The Backbench

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith tabled a rehauled Bill of Rights with changes aimed at ending vaccine mandates, protecting gun ownership and ensuring property rights–a move she claims as “reflection of our shared values.” But it doesnt stop there, over 30 bills are making their way through the Alberta legislature, so host Noor Azrieh sits down with Ryan Jesperson and Mel Woods to make sense of the controversial changes and make sense of whether or not this bold stand for freedom (or play for Smith’s right-wing base) may alienate other Albertans.And, the latest on the Canada post strike, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s 7 minute video addressing the mistakes made on immigration. Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Ryan Jespersen, Mel WoodsBackground reading:Alberta Bill of Rights Premier Danielle Smith announces plan to reinforce vaccine choice in Alberta Bill of Rights - CBC NewsThings ‘more intense’ since Alberta policies dropped, says mom of trans kid - Xtra MagazineCanada Post, union to return to bargaining Monday after federal government appoints special mediator - Toronto StarWhy Canada’s changing its immigration systemSponsors: 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/canadalandArticle is offering our listeners $50 off your first purchase of $100 or moreTo claim, visit article.com/backbench and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.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. You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

Last week, UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese landed in Canada, setting off a firestorm of controversy that Canadian politics was not ready for. She’s been accused of antisemitism, refused meetings by government officials, and had her talks protested.She’s been calling the war in Gaza a genocide, but the big question isn’t what she has to say, but whether or not she was someone anyone should even be listening to.This week, we sit down with Albanese to discuss the genocide, the accusations against her, and the power of the UN.Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Production Manager) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Francesca AlbanesePhoto credit: AFP picBackground reading:UN rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories says she was ‘snubbed’ by Canadian government - Toronto StarCanada refuses to comment on US sale of Canadian-made weapons to Israel - Al JazeeraCalls mount for Canada to bar UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese over antisemitic remarks - National Post UN special rapporteur on the Palestinian Territories holds news conference30 Jewish Organizations: We Support UN Human Rights Rapporteur Francesca Albanese Sponsors: 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/canadalandAudible:  Listen now at Audible.ca/bestoftheyearCanada needs rigorous, deeply reported independent journalism now more than ever. Go to canadaland.com/join to become a yearly Canadaland Supporter today and get three months of perks and benefits for free. You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

It’s the 60th US Presidential election, and the stakes feel like they’ve never been higher. This episode is a pulse check on what people are doing, thinking, and feeling on our side of that Windsor-Detroit border. Host Noor Azrieh also looks back on the 2016 election and her feeling of powerlessness, and addresses the stakes, impact, and consequences of this election.And, the latest on Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre’s proposed GST cut for home sales, Alberta’s bill of rights (again…), and Canada’s collective failure in upholding the legacy of Murray Sinclair.CORRECTIONS 11/05/2024: This episode incorrectly identifies Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu as the President, we apologize for the error. On this episode, the goods and services tax (GST) is incorrectly referred to as the "general sales tax".Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Production Manager) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Michael Breshgold, Georganne BurkeBackground reading:#94 Can Kamala Save Canada from Trump? - CanadalandU.S. election: How would Harris, Trump immigration plans impact Canada? - Global NewsOrganizers for both parties mobilizing to get Americans in Canada to vote - CBC NewsCanadian support for Donald Trump higher than in last U.S. presidential election, survey finds - CTV NewsWhere Do Trump and Harris Stand on Israel-Gaza Conflict? - The New York TimesSponsors: 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/canadalandCanada needs rigorous, deeply reported independent journalism now more than ever. Go to canadaland.com/join to become a yearly Canadaland Supporter today and get three months of perks and benefits for free.You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

Liberal MP’s have hopped on the #TrudeauHasGotToGo bandwagon after 28 caucus members asked for his resignation. The PM is in a completely different arena than when he arrived nine years ago. So did he change? Or did we?Vox writer Zach Beauchamp sits down with host Noor Azrieh to unpack what kind of leaders are meeting this moment. What leaders are voters looking for? Are they looking for authenticity or radical change? And, the latest on the Liberals’ slashed immigration targets, and calls for a public inquiry over more and more police killings of Indigenous people.Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Production Manager) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Zach BeauchampBackground reading:Is Pierre Poilievre the Canadian version of Donald Trump? - VoxSome Liberal MPs issue a deadline to Trudeau: make up your mind to stay or go by Oct. 28 - CBCTrudeau hits date set by Liberal MPs to respond to caucus letter - Global NewsThe Reactionary Spirit by Zack BeauchampSponsors: 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/canadalandThis episode features the audio short “Fish Count” by Jean M. Sarrazin (Comox, BC), one of the finalists from the 2024 Local Correspondents Audio Competition, a CanadaLabs initiative. CanadaLabs, a hub for the next generation of audio journalists, is made possible with the support of Amazon Music, The Perspective Fund, and Canadaland Supporters. Be part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis. Go to canadaland.com/join to become a yearly Canadaland Supporter today and get 3 months of perks and benefits for free.  Canada needs rigorous, deeply reported independent journalism now more than ever. Go to canadaland.com/join to become a yearly Canadaland Supporter today and get three months of perks and benefits for free.  You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

A massive criminal campaign—extortion, intimidation, coercion, harassment, even murder—allegedly orchestrated by India on Canadian soil. This is a BIG deal. After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India and expelled six diplomats, Arshy Mann joins host Noor Azrieh to explain the impact and political blowback of these allegations. And, the latest on the coup against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, political paralysis in parliament, and how we were right on the money with our BC election predictions. Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor/ Mixer), Max Collins (Production Manager) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Arshy MannBackground reading:Allegations of murder, extortion, coercion by India spark diplomatic retaliations - National NewswatchPierre Poilievre Is Soft On (Indian Government Organized) Crime - Baaz NewsOpinion: Why Indians of almost every political persuasion are backing New Delhi in its dispute with Canada - The Globe and MailIndia's response to diplomatic communication from Canada Sponsors: 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/canadalandCanada needs rigorous, deeply reported independent journalism now more than ever. Go to canadaland.com/join to become a yearly Canadaland Supporter today and get  three months of perks and benefits for free.  You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

Shit-posting candidates, climate change denial, outright racism, and those damn paper straws. Host Noor Azrieh calls up Arno Kopecky, Shannon Waters, and Mo Amir to ask what the hell is going on in B.C.’s election. And, the latest on the foreign interference commission, pharmacare, and Alberta’s Bill of Rights.Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Production Manager), Jesse Brown (Publisher and Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Arno Kopecky, Shannon Waters, Mo AmirBackground reading:British Columbia’s Election Is a Bellwether for Climate Policy - The WalrusOpinion: B.C. election puts broader populist tide to the test - Montreal GazetteThe BC NDP Is Boring Voters. That Could Be Their Selling Point - The TyeeWhat on earth just happened with B.C.’s carbon tax? - The NarwhalBC Conservative Candidate Called For ‘Boycott’ of Air Canada to Stop Airlifts Rescuing Syrian Refugees - Press ProgressSponsors: 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/canadalandIf 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. You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

It feels like we’ve never been closer to another world war. If our NATO allies called us, could we answer? This week, host Noor Azrieh, with guests David Pugliese and Stephen Saideman, explore whether NATO targets matter, what we should be spending our money on, and if we’re at the mercy of our beefed-up southern neighbours.And, the latest on Prime Minister Trudeau’s regrets with electoral reform, Canadians choosing to stay in Lebanon and the Bloc Quebecois Pierre-pressuring the Liberals.Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor/Mixer), Max Collins (Production Manager) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: David Pugliese, Stephen Saideman Background reading:Trudeau should expect criticism at NATO summit over defence spending - Ottawa CitizenThe Organizations Behind Canada’s Most Quoted Military Experts - The MapleState of Canadian Armed Forces' combat readiness growing worse, government report warns - CBC NewsThinking the 'unthinkable': NATO wants Canada and allies to gear up for a conventional war - CBC NewsDefence industry rep says Canada on ‘hamster wheel’ of red tape as ammo contracts fail to materialize  - Ottawa CitizenSponsors: 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/canadalandIf you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad-free, including early releases and bonus content, 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 can listen ad-free on Amazon Music — included with Prime.

While world leaders meet and Israel’s war on Gaza spreads, Canadian MPs are at odds over recognizing a Palestinian state. How much does Canadian recognition really matter? Why are we dragging our feet? Host Noor Azrieh sits down with Michael Lynk, the former Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territories, and Mark Kersten, a human rights and international criminal justice expert to find out.Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Jesse Brown (Editor), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Production Manager), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Mark Kersten and Michael LynkPhoto Credit - Richard KoekBackground reading:Canada Abstains from United Nations General Assembly resolution on Admission of new Members to the United NationsGovernment MPs presented a motion to study Palestinian statehood at committee, sources say  - CBC NewsOttawa-based company is key to keeping Israeli warplanes bombing Gaza - The BreachIsrael ‘on a high’ after Nasrallah killing, as mood for an invasion grows - Al JazeeraLiberal staffers pull support for party in Montreal byelection, citing government's stance on Gaza - 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/canadaland.CAMH is building better mental health care for everyone to ensure no one is left behind. This Mental Illness Awareness Week, your donation to CAMH will be matched. Visit camh.ca/canadaland to double your impact.If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad-free, including early releases and bonus content, 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 can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

We’re a week into parliament's new session, and things are getting ugly. Justin Trudeau is trying on a new attitude, Jagmeet Singh ripped up the Supply and Confidence Agreement and Pierre Poilievre is doing everything he can to force an election as soon as possible. So, what are we in for here? An election? A year of mudslinging? Our panelists Max Fawcett, Brian Platt and Shannon Phillips try to make sense of it all. Host:  Mattea RoachCredits: Noor Azrieh (Producer), Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Production Manager)Guests: Max Fawcett, Brian Platt and Shannon PhillipsAdditional music by Audio NetworkBackground reading:'I'm right here, bro': Singh, Poilievre have tense exchange during question period | CBC NewsJustin Trudeau ‘unleashed’ is the Liberals’ new weapon - Toronto StarHouse Speaker calls on MPs to improve behaviour after rowdy question period last week - 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/canadalandCAMH is building better mental health care for everyone to ensure no one is left behind. This Mental Illness Awareness Week, your donation to CAMH will be matched. Visit camh.ca/canadaland to double your impact.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. You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.