Off The Record Canada

Steffanie Costigan

We're not left, we're not right... We are Off The Record Off the Record Canada is dedicated to cutting through the noise. In an era dominated by groupthink, political polarization, and social media echo chambers, we challenge students to think critically, not collectively. We don’t lean left or right — we break down policies, question narratives, and create space for honest conversations that include all sides of the debate. Through our national school tour, we visit high schools, colleges, and universities across Canada to spark unfiltered discussions about the bills, decisions, and political shifts shaping our country. We also host regular podcasts that dive deeper into Canadian politics, giving voice to diverse perspectives and encouraging listeners to think beyond headlines and hashtags. While we support open dialogue and the free exchange of ideas, we operate fully within Canadian laws on hate speech and are committed to respectful, responsible discussion. Our mission is simple: to build a generation of independent thinkers who value dialogue over division — because a healthy democracy depends on it.

Episodes

  1. 11/21/2025

    When Governments Rewrite the Rules

    In this episode of Off The Record Canada, we dive into a topic that affects more of us than you might think — the Notwithstanding Act (Section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms). We explore how it’s been used in Alberta, and how, when the government “rewrites the rules,” things can start to feel a little like Animal Farm: rules change, power shifts, and what’s really happening can be easy to miss. Whether you’re just starting to pay attention to how our rights work — or you already question who gets to say what the “rules” are — this episode is for you. We talk about: • What Section 33 actually means and how it’s been applied • Why it hits close to home when rules shift without a clear public explanation • How to stay alert to changes, narratives, and what could happen when the rules change • Why keeping an eye on who writes the rulebook matters If you’ve ever asked, “Wait — who changed that rule, and why?” — this one’s for you. Hit subscribe and join us on off the record. Why it matters: Because the more you know, the less someone else gets to quietly change the rules behind your back. ⸻ Hashtags: #Canada #CanadianPolitics #cdnpoli #NotwithstandingClause #Section33 #CharterRights #RightsAndFreedoms #AnimalFarm #RuleChange #StayAware #YouthPolitics #GenZ #Millennials #PolicyTalk #GovernmentRules #PowerShift #WatchTheRules #PoliticalEducation #CanadaYouth #RightsMatter #AlbertaPolitics #Rulebook #WhoWritesTheRules

    When Governments Rewrite the Rules

  2. 11/07/2025

    NotWithStanding

    Episode 5 | Off the Record 🎙️ In this episode, we dive into one of Canada’s most controversial powers — Section 33, the Notwithstanding Clause. We hit the halls of SAIT in Calgary to find out what students really think: 👉 Should political leaders be able to change or use Section 33? 👉 Does it protect democracy, or weaken our rights? The answers might surprise you. Tune in as young Canadians share their raw, unfiltered opinions on power, politics, and the future of our freedoms. Drop your thoughts below 👇 — should Section 33 stay the same, or is it time for change? #offtherecord #Section33 #NotwithstandingClaus #canadianpolitics #cdnpolitics #genzvoices #youthinpolitics #calgary #SAIT #canadanews #democracymatters #studentvoices #rightsandfreedom #politicaldebate

    NotWithStanding

  3. 10/31/2025

    Behind the Lecture: Who's Really Writing the Rules?

    Behind the Lecture: Who Is Really Writing the Rules? | Off the Record Canada In this episode of Off the Record Canada, we are down to unpack a sensitive and complex story that’s sparked difficult conversations across campuses. An ex-faculty instructor has been speaking at schools across Canada, drawing both attention and criticism — including from Indigenous elders who say his words have caused offence. We approach this discussion with respect, care, and balance, exploring questions around who sets the standards in our education system, how accountability is handled, and what happens when intentions and impact collide. This is not about dividing people, but about understanding how rules are written — and by whom. Sometimes, it’s not ordinary Canadians driving these narratives, but larger systems and decisions made far above the classroom. 🎙️ Join us for an honest, thoughtful look behind the lecture. ⸻ 📌 Hashtags #OffTheRecordCanada #BehindTheLecture #EducationInCanada #IndigenousVoices #TruthAndRespect #CdnPolitics #AcademicFreedom #MediaEthics #Accountability #ReconciliationCanada #RespectfulDialogue #CanadianEducation #SystemicChange #CriticalThinking #VoicesOfCanada

    Behind the Lecture: Who's Really Writing the Rules?

  4. 10/28/2025

    Canada's Hate Speech Crossroads

    In this episode of Off the Record, we take the conversation to the streets with more students as we explore the spectrum of opinions around Bill C-63 (The Online Harms Act) and Bill C-9 (The Combating Hate Act). Are these bills protecting Canadians from hate — or crossing the line into censorship? We dive into the pros and cons, challenge assumptions through street epistemology, and ask the big question: 👉 Where should Canada draw the line between safety and free speech? 🎧 Tune in. Think critically. Decide for yourself. #BillC63 #BillC9 #OnlineHarmsAct #FreeSpeechCanada #CensorshipDebate #OffTheRecord #StreetEpistemology #HateSpeech #CivilLiberties #CanadaPolitics #DigitalRights #FreedomOfExpression #KenSpeaks

    Canada's Hate Speech Crossroads

  5. 10/20/2025

    Bill C-9 and Bill C-63 Explained - Are Your Rights at Risk?

    In this episode, host Steffanie Costigan takes a closer, balanced look at two of Canada’s most talked-about proposed bills: Bill C-9, the Combatting Hate Act, and Bill C-63, the Online Harms Act. With a neutral lens, Steffanie explores the core of the debate — asking what if both sides have a point? While some see these bills as necessary protections against rising hate and harmful content online, others worry about government overreach and the erosion of free expression. This episode breaks down the key issues, compares the proposed legislation to existing hate speech laws in Canada, and features audio clips from politicians discussing their intentions. Whether you’re left, right, or somewhere in the middle, this episode encourages you to think critically about where we draw the line between safety and censorship — and who gets to decide. No agendas. No echo chambers. Just questions worth asking. Tune in now — only on Off the Record Canada.

    Bill C-9 and Bill C-63 Explained - Are Your Rights at Risk?

  6. 10/14/2025

    We're Not Left or Right - We're Off the Record Ep #1

    Street Epistemology - Let's Talk. In our first episode of Off the Record Canada, we hit a University campus in Canada, Alberta, Calgary to break the echo chamber and test out the spectrum method + street epistemology in real time. With students across the political spectrum to talk about Bill C-63 (the Online Harms Act) and Bill C-9 (Combating Hate Act) - both proposed by PM Mark Carney. Some agreed, some didn't. But everyone talked. No sides. No yelling. Just real convos. We're not left. We're not right. We're Off the Record. Witch Gen Z + Millennials break down group polarization, mob mentality, and what free speech means today in Canada.

    We're Not Left or Right - We're Off the Record Ep #1
  • 6 Episodes

About

We're not left, we're not right... We are Off The Record Off the Record Canada is dedicated to cutting through the noise. In an era dominated by groupthink, political polarization, and social media echo chambers, we challenge students to think critically, not collectively. We don’t lean left or right — we break down policies, question narratives, and create space for honest conversations that include all sides of the debate. Through our national school tour, we visit high schools, colleges, and universities across Canada to spark unfiltered discussions about the bills, decisions, and political shifts shaping our country. We also host regular podcasts that dive deeper into Canadian politics, giving voice to diverse perspectives and encouraging listeners to think beyond headlines and hashtags. While we support open dialogue and the free exchange of ideas, we operate fully within Canadian laws on hate speech and are committed to respectful, responsible discussion. Our mission is simple: to build a generation of independent thinkers who value dialogue over division — because a healthy democracy depends on it.

Information

  • Creator
    Steffanie Costigan
  • Years Active
    2025
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Steffanie Costigan
  • Show Website
    Off The Record Canada