The LeDrew Three Minute Interview

Why is Ottawa moving away from a century-old program that supports Canadian veterans?In this episode of The LeDrew Three Minute Interview, Stephen LeDrew is joined by Brian Lilley to discuss the growing controversy surrounding the future of Canada’s Commissionaires Program.For nearly 100 years, the Commissionaires have provided employment opportunities for veterans while delivering security services for government buildings across the country. The program has long been viewed as a successful model that supports veterans, promotes community, and operates on a non-profit basis.Now, questions arise after GardaWorld, a wealthy international company, lobbied the Carney Government to end the contract for the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires.LeDrew and Lilley discuss:The history and purpose of the Commissionaires programConcerns about lobbying and political influenceWhy critics say the move makes little financial senseThe role of private security firms and government contractsPotential impacts on veterans and employmentAnd whether Ottawa doesn’t care about public backlash.The conversation also explores broader concerns about government transparency, insider influence, and whether political decision-making is becoming increasingly disconnected from public priorities.As scrutiny grows around the decision, many Canadians are asking a simple question: why replace a system that was already working in so many ways, AND supporting vets.

Is Canada’s proposed Sovereign Wealth Fund a smart investment strategy — or a political slush fund waiting to happen?In this episode of The LeDrew Three Minute Interview, Stephen speaks with Jay Goldberg of the Consumer Choice Center about Prime Minister Mark Carney’s proposed sovereign investment fund and the growing concerns surrounding government-controlled investing.Goldberg argues the plan differs fundamentally from successful sovereign wealth funds like Norway’s because Canada would be borrowing money to create it — not investing surplus revenue. He also raises questions about political interference, noting that Carney has already suggested where investments should go, despite claims the fund would operate at arm’s length.The conversation explores:Why borrowing to create a sovereign wealth fund is controversialComparisons between Canada’s proposal and Norway’s fundThe risks of governments “picking winners and losers”Ottawa’s history with investment agencies and infrastructure banksCanada’s growing brain drain and business flightHigh taxes, regulation, and economic competitivenessWhy critics believe Canada should focus on lowering barriers for business insteadAs economic uncertainty grows and investment leaves Canada, this interview asks whether Ottawa should be directing the economy — or getting out of the way.

Why is Canada’s manufacturing sector disappearing — and why isn’t anyone talking about it?In this episode of Three Minutes, Stephen LeDrew speaks with Mike Dicerbo, a Toronto-area small business owner, about the alarming crisis facing Canadian manufacturing and skilled labour.Dicerbo argues that some of Canada’s most important industries are slowly “dying on the vine” as older generations retire without enough younger workers replacing them. While trades like HVAC, electrical, and plumbing are attracting new interest, manufacturing itself continues to struggle with low wages, aging workforces, and declining cultural support.The conversation explores:Why younger Canadians stopped entering manufacturingThe long-term impact of pushing university degrees over skilled workThe labour shortage facing factories and suppliersWhy trades are growing while manufacturing falls behindThe economic consequences of losing industrial capacity in CanadaAnd why small business owners are increasingly worried about the futureAs Canada debates affordability, housing, and economic growth, this discussion raises a bigger question: what happens when a country stops building and making things for itself?

Stephen LeDrew speaks with Harrison Faulkner, independent journalist, about what Canada can expect from a Liberal majority government under Mark Carney.After campaigning on big promises, Carney now has the power to act — and according to Faulkner, the excuses are over.With a majority in Parliament, the government no longer has to navigate constant political gridlock. That means Canadians will soon see whether those promises on economy, governance, and reform actually translate into results.Faulkner also breaks down the strategy for Conservatives, arguing that their immediate priority is survival — holding their ground while waiting for the kind of political scandal that has historically challenged majority governments.With the shadow of the Trudeau years still hanging over Ottawa, the question becomes whether Carney can chart a different course — or repeat the same patterns.

Stephen LeDrew speaks with John Capobianco, “bigshot conservative” and longtime political strategist, about the growing debate inside the Conservative Party over Pierre Poilievre’s leadership.Despite strong internal support, questions are emerging about whether Poilievre’s public image is too deeply entrenched to win over Canadians — especially as Mark Carney’s popularity continues to rise.Capobianco pushes back, arguing that many successful leaders — including Brian Mulroney and Stephen Harper — faced similar doubts before ultimately becoming Prime Minister.But the pressure is real.With floor crossings, internal divisions, and shifting public opinion, Conservatives now face a critical moment: rally behind their leader — or risk losing ground to a Liberal government that now holds a majority.At the same time, Carney’s government faces its own test: with full power, Canadians expect results — not promises.The question is simple: can Poilievre recover — or is this the beginning of the end?

Stephen LeDrew speaks with Andrew Perez, Liberal strategist and political insider, about what Canadians can expect from a Liberal majority government under Mark Carney.After months of unfulfilled promises on pipelines, economic growth, and affordability, Carney now has the political power to act — and the expectations couldn’t be higher.Perez argues that the majority gives the Prime Minister a 2–3 year runway to deliver real results, particularly on the cost of living crisis, inflation, and economic opportunity for younger Canadians.But that window comes with risk.If the government fails to bring down costs or improve economic conditions, Canadians may quickly lose confidence — especially after years of failure and frustration under the Trudeau era.The conversation also touches on whether Carney will reshape his cabinet, bring in new leadership, and avoid the overconfidence that has plagued past Liberal majorities.The question now is simple: can Carney deliver — or will Canadians be disappointed again?Three Minutes. Direct. Unfiltered.

Stephen LeDrew speaks with Catherine Swift of the Coalition of Concerned Manufacturers and Businesses of Canada about the growing disconnect between official economic narratives and what Canadians are actually experiencing.Despite claims from that global institution called the IMF, that Canada will be leading the G7, many Canadians are facing rising cost of living, high taxes,and weak job growth, while businesses are leaving the country.Swift explains how government accounting — including the treatment of the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) — may be distorting Canada’s true fiscal position, and why investors are increasingly choosing to put their money elsewhere.With Mark Carney promoting Canada’s economic strength, the question becomes whether the country is truly on solid footing — or whether the numbers are masking deeper structural problems.Three Minutes. Direct. Unfiltered.

Stephen LeDrew speaks with Dean Baxendale, CEO of Optimum Publishing and a participant in global security conferences, about alarming reports of Chinese and Russian activity in Canada’s Arctic.As concerns grow about China’s expanding global influence, new questions are emerging about Canada’s ability to defend its own territory — particularly in the North.Baxendale explains how foreign actors have been placing beacons, building relationships, and pursuing resource deals in the Arctic for years, raising serious concerns about sovereignty, security, and economic control.He also points to growing fears that Canada’s allies — especially the United States through NORAD — may not tolerate a weakened Canadian presence in the Arctic indefinitely.With Mark Carney now shaping Canada’s global posture, the question becomes whether Canada is prepared to defend its territory — or whether it is being quietly outmanoeuvered by global powers.Three Minutes. Direct. Unfiltered.

Is Mark Carney’s proposed “Sovereign Wealth Fund” actually a sovereign DEBT fund?In this preview of a longer members-only conversation, Stephen LeDrew speaks with Brian Lilley about the federal government’s latest economic proposal — and why many believe it is just another expensive Ottawa bureaucracy.Lilley argues the plan is fundamentally different from successful sovereign wealth funds like Norway’s because Canada would be borrowing money to finance it rather than investing surplus revenue, of which we have none! He also raises concerns about political interference, government-backed investing, and Ottawa’s growing habit of creating new agencies instead of reducing regulation and unleashing private-sector growth.This is just the beginning of the conversation.👉 In the full 10-minute interview, LeDrew and Lilley dive deeper into:The Canada Infrastructure Bank and other federal investment fundsWhy business owners say regulation is choking growthCanada’s competitiveness crisisCorporate taxes, capital gains, and investment flightAnd whether Ottawa is expanding bureaucracy instead of allowing the economy to expand.Full interview available for members - https://www.youtube.com/theledrewthreeminuteinterview/join