CANADALAND

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!

Investigative reporter Laura Robinson and Senator Marilou McPhedran were accused of faking government documents. The RCMP were called in followed quickly by the Senate Ethics Committee. Several weeks ago that committee finally handed down their verdict. For years Robinson could say little about the case. But today she brings the whole story to Canadaland. The story of her part in an operation to save the lives of hundreds of Afghan footballers.Further Reading:A Canadian senator helped save Afghan women. The immigration department called police on her — The Toronto StarDid Canada Betray Afghanistan’s Female Soccer Players? — The WalrusCanadian senator sent documents to Afghan family that weren’t authentic, Ottawa says — The Globe & MailHost: Bruce ThorsonCredits: Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), Chad Galloway (Audio Editing & Production), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher)Fact checking by: Julian AbrahamAdditional music by: Audio NetworkSponsors: Fizz: Visit https://fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.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.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.Find out more about the our Audio Journalism Fellowship programme at https://labs.canadaland.comIf 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.

You might not be super familiar with the name Corus Entertainment, but you definitely know their work: Global News, Teletoon, YTV, Treehouse, Showcase etc. Since 1987 Corus has dominated Canadian media across TV and radio, but just last month (June 2026) they reported a $36.5-million loss in the third quarter! With yet another Canadian legacy media company, Corus Entertainment, at risk of being taken over by a private company, we’re lamenting the state of ownership across Canadian media, and what it means for the future of bingeable true crime. Disclosure: At one point, host San Grewal refers to the $500 million deal that the government reached with Google through the Online News Act. Canadaland does receive money through this payout. Details can be found here:https://cjc-ccj.ca/en/funding-recipients/Host: San GrewalCredits: Andrea Varsany (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer and Fact Checking), imogen sayers (Mixing and Mastering), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Publisher)Guest: Morgan CampbellAdditional music by Audio NetworkFurther reading: Quebecor pushes for debt discount as it seeks to acquire Corus Entertainment - Globe and MailCORUS ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES RECAPITALIZATION TRANSACTION - Corus EntBroadcasting Notice of Consultation CRTC 2026-103 - CRTCCorus lenders revisit a well-worn restructuring path - Globe and MailCorus reports $36.5-million loss in third quarter as revenue falls - The Globe and MailSome analysts are now saying Global’s owner is headed for bankruptcy — can Corus be saved? - Toronto StarCorus announces recapitalization deal as it seeks relief from its debt burden - Toronto Star  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 at https://douglas.ca/canadalandoxio: Head over to https://canadaland.oxio.ca and use code CANADALAND for your first month free! 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.Learn more about our Audio Fellowship programme at https://labs.canadaland.comIf 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.  

Today we’re talking about Canadaland the company the show.Where is Canadaland going in 2026? CBS, CNN, maybe The Rivoli? CanCon jokes aside, today Sam sits down with Jesse to talk all about the state of Canadaland. We have a new collective bargaining agreement, we have a new Journalistic Standards and Practices document, we have new hosts coming on board.And what new shows are we working on?All this and more. Wait for it.Host: Sam KonnertCredits: Tristan Capacchione (Producer), Tony Wang (Executive Producer), Jesse Brown (Publisher)Guests: Jesse BrownPhoto: CanadalandAdditional music by Audio NetworkFind out more about Canadaland’s Audio Journalism Fellowship programme at https://labs.canadaland.comThis show is available exclusively to Canadaland supporters. To become one, go to https://canadaland.com/join/. 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.

It's hard not to be swept up into the overflowing joy and national pride gripping millions across the country, as Canada’s men’s national soccer team plays on the world’s largest stage, and it’s certainly an accomplishment that deserves a huge celebration. But as the economic benefits promised by FIFA don’t seem to be meeting reality, we have to ask: are the good vibes really worth the financial risk?Host: San GrewalCredits: Andrea Varsany (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer and Fact Checking), imogen sayers (Mixing and Mastering), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Publisher)Guest: Morgan CampbellFurther reading: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-fifa-world-cup-contracts-toronto-vancouver-host-cities/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/fifa-world-cup-benefits-vancouver-bc-9.7225612https://macleans.ca/economy/the-world-cup-is-an-economic-sinkhole/https://financialpost.com/news/is-world-cup-boon-for-canada-economyhttps://torontolife.com/real-estate/hotel-world-cup-2026-tax-tourism/https://globalnews.ca/news/11940798/stubhub-world-cup-ticket-complaint-investigation-bc/Revealed: 6,500 migrant workers have died in Qatar since World Cup awarded — The Guardian 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 at https://douglas.ca/canadalandFizz: Visit https://fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN40 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data. Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at https://shopify.caLearn more about our Audio Fellowship programme at https://labs.canadaland.com 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.