The Backbench Canadaland

We’re bringing you a special episode of a show we love! The Secret Life of Canada from CBC Podcasts is a podcast about the country you know and the stories you don't. Join hosts Leah-Simone Bowen and Falen Johnson as they reveal the beautiful, terrible and weird histories of this land. In this episode, “Sorry not Sorry”, they explore the history of the national relationship to the word "sorry" and the truth and myths of Canadian politeness. 
More episodes of The Secret Life of Canada are available at: https://link.chtbl.com/5FPMYDg9

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re bringing you a special episode of a show we love! The Secret Life of Canada from CBC Podcasts is a podcast about the country you know and the stories you don't. Join hosts Leah-Simone Bowen and Falen Johnson as they reveal the beautiful, terrible and weird histories of this land. In this episode, “Sorry not Sorry”, they explore the history of the national relationship to the word "sorry" and the truth and myths of Canadian politeness.

More episodes of The Secret Life of Canada are available at: https://link.chtbl.com/5FPMYDg9

Strap on your binoculars and lace up your boots: today we’re sharing an episode of the newest show on the network, A Field Guide to Gay Animals.
A Field Guide to Gay Animals explores sexuality, gender, and joy in the animal world. Animal enthusiasts Owen Ever and Laine Kaplan-Levenson take us on a quest to see beyond the natural world as we know it and into the natural world as it is: queer as f*ck.
Cheeky and contemplative, curious and raunchy, Field Guide shows us that the natural world is more exuberant, more joyful, and more gay than we could possibly imagine.
Episode two is available now. Follow A Field Guide to Gay Animals wherever you listen to podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On June 3, a cross-party committee released a redacted document alleging some parliamentarians have been "semi-witting or witting" participants in the efforts of foreign states to interfere in Canadian politics. 
Trudeau says he has “concerns,” Singh says he’s “alarmed,” May is “relieved,” and Poilievre won’t even look. So who’s right about foreign interference in Canada?
To find out, Mattea Roach asked Globe and Mail reporter Steven Chase, Wesley Wark, a senior fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, and Michelle Tessier the former Deputy Director of Operations of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. We also spoke to Green Party leader Elizabeth May, the first opposition leader to view the unredacted report. 
Host:  Mattea Roach
Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor), Max Collins (Production Manager), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)
Guests: Elizabeth May, Steven Chase, Michelle Tessier, Wesley Wark
Background reading:
Trudeau says he has 'concerns' about some findings of foreign interference report - CBCGreen Party leader calls on colleagues to discuss contentious NSICOP report in private - CBCTrudeau still not saying whether Liberals were among MPs involved in foreign interference - The Globe and MailPoilievre is the sole party leader forgoing access to classified report on foreign interference - The Globe and Mail
Sponsors: Douglas, Article
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.

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When B.C. decriminalized small amounts of drugs in January 2023, it was seen as a promising weapon in the battle against the drug crisis. In May, B.C. walked that policy back, saying it caused disorder in the streets.
In a similar move, Toronto tried decriminalizing, but the feds quickly shot down their attempt. So what gives? Was this year-long experiment a disaster? Was it not given enough time to flourish? 
To find out, Mattea Roach asked professor Gillian Kolla, journalist Andrea Woo, and former drug user and advocate Guy Felicella.
Host:  Mattea Roach
Credits: Noor Azrieh (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)
Guests: Guy Felicella, Andrea Woo, Gillian Kolla
Background reading:
#36 Is Canada Ready to Decriminalize Drugs?  – The BackbenchDetox beds in B.C. routinely sit empty because of staff shortages – The Globe and MailOpinion: Backtracking on drug decriminalization is politically cowardly – and illogical – The Globe and MailBritish Columbia drops decriminalization of drugs in public – The GuardianAddictions minister had ‘deep concerns’ with Toronto’s decriminalization pitch – Global NewsDecriminalization in B.C.Decriminalizing people who use drugs in B.C.
Sponsors: Douglas, AG1
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.


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When the first group of students parked up at Columbia University, it sparked a movement that has gripped schools across the world. These encampment protests have now gripped universities across Canada- at U of T, U UOttawa, McMaster, U of C, McGill, U of A, UBC, and Dalhousie.  
The encampments have sparked a debate on the legality and ethics of protests in shared spaces. We dive into the legality of the protests and we also ask why the police response looked so different across the country.
To find out, Mattea Roach asked journalist Justin Ling, professor Roberta Lexier and professor James Turk. We also speak with a professor in an exclusive interview who witnessed the police action against protesters at an encampment at the University of Calgary. 

Host:  Mattea Roach
Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)
Guests: Justin Ling, Roberta Lexier, James L. Turk
Music credit: For What It’s Worth - Buffalo Springfield. Columbia Records (1966) 
Background reading:
Queen’s Park and Gaza - Canadaland Wag the Doug5 people arrested following pro-Palestinian protest at University of Calgary - CBCThe Columbia Protests Made the Same Mistake the Civil Rights Movement Did - NYTWhat the backlash to student protests over Gaza is really about - VOXProtesters unsatisfied by the University of Toronto’s concessions to end encampment - Globe and MailQuebec Superior Court judge rejects McGill injunction request to remove encampment - CBC
Sponsors: AG1, Article
For a limited time, get 6 months of exclusive supporter benefits for just $2/month. Go to canadaland.com/join to become a supporter today. 
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.