Western Context

Chrystia Freeland resigns to accept an economic role in Ukraine, Rebecca Schulz resigns as Alberta environment minister, and David Eby wants a refinery instead of a pipeline. Also, the Cape Breton gun buyback pilot brings in only 25 guns.

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“Ukraine is at the forefront of today’s global fight for democracy, and I welcome this chance to contribute on an unpaid basis as an economic advisor to President Zelensky. In accepting this voluntary position, I will be stepping aside from my role as the Prime Minister’s Special Representative for the Reconstruction of Ukraine. In the coming weeks I will also leave my seat in Parliament. I want to thank my constituents for their years of confidence in me. I am so grateful to have been your representative.” – Chrystia Freeland on accepting a role in Ukraine.

Duration: 55:42
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

• Freeland says she will resign as MP in coming weeks after being appointed Zelensky’s adviser
• Support us on Patreon
• Timing is everything’: Environment Minister Rebecca Schulz resigns in the new year
• B.C. premier proposes publicly funded refinery over pipeline. Is it realistic?
• Gun buyback pilot nothing short of failure after netting 25 weapons
• Word of the Week: timing

John Rustad eventually resigns as BC Conservative Leader, the UCP AGM reaffirms Danielle Smith’s opposition to federal overreach, and Canada steps into the EU tent on defence. Also, a Canadian company sells military APCs to ICE.

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“I was not prepared to go forward and have that civil war. In terms of what my future is going to be, I know my wife is very much looking forward to me being home, I’m sure my bird will be happy.” – Now former BC Conservative Leader John Rustad on his resignation as leader.

Duration: 1:02:54
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

• John Rustad resigns as leader of B.C. Conservative Party, Trevor Halford takes on interim role
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• Alberta unveils plan to resist enforcement of Ottawa’s firearm buyback program
• Europe says Canada must pay 10M euros to join EU defence deal
• ICE ordering fleet of 20 armoured vehicles from Brampton, Ont., firm
• Word of the Week: Incapacitated

The gun buyback pilot in Cape Breton produces only 22 guns, the notwithstanding clause gets misinterpreted by the media in Alberta, and BC cancels its EV mandate and rebate. Also, Canada looks at the Saab Gripen instead of the F-35.

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“The gun buyback program is something that the federal government feels is important to do and the general public might not understand, but it’s like any other rules. We still have to stop at stop signs, whether we want to or not.” – Cape Breton Councillor Glenn Paruch on the gun buyback pilot program.

Duration: 1:03:06
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

• Some guns turned in to buyback program, Cape Breton police commissioner says
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• Alberta invokes notwithstanding clause on trio of transgender laws
• B.C. redrawing EV sales mandate, scraps goal of 100% by 2035, leaves rebates to feds
• Sweden’s Saab offers to build entire GlobalEye military surveillance plane in Canada
• Word of the Week: Target

Elenore Sturko is booted from the BC Conservatives, natural gas prices dip into the negative, and the gun buyback program starts in Cape Breton. Also, Carney overrides his own conditions to recognize the state of Palestine.

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“I’m going to say, in my opinion, the reason why I’m fired is that John Rustad’s on shaky ground inside his caucus, and that he needs the support right now [from] social conservatives within the caucus in order for him to hang on to the reins of power. Getting rid of me, it was one way to appease some of the people within the group.” – Former BC Conservative MLA Elenore Sturko on her ousting by leader John Rustad.

Duration: 1:06:33
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

• No chains’: Elenore Sturko speaks out after ousting from B.C. Conservative caucus
• Support us on Patreon
• Canadian natural gas producers cut output amid record low price
• Gun buyback pilot to launch in Cape Breton, with plans to expand nationwide
• Canada, Britain and Australia recognize state of Palestine
• Word of the Week: Panacea