The LeDrew Three Minute Interview

In this episode, Stephen LeDrew speaks with writer and journalist Mathew Giognorio about Iran’s regime and why many Canadians remain unaware of its history since the Iranian Revolution.Giognorio discusses how the Iranian government has maintained power for more than four decades, the role of international institutions, and how Western media and education systems have shaped public understanding of the regime.The conversation explores Iran’s treatment of political opponents, women, and minorities, the influence of geopolitical actors like Russia and China, and why the Iranian political system is designed to endure even during moments of crisis.A candid discussion about foreign policy, media narratives, and what Canadians should understand about one of the world’s most controversial regimes.

In this episode of The LeDrew Three Minute Interview, Stephen LeDrew speaks with John Turley-Ewart, columnist with The Globe and Mail, regulatory compliance consultant, and Canadian banking historian, about Canada’s role in global energy security.With Mark Carney now declaring Canada to be an “energy superpower,” the question becomes whether Canada can actually deliver — or whether decades of poor decisions have left the country unable to respond during global energy crises.Following the latest Iran oil shock, countries around the world are releasing oil reserves to stabilize energy markets. But Canada faces a surprising problem: despite being one of the world’s largest energy producers, the country does not have a strategic petroleum reserve and lacks the infrastructure needed to rapidly supply allies.Turley-Ewart argues the real issue isn’t Canada’s oil supply — it’s the pipelines, ports, and regulatory barriers that prevent Canadian energy from reaching global markets.He also explores whether Canada could have become a key energy anchor for allies such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Europe, helping reduce dependence on hostile regimes.

Stephen LeDrew speaks with Catherine Swift, President of the Coalition of Concerned Manufacturers and Businesses of Canada, about Canada’s economic direction and Carney’s growing push to deepen ties with China.Swift calls the idea of replacing U.S. trade with China “laughable,” noting that Canada conducts roughly 75% of its trade with the United States and only about 3% with China. The conversation examines recent agreements, uranium exports, the role of major financial players, and whether Canadian policy is being shaped by politics rather than economic reality.They also discuss anti-American sentiment, trade diversification, and the risk of recession if Canada fails to get its economic house in order. With GDP concerns mounting and businesses already hurting, Swift questions whether Ottawa has a credible long-term trade strategy.A direct conversation about trade, leadership, recession risk, and whether Canada is making a dangerous economic gamble.

In this LeDrew Rant, Stephen LeDrew reacts to the court rulings that the Trudeau government’s use of the Emergencies Act during the 2022 Freedom Convoy protests was illegal.Both the Federal Court and the Federal Court of Appeal determined the government acted contrary to the law when invoking emergency powers.The Carney Cabinet (full of people Trudeau had appointed as his Ministers) has appealed that decision to its Supreme Court, but this judgement of illegal decision-making stands until, and “if”, reversed by the Supreme Court.But instead of consequences, many of the officials involved in the decision are still in positions of influence — and some have even been promoted.LeDrew questions why the architects of the decision continue to be rewarded by Carney while Canadians affected by the crackdown — including truckers whose bank accounts were frozen and livelihoods damaged — have received no compensation.He also raises the broader question of accountability in government, and whether Canadians should accept a system where illegal actions by political leaders carry no real penalty.Three minutes. Direct. Unfiltered.

In this episode, Stephen LeDrew speaks with Dr. Michael Bonner about the legacy of Canada’s 1965 flag change and whether the country lost something important in the process.The conversation revisits the historic clash between Lester B. Pearson and John Diefenbaker during the Great Flag Debate, and explores the historical significance of the Canadian Red Ensign — the banner under which Canadians fought in the Boer War, the First World War, and the Second World War.Dr. Bonner argues that while the current Maple Leaf flag is popular and established, Canada’s historical flag deserves official recognition as part of the country’s shared heritage. The discussion also touches on national identity, post-nationalism, historical memory, and whether modern Canada has drifted away from its foundational symbols.A thoughtful debate about history, heritage, and what binds Canadians together.

Canadians have long believed in stability, common sense, and not “rocking the boat.” But what happens when the boat is already taking on water?Michael Westcott, CEO of Allies for a Strong Canada, joins Stephen LeDrew to talk about why Canadians need to rediscover a sense of civic responsibility - and how ordinary people can actually do something when they see their country heading in the wrong direction.Westcott explains how Allies for a Strong Canada helps Canadians move from frustration to action by providing simple, practical tools: who to call, what to write, and how to engage constructively without becoming a professional activist. The conversation covers free speech, democratic values, activism on university campuses, and the long-term consequences of disengagement.If you’ve ever said “this doesn’t feel right” but didn’t know what to do next, this episode is for you.👉 Learn More & Get InvolvedIf you want to lear more about Allies for a Strong Canada visit https://theallies.ca/

Stephen LeDrew speaks with Catherine Swift, President of the Coalition of Concerned Manufacturers and Businesses of Canada, about why Canadian entrepreneurs are slowing down instead of scaling up.Swift shares stories from business owners who are choosing to coast rather than grow, citing high tax rates, heavy regulation, and an expanding public sector. With marginal tax rates exceeding 50 percent in some provinces and mounting permit fees and government delays, she argues that Canada is discouraging productivity and investment.The discussion also explores the housing crisis, the rising cost of building homes, and why government fees and bureaucratic inefficiencies are driving prices higher. As federal leaders promise ambitious housing targets, Swift questions whether the private sector has any incentive left to deliver.A direct conversation about taxation, regulation, public sector growth, and whether Canada still rewards hard work and risk-taking.

In today’s rant, Stephen LeDrew reacts to the Federal Court ruling that the Emergencies Act was used illegally during the 2022 Freedom Convoy protests.LeDrew argues that Canadians should be asking serious questions about accountability after courts ruled the government of Justin Trudeau acted outside the law when invoking emergency powers to clear protests in Ottawa.He also challenges the silence from political leaders and legacy media, questioning why compensation has not been discussed for protesters who lost jobs, income, and freedom during the crackdown.The rant touches on broader themes including government accountability, independent media, historical narratives in Canada, and the importance of open debate in a democratic society.