CANADALAND

Get the App

CANADALAND

Jesse Brown

38 minutes 6 seconds

The Real Way to Stop Big Tech From Harming Kids
Two major legal rulings against social media giants in the US are being heralded as the “Big Tobacco” moment for Big Tech.

But will the courts actually be able to protect users from harm on these platforms?

Here in Canada, attempts to regulate big tech companies have largely failed, but Carney’s government has signalled a renewed focus on addressing online harms. Will the government commit to meaningful legislation? Should we follow Australia’s example and ban social media for youth?

Host: Jesse Brown
Credits: James Nicholson (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer and Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)
Guest: Douglas Soltys

It’s crowd-finding time at Canadaland! Share this episode with three people or simply send them over to canadaland.com/share and we’ll help them get started with a starter pack of some of our favourite episodes.

Further reading:
Sponsors:

Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at Shopify.ca

oxio: Head over to canadaland.oxio.ca and use code CANADALAND for your first month free!

Hot Docs: Hot Docs runs April 23 to May 3 in Toronto. Tickets and packages are now on sale! Learn more, find films and buy tickets online at hotdocs.ca

Article: Article is offering our listeners $50 off your first purchase of $100 or more. To claim, visit article.com/canadaland 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 at our store, 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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
3 April 2026, 10:30 am
37 minutes 20 seconds

BONUS: A Fake News Podcast
Here’s the thing — spotting fake news is harder than we like to admit. At Canadaland, we spend all day in the media. We’re supposed to know what’s real and what’s not.

But when you want something to be true? You let it slide. You give it the benefit of the doubt.

So we put it to our staff and you, the audience: tell us your fake news stories. The harmless ones, the ones that fooled you for a second, and the ones that didn’t stay harmless. The ones that actually caused panic — which, apparently, happens more than you’d think.

Host: Sam Konnert
Credits: Tristan Capacchione (Producer), Tony Wang (Executive Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Publisher)
Photo: Tony Wang (Note: The photo was generated by A.I. in the past, and Tony Wang edited it to include the text “FAKE NEWS”.)
Additional music by Audio Network

Further Reading:
- Child-snatching eagle video created as student project — CBC
- University Cancels Swim Program, StatsCan Apology, the Fifenstocks, and the "Winter Wasteland" (Documentary) — CBC
- Calgary Aquarium Closure, Advertising to Infants, Winnipeg Real Estate Heating Up, Actor Malcolm Kind interview, and Dave's Homemade Drugs — CBC
- Caring hands: man becomes Canada's first male doula — CBC (This isn’t fake news, I just thought it was funny that there was a real story about the first male doula, that came out after This is That)
- AI Generated Avengers Doomsday trailer
- Flemish Secession Hoax — Wikipedia
Sponsors:

Hot Docs: Hot Docs runs April 23 to May 3 in Toronto. Tickets and packages are now on sale! Learn more, find films and buy tickets online at https://hotdocs.ca

It’s crowd-finding time at Canadaland! Share this episode with three people or simply send them over to canadaland.com/share and we’ll help them get started with a starter pack of some of our favourite episodes.

Can’t get enough Canadaland? Follow @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram for clips, announcements, explainers and more.

This show is (normally) available exclusively to Canadaland supporters. To become one, go to https://canadaland.com/join/. 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 at our store, 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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2 April 2026, 10:45 am
29 minutes 6 seconds

Air Canada CEO’s French Exit
Air Canada’s CEO retires early following backlash around his inability to speak French.

An English-only statement from Michael Rousseau following the tragic accident at LaGuardia airport sparked a heated debate around bilingualism. Politicians expressed their disappointment, columnists and commenters online debated Air Canada’s language requirements. Even Elon Musk weighed in.

Should we get serious about bilingualism or is this debate a sign that we’re not a serious country?

Host: Jesse Brown
Credits: James Nicholson (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer and Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)
Guest: Douglas Soltys

Further reading:
It’s crowd-finding time at Canadaland! Share this episode with three people or simply send them over to canadaland.com/share and we’ll help them get started with a starter pack of some of our favourite episodes.

Sponsors:

Squarespace: Check out Squarespace.com/canadaland for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch use code canadaland to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain

Fizz: Visit fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN40 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.

Douglas: 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. Visit do uglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offer.

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 at our store, 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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 April 2026, 10:30 am
35 minutes 14 seconds

Can Carney Break Canada's High Speed Rail Curse?
Mark Carney has proposed a 1,000-kilometre high-speed rail line connecting Toronto to Quebec City, with trains reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h. It would be Canada’s first true high-speed rail system. On paper, the idea is appealing. But building it is far from straightforward.

Host Noor Azrieh, tries to answer the question: how do you build ambitious, nation-shaping infrastructure in a country where the human realities on the ground are so complex?

Host: Noor Azrieh
Credits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)

Guests: Katie Koopman, Lindsay Davidson, Andrew Hyett, Paul Langan, Conservative MP Philip Lawrence

Background reading:
- Canada is getting high-speed rail
- Alto's CEO answers questions about the high-speed rail project – CBC News
- High-speed rail project connecting Toronto and Quebec City sparks backlash over cost, land use – The Globe and Mail
- Local researchers fill information gap in high-speed rail debate – The Kingston Whig Standard
- Chris Selley: More alarming numbers for Canada's high-speed rail fantasy – National Post
It’s crowd-finding time at Canadaland! Share this episode with three people or simply send them over to canadaland.com/share and we’ll help them get started with a starter pack of some of our favourite episodes.

Sponsors:
Visit fizz.ca to learn more about Fizz mobile and its long list of added-value features and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN40 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.

Article is offering our listeners $50 off your first purchase of $100 or more. To claim, visit article.com/canadaland and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.

Did you know we have a monthly supporter exclusive show?

Last week, we asked you if you’ve ever fallen for fake news. I guess even our savvy, discerning audience isn’t infallible. You all had a lot to say! So this week on Off The Record, it’s time to talk about fake news.

If you want to hear that (or if you want to catch up on all the great episodes of Off The Record you’ve missed!) become a supporter at canadaland.com/join or call in on March 26th and we’ll give you a free month of Canadaland premium.

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.

Can't get enough Canadaland? Follow @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram for clips, announcements, explainers and more.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
31 March 2026, 10:30 am
36 minutes 24 seconds

Reality is a Casino as Prediction Markets Enter Canada
Why are media companies like CNN and Substack joining forces with prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi?

Both Polymarket and Kalshi have been all over the news and editorial pages: will these markets be a blight of insider trading and foreign interference? The next step on the slippery slope to online gambling addiction? Should we really be able to bet on kidnapping, war, the timing of someone else's death?

But thanks to recent partnerships between big media and the prediction market companies, Polymarket and Kalshi are moving from being the subject of headlines to the co-creators of those headlines.

Up until last week this was mostly an American game that Canadians could surreptitiously play through VPNs. Then it was announced that Canadian fintech company Wealthsimple, cleared regulatory hurdles to bring the markets to its millions of existing customers, bringing the tech to the masses.

Gemma Boothroyd brings us the story.

Host: Jesse Brown
Credits: Gemma Boothroyd (Reporter), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher)

Fact checking by Julian Abraham
Additional music by Audio Network

More information:
- Strait of Hormuz tanker traffic won't return to normal for months, Kalshi bettors predict — CNBC
- "Controversial" predictions trading model could let you profit from real-world outcomes. — Global news
- NHL player poll: As sports betting increases, so do harassing messages — and Venmo requests — The Athletic
- Polymarket gamblers threaten Israeli journalist over missile strike story | Israel | — The Guardian
- MLB further embraces sports betting in deal with prediction platform Polymarket — The Athletic
- Polymarket and Dow Jones, Publisher of The Wall Street Journal, Announce Exclusive Prediction Market Partnership — Dow Jones
- Power Corporation Announces Additional Investment in Wealthsimple — Power Corporation
- Betting on the Gatorade color? A former company executive reveals how it’s selected — The Athletic
Sponsors:

Squarespace: Check out https://squarespace.com/canadaland for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch use code canadaland to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

Fizz: Visit https://fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.

CarGurus: Buy your next car today with CarGurus at https://cargurus.ca

It’s crowd-finding time at Canadaland! Share this episode with three people or simply send them over to canadaland.com/share and we’ll help them get started with a starter pack of some of our favourite episodes.

Can’t get enough Canadaland? Follow @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram for clips, announcements, explainers and more.

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 at our store, 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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
30 March 2026, 10:45 am
37 minutes 8 seconds

Is Avi like Mamdani or a Jagmeet with No Seat?
The NDP is picking a new leader, but can any of the candidates lead them back to relevance?

In Manitoba this weekend, the NDP is gathering to name a new leader, but a recent poll suggests that almost half of previous NDP voters don’t recognize the names of the candidates.

Avi Lewis is the frontrunner, with impressive fundraising and big ideas, but will his playbook translate into national interest in the party?

Host: Noor Azrieh
Credits: James Nicholson (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate producer and Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)
Guest: Zain Velji

Further reading:
Sponsors:

Squarespace: Check out Squarespace.com/canadaland for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch use code canadaland to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

Douglas: 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. Visit do uglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offer.

Fizz: Visit fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN40 to get 40$ off and 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 at our store, 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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
27 March 2026, 10:30 am
36 minutes 46 seconds

The Pierre Poilievre Experience
How does Rogan fit into Poilievre’s larger strategic shift?

Pierre Poilievre’s appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience has already been viewed by millions, and, surprisingly, many political commentators in Canada are applauding his performance.

Zain Velji joins Noor Azrieh to consider what Poilievre’s longform bro-fest can tell us about his political strategy going forward.

Host: Noor Azrieh
Credits: James Nicholson (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate producer and Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)
Guest: Zain Velji
Additional music by Audio Network

On the next episode of Off The Record, we’re asking you: What is a piece of fake news that you fell for? AI slop? An April Fools’ joke? Or something altogether more sinister…

Call in and let us know on Thursday, March 26th from 4:30pm to 6:30pm EDT by going to callinstudio.com/show/canadaland or dialing in at 888-401-7056

Further reading:
Sponsors:

Douglas: 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. Visit do uglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offer.

Fizz: Visit fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN40 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.

CarGurus: Buy your next car today with CarGurus at cargurus.ca

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 at our store, 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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
25 March 2026, 10:30 am
33 minutes 43 seconds

How to Cut A Trade Deal Amid Trump’s Tariff Chaos
The scramble for CUSMA has begun. Lobbyists are lobbying. Negotiators are negotiating. And, while that’s all kicking off, there’s another less visible channel of diplomacy. The Canada-US Interparliamentary Group. A network of Canadian MPs, senators, and members of Congress who meet every year to keep our relationship going and talk through issues that could otherwise spiral into major disputes.

This episode, host Sam Konnert takes a look inside the network of politicians trying to keep the Canada-US relationship running smoothly, and speaks with Canadian Senator Michael MacDonald and Politico reporter Nick Taylor-Vaisey.

Host: Sam Konnert
Credits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)

Guests: Nick Taylor-Vaisey, Michael L. MacDonald

Background reading:
Sponsors:
Check out https://www.squarespace.com/CANADALAND to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code CANADALAND.

Visit fizz.ca to learn more about Fizz mobile and its long list of added-value features, and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.

And did you know we have a monthly supporter exclusive show? Last episode, we talked about rabbit holes.

On the next episode of Off The Record, we’re asking you: What is a piece of fake news that you fell for? AI slop? An April Fools’ joke? Or something altogether more sinister…

Call in and let us know on Thursday, March 26th from 4:30pm to 6:30pm EST by going to callinstudio.com/show/canadaland or dialing in at 888-401-7056 when the time comes, so mark your calendars!

If you want to hear that (or if you want to catch up on all the great episodes of Off The Record you’ve missed!) become a supporter at canadaland.com/join or call in on March 26th and we’ll give you a free month of Canadaland premium.

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.

Can't get enough Canadaland? Follow @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram for clips, announcements, explainers and more.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
24 March 2026, 10:30 am
36 minutes 28 seconds

The Long Fight for a Little Justice in Burns Lake
Over a decade ago journalist Laura Robinson broke this story of alleged abuse against Indigenous children at a school in Burns Lake, B.C.. The man at the centre of the allegations is someone who had risen to international prominence in the sports world.

It's been a tale of twists and turns with the RCMP investigating the abuse allegations and declining to press charges. Robinson and the accused took turns to sue each other for defamation. Finally, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal took up the case and just handed down a decision.

And despite the fact that over the last decade nearly every major broadcaster in the country has printed and broadcast the name of the alleged abuser, we no longer can. There's now a publication ban in effect.

Is this the final chapter in the story?

Laura Robinson joins us today.

Host: Jesse Brown
Credits: Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher)

Fact checking by Julian Abraham
Additional music by Audio Network

More information:
Sponsors:

Douglas: 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. Visit https://douglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offer.

Fizz: Visit https://fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.

Can’t get enough Canadaland? Follow @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram for clips, announcements, explainers and more.

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 at our store, 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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
23 March 2026, 10:45 am
36 minutes 20 seconds

Doug Ford’s Secret, Private, Personal Cell Phone
The scandals of Doug Ford and Danielle Smith continue to make headlines, but it appears to have little impact on them politically.

Now, Ford is changing the rules around Freedom of Information to make it harder to hold him accountable. Smith has also been criticized for her government’s approach to information requests. This clawback on the access of information is a trend in other governments across the country.

How does the public and the media demand accountability when politicians dominate the messaging through their own channels and limit the availability of information?

Host: San Grewal
Credits: James Nicholson (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate producer and Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)
Guest: Max Fawcett

Further reading:
Sponsors:

Douglas: 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. Visit do uglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offer.

Fizz: Visit fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.

Squarespace: Check out Squarespace.com/canadaland for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch use code canadaland to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

CarGurus: Buy your next car today with CarGurus at cargurus.ca

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 at our store, 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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
20 March 2026, 10:30 am
32 minutes 15 seconds

Peak Oil! Carney, Cash, and Carbon
Gas prices are back in the news as the Iran War disrupts global oil supply. Columnists are weighing in on what it all means for Canada’s energy future. With Carney’s commitment to making Canada an energy superpower, do we barrel forward with increased oil production or renew our commitment to renewables?

Max Fawcett of Canada’s National Observer joins San Grewal to drill beneath the headlines.

Host: San Grewal
Credits: James Nicholson (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate producer and Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)
Guest: Max Fawcett

Further reading:
Sponsors:
Squarespace: Check out Squarespace.com/canadaland for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch use code canadaland to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

BetterHelp: Visit BetterHelp.com/canadaland today to get 10% off your first month.

Douglas: 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. Visit do uglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offer.

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 at our store, 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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
18 March 2026, 10:30 am
More Episodes? Get the App