The Backbench

The Backbench

Two opinionated journalists who always find something to disagree on.

  • 30 minutes 22 seconds
    What Trudeau's Housing Minister Has to Say for Himself

    He was the immigration minister when we rehauled the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. He’s now the housing minister, tackling Canada’s massive housing crisis. He’s got a huge job.


    This week, host Mattea Roach asks the hard-hitting questions about mistakes the Liberals have made, and how they plan to fix it.


    Host:  Mattea Roach

    Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Production Manager), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

    Guests: Minister Sean Fraser


    Background reading:


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    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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    10 September 2024, 7:00 am
  • 38 minutes 13 seconds
    Politics and Violent Threats: It’s Getting Worse

    Harassment of MPs has risen around 800% in the past five years. One-off threats can so easily turn to real violence. Many leaders are calling it quits — saying it’s just too much.


    What does that feel like for those in office? And for the team responsible for keeping these politicians safe? 


    We get into it with MP Marco Mendicino, MP Pam Damoff and Senator Bernadette Clement. We also speak with Assistant Commissioner Michele Paradis. 


    We want to hear from YOU! Fill out our quick survey to tell us what you think of the show, what you’re enjoying, and what you want more of. Complete the survey: https://forms.gle/t5n1dQxHjCs7uEMU6


    Host:  Mattea Roach

    Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor), Production Manager (Max Collins), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

    Guests: MP Mendicino, MP Damoff, Senator Clement, Assistant Commissioner Michele Paradis


    Background reading:


    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


    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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    27 August 2024, 7:00 am
  • 44 minutes 43 seconds
    How Poilievre Will Win YOUR Vote

    Pierre Poilievre isn’t just on the campaign trail, he’s pounding the pavement. And by jove, he’s following it all the way to the top of the polls relying on several rhyming promises.


    Nanos polling has the Conservatives at 41 per cent nationally, with the Liberals dragging at 25, and the NDP at 17 per cent. It also has Poilievre as the preferred choice as PM by 14 percentage points.


    How do you approach an upcoming election when you’re so clearly ahead? Who's he meeting with? Where is he focusing his energy? 


    This week, host Mattea Roach welcomes Fred Deleroy, Host of iPolitics' On Background podcast and former National Campaign Manager for the Conservatives, Stuart Benson, a reporter with The Hill Times and Tyler Meredith, the lead author of the 2019 and 2021 winning election platforms of the Liberal Party. 


    Host:  Mattea Roach

    Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Managing Editor), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

    Guests: Fred DeLorey, Stuart Benson, Tyler Meredith


    Background reading:



    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.


    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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    13 August 2024, 7:00 am
  • 42 minutes 52 seconds
    Can Kamala Save Canada from Trump?

    Two team Canadas… two wildly different levels of athleticism. While our athletes head to Paris, our politicians are flooding to the USA to promote Canadian interests in a wildly turbulent time.


    Our panelists are closely tracking trade, immigration, and our own election. But no matter who wins the next election, the road may get tough for Canadians. How do we prevent this? What's actually at stake?


    To find out, Mattea Roach asked Laura Dawson, executive Director of the Future Borders Coalition, Senior Washington Correspondent for Capital Forum Paul Mcleod, and Toronto Star staff reporter Richard Warnica.



    Host:  Mattea Roach

    Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor), Max Collins (Production Manager), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

    Guests: Laura Dawson, Paul McLeod, Richard Warnica


    Background reading:



    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  


    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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    30 July 2024, 7:00 am
  • 33 minutes 12 seconds
    Introducing: The Secret Life of Canada | Sorry not Sorry

    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


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    2 July 2024, 4:00 am
  • 42 minutes 47 seconds
    Introducing A Field Guide to Gay Animals

    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.


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    20 June 2024, 12:30 pm
  • 47 minutes 7 seconds
    The Spy Who Loved MPs

    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:


    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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    18 June 2024, 4:00 am
  • 41 minutes 46 seconds
    Flip-Flopping on Decriminalization

    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:


    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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    4 June 2024, 4:08 am
  • 1 hour 2 minutes
    Stop, Students What’s That Sound

    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:


    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.

    21 May 2024, 4:00 am
  • 14 minutes 54 seconds
    Introducing Pretendians

    Today we’re sharing with you a preview of the first episode of Canadaland’s newest show Pretendians.


    What do some of the most prominent and successful Indigenous artists, leaders and thinkers have in common? They aren’t Indigenous.  


    From major universities, to the halls of power, to Hollywood, there are people claiming to be Indigenous in the interest of power, money, and status. There are dozens of outrageous cases of Indigenous identity fraud that we know about, and likely thousands that we do not. 


    So why do these so-called “Pretendians” do it? How do they pull it off? And what happens when they are exposed?  


    To hear more follow Pretendians in your podcast app or click here.


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    14 May 2024, 7:30 am
  • 51 minutes 59 seconds
    Canada’s Exploited Foreign Workers Program

    Temporary foreign workers are relied upon to fill the gaps in the Canadian labour market. But the system is convoluted and ripe with exploitation – all at a time when immigrants are being blamed by politicians and the public for the housing crisis.


    The system needs an overhaul to protect our economy and the workers that make it tick. Are immigrants really to blame for the housing crisis? What types of immigrants are the feds targeting?


    To find out, Mattea Roach asked lawyer Jonathon Braun, author and professor Catherine Connelly and economist Mikal Skuterud.


    Host:  Mattea Roach

    Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

    Guests: Jonathan Braun, Catherine Connelly, Mikal Skuterud


    Background reading:


    Sponsors: AG1, Douglas


    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.

    7 May 2024, 4:00 am
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