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The Backbench
Canadaâs Exploited Foreign Workers Program
Temporary foreign workers are relied upon to fill the gaps in the Canadian labour market. But the system is convoluted and ripe with exploitation â all at a time when immigrants are being blamed by politicians and the public for the housing crisis.
The system needs an overhaul to protect our economy and the workers that make it tick. Are immigrants really to blame for the housing crisis? What types of immigrants are the feds targeting?
To find out, Mattea Roach asked lawyer Jonathon Braun, author and professor Catherine Connelly and economist Mikal Skuterud.
Host: Mattea Roach
Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)
Guests: Jonathan Braun, Catherine Connelly, Mikal Skuterud
Background reading:
- WORK #3 - Bitter Harvest - Commons, Canadaland
- WORK #4 - Reaping the Whirlwind - Commons, Canadaland
- #369 Stranded Servants: Nannies And Cleaners During Lockdown - Canadaland
- Linking immigration to the housing shortage may be missing the problem, experts say - CBC News
- Canada is scaling back temporary foreign workers. Critics say the program needs an overhaul - CBC
- Temporary Foreign Worker program sees 68% jump in approvals - The Globe and Mail
- Immigration is making Canada's housing more expensive. The government was warned 2 years ago - CBC
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118. Jagmeet Singh On Why He Won't Step Down
35:54||Ep. 118Jagmeet Singh has taken a lot of shit: his nice watch, his ambivalence on taking down the Liberals, and of course his polling. But he says heâs not giving up. He says heâs here to win.Sit down with Noor as she goes past the âcorporate interestâ talking points and grills the leader on all things NDP. Why doesnât he have a successor? Why wonât he step down? Why is he so fancy for a lefty?Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior 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: Jagmeet SinghBackground reading:#115 Did Jagmeet Singh Miss His Big Chance? - CANADALANDGet ready for an early federal election, NDP tells candidates in an internal memo â CBC NewsJagmeet Singh's NDP is in deep trouble â National ObserverSingh says he will bring down government in March but wants to pass Trump tariff relief first â 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/canadalandTake action at remoteworks.ca today to support a future of work that benefits everyone. Stay tuned for the video version of this podcast by subscribing to Canadaland Podcasts on YouTube channel.If you value this podcast, Support us! Youâll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. Youâll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, youâll be a part of the solution to Canadaâs journalism crisis, youâll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. You can listen ad-free on Amazon Musicâincluded with Prime.117. Man of Steel, Nation of Bloat
28:23||Ep. 117The government hired 110,000 workers over the past 10 years, did we get 110,000 times more efficient? It doesnât look like it, but veteran public servant Michael Wernick breaks it all down for Noor. And, yes folks, weâre talking about tariffs again, because Donald Trump enacted a 25 percent tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, with NO exceptions. Plus, our nominations for Fentanyl Czar, and the defamation case against Conservative Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman, CIJA, and Ezra Levant.Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior 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: Michael WernickBackground reading:How a ballooning public sector is reshaping Canadaâs economy - The Globe and MailAttrition is the 'worst way' to shrink federal public service, says former clerk - Yahoo NewsOpinion: Canada can learn from Trump and cut its bloated bureaucracy - The Globe and MailPoilievre says he wants to cut the federal public service, doesn't mind remote work - CBC NewsWhat does Justin Trudeau's departure mean for federal public servants? - CBC NewsSponsors: Take action at remoteworks.ca today to support a future of work that benefits everyone. If you value this podcast, Support us! Youâll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. Youâll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, youâll be a part of the solution to Canadaâs journalism crisis, youâll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. You can listen ad-free on Amazon Musicâincluded with Prime.116. Three Businesses Jerked Around by Trump
29:24||Ep. 116On Saturday, President Trump followed through with his promise of 25 percent tariffs on Canadian goods and 10 percent on energy. We clapped back with our own.But late yesterday, after a couple of calls between the two leaders, Trump relented after Trudeau said he outlined Canadaâs $1.3 billion border plan and also signed a new intelligence directive on organized crime and fentanyl. Trump said heâd pause for 30 days. A trade war is bad, but some businesses might fare better than others. Our producers went out to see how they were reacting.Host: Sam KonnertCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Jeff Kirstein, Adam Brierley, Kacee VasudevaBackground reading:These industries would be hit hardest by Trump's 25 per cent tariffs - DiscoverHumboldt.comTrump has a 'good talk' with Trudeau â then calls again for Canada to become 51st stateMexico president says U.S. tariffs on her country delayed for 1 monthDefence minister accelerates 2% NATO spending timeline to 2027 amid pressure from TrumpPhoto credit: Presidencia de la RepĂșblica Mexicana via FlickrSponsors: 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/canadalandTake action at remoteworks.ca today to support a future of work that benefits everyone. For more information about Canada-first advertising on Canadaland please contact dory@canadaland.comIf you value this podcast, Support us! Youâll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. Youâll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, youâll be a part of the solution to Canadaâs journalism crisis, youâll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. You can listen ad-free on Amazon Musicâincluded with Prime.115. Did Jagmeet Singh Miss His Big Chance?
30:41||Ep. 115When Justin Trudeau stepped down earlier this month, it should have been the perfect opportunity for Jagmeet Singh and the NDP to swing the narrative. To seize control.But they havenât done any of that. What used to be Canadaâs workerâs party seems like a shell of its former self. Why canât they reach voters when everything is up in the air?This week Noor sits down with columnist and critic Max Fawcett, and former NDP strategist MĂ©lanie Richer to unpack Singhâs woes.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: MĂ©lanie Richer, Max FawcettBackground reading:The NDP is getting outflanked â again â National ObserverGinny Roth: The NDP donât take themselves seriously, so why should we? â The HubIs It Time for Singh to Go? â The WalrusIs Jagmeet Singhâs job at risk in the upcoming election? â iPoliticsSingh says NDP still plan to vote to topple Liberals âat the earliest opportunity,â regardless of leader â CTV NewsIf you value this podcast, Support us! Youâll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. Youâll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, youâll be a part of the solution to Canadaâs journalism crisis, youâll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. You can listen ad-free on Amazon Musicâincluded with Prime.Introducing: The Copernic Affair
03:35|The Copernic Affair is available now, wherever you get your podcasts.The life of an unassuming sociology professor in Canada gets turned upside down when he is accused of carrying out a 1980 bomb attack on a synagogue in Paris. Hassan Diab says heÊŒs innocent, but French investigators are determined to prove otherwise.Journalists Dana Ballout and Alex Atack take listeners through the twists and turns of this extraordinary story, all the while askingâŠIs Hassan Diab guilty, or is he a scapegoat? And what if one personâs justice means committing an injustice to another?You can become a Canadaland supporter to listen to the whole series early and ad-free.114. Trump Almost Forgot to Bully Us
38:12||Ep. 114Donald Trumpâs back, but Canada is STILL divided on how to respond. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has gone rogue, Doug Ford just wants everyone to look at his cool new hat.Itâs an economic threat, but also threatens to pull our very identity apart. Are we just supposed to sit and wait? To break it down, Noor welcomes Wall Street Journal reporter Vipal Monga, and UBC lecturer Stewart Prest.Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Vipal Monga, Stewart PrestBackground reading:Canadaâs fight with Trump isnât just economic, itâs existential â The ConversationCanada Knows Trump Would Win a Trade Fight. It Is Preparing to Retaliate Anyway. â The Wall Street JournalCanada on Trumpâs Proposed Union: Thanks, but Letâs Just Be Friends â The Wall Street JournalCanada Suddenly Has No Leader, and No Plan, for a Trump Trade Fight â The Wall Street JournalAlberta premier's Trump visit raises concerns she's flouting Team Canada approach â CBC NewsCanada ready to buy more American products to appease Trump's tariff threat, ambassador says â AP 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/canadalandIf you value this podcast, Support us! Youâll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. Youâll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, youâll be a part of the solution to Canadaâs journalism crisis, youâll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. You can listen ad-free on Amazon Musicâincluded with Prime.Our latest investigation, The Copernic Affair, launches tomorrow on the Canadaland Investigates feed. Follow The Copernic Affair wherever you get your podcasts: https://canadaland.lnk.to/copernic-affair113. Interview With a Young Lefty
33:26||Ep. 113Join Noor Azrieh and Sam Konnert for a discussion to bid farewell to key legislation that is likely to be lost due to Parliament's prorogation. From the Online Harms Act, to clean drinking water for First Nation communities, thereâs a lot to mourn.And, how could a new liberal leader possibly win back young men? We speak with Aiden Fox Ivey, who reached out after he heard our interview with a conservative bro.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: Aiden Fox Ivey, Taylor Owen, Chris MooniasBackground reading:With the House of Commons prorogued, some key Liberal legislation may not pass - CBC NewsYoung Canadians now more politically conservative than their elders â National PostPoilievreâs Youth: Meet the young voters supporting the Conservatives â Global NewsHasan Piker on how Trump seized online culture â CBC Podcasts, FrontburnerSponsors: 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! Youâll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. Youâll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, youâll be a part of the solution to Canadaâs journalism crisis, youâll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. You can listen ad-free on Amazon Musicâincluded with Prime.112. The Long Goodbye: Trudeauâs Not Gone Yet
27:01||Ep. 112Yesterday Trudeau announced that he would prorogue parliament and resign as Prime Minister. Now, the Liberal Party is embarking on a journey to replace him.He talked about âinternal battlesâ and pressure from Donald Trump, and decided this was the best option. But is it too little too late? Who could possibly have hair good enough to replace him?Logic reporter Laura Osman and Trudeauâs former head of economic policy Tyler Meredith join Sam to discuss what this means for Canada.Host: Sam KonnertCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Laura Osman and Tyler MeredithBackground reading:Justin Trudeau resigned too late. There is no salvaging the Liberal Party now | Globe and MailWho will replace Justin Trudeau as the next Liberal leader? Here are the top contenders | Globe and MailTrudeau removes himself from the equation, but the math doesn't get much easier | CBC NewsTrudeau says he's not the right choice to lead party in next election, promises to resign as PM. | 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/canadalandIf you value this podcast, Support us! Youâll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. Youâll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, youâll be a part of the solution to Canadaâs journalism crisis, youâll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. You can listen ad-free on Amazon Musicâincluded with Prime.111. Payday Loans: the Cost of Being Poor
23:30||Ep. 111Starting January 1st, the criminal interest rate on predatory lending will be lowered, meaning it should be safer to take out payday and installment loans. But these businesses have a tendency to skirt the law, adding unexpected fees and insurance rates to keep borrowers in the hole.Sam welcomes Donna Borden to the show - an organizer with ACORN. Sheâs been a victim to these loans, and is now fighting against them. Will the crackdown work and really help lower peopleâs payments? How can we make short term loans a real option for people struggling, without the sky-high payments?Host: Sam KonnertCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Donna BordenBackground reading:Debt struggles spark concerns - Toronto StarAnti-poverty advocates call payday lenders 'criminal,' urge feds to cap interest rates | CBCNew rules to curb predatory lending still leave many vulnerable - Globe and MailHow a $200 payday loan cost over $31,000 - CBC RadioSponsors: 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! Youâll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. Youâll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, youâll be a part of the solution to Canadaâs journalism crisis, youâll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. You can listen ad-free on Amazon Musicâincluded with Prime.