The Backbench

Canadaland
  • 4.2 (997)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
The Backbench

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If your Twitter feed’s a dumpster fire, and your dinner table discussions aren’t what they used to be, The Backbench has the insights you need on Canada's most important political issues. Each Tuesday, we’ll ask bold questions and offer sharp analysis, giving you the tools to challenge any perspective — maybe even your own.  With the next federal election looming, you’ll want us in your ears and your back pocket. The Backbench is made by Noor Azrieh, Aviva Lessard and Sam Konnert. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Why AI Isn't Going To Steal Our Election

    1D AGO

    Why AI Isn't Going To Steal Our Election

    Is AI slop the ultimate weapon for foreign interference? Or are we spiraling into another internet-fueled moral panic? Last week several AI-generated photos of Mark Carney and Ghislaine Maxwell looking chummy went viral. It was easy to spot the fake, but it raised an important question: should we be worried about AI in this election? Ryan Broderick, author of the Garbage Day newsletter, and host of his own podcast Panic World, doesn’t think so. Host: Noor Azrieh Credits: 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: Ryan Broderick Further Reading On Our Website Sponsors:  Visit fizz.ca to learn more about Fizz and its long list of added-value features, and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 25$ off & 10GB of free data.  Visit policyme.com to explore insurance plans that cover your needs. Whether you're protecting your family’s health or their financial future, PolicyMe is reliable and makes it effortless and fast. Article is offering our listeners $50 off your first purchase of $100 or more! To 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    44 min
  2. None of That 51st State Sh*t

    MAR 11

    None of That 51st State Sh*t

    Canada is deep in the trenches of a trade war with the United States. After U.S. President Trump unpaused the 25% tariffs on all Canadian imports, all hell has broken loose: the federal government has fired back, provincial leaders are firing shots of their own, and more threats have been made - and then walked back - by the White House. All this, while Canadians are caught in the middle. What sense can we make from the mudslinging? If the chaos unfolding only covers one week of this dispute, what could possibly come next? Host Noor Azrieh catches up on the longest week in Canadian politics with Max Fawcett, lead columnist for the National Observer. Together, they sift through the madness, and they argue whether or not Canada’s new, un-elected prime minister, Mark Carney, is up for the task of wartime leadership. Host: Noor Azrieh Credits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork) Guest: Max Fawcett Further Reading On Our Website 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/canadaland Visit fizz.ca to learn more about Fizz and its long list of added-value features, and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 25$ off & 10GB of free data.  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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    35 min
  3. Mark Carney — the Less We Know, the Better

    MAR 4

    Mark Carney — the Less We Know, the Better

    For the first time since 2021, the Liberals are beating the Conservatives in a recent poll. We’ll find out on March 9th if Carney is officially sticking around for the long haul. And then? He’s going to be the Prime Minister - at least for a little while. Carney-mania is going around - is it real? Or seriously overblown? Is he Canada's Kamala Harris - mild, overhyped, and fated to lose - or a serious contender? Host Noor Azrieh and Luke Savage try to diagnose what's behind Carney-mania– how a socially conscious banker became the man of the moment.  And the latest, on the ongoing saga of Trump’s tariffs. Also, King Charles’s sit-down with PM Justin Trudeau over “matters of importance” to Canadians. And BREAKING NEWS, Donald Trump doesn't like Chrystia Freeland or Pierre Poilievre.  Host: Noor Azrieh Credits: 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: Luke Savage Further Reading on our Website Sponsors:  Visit fizz.ca to learn more about Fizz and its long list of added-value features. That's fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 25$ off and 10GB of free data.  Get Covered in Minutes—No Hassle, No Hidden Fees. Visit policyme.com to explore insurance plans that cover your needs. Whether you're protecting your family’s health or their financial future, PolicyMe is reliable and makes it effortless and fast—go check it out today! 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 Article is offering our listeners $50 off your first purchase of $100 or more. To 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    42 min

  4. MAR 4 • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    Mark Carney — the Less We Know, the Better

    For the first time since 2021, the Liberals are beating the Conservatives in a recent poll. We’ll find out on March 9th if Carney is officially sticking around for the long haul. And then? He’s going to be the Prime Minister - at least for a little while. Carney-mania is going around - is it real? Or seriously overblown? Is he Canada's Kamala Harris - mild, overhyped, and fated to lose - or a serious contender? Host Noor Azrieh and Luke Savage try to diagnose what's behind Carney-mania– how a socially conscious banker became the man of the moment. And the latest, on the ongoing saga of Trump’s tariffs. Also, King Charles’s sit-down with PM Justin Trudeau over “matters of importance” to Canadians. And BREAKING NEWS, Donald Trump doesn't like Chrystia Freeland or Pierre Poilievre. Host: Noor Azrieh Credits: 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: Luke Savage Background reading: The problem with Carney-ism – Luke Savage https://www.lukewsavage.com/p/the-problem-with-carney-ism Mark Carney says he’s a pragmatic outsider—but he’s a banker selling yesterday’s failed ideas – The Breach https://breachmedia.ca/mark-carney-pragmatic-outsider-but-banker-selling-failed-ideas/ Sane, Grown-Up, Non-Combustible: Is Mark Carney the Antitrump? – Policy Magazine https://www.policymagazine.ca/carney-is-emerging-as-not-just-the-anti-trump-candidate-but-as-the-antitrump/ Who is Mark Carney, the former central banker running to be Liberal leader? – CTV News https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/who-is-mark-carney-the-former-central-banker-running-to-be-liberal-leader/ Federal polls showing a rare, rapid shift — but unclear if numbers will hold – CBC News https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/polling-federal-rapid-shift-1.7469312 Liberals top Tories for 1st time in years, new Ipsos polling says – Global News https://globalnews.ca/news/11034743/liberals-lead-poll-federal-vote-feb-25/ 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.

    42 min
  5. Is There Going to Be a War Over the Arctic?

    FEB 25

    Is There Going to Be a War Over the Arctic?

    The Arctic is quickly becoming the center of a geopolitical shitstorm. We’re talking power, resources, and territory at stake. And everyone wants a piece of it. Donald Trump floated taking Greenland and Canada to make his claim. But he’s not the only one. Russia’s making moves. So is China. And Canada? Politicians, left and right, are talking about it. Host Noor Azrieh sits down with Gavin John, a freelance journalist embedded in the Arctic, and asks, what’s really at stake for Canada in the Arctic? Is this frozen tundra our greatest vulnerability or our most valuable asset? And the latest on, the crash and burn of Liberal candidate Ruby Dhalla, and PM Justin Trudeau’s Ukraine visit. Oh, and don’t forget the Ontario election.  Host: Noor Azrieh Credits: 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: Gavin John Background reading: Canada Tries to Break the Ice With Trump – Foreign PolicyTrump’s Manifest Destiny in the Arctic: The Greenland Gamble – Modern DiplomacyPoilievre's Arctic follies – The Hill TimesCanada to open consulates, appoint Arctic ambassador under new foreign policy – CBC NewsPoilievre promises new military base in Nunavut as part of Arctic defence plan – CBC News Want to help us improve the show? Take our audience survey at canadaland.com/survey Sponsors:  Canada’s Federal Workers want you to take action at remoteworks.ca today to support a future of work that benefits everyone. 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    37 min
  6. Jagmeet Singh On Why He Won't Step Down

    FEB 18

    Jagmeet Singh On Why He Won't Step Down

    Jagmeet 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 he’s not giving up. He says he’s here to win. Sit down with Noor as she goes past the “corporate interest” talking points and grills the leader on all things NDP. Why doesn’t he have a successor? Why won’t he step down? Why is he so fancy for a lefty? Host: Noor Azrieh Credits: 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 Singh Background reading: #115 Did Jagmeet Singh Miss His Big Chance? - CANADALANDGet ready for an early federal election, NDP tells candidates in an internal memo – CBC NewsJagmeet Singh's NDP is in deep trouble – National ObserverSingh says he will bring down government in March but wants to pass Trump tariff relief first – CBC News 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/canadaland Take 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! 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    36 min
  7. Man of Steel, Nation of Bloat

    FEB 11

    Man of Steel, Nation of Bloat

    The government hired 110,000 workers over the past 10 years, did we get 110,000 times more efficient? It doesn’t look like it, but veteran public servant Michael Wernick breaks it all down for Noor.  And, yes folks, we’re 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 Azrieh Credits: 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 Wernick Background reading: How a ballooning public sector is reshaping Canada’s 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 News Sponsors:  Take action at remoteworks.ca today to support a future of work that benefits everyone.  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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    28 min
  8. Three Businesses Jerked Around by Trump

    FEB 4

    Three Businesses Jerked Around by Trump

    On 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 Canada’s $1.3 billion border plan and also signed a new intelligence directive on organized crime and fentanyl. Trump said he’d 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 Konnert Credits: 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 Vasudeva Background reading: These industries would be hit hardest by Trump's 25 per cent tariffs - DiscoverHumboldt.comTrump has a 'good talk' with Trudeau — 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 Trump Photo credit: Presidencia de la República Mexicana via Flickr 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/canadaland Take 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.com 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    29 min
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If your Twitter feed’s a dumpster fire, and your dinner table discussions aren’t what they used to be, The Backbench has the insights you need on Canada's most important political issues. Each Tuesday, we’ll ask bold questions and offer sharp analysis, giving you the tools to challenge any perspective — maybe even your own.  With the next federal election looming, you’ll want us in your ears and your back pocket. The Backbench is made by Noor Azrieh, Aviva Lessard and Sam Konnert. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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