CANADALAND

As journalists, our job is to dig deep into stories. And sometimes, we dig far deeper than we ever thought possible. And those deep dives will often become our most interesting stories.And finding those stories usually follows a pattern.Something catches your eye, it draws you in. You start doing a little research on it.Then you find something that makes us go, “Huh…”You start pulling the thread, follow the bread crumbs, and slowly you find out just how deep the rabbit hole goes. And so we wanted to know, what rabbit holes all of you have gone down? We thought it might be things like wellness influencers, grifts, maybe some MLM scheme. But, the reality was both a lot more normal, and to be honest, a little bit weirder.Host: Sam KonnertCredits: Tristan Capacchione (Producer), Tony Wang (Executive Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Publisher)Photo: Tony WangAdditional music by Audio NetworkThis 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.

Carney’s support of the US and Israel’s attack on Iran raises questions around Canada’s “principled pragmatism” approach to foreign policy. Is it consistent with what he said at Davos?Plus, the Iranian-Canadian response to the killing of Ali Khamenei isn’t as mixed as the headlines suggest. Correction: in a previous version of this episode, a statement was erroneously attributed to Quebec’s Minister of Education, Sonia Lebel. It was made by Parti Quebecois MNA Pascal Paradis.Host: Jesse Brown Credits: James Nicholson (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer and Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Rupa Subramanya Further reading: Statement by Prime Minister Carney and Minister Anand on the situation in the Middle EastLloyd Axworthy: Canada once rejected America's aggressive, unlawful foreign policy. Today Mark Carney embraced it - Toronto Star Carney picks a realpolitik side on Iran war - The Globe and Mail  India reset, Iran regime change with Minister Anita Anand | Front Burner | CBC PodcastsAyatollah Ali Khamenei dead at 86, ending his iron grip on Iran | CBC NewsIranian-Canadians celebrate Khamenei's death, but many criticize the foreign intervention and fear for what comes next - The Globe and Mail‘It’s crazy’: Thornhill gym of Iranian-Canadian activist hit by bullets - CTV NewsEurope needs to learn the art of the trade deal - Financial TimesEducation minister investigating reports of IDF soldiers speaking at Jewish schools in Montreal - Montreal Gazette         Sponsors: Fizz: Visit fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 25$ 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.CarGurus: Buy your next car today with CarGurus at cargurus.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. 

More than 24,000 federal public servants have received notices that their jobs could be at risk. That is on top of the 9800 public service employees who were already let go last year. Host Sam Konnert takes us inside the government, specifically, inside a single lab within Environment and Climate Change Canada. A lab tasked with making sure our water is clean and our food is plastic-free. A lab that could go from nine PhD-level scientists, down to one. What happens to the country when these workers get cut, and entire labs are decimated? Who pays the price?Host: Sam KonnertCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Mia Johnson (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Shirley Tagalik, Christine Bishop Background reading:25,000 public servants warned their jobs could be at risk. Here is the latest on federal job cuts – CTV NewsFive charts to help visualize public service job cuts – Ottawa CitizenFeds target hundreds of Environment and Climate Change Canada workers putting 'public safety and the environment at risk' – Canada’s National ObserverCarney’s government is cutting hundreds of environment and science jobs. Here’s what that means for Canadians – 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 CAN25 to get 25$ off and 10GB of free data.Your emotional well-being matters. Find yours and feel lighter. Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/Canadaland Did you know we have a monthly supporter-exclusive show? We just recorded an episode about rabbit holes, deep dives and obsessions. What’s a rabbit hole you fell (or almost fell) into?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!), you can listen to these amazing, support-exclusive episodes for cheap RIGHT NOW by going to canadaland.com/join. You’ll get 70% off your membership for a limited time.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.

By some estimates Canada will soon be short thousands of trained aircraft mechanics. The people who keep our flights safe. The government came up with $25 million dollars to help.A whistleblower came to Canadaland to allege that the money bought training materials that were plagiarized, then run through ChatGPT. Those materials resulted in AI slop that included AI hallucinations.Our reporter Gemma Boothroyd brings us her investigation.Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Gemma Boothroyd (Reporter), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher)Fact checking by Julian AbrahamAdditional music by Audio NetworkMore information:Grants and Contributions: Industry Led Training for the Aviation and Aerospace Sector — Government of CanadaSponsors: Douglas: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today. The Free bundle now ALSO includes a down-alternative duvet and cover! Visit https://douglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offerFizz: Visit https://fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 25$ 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.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.

Sparks were markedly absent from the final NDP leadership debate, replaced instead by “violent agreement” amongst candidates. Meanwhile, the federal Liberals’ rightward shift leaves a wide gap on the left side of the political spectrum. What does the NDP need to do to shake off the sleepies, and meet the current political moment?Freelance journalist Luke Savage joins host James Nicholson to give Canada’s traditionally left-leaning party pointers.Host: James NicholsonCredits: James Nicholson (Host), Kallan Lyons (Associate producer and Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), max collins (Director of Audio, Producer), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Luke Savage Additional music by Audio Network Further reading: The NDP leadership race is a nail-biter. But is anyone paying attention? | CBC NewsOpinion | NDP leadership candidates look inward as their party crumbles around them | Toronto StarNew Abacus Poll: Liberals Open Their Largest Lead Since Carney Became Leader as Optimism Hits Multi-Year High'Bold solutions' versus 'Big tent': Where the NDP leadership race stands ahead of the final debate | CTV NewsCanada Is Edging Toward a Two-Party System. That Would Be a Mistake | The WalrusFour in 10 Canadians prefer socialism but not higher taxes to pay for it | Fraser Institute  Sponsors: 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.Fizz: Visit fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 25$ 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.For a limited time, get 70% off your Canadaland subscription. You can become a supporter at canadaland.com/join

 " What in the Silicon Valley ethos of move fast and break stuff would make us expect that they are going to have any real safety concerns at all?"A new report from the Wall Street Journal reveals the U.S. tech company OpenAI knew of troublesome ChatGPT usage by Jesse van Rootselaar, months before the Tumbler Ridge shooting, and did nothing. The news stoked ongoing calls for better guardrails on A.I. chatbots and beyond.Will Canada’s A.I. Minister Evan Solomon decide to “ignore all previous instructions” from Silicon Valley, and ramp up regulation of A.I.?Freelance journalist Luke Savage joins host James Nicholson to discuss.Host: James Nicholson Credits: James Nicholson (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer and Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Luke SavageCall in to Off The Record and tell us about your research rabbit hole on and Thursday Feb 26th from 4:30pm to 6:30pm EST by going to callinstudio.com/show/canadaland or dialing in at 888-401-7056  Further reading: OpenAI Employees Raised Alarms About Canada Shooting Suspect Months Ago | The Wall Street JournalOpenAI did not mention Tumbler Ridge shooter’s posts in meeting with B.C. officials day after mass shooting: province | The Globe and MailEvan Solomon teases new AI laws as experts warn Canada is behind international peers | BetakitCanada Still Has No Meaningful AI Regulation | Canadian Centre for Policy AlternativesSeven Lawsuits Allege OpenAI Encouraged Suicide and Harmful Delusions | The Wall Street Journal Sponsors: Fizz: Visit fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 25$ 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! On sale for 70% off for the next 3 months. $10 total, $3.30/month. Sale runs from February 23rd to March 7th.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 is busy trying to Trump-proof Canada with a flurry of trade deals and whispers of a mega anti-Trump alliance linking Europe and the Indo-Pacific. Trade researcher Stuart Trew joins host Noor Azrieh to argue that more free trade isn’t a master plan; it’s diminishing returns with nicer branding.Plus, Ottawa reporter Sam Konnert breaks down Canada’s newly released Defence Industrial Strategy: 70% Canadian content, massive growth targets, and a promise to rebuild both the military and the domestic defence industry at the same time. The catch? Canada’s notoriously slow procurement system, and big questions about bureaucracy, “maple-washing,” and whether Ottawa can actually move at the speed it’s promising.Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Mia Johnson (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Stuart TrewBackground reading:Carney constructs a mega anti-Trump trade alliance – POLITICOTrump forces a rewrite of Canada’s trade strategy – POLITICOJohn Ivison: Canada's pivot to Europe for trade gains traction as Trump loses momentum – National PostDeconstructing the Defence Industrial Strategy - Philippe Lagassé’s SubstackU.S. Supreme Court decision on Trump's tariffs could bring more trade uncertainty to Canada – CBC NewsCanada’s defence industrial policy would rather Buy Canadian than Buy the Best  – The Globe and MailCanada’s New Defence Strategy Is Bold and Unprecedented. Will It Work? – The WalrusSponsors: 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. Activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 25$ off and 10GB of free data.Did you know we have a monthly supporter exclusive show?On the next episode of Off The Record, we’re asking you - what’s a rabbit hole you dove into or just know a lot about, because of something you saw in the news or online? Was it a conspiracy? Wellness? Crypto? Culture war issues? What pulled you in? And are you still down there???Call in and let us know on Feb 26th - That’s THIS Thursday - 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!You can listen to these amazing, supporter-exclusive episodes for cheap RIGHT NOW by going to canadaland.com/join. You’ll get 70% off your membership for a limited time.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.

When shots rang out in Tumbler Ridge there was one reporter in town. He was used to covering local events like town council meetings, local hockey, or even, once, a mother duck leading her chicks through town. Then on February 10 came one of the worst shootings in Canadian history.For the first five hours after the attack local reporter Trent Ernst was the sole journalist in the town. Then the international media descended and for a few days everyone from CBC to the BBC to CNN wanted to talk to Ernst. A few days later the new cycle shifted and the world’s media withdrew. Ernst stayed. He kept reporting, kept talking to his community. And today he talks to Canadaland about what happened before, during, and after Tumbler Ridge moved into the world’s headlines.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: Trent ErnstFact checking by Julian AbrahamAdditional music by Audio NetworkPhoto: Trent ErnstMore information:https://tumblerridgelines.com/https://www.patreon.com/tumblerridgelinesSponsors: 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. The Free bundle now ALSO includes a down-alternative duvet and cover! Visit https://douglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offerFizz: Visit https://fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 25$ off and 10GB of free data.CarGurus: Buy your next car today with CarGurus at cargurus.ca to make sure your big deal is the best deal.On the next episode of Off The Record, we’re asking you: What’s a rabbit hole you dove into or just know a lot about, because of something you saw in the news or online? Was it a conspiracy? Wellness? Crypto? Culture war issues? What pulled you in? And are you still down there???Call in and let us know on this Thursday, Feb 26th from 4:30pm to 6:30pm EST, by going to https://callinstudio.com/show/canadaland or dialing in at 1-888-401-7056 when the time comes, so mark your calendars!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.