Western Context

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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“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

• UVic job posting for Black candidates only draws backlash
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• Where is the Alberta tax cut?
• Federal dental insurance program to be phased in over 2024, benefits to start in May
• Federal industry minister in talks with foreign grocery execs to lure new supermarket chain to Canada
• Word of the Week: Covenant

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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“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

• Speaker’s impartiality questioned again over comments made in Washington
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• Albertans will not tolerate it’: Alberta reacts to new federal oil and gas emissions cap
• Political shift underway in B.C., says confident Tory Leader John Rustad
• MP Han Dong, federal Conservatives, NDP to take part in foreign interference inquiry
• Word of the Week: Hamper

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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“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

• B.C. couple questioned how they bought their house under new Unexplained Wealth Order
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• Alberta invokes sovereignty act, sets groundwork for Crown corporation to be ‘generator of last resort’
• B.C.’s health-care system like ‘third-world country’: MLA
• Federal government reaches deal with Google on Online News Act
• Word of the Week: Forfeiture

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