Western Context

A leaked memo shows the BC NDP’s inner thoughts, Huawei invests in Alberta AI research, and the Liberals’ fall economic statement gives more money for journalists. Also, Edmonton’s mayor asks Trudeau for support in the battle against hate crimes.

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“This would give us some leverage with companies like Fortescue – You’ll either … pay B.C. Hydro $1 billion under the existing tariff OR agree to scale down [the] size of your project, prioritize hydrogen for domestic supply and build some of your own wind turbines to power the project.” – a leaked BC government memo showcasing advice on how to proceed on energy projects.

Duration: 1:03:20
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

• Email shows B.C. energy minister wants ‘big and shiny affordability measure’ linked to climate plan
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• Huawei funds launch of Alberta AI researcher Richard Sutton’s lab after federal restrictions
• Key highlights from the Liberals’ 2023 fall economic statement
• Mayor asks Trudeau for help in battle against anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in Edmonton
• Word of the Week: Leverage

The Federal Court overturns the single use plastics ban, Trudeau and Eby’s battery plant announcement may cost more than expected, and Alberta calls for a balance between health and rights. Also, Iranian agents are operating in Canada with impunity.

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“We have about 700 names right now that either have temporary residence, permanent residence or citizenship that are in Canada and that are somehow regime affiliates. We are still counting. So it’s going to be closer to 1,000. They have impunity … to operate in Canada, engaging in financial and violent crimes. They will not be prosecuted. That’s just a fact.” – Immigration Lawyer Ramin Joubin on potential people in Canada linked to the Iran Islamic theocratic regime.

Duration: 1:02:40
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

• The Federal Court just overturned Ottawa’s single-use plastic ban
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• Real cost of EV battery plant subsidies $5 billion higher than government estimates: PBO
• Alberta COVID-19 report calls for ‘better balance’ between health and rights during future emergencies
• ‘Far worse than you can imagine’: How Iran’s regime has ‘spread its tentacles’ in Canada
• Word of the Week: Impunity

The UCP convention showcases policy futures for Alberta, the UK says a terror attack in Canada is very likely, and Alberta is overhauling its healthcare system. Also, a Brampton food bank is banning international students.

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“Violent rhetoric from extremist actors has increased since the attack by Hamas and, as the conflict continues to unfold, it is possible that these events could impact certain individuals’ intent to mobilize to violence. CSIS is also attuned to the threat of individuals, not associated with any known group or entity, being independently radicalized through the consumption of media and information, and mobilizing to violence.” – Eric Balsam, spokesperson for CSIS on the potential rise of terrorist threats in Canada.

Duration: 59:36
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

• After huge meeting, social conservatives completely control Danielle Smith’s party
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• U.K. says terror attack ‘very likely’ to strike Canada as Ottawa labels threat ‘medium’
• Alberta breaking up AHS, creating new agencies in health care overhaul
• No International Students!!’ As need grows, Brampton food bank turning some away
• Word of the Week: Threat

Alberta’s throne speech contains a few surprises, BC makes Holocaust education mandatory, and Alberta looks to overhaul auto insurance. Also, the Trudeau Liberals refuse to cut immigration targets.

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“If we really want to fight hate in this province, if we really want to stand up to antisemitism, it is critical that we learn from the past. We know how threats and hate can accelerate into violent acts and into horrific outcomes. We must ensure that the same horrors are not repeated. When we say ‘never again’ in relation to the Holocaust, we mean it.” – Premier David Eby on BC’s introduction of mandatory Holocaust education.

Duration: 53:46
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

• Alberta Throne Speech
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• B.C. commits to mandatory Holocaust education for Grade 10 students
• Alberta seeks to reward ‘good’ drivers with auto insurance overhaul
• No cuts to immigration coming as Canada holds goal for 500K per year
• Word of the Week: Mandatory

Liberal MPs bar the RCMP from speaking in committee on SNC Lavalin, security costs for protecting Trudeau continue to rise, and the BC NDP puts limits on short term rentals. Also, Trudeau partially flip flops on the carbon tax on home heating oil.

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“A flailing, desperate Trudeau is now flipping and flopping on the carbon tax as I am holding a gigantic axe the tax rally in a Liberal-held Atlantic riding. He is admitting he’s not worth the cost.” – Pierre Poilievre on the abrupt Liberal turn on carbon pricing.

Duration: 1:04:34
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

• Liberals shut down meeting to question RCMP commissioner on SNC-Lavalin probe
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• The cost to protect the prime minister has shot up to more than $30 million a year
• BC NDP’s short-term rental bill stays intact, passes without amendments
• Ottawa exempting home heating oil from carbon tax for 3 years, Trudeau says
• Word of the Week: Flip-flop

CBC tells its journalists not to call Hamas terrorists, the Supreme Court shuts down Trudeau’s environmental law C69, and another BC LNG project files for environmental assessment. Also, Trudeau will do all he can to prevent Alberta from leaving the CPP.

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“Do not refer to militants, soldiers, or anyone else as ‘terrorists…The notion of terrorism remains heavily politicized and is part of the story. Even when quoting/clipping a government or a source referring to fighters as ‘terrorists,’ we should add context to ensure the audience understands this is opinion, not fact. That includes statements from the Canadian government and Canadian politicians.”

Duration: 1:01:49
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

• CBC tells journalists to not call Hamas ‘terrorists’ in leaked memo
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• Canada’s Supreme Court Voids Most of Trudeau Environment Law
• Tourmaline-Backed LNG Group Files for Environmental Permits
• Canada to do all it can to prevent Alberta quitting pension plan -PM
• Word of the Week: Mendacious

We look at some policies we would wish to enact in Canada, including promoting corporate competitiveness, a suite of democratic reforms and developing Canadian energy to project global power. Also, we look at the best way to resolve Western alienation.

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Duration: 52:20
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

• Economic and Corporate Competitiveness
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• Democratic Reform
• Energy and Projecting Canadian Power
• Resolving Western Alienation

BC’s economic future looks unstable, Alberta experiences record population growth, and Justin Trudeau isn’t giving his cabinet ministers mandate letters. Also, a post by Pierre Poilievre about First Nations gets misrepresented by the Liberals and media.

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“I speak for myself as an aboriginal, I’m not a people of pain, we want businesses, we want to own homes, we want to get ahead with our own independence, we don’t want government handouts.” – Elder Manitok Thompson on a positive future for Indigenous People in Canada.

Duration: 52:20
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

• B.C. finance report flags deep economic downturn in 2024
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• Alberta’s population is booming, but that comes with challenges for some communities
• Federal ministers still lack mandate letters, two months after majority shuffled
• Pierre Poilievre called out for Truth and Reconciliation Day photos with Inuk elder
• Word of the Week: Truth

Speaker Anthony Rota resigns after inviting a Waffen SS member to be honoured by Parliament, the Trudeau government wants to cut $1b in defence spending, and BC sets some housing targets. Also, streaming services have to register with the CRTC.

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“I have subsequently become aware of more information which causes me to regret my decision to [honour Hunka]. I wish to make clear that no one, including fellow parliamentarians and the Ukraine delegation, was aware of my intention or of my remarks before I delivered them. I particularly want to extend my deepest apologies to Jewish communities in Canada and around the world.”- Now former House of Commons Speaker Anthony Rota, on his decision to honour a Waffen SS member in Parliament.

Duration: 55:24
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

• Trudeau apologises after Nazi honoured in Canada’s parliament
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• Federal government looking to cut $1 billion from National Defence budget
• Do B.C.’s new housing targets keep pace with population growth?
• Social media, streaming services must register with the CRTC by November
• Word of the Week: Ovation

Canada and India’s relationship tumbles even further, Alberta explores the idea of a provincial pension plan, and Canada helps Romania build more CANDU reactors. Also, the Trudeau cabinet spends $275k on an inflation summit.

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“It was really important for me to get that kind of direct fingertip feel of what is happening with the Canadian economy and what Canadians are feeling.” – Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland on the importance of the cabinet’s inflation summit in September 2022.

Duration: 46:12
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

• Hardeep Singh Nijjar
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• Alberta Pension Plan
• Canada signs $3-billion deal to finance nuclear power in Romania
• Cabinet Billed Over $275,000 in Expenses for 2022 Inflation Summit
• Word of the Week: Assassination