CANADALAND

A criminal gang driving around Toronto in stolen vehicles, impersonating police officers, sexually assaulting women, hate-motivated, and connected to ISIS. It was a shocking, sensational, frightening news story. And chances are you didn’t hear about it. Why?To answer that question we’re joined today by Ellin Bessner. She has worked for CBC, CTV, covered wars in Africa and Kosovo, and most recently she’s a reporter at the Canadian Jewish News. Clarification: Bessner covered the war in Kosovo for CTV, but for clarity, she did so while stationed in Italy.Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher)Featured Guest: Ellin BessnerFact checking by Kallan LyonsAdditional music by Audio NetworkMore information:Project Neapolitan News Release — Toronto Police ServiceWe watched Al-Quds Day in Toronto. Here’s what we heard — The CJNThree men accused of hunting women and Jews on Toronto streets as part of hate plot — The National PostEmail response from the RCMPEmail response from the TPSOff The Record Call-in show information:We’re doing ANOTHER call-In show: What’s the big story in your local community? Canadaland's news focus is largely national and provincial. Occasionally we'll talk about something happening in a specific city or town, but local news just isn't our wheelhouse.But there are tons of interesting stories happening in small towns across this country. What's the gossip on your community's Facebook Group? What's the heated discussion on your local subreddit.The call-in period will be this Thursday, January 29th, 4:30-6:30 PM ET. When the time comes, head over to https://callinstudio.com/show/canadaland. You can also dial in at 1-888-401-7056.Sponsors: 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 https://douglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offer.MUBI: To stream great cinema at home, you can try MUBI free for 30 days at https://mubi.com/canadalandArticle: 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.BetterHelp: 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.

Alberta separatists are rallying to collect signatures to call a referendum. Meanwhile, with Francois Legault’s resignation, and the separatist Parti Quebecois leading in opinion polls, a referendum is once again a real possibility in QuebecAre Alberta and Quebec’s separatist movements a real threat to the unity of Canada? Plus, police officers charged in Manitoba, and fact-checking oil industry spin on CANADALAND. Host: San GrewalCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Kattie Laur (Associate Producer and Fact Checking) Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Max Fawcett Further reading: New poll suggests one in five Albertans would vote to separate | CBC News What Alberta separatist leaders are telling supporters at secession petition events - Edmonton Journal Alberta's independence movement is a global rarity: right-wing separatists - National PostHas Separatism Gone Mainstream in Alberta? | The Tyee  Most Quebecers Oppose Sovereignty. Even More Reject Another Referendum | The Walrus 30 years after cliffhanger vote, Quebec separatists voice hope for independence Alberta, Quebec referendums likely would fail due to Canadians' anxiety: pollster - Toronto Star #1294 Oil For Dummies - CANADALAND [Podcast] FUEL FOR THOUGHT: OPEC rails against peak oil demand threats, but its own investments bear watching | S&P Global Global oil demand won't peak until 2032, Wood Mackenzie report says | Reuters Junior officer charged alongside disgraced Winnipeg constable pleads guilty | CBC News  Sponsors: MUBI: To stream great cinema at home, you can try MUBI free for 30 days at mubi.com/canadaland.Fizz: Visit fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 25$ 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. 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. 

As Trump’s threats of taking Greenland intensify, world leaders are in Davos for the World Economic Forum. It’s been a busy week for Mark Carney, following up diplomatic visits  to China and Qatar with a landmark speech at the WEF that lays bare the unravelling of the global order. Plus, allegations of “crying rooms” at the CBC and the one year anniversary of DOGE.Host: San GrewalCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Kattie Laur (Associate producer and Fact Checking), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Max FawcettAdditional music by Audio Network Further reading:  PM Mark Carney speaks at World Economic Forum in Davos – January 20, 2026 - CPAC [YouTube]    'The old order is not coming back,' Carney says in provocative speech at Davos | CBC News Mark Carney just shook up the world | Canada's National ObserverCarney weighs sending soldiers to Greenland for military exercises with NATO allies: sources | CBC NewsEurope condemns Trump’s ‘new colonialism’ as Greenland crisis grows | European Union | The GuardianHere's what you need to know about the Canada-China deal on EVs and canola | CBC NewsCarney cautious about Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ invitation as Champagne rules out $1-billion payment - The Globe and MailHow Did DOGE Disrupt So Much While Saving So Little? - The New York TimesCBC News further expands local journalism, bureaus - CBC Former CBC human resources employee sues over workplace so toxic staff were given a 'crying room' - National Post     Sponsors: Douglas:  Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today.  Visit douglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offer.Fizz: Visit fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 25$ off and 10GB of free data.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.  

 When the Liberals announced the national gun buyback program in 2019, it was supposed to be a simple and clear choice. A popular policy that made for an easy political win. 6 years later, it's looking more like the gun buyback program backfired on the Liberals. How did we get here?PLUS - All eyes on Greenland as Trump threatens to take control. Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Noah SchwartzBackground reading:Ottawa unveils next steps in its national gun buyback program. Here are the details – CBC NewsNoah Schwartz: Liberals' botched gun buyback program may create a dangerous ‘grey market’ – National PostCarney weighs sending soldiers to Greenland for military exercises with NATO allies: sources – 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/canadalandTo stream great cinema at home, you can try MUBI free for 30 days at mubi.com/canadaland.And did you know we have a monthly supporter exclusive show? Last episode, we spoke to both listeners and staff about our fears in 2025 and our hopes going into the year ahead.On the next episode of Off The Record, we’re getting LOCAL. Canadaland's news focus is largely national and provincial: local news just isn't our wheelhouse. But we know there are tons of interesting stories happening in neighbourhoods and small towns all across this country. So: What’s the gossip in your community’s Facebook group? What’s the heated discussion in your city or town’s subreddit? What’s the local gossip?Call in and let us know on Thursday, January 29 from 4:30pm to 6:30pm EST by going to callinstudio.com/show/canadaland or dialing in at 888-401-7056 when the time comes, so mark your calendars!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 or call in on January 29 from 4:30pm to 6:30pm EST and we’ll give you a free month of Canadaland premium.Can't get enough Canadaland? Follow @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram for clips, announcements, explainers and more.

Trump invades Greenland tomorrow. Danish forces shoot on American forces. American forces shoot back. Maybe a Canadian gets killed since we're there in support of NATO. In the end America takes Greenland by force. What happens next, Bob?There may be nobody in this country who has had a closer view of the turmoil currently overwhelming the international order than former UN Ambassador Bob Rae. His tenure overlapped with COVID, the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, October 7th, and Israel’s subsequent siege and bombardment of Gaza. Bob Rae retired a couple months ago. Which means he’s free to speak his mind. And that’s what he does today on Canadaland.Host: Stephen MarcheCredits: Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher)Featured Guest: Bob RaeFact checking by Julian AbrahamAdditional music by Audio NetworkPhoto: Mykola SwarnykMore information:Steve Paikin: Bob Rae, now a private citizen, tells it like it is. Sort of — The Toronto StarCanada faces existential challenge from Trump’s hemisphere strategy, former envoy warns — The Globe & MailFormer UN ambassador Bob Rae on the state of the organization and his future — The Globe & MailSponsors: MUBI: To stream great cinema at home, you can try MUBI free for 30 days at https://mubi.com/canadalandDouglas: 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 https://douglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offer.Article: 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.BetterHelp:  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.

Heated Rivalry’s breakout success is bringing CanCon, hockey, and gay sex to the world. Does this surprising hit give Canadian TV a new playbook?Heated Rivalry is also bringing in new hockey fans and helping the sport’s image, so why isn’t the NHL embracing it? Can the show have a real impact on hockey culture? Plus, Canada Proud double dips on CBC messaging, and an NDP leadership candidate uses AI to answer questions on Reddit. Host: Jesse BrownCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Katie Laur (Associate Producer and Fact Checking) Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Sam KonnertAdditional music by Audio NetworkFurther reading: Why is Heated Rivalry so popular? It’s not just the sex, but the Canadianness | CBC Arts Popularity of ‘Heated Rivalry’ Has Surprised Even TV Executives - The New York Times What ‘Heated Rivalry’ and ‘Schitt’s Creek’ say about the Canada we want to be | Xtra MagazineHit show ‘Heated Rivalry’ became a TV phenomenon. Can it change hockey culture? - The AthleticParekh’s apology for 'robot' comments has Flames teammates moving forward - Sportsnet.caDREW DOUGHTY, World Juniors, Heated Rivalry & TONS More - Ep. 608 - Spittin’ Chicklets [YouTube]    NDP leadership candidate apologizes for using AI to respond to Reddit questions | CBC News Five (Delusional? Brave?) NDP Leadership Candidates on WTF They Plan to Do - CANADALANDThe same firm ran a campaign to save CBC — and Canada Proud's push to defund it - Canada’s National Observer   Sponsors: 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.MUBI: To stream great cinema at home, you can try MUBI free for 30 days at mubi.com/canadaland. 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. 

After weeks of protests, thousands of casualties, internet blackouts, and viral moments of resistance, the Canadian media is only now ramping up its coverage of the Iran,Why hasn’t there been more coverage of this historic moment in Canadian outlets?  Plus, Iranian-Canadians have been rallying across the country, but progressives aren’t joining to support them. Duly Noting: updates on the WE Charity scandal, The Narwhal vs the RCMP, and a Toronto Sun reporter’s very bad tweet. This episode uses generative AI for the following purposes: Descript Studio Sound effect on the audio of Kaveh ShahroozHost: Jesse BrownCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Katie Laur (Associate Producer and Fact Checking) Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Kaveh Shahrooz Further reading: Canadians join global protests in solidarity with Iranian uprising - CTV News Over 12,000 feared dead after Iran protests, as video shows bodies lined up at morgue - CBS NewsDeath toll from Iranian protests surpasses 2,000, activists say, as chaos recalls 1979 revolution - CTV News As Iran cracks down on protesters again, the world cannot be silent - The Globe and MailAdam Zivo: The Shah of Canada — Iranian-Canadians pulling for crown prince - National PostBeryl Wajsman: Canadian media and leftists' neglect of Iran uprising is complicity in Islamist terror - National PostAdam Zivo on protests [Facebook]More than 120 protesters blinded by Iranian agents, probe confirms - Berkeley NewsWhy Tehran Is Running Out of Water | WIREDPostmedia Suspends Toronto Sun Parliamentary Bureau Chief After Tweet Applauding ICE Killing Minneapolis Woman - PressProgressB.C. trial to test whether RCMP violated press freedoms in arresting journalist | CBC NewsSupreme Court revisits Trudeau-era WE Charity scandal in case that could reshape the law - The Globe and Mail    Sponsors: 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.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.Article: Article is offering our listeners $50 off your first purchase of $100 or more. To claim, visit article.com/canadaland and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.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. 

Mark Carney heads to Beijing, China, marking the first time in 8 years a Canadian Prime Minister sets foot in the country. The trip comes as Canada juggles Chinese canola tariffs and a seriously fractured US trade relationship. Host Noor Azrieh sits down with Vina Nadjibulla and asks if it's even possible to play nice with China? Or whether this whole trip is a waste of time. Plus, we hear from Kelly Ann Shaw, a key architect of the Trump administration’s trade, investment, energy and national security policies in his first term, about the future of CUSMA.Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Vina Nadjibulla, Kelly Ann ShawBackground reading:This will be the real test of Mark Carney’s visit to China – The Globe and MailCarney heads to Beijing as Trump’s America First agenda forces Canada into trade rethink – The GuardianSmall majority of Canadians want more trade with China: Ipsos poll – Global NewsCanada-U.S. trade relationship ‘salvageable’: Former White House trade advisor – CTV 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/canadalandTo stream great cinema at home, you can try MUBI free for 30 days at mubi.com/canadaland.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. Can't get enough Canadaland? Follow @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram for clips, announcements, explainers and more.

The U.S. attack on Venezuela roiled Canadian oil markets. Pipelines and crude are suddenly spawning countless headlines. But do you know the difference between your sweet crude and a hole in the ground? And is that hole in the ground spurting sour bitumen? Of course that’s a trick question as everyone knows sour bitumen won’t spurt without dilbit. Right? What do you really know about oil? Given that it seems to be driving so much of our geopolitics and fuelling a large part of our economy, what do you need to know about it?Today we’re going oil school, getting back to basics, to try and understand what’s behind all the crude news.Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher)Featured Guest: Adam PankratzFact checking by Julian AbrahamAdditional music by Audio NetworkMore information:Venezuelan oil could put Canada out of business — The National PostThe Venezuela crisis has prompted Canada to double down on oil. Is that the right move? — Canada’s National ObserverSponsors: Squarespace: Check out https://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.MUBI: To stream great cinema at home, you can try MUBI free for 30 days at https://mubi.com/canadalandFizz: Visit https://fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 25$ off and 10GB of free data.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.