Trudeau’s Jamaica vacation causes a conflict of interest, Canada’s immigration isn’t helping the job market, and Banff’s pedestrian zone gets nixed by the National Park. Also, a Victoria theatre cancels a play set in Israel after being vandalized.

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“We thank those of you who have expressed your convictions, and we are listening. We value and respect these conversations in our community. We have been having many complex conversations about the production, its content, and its impact on the community. We are taking time to reflect on how best to move forward and will make an announcement in the new year.” – The Belfry Theatre on cancelling a play set in Israel and Gaza

Duration: 58:11
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

January 14th 2024 — Word of the Week: — Filed Under: , , , , , , ,

We look at 2023’s news stories, including an Alberta election, changing BC political landscapes, and multiple crises like healthcare, housing and affordability getting worse. We also go over our favourite pictures, quotes, words and episodes of the year.

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Duration: 54:51
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

  • Alberta Story of the Year
  • BC Story of the Year
  • Most Important Story
  • Firing Line of the Year
  • Local Story of the Year
  • Story We Didn’t Get to Cover
  • Fake News Story of the Year
  • Worst Government Expense of the Year
  • Funniest Story
  • Newsmaker of the Year
  • Word of the Year
  • Favourite Western Context Episode
  • Favourite Western Context Show Title
  • Quote of the Year
  • Picture of the Year
December 31st 2023 — Words of the Week: , — Filed Under:

Canada’s population increases like never before, the CBC writes fake news about Deena Hinshaw, and the Trudeau Liberals phase out gas car sales by 2035. Also, an investigation into Yuen Pau Woo reveals our cabinet may be compromised.

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“Yes, we’ve seen some people leave the province in their inter-provincial migration but overall, the growth in population that we’ve seen in the last quarter but [also] over the last two years is history-making given that the growth is driven by people coming from outside Canada. People are coming, they see opportunity here [and] they’re coming.” – BC Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon on immigration to BC.

Duration: 54:51
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

December 24th 2023 — Word of the Week: — Filed Under: , , ,

UVIC’s equity hiring policy raises ire on social media, Alberta’s low income tax cut is nowhere to be seen, and the Liberals roll out the federal dental program. Also, Champagne looks at grocery competition to lower prices.

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Yeltsin Grocery Store
“If [our] people who often must wait in line for most goods, saw the conditions of U.S. supermarkets there would be a revolution. Even the politburo doesn’t have this choice. Not even Mr. Gorbachev.” – Future President of Russia Boris Yeltsin on American grocery stores in 1989. Is Canada headed in this direction?

Duration: 52:10
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

December 17th 2023 — Word of the Week: — Filed Under: , , , , ,

Speaker Greg Fergus’ impartiality is put to question, COP28 highlights the opposition to Canada’s new emissions cap, and the BC NDP finish 2023 with a divided opposition. Also, the mainstream media completely ignores the foreign interference inquiry.

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Poilievre Trudeau Fergus
“Why would you rule out anything in politics? A week can be a long time in politics. Certainly, if the United Party were to reach out and want to have a discussion about how we could bring things together, I think it’s possible. With the [BC] Conservative party, we will not compromise on our principles. We’ll not compromise on the values that we are running on. We’re willing to sit down and have a conversation. I’ve never said we wouldn’t. The challenge would be, of course, they have a very different view in terms of how the world works compared to us.” – BC Conservative Leader John Rustad on possibly working with BC United’s Kevin Falcon to defeat the NDP.

Duration: 59:35
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

December 10th 2023 — Word of the Week: — Filed Under: , , , , , , ,

BC’s Unexplained Wealth Order claims its first forfeiture candidate, the UCP invoke the Sovereignty Act on provincial power generation, and BC’s healthcare is likened to a 3rd world country. Also, Google makes a deal with Trudeau on C-18.

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Salt Spring Islands
“These measures are not something that we want to do. They are a plan to counteract the absurd, illogical, unscientific and unconstitutional interference in Alberta’s electrical grid by a federal government that simply doesn’t care what happens to our province. We refuse to meekly accept actions which are so plainly destructive to Alberta’s economy and to the very safety and security of Albertan citizens.” – Danielle Smith on Alberta’s first invocation of the Alberta Sovereignty Act.

Duration: 56:38
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

December 3rd 2023 — Word of the Week: — Filed Under: , , , ,

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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BC NDP Leaked Letter
“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

November 26th 2023 — Word of the Week: — Filed Under: , , , , ,

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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Trudeau Eby Champagne Maple Ridge Batteries
“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

November 19th 2023 — Word of the Week: — Filed Under: , , , ,

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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No New Food Bank Clients
“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

November 12th 2023 — Word of the Week: — Filed Under: , , ,

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

November 5th 2023 — Word of the Week: — Filed Under: , , , ,