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Quebec's "Brainrot" Separatism
Quebec has elected Paul St-Pierre Plamondon and the Parti Québéois to a minority government, whose platform includes a referendum on sovereignty.
Even though St-Pierre Plamondon intends to hold off on a referendum until after Trump has left office, Canada now has a two-headed separatism problem.
The current version of Quebec’s sovereignty movement is led by young people, who signal their support through reels and memes.
Meanwhile, in Alberta an investigation in the Globe and Mail details meetings between separatists and the US administration, where fresh water, oil royalties, and a train route to Alaska were reportedly offered in exchange for US support.
Host: Jesse Brown
Credits: James Nicholson (Senior Producer), Julian Abraham (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Jesse Brown (Editor)
Guest: Harrison Lowman
Further reading:
- PQ in power, CAQ wiped off the map: Key takeaways from Quebec's election | CBC News
- Quebec Sovereigntists Are Back. This Time They’re All Young | The Walrus
- How St-Pierre Plamondon Learned to Stop Worrying and Blame Immigrants | The Walrus
- Who is Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, Quebec's new separatist premier? | National Post
- PQ sought meeting with U.S. officials in Washington, State Department says - Montreal Gazette
- How some Alberta separatists are courting U.S. support for independence - The Globe and Mail
- Jen Gerson: Oh, so you want to send Ottawa a message, eh? - The Line
- How some Alberta separatists are courting U.S. support for independence - The Globe and Mail
- ‘A new beginning’: Ottawa council votes to rename Trump Avenue | Globalnews.ca
- Ex-defendant apologizes to Steven Galloway as defamation trial set to begin - The Globe and Mail
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1. Jesse Brown is Fired!
05:49||Ep. 1It's true. Jesse Brown has fired himself as a host of Canadaland podcasts.So who will Canadaland's new hosts be?Stay tuned and support the next chapter of Canadaland here: canadaland.com/join
1447. Will Carney's Pipeline Stop Alberta From Separating?
42:38||Ep. 1447It took Danielle Smith (basically) a year to get her new West Coast pipeline from Ottawa - a massive project with a price tag between 35 to 44 billion dollars. Alberta is pushing for construction to start in less than a year. That timeline is a big test for Carney, because it will be the first project to use the fast-tracking powers his government passed through the controversial Bill C-5. But, there are still a ton of unanswered questions, Falice Chin of the Hub joins host Noor Azrieh to answer them. What exactly has the government signed us up for?Plus, an update on David Eby’s snap election in BC with Mo Amir from This is VANCOLOUR.Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Falice Chin, Mo AmirBackground reading:6 unanswered questions hanging over Alberta’s ‘Pacific Link’ oil pipeline – The HubCarney’s expensive Alberta truce: the Pacific Link pipeline – The NarwhalCarney, Smith say new West Coast pipeline could get oil companies building again – CBC NewsHow a new oil pipeline could open new markets for Canada — and deepen U.S. ties – Edmonton JournalIndigenous, local leaders optimistic about new pipeline despite “host of issues” Carney says Federal government is yet to address – Edmonton JournalCanada’s Proposed Oil Pipeline Offers Carney Relief From Domestic and Global Turmoil – The New York TimesFast-tracked pipeline project to squeeze Indigenous consultation timelines – CTV News Sponsors: If you’re ready to launch your business before Black Friday, go to SHOPIFY.COM to start your free trial.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 CAN25 to get 25 off and 10GB of free data.BetterHelp can connect you with a therapist who gets you, so you can make space for what matters to you. Sign up and get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/CANADALANDDid you know we have a monthly supporter exclusive show? On last week’s episode of Off The Record senior producer James Nicholson asked you to tell him stories about whats going on in your backyard. We wanted to hear your local stories, and y’all did not disappoint!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!It’s our annual crowdfunding month! You can become a supporter starting for just $5/month by going to canadaland.com/join — we’ll even throw in a free tote bag. And be sure to stay tuned for some big announcements over the next few weeks.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!
1446. The Curious Case of David Pugliese
57:26||Ep. 1446Today we’re reopening the files on what might be the strangest and most shocking Canadian media story in recent memory. The Ottawa Citizen journalist, David Pugliese, who was allegedly compromised by the KGB.On October 24th, 2024, Chris Alexander, former MP and former Harper cabinet minister, also a former Canadian diplomat to Russia, gave sworn testimony at a parliamentary inquiry into Russian interference and disinformation campaigns in Canada. And that’s where the allegations first came to public light.The story stunned the Canadian media world. David Pugliese has been a fixture in Canadian journalism for almost 40 years. He does serious in-depth reporting about national defense. And the idea that all this time he's been a secret Russian agent, it just seemed nuts.But these were serious, potentially career-ending, potentially criminal allegations. Pugliese denied the allegations outright in clear and emphatic language. The Canadian Association of Journalists stood by his side and decried the allegations as a McCarthy-esque smear job. And the story, well, google it now, and the internet’s collective wisdom will tell you that the story is debunked.So why are we talking about it now? Because our investigation raises new questions about the allegations against Pugliese and about the Canadian media’s role in the story.Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor & Technical Producer), Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), Written and Reported by, Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher)Additional music by Audio NetworkFact checking by Julian AbrahamPhoto: David Pugliese’s X ProfileMore information:Canadaland’s Substack Forged KGB Documents Used to Smear Journalist in Parliament | The WalrusSo You've Become a Russian Asset - by Justin LingSponsors:Fizz: Visit https://fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get $25 off and 10GB of free data.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.
1445. The Hot New Journalist Who Was Actually AI
45:41||Ep. 1445Who is Daniel Robson?Since 2025, Robson quickly established himself as a prolific freelance columnist, with bylines in the Ottawa Citizen, the Montreal Gazette, The Hub, Western Standard, and Policy Options.But there’s one problem: he doesn’t seem to exist. When a Turkish journalist began asking Canadian editors to verify Robson’s biographical details, they realized they couldn’t and that Robson’s persona and writing was A.I. generated. Who or what is behind this mysterious A.I. entity and what does it have to do with Morocco? Stuart Benson of the Hill Times joins Julian Abraham to go down the Daniel Robson rabbit hole. Host: Julian AbrahamCredits: James Nicholson (Senior Producer), Gökçe On (Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Stuart BensonAdditional music by Audio NetworkVote for CANADALAND at the Signal Awards! Nominations include “My Chatbot Encouraged my Psychosis” for Best Writing and “The Freelancer’s Guide to Getting Revenge When You’ve Been Ripped Off” in Arts and CultureFurther reading: Why Policy Options removed an article published under the name Daniel Robson - Policy OptionsExclusive—Fake AI columnist dupes Canadian press to target Moroccan dissidents, and a Turkish 'middleman' - Türkiye TodayAI fabrication suspected of writing dozens of articles in Canadian publications - The Globe and MailWhy the Citizen removed articles by Daniel Robson — and what we're doing next | Ottawa CitizenA statement on articles by ‘Daniel Robson’ - The HubIndustry 'frustrated' as Liberals' Bill C-39 falls short of proactive strike-prevention powers - The Hill TimesBaked potato offered as incentive for attendees of Nova Scotia MAID info night - Toronto Sun 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 Mobile: 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.
23. BONUS: The Gift of Nuclear Waste and Other Local Stories
01:54||Ep. 23Earlier this year, we asked you to call in and tell us about news stories that were a big deal in your town, but were not necessarily getting much, if any, national attention. We ended up hearing some incredible stories and even got a few leads out of that episode. This week, we decided to dive back into the world of local news and pose the same question to our listeners — and you did not disappoint.On this episode, we hear what it’s really like to weather a referendum storm from an Alberta citizen, we experience an Ontario town’s “gift of nuclear waste,” and our host James reconnects with an old friend of the forest. Host: James NicholsonCredits: Caleb Thompson (Producer), Tony Wang (Executive Producer), Jesse Brown (Publisher)Additional music by Audio Network & Kale BeaudryFurther Reading:'It's not a done deal': Community nearest nuclear waste site to hire lawyer - NWO News Watch As Alberta separatism referendum looms, flags become symbol of voting intention — and tension - CBCCat in the Hat suspect who chased a teen girl in B.C. appears to be a trend copycat - CBCThis B.C. woman accidentally sold toxic mushrooms to customers - CBC Kale Beaudry & dangertree - BandcampThis show is available exclusively to Canadaland supporters
1444. Did Mark Carney Cheat on the Canadian Media?
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1443. "Carney Has No Respect for Parliament" - Elizabeth May
42:14||Ep. 1443Elizabeth May is a fierce, dogged critic. No matter the government. Mark Carney’s Liberals are no exception. I wanted to know what she’s actually seen and heard, because even though Elizabeth May has been pissed before, host Noor Azrieh is sensing a rage she hasn’t seen before.Plus, after a long hiatus, Parliament reconvened last week. And Mark Carney’s Liberals wasted no time tabling their Building Canada Strong Act. So, what is it?Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor), Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Elizabeth May, Nick Taylor-Vaisey,Background reading:Bill C-39 Introduction – Government of CanadaPoilievre dismisses Bill C-39 as all talk, no action at outset of Commons debate – The Globe and MailFive things to know about the Liberals' new Building Canada Strong Act – Toronto StarCarney’s Bill C-39 overhauls environmental reviews and Indigenous consultation – The NarwhalLiberals table bill to speed up major project approvals, avert labour disruptions – CBC NewsWhy a plan to end strikes impacting ‘national interest’ is drawing criticism – Global 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.If you’re ready to hear the ‘CHA CHING' of your first sale today, head over to SHOPIFY.COM to start your free trial today!Did you know we have a monthly supporter exclusive show?Last week, Canadaland’s senior producer James Nicholson took over Off The Record and asked you about all the interesting stories happening in small towns across Canada.That episode comes out Oct 1st!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/joinIf 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!
1442. The City that Gets its News from a Dumpster Company
33:42||Ep. 1442You can't really call Regina a news desert. They still have a newspaper. But if you actually look under the hood you’ll discover that they stopped printing the newspaper in Regina. They stopped editing it in Regina. The editor lives somewhere else. And as far the CBC goes, well, that acronym is now synonymous with layoffs.Everyone from the legacy media who purports to be telling people in Regina what is going on in their own community is doing so with less resources than ever before. These are zombie news organizations. That creates a news vacuum. A place for someone new to step in. And somebody did.And that somebody peddles garbage. That's not a value judgment of this new news source in Regina. It's just the objective truth. They're a garbage company called Just Bins. They provide dumpsters and news to the people of Regina. And they may be providing news to more people in Regina than anyone else.Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Kevin O’Keefe (Reporter), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), max collins (Production Manager), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher), Caleb Thompson (additional production assistance)Additional music by Audio NetworkFurther Reading: Guardian Law Group no longer representing URSU in Just Bins/Khan defamation lawsuitSponsors: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 CAN25 to get 25 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 article.com/canadaland and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.BetterHelp: Canadaland listeners head to https://betterhelp.com/canadaland to get started today and enjoy 10% off your first month. Discount code “canadaland” will be automatically applied.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.