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

Trudeau performs a cabinet shuffle, the media highlights private Alberta medical clinics charging member fees, and problems at BC Ferries continue. Also, a TD report shows how immigration is fuelling unaffordability.

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“A cabinet of 39 is not a serious decision-making body. As cabinet gets larger, moreover, the ministers get smaller. In a cabinet of 12, every minister is a player. As you pass 20, they start to blur together. By the time you near 40, they look like ants.” – Bloc Quebecois leader Yves-Francois Blanchet on the size of Trudeau’s new cabinet.

Duration: 53:45
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

• Trudeau overhauls his cabinet, drops 7 ministers and shuffles most portfolios
• NDP calls for probe into how many medical clinics are charging ‘member’ fees in Alberta
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• B.C. Ferries running out of excuses
• Canada’s Immigration Policy Driving Housing Unaffordability, Higher Rates – TD
• Word of the Week: Shuffle

China reportedly influenced Vancouver’s 2022 election, Alberta mandates police body cameras, and Poilievre and Trudeau have similar housing strategies. Also, David Johnston is named the special rapporteur.

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“With regards to the 2022 City of Vancouver mayoral election, CG Tong stated that they need to do all they could to increase the ethnic voting percentage. They needed to get all eligible voters to come out and elect a specific Chinese-Canadian candidate. CG Tong emphasized this work was necessary, as the candidate will rely on those votes. In parallel, CG Tong indicated they needed someone within the Vancouver City Council.” – A leaked CSIS report discussing Chinese influence in Vancouver’s 2022 election.

Duration: 51:54
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

• China’s Vancouver consulate interfered in 2022 municipal election, according to CSIS
• Support us on Patreon
• Alberta to make body-worn cameras mandatory for all officers
• Pierre Poilievre outlines affordable housing strategy if elected PM
• Trudeau names former GG David Johnston as new independent special rapporteur
• Word of the Week: Horrific