Western Context

The Conservatives win a by-election in Toronto, Naheed Nenshi is crowned Alberta NDP leader, and William Shatner swears a lot in an attack ad on fish farms. Also, Harjit Sajjan played politics with the Afghanistan evacuation.

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“Sadly, this response from people like Mr. Shatner and Mr. Reynolds is all-to-common in today’s Canada. This is a classic example of … rich, elite, removed, urban white men overriding the wishes of vulnerable Indigenous communities.” – the Coalition of First Nations for Finfish Stewardship’s statement on Pacific Wild’s attack ad on open net fish farms.

Duration: 50:25
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

• Conservatives win longtime Liberal stronghold Toronto-St. Paul’s in shock byelection result
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• Nenshi crowned new Alberta NDP leader
• B.C. First Nations involved in salmon farming demand apology from William Shatner, Ryan Reynolds
• Sajjan instructed special forces to rescue Afghan Sikhs during fall of Kabul
• Word of the Week: Upset

The Emergencies Act commission report has been released, the DFO is shutting down 15 BC coastal salmon farms, and an Edmonton councillor proposes a mansion tax. Also, CSIS confirms that China has interfered in our elections.

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“First Nations from the coast are trying to find their feet when it comes to reclaiming what was taken away from them by the federal government…[C]oastal Nations are trying to take back their inherent rights to manage their traditional waters. This was about the sovereignty of the Laich-kwil-tach Nations and their right to decide for themselves whether salmon farming, or any other resource, is the right fit for their marine plans. Unfortunately, the decision was once again taken away from them by a government located 5,000 kilometres away.” – Coalition of First Nations Finfish Stewardship spokesman Dallas Smith on the federal government’s decision to not renew 15 salmon farm licenses.

Duration: 1:09:45
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

• Trudeau met threshold to invoke Emergencies Act, commission finds
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• Fisheries Department to shut 15 salmon farms off B.C.’s coast to protect wild fish
• Janz’s mansion tax idea dies in Edmonton, lower taxes for apartments possible
• CSIS documents reveal Chinese strategy to influence 2021 election
• Word of the Week: Sovereignty

Trudeau earmarks billions for transit, the feds unilaterally close fish farms in BC to Horgan’s ire, and two Alberta MLAs follow their constituents in questioning lockdowns. Also, Bell cuts hundreds of jobs while posting profits and taking subsidies.

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Duration: 53:44
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

“Those MLAs have a perspective. We, unlike some parties, allow people to speak their minds and represent the views of their constituents.” – Jason Kenney

• Trudeau pledges billions in permanent funding for public transit
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• Horgan says he was broadsided by Ottawa over fish farm closures
• 2 of Alberta premier’s caucus members join coalition fighting COVID-19 restrictions
• Bell cancels all-sports radio format on channels in Vancouver, Winnipeg and Hamilton
• Word of the Week: Subsidy

Unnecessary expenses incurred by Trudeau’s India trip raises questions, BC’s deadline to fish farms could push companies out of Canada, Alberta GSA legislation mishandles parental choice, and a Conservative by-election win receives little coverage.

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Duration: 43:39
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

• Trudeau India trip included $17K for celebrity chef, $3.6K for hockey jerseys
• B.C. government sets new 2022 deadline for coastal fish farms
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• “Climate of secrecy:” Schools, parents dispute Alberta gay-straight alliance law
• Conservatives steal riding from Trudeau Liberals in first byelection test of Scheer’s Quebec strategy
• Word of the Week: By-election

BC fish farms are under increased scrutiny from the BC government, Mainstreet is singled out as polls get another election wrong in Alberta, Singh refuses to denounce the Air India terrorists, and Bill Morneau gets caught in an a conflict of interest.

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Duration: 47:07
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

• Popham pens ‘eviction’ notice-like letter to B.C. fish farms
• Mainstreet’s future with Postmedia uncertain after botched Calgary election poll
• Jagmeet Singh Suggests CBC’s Insistent Questioning About Alleged Terrorist Was Racist
• Bill Morneau didn’t place assets in blind trust, raising conflict-of-interest risk
• Word of the Week: Conflict of Interest