The Backbench

Canadaland
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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. Interview With a Young Lefty

    1 DAY AGO

    Interview With a Young Lefty

    Join Noor Azrieh and Sam Konnert for a discussion to bid farewell to key legislation that is likely to be lost due to Parliament's prorogation. From the Online Harms Act, to clean drinking water for First Nation communities, there’s a lot to mourn. And, how could a new liberal leader possibly win back young men? We speak with Aiden Fox Ivey, who reached out after he heard our interview with a conservative bro. Host: Noor Azrieh Credits: Aviva Lessard (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: Aiden Fox Ivey, Taylor Owen, Chris Moonias Background reading: With the House of Commons prorogued, some key Liberal legislation may not pass - CBC NewsYoung Canadians now more politically conservative than their elders – National PostPoilievre’s Youth: Meet the young voters supporting the Conservatives – Global NewsHasan Piker on how Trump seized online culture – CBC Podcasts, Frontburner 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 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.

    33 min

  2. 7 JAN

    The Long Goodbye: Trudeau’s Not Gone Yet

    Yesterday Trudeau announced that he would prorogue parliament and resign as Prime Minister. Now, the Liberal Party is embarking on a journey to replace him. He talked about “internal battles” and pressure from Donald Trump, and decided this was the best option. But is it too little too late? Who could possibly have hair good enough to replace him? Logic reporter Laura Osman and Trudeau’s former head of economic policy Tyler Meredith join Sam to discuss what this means for Canada. Host: Sam Konnert Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork) Guests: Laura Osman and Tyler Meredith Background reading: Justin Trudeau resigned too late. There is no salvaging the Liberal Party now | Globe and MailWho will replace Justin Trudeau as the next Liberal leader? Here are the top contenders | Globe and MailTrudeau removes himself from the equation, but the math doesn't get much easier | CBC NewsTrudeau says he's not the right choice to lead party in next election, promises to resign as PM. | 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 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.

    27 min

  3. 7 JAN • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    The Long Goodbye: Trudeau’s Not Gone Yet

    Yesterday Trudeau announced that he would prorogue parliament and resign as Prime Minister. Now, the Liberal Party is embarking on a journey to replace him. He talked about “internal battles” and pressure from Donald Trump, and decided this was the best option. But is it too little too late? Who could possibly have hair good enough to replace him? Logic reporter Laura Osman and Trudeau’s former head of economic policy Tyler Meredith join Sam to discuss what this means for Canada. Host: Sam Konnert Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork) Guests: Laura Osman and Tyler Meredith Background reading: Justin Trudeau resigned too late. There is no salvaging the Liberal Party now | Globe and Mail https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-justin-trudeau-resigned-too-late-there-is-no-salvaging-the-liberal/ Who will replace Justin Trudeau as the next Liberal leader? Here are the top contenders | Globe and Mail https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-trudeau-resigns-who-will-replace-liberal-leader/ Trudeau removes himself from the equation, but the math doesn't get much easier | CBC News https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-removes-himself-equation-1.7424405 Trudeau says he's not the right choice to lead party in next election, promises to resign as PM. | CBC News https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-news-conference-1.7423680 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.

    27 min

  4. 24/12/2024

    Payday Loans: the Cost of Being Poor

    Starting January 1st, the criminal interest rate on predatory lending will be lowered, meaning it should be safer to take out payday and installment loans. But these businesses have a tendency to skirt the law, adding unexpected fees and insurance rates to keep borrowers in the hole. Sam welcomes Donna Borden to the show - an organizer with ACORN. She’s been a victim to these loans, and is now fighting against them. Will the crackdown work and really help lower people’s payments? How can we make short term loans a real option for people struggling, without the sky-high payments? Host: Sam Konnert Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork) Guests: Donna Borden Background reading: Debt struggles spark concerns - Toronto StarAnti-poverty advocates call payday lenders 'criminal,' urge feds to cap interest rates | CBCNew rules to curb predatory lending still leave many vulnerable - Globe and MailHow a $200 payday loan cost over $31,000 - CBC Radio 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 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.

    24 min

  5. 17/12/2024

    The Undoing of Justin Trudeau

    It was a hell of a day for the Liberals yesterday, as Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland abruptly abandoned her post. Now, all fingers are pointed at one man: Justin Trudeau. So what happened? And where do we go from here? Reporter for the Hill Times Stuart Benson sits down with Sam to break down Justin’s Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day Host: Sam Konnert Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Production Manager) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork) Guests: Stuart Benson Background reading: Federal deficit balloons to $61.9B as government tables economic update on chaotic day in Ottawa  – CBCTrudeau taps Dominic LeBlanc to serve as finance minister after Chrystia Freeland's shock resignation | CBC Chrystia Freeland’s years of loyalty culminate in a humiliating and tragic end | Globe and MailFreeland’s grenade brings crisis on top of crisis to a flailing Trudeau government | Globe and Mail 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 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.

    21 min

  6. 10/12/2024

    Interview with a Conservative Bro

    The political gender divide isnt just a U.S. phenonmenon, its showing up globally, from the U.K. to South Korea. It’s only a matter of time before the next Canadian election wherethese political dynamics could soon take center stage. Host Noor Azrieh sits down with Jack Gordon, a young conservative, to ask what he’s thinking about politics these days? And, why conservative politics are resonating with young Canadian men?  Host: Noor Azrieh Credits: Aviva Lessard (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: Jack Gordon Background reading: Young Canadians now more politically conservative than their elders – National PostPoilievre’s Youth: Meet the young voters supporting the Conservatives – Global NewsHasan Piker on how Trump seized online culture – CBC Podcasts, FrontburnerAbacus Data Poll: Conservatives lead by 22 as surrounding impressions hold steady What’s behind the global political divide between young men and women? – The Guardian Why Trump Thinks He Needs Young Men to Win – TIME Sponsors:  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.

    28 min

  7. 03/12/2024

    Does Trudeau Know How to Deal with Trump?

    Last Monday, U.S. president-elect Donald Trump posted to his beloved Truth Social with a hefty threat. If Canada and Mexico don't get the border in order, or the drugs in check, he’ll slap a 25 per cent tariff on all goods. These tariffs could crash several major U.S. industries and ruin Canada’s economy. But this isn’t the first time Trump’s threatened Canada. Host Noor Azrieh sits down with Vipal Monga to ask, did Canadian politicians learn anything from dealing with Trump the first time around, or are they stumbling into Trump 2.0 just as clueless? And, the latest on a BC lawsuit against opioid manufacturers and distributors and alleged interference in the Conservative leadership race that got Conservative Leader Pierre Polievre elected. Host: Noor Azrieh Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Post Production), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork) Guests: Vipal Monga 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 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.

    31 min

  8. 26/11/2024

    The Government Deadlock Nobody Knows About

    Parliament froze in late September after the Conservatives launched a privilege motion, bogging down the government and demanding the Liberals hand over documents relating to a “green slush fund.” Since then, the House has been on pause – no bills, no legislation, no nothing. Despite important government matters, this freeze could go on for a very long time, costing taxpayers millions.  Laura Osmon, The Logic’s Ottawa reporter, joins the show to make sense of this procedural nightmare, and explain how we could get out of this gridlock. Host: Sam Konnert Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio), Cherise Seucharan (Editor), Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork) Guests: Laura Osmon, MP Peter Julian Background reading: No clear end in sight as House of Commons gridlock approaches 2-month mark | CBC NewsTrudeau to unveil GST relief in multibillion-dollar affordability announcement | Globe and MailHouse filibuster is putting money for military, dental care, and keeping the government lights on at risk | The Hill Times 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 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. Register for Dollars and Cents: The Business of Podcasting on Wednesday, December 11 in Toronto at labs.canadaland.com.  Space is limited. Be part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis. Go to canadaland.com/join to become a Canadaland Supporter today. You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    32 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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