Rob Breakenridge Show

Rob Breakenridge
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Veteran broadcaster and journalist Rob Breakenridge brings you important and fascinating conversations and offers an in-depth look at the major issues facing Alberta, the West, and Canada. robbreakenridge.substack.com

  1. PODCAST: Protecting Kids or Compromising Privacy Rights? Unpacking the Unintended Consequences of Bill C-34

    2d ago

    PODCAST: Protecting Kids or Compromising Privacy Rights? Unpacking the Unintended Consequences of Bill C-34

    In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, a closer look at Ottawa’s new Bill C-34, also known as the Safe Social Media Act. The bill including a new ban on social media for children under 16 (with some exceptions), and also creates the new Digital Safety Commission to over see the newly created ‘duty to act responsibly” “duty to protect children” that the bill imposes on social media companies. To better understand what this might all mean in practice, we’re joined by one of Canada’s leading experts on digital law and policy: Dr. Michael Geist, law professor at the University of Ottawa and Canada Research Chair in Internet and E-Commerce Law. Prof. Geist outlines his concerns with the bill, especially when it comes to the privacy implications of the age verification requirement that the social media ban will require. Overall, though, Prof. Geist says there are many unanswered questions with this bill, especially given that many of the details will be sorted out in regulations only after the bill is passed. We’ll also look at why so much seems to be happening all at once on this front, with Bill C-34, Bill C-22 (lawful access bill), the new A.I. strategy, and the new CRTC rules and culture requirements on foreign streaming companies. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe

    29 min

  2. Jun 5

    PODCAST: Is Canada in a recession? Or, is it a "technical" recession...

    In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, the latest on the state of the Canadian economy and the debate sparked this week over whether Canada has fallen into recession. We’ll hear from Charles St-Arnaud, Chief Economist with Servus Credit Union, who notes that while the last two quarters show a small contraction, the overall trend has been stagnant, dragged down by reduced population growth, lagging productivity, and stalled household purchasing power. We’ll find out whether there’s reason for optimism as to whether things can turn in the right direction. We’ll also have a closer look at the potential impacts of two key pieces of federal legislation. Bill C-22 (The Lawful Access Act) and Bill C-9 (The Combating Hate Act) are both on the verge of becoming law, but both could have major implications for privacy and free speech in Canada. We’ll hear from Josh Dehaas, Interim Litigation Director with the Canadian Constitution Foundation, about what the government is trying to accomplish through these bills, and what the concerns are. Plus, the latest on the debate in Alberta over separation and the province’s future in Confederation. Two new polls provide an interesting snapshot of where public opinion is at, and the premier ruffled some separatist feathers this week by laying out the significant costs that Alberta would bear if it chose to leave Canada. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe

    44 min

  3. May 29

    PODCAST: Why Alberta Needs to Lead, Not Leave

    In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, the debate around Alberta’s future is heating up amid the official announcement of the October 19th referendum. We’ll be joined by Ken Boessenkool, who’s one of the founders of a new group called Lead Not Leave, which also includes former Alberta finance ministers Jim Dinning and Travis Toews. Their goal is to make the case for keeping the province in Confederation, while at the same time advancing ideas to strengthen both Alberta and Canada. They argue that separation is not a solution. Plus, a new study from the Montreal Economic Institute examines the evidence for government-run grocery stores - an idea that seems to be catching on in both Canada and the United States. The study concludes, though, that such an approach won’t address the problem of high food prices, and will create other problems along the way. We’ll hear from study author and MEI senior fellow Charles Lammam. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe

    46 min

  4. May 22

    PODCAST: Referendum on a Referendum - A Muddled Question to Decide Alberta’s Future

    In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, we’ll focus on the major development that occurred this week in Alberta: the announcemengt from Premier Danielle Smith of an October referendum on Alberta’s future. The question itself is controversial though: it's not one where the outcome means Alberta separates from Canada, but it’s not a meaningless question, either. It’s muddled enough that neither sides seems to happy. We’ll hear from Thomas Lukaszuk, founder of the group Forever Canadian. The first part of the premier’s question does mirror the Forever Canadian petition question, although Lukaszuk maintains their efforts were to head off a separatist referendum. We’ll get his thoughts on how we got to this point, the remarkable scenes this week at the committee tasked with reviewing his petition, and the campaign pivot for Forever Canadian now that this referendum campaign is underway. We’ll also find out how this is being received on the independence side of this debate and what now for the separation movement, as we’re joined by Derek Fildebrandt, president, publisher, and CEO of the Western Standard. We’ll get his reaction to Smith’s announcement and framing of the question and how this ensuing campaign is shaping up. Plus, we’ll look at the influence of the separatist movement within the UCP and how much of a threat now exists to Smith’s leadership. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe

    47 min

  5. May 15

    PODCAST: Smith and Carney sign a new pipeline deal amid questions around Alberta separation and Indigenous consultation

    In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, a closer look at two major stories from this week: the new pipeline agreement between Alberta and Ottawa as the court decision that, for now, has quashed the separatist campaign to force a referendum. We’re joined in this episode by Andrew Leach, who’s an energy and environmental economist at the University of Alberta, and holds join appointments in both the Faculties of Arts and Law. We delve into the agreement reaches between Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney on carbon pricing and emissions reduction that sets the stage for a pipeline proposal to be fast tracked through the Major Projects Office. Progress on this front could go a long way in calming the political mood in Alberta. The duty to consult with First Nations, though, looms large over this project as well as the debate in Alberta around separation. We’ll also focus on the court decision that blocked the separatist petition on the basis that it potentially interferes with treaty rights. Alberta intends on appealing that decision, but what impact could that court fight have on the effort to advance the pipeline project? Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe

    35 min

  6. May 6

    PODCAST: Why Canada Should Shelve Carbon Capture and Prioritize Energy Infrastructure

    In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, we hear from Martha Hall Findlay, director of the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary Amid shifting global circumstances and economic pressures here at home, Hall Findlay is calling for a strategic rethink of Canada’s energy priorities - specifically as it applies to the Alberta-Ottawa memorandum of understanding (MOU). One of the pillars of that agreement is the multi-billion-dollar Pathways carbon capture project - a project that Hall Findlay has long championed. But now, in her words, it’s time for a “better pathway,” which means postponing the carbon capture project and prioritizing major projects such as a pipeline to the west coast. While carbon capture is an expensive endeavour with negligible impacts on global climate, Hall Findlay argues that energy infrastructure and resource development can have a hugely beneficial impact when it comes to both the Canadian economy and the global supply. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe

    22 min

  7. May 1

    PODCAST: Understanding Alberta's separatist movement - and where this debate is headed

    In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, a closer look at the movement and debate that is dominating Alberta politics at the moment: Alberta separatism. Our guest this week is Tyler Dawson, he’s a journalist at the Globe & Mail and author of the new book “The Republic of Alberta: An Idea That Won’t Go Away.” The book dives into the historical roots of the Alberta’s separatist movement and seeks to understand why so many Albertans feel so alienated and frustrated. As the province barrels toward what is almost certainty a vote on separation, it’s crucial to understand the deep-rooted grievances that have motivated this independence movement and why the idea holds such appeal for - at least according to polls - close to one-third of Albertans. And even assuming Alberta votes to remain in Canada, Dawson argues that it’s unlikely we’ll see this movement and this debate simply fade away. Plus, we’ll have an update on the story that’s broken over the last couple of days: an investigation into what Elections Alberta believes was the unauthorized use by a separatist group of the province’s official list of electors. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe

    47 min

  8. Apr 25

    PODCAST: Peter Guthrie on Alberta's electoral boundary dispute, separation debate, accountability deficit, and more

    In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, a closer look at some key debates raging in Alberta as we speak with Peter Guthrie, former UCP MLA and cabinet minister who is now leader of the upstart Alberta Progressive Tory Party. We’ll delve into the debate around Alberta’s electoral boundaries and whether the government’s rejection of the report from the Electoral Boundaries Commission is part of an effort to draw a more favourable electoral map. We’ll also discuss the latest developments around October’s Referendum Day: How the government is using public resources to campaign for a ‘yes’ vote on their nine chosen questions - and the ongoing shenanigans and uncertainty around a possible vote on separation. Plus, we’ll find out more about Guthrie’s efforts to bring oversight to government decisions around spending and the awarding of contracts - and how procedural changes have stymied those efforts Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe

    38 min
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About

Veteran broadcaster and journalist Rob Breakenridge brings you important and fascinating conversations and offers an in-depth look at the major issues facing Alberta, the West, and Canada. robbreakenridge.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Rob Breakenridge
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    73
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Rob Breakenridge
  • Show Website
    Rob Breakenridge Show

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