The LeDrew Three Minute Interview

J.D.M. Stewart joins Stephen LeDrew to discuss why the history of Canada’s prime ministers is essential to understanding the country today. Drawing from his new book, The Prime Ministers, Stewart explains how leaders from Sir John A. Macdonald onward shaped Canada’s identity, managed crises, and navigated the often tense relationship with the United States. From early American ambitions toward British North America to modern-day friction between Washington and Ottawa, Stewart shows how personality, diplomacy and leadership style have influenced Canada’s place in the world.This conversation dives into why prime ministers matter, how history repeats itself, and why Canadians should care about the people who built the nation. A thoughtful and timely discussion about Canada’s story, its leaders and what binds us together.

Catherine Swift, President of the Coalition of Concerned Manufacturers and Businesses of Canada, joins Stephen LeDrew to deliver a blunt assessment of the crisis facing Canada’s small and medium manufacturers. She explains why businesses are closing, shrinking, or fleeing to the United States - and why it’s not a global problem but a uniquely Canadian failure.Swift contrasts Canada’s 5% decline in real manufacturing output since 2018 with a 10% increase in the U.S. over the same period, and argues that endless regulations, crushing taxes, and government-driven bureaucracy have created an economy where private-sector growth is nearly impossible. She also questions Mark Carney’s leadership, noting that despite promises of bold action, nothing meaningful has happened - except more spending and more government control.From stalled pipelines to disappearing innovation to the drain of investment south of the border, Swift breaks down what’s really happening - and what Canada must do if it wants to rebuild a viable manufacturing base: cut taxes, shrink government, eliminate suffocating regulations, and let businesses actually conduct business.A must-watch for anyone concerned about Canada’s economic future.

COP30 just wrapped up - the private jets have taken off, the luxury ships have sailed away, and most Canadians didn’t hear a word about it. Why? Because the world has stopped paying attention to these climate conferences, even as governments keep shovelling money into them.Stephen LeDrew is joined by Dan McTeague, former Liberal MP and long-time energy expert, to break down why COP30 has become irrelevant. McTeague argues that the entire exercise has turned into a global grift - a parade of highly paid bureaucrats and UN insiders pushing policies that punish Western economies while ignoring real environmental issues like ocean pollution.Together, they cover:• Why COP conferences no longer influence policy• How climate bureaucracies have become detached from economic reality• Why China and India escape scrutiny• How Canada nearly triggered U.S. antitrust action with “net-zero” banking pledges• And why the public has moved on from climate alarmism to real-world concerns: affordability, security, and stabilityA fast, candid takedown of an international event that’s lost its purpose - and the elites who still pretend otherwise.

Today, Stephen LeDrew is joined by Peter Shurman - longtime broadcaster, former MPP, and veteran observer of Canadian politics. With decades of experience in media and public life, Shurman offers a sharp and candid assessment of where Canada stands heading into 2026.Shurman explains why Canadians feel a deep malaise despite upbeat headlines about GDP. He breaks down the lack of optimism, the loss of direction, and the frustration with a Prime Minister who promised to manage the Trump relationship, fix the economy, and rebuild confidence - and has delivered none of it.From stalled energy projects to foreign policy blunders to businesses leaving for the United States, Shurman lays out how political missteps have weakened Canada’s economic foundation. He also reacts to why Justin Trudeau was elected three times, why the Liberal brand still holds sway with some voters, and why Canadians need to give their heads a shake about where this country is actually headed.A frank, funny, and insightful conversation with one of Canada’s sharpest political voices.

Op-ed writer and policy researcher Adam Zivo joins Stephen LeDrew for a sharp look at the failure of Canada’s “safer supply” experiment. He explains how government-distributed hydromorphone flooded communities, empowered drug dealers, and did nothing to curb fentanyl addiction. Zivo breaks down why this policy was never evidence-based, how it harmed youth, and what real addiction treatment should look like.This episode also includes a reminder to support this show. We don’t take government money. We rely on viewers to keep independent commentary alive and to push back against the policy and media failures hurting Canadians. If you value straight talk and honest debate, please subscribe or become a member.

Author J.D.M. Stewart joins Stephen LeDrew to discuss his new book,The Prime Ministers, and explain why understanding Canada’s leaders matters more than ever. Stewart explains how Prime Ministers shape history, why the office has grown so powerful, and how cabinet dynamics influence the choices that define the country. From Sir John A. Macdonald to modern leadership, Stewart offers a sharp and accessible look at how Canada is knit together through political decision- making.If you want to understand how Canada works, who really holds power, and why Prime Ministers remain central to our national story, this conversation is essential.