadaland? Follow us @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram and @Canadaland_Media on TikTok!