Western Context

Mark Carney makes a confusing statement about Israel and Hamas, the US is going to hike softwood lumber duties again, and Alberta wants to change healthcare to an activity-based model. Also, the Liberals’ ties to China are growing more concerning.

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“The PRC is trying to assist Carney. If you think that somehow this influencing campaign stays confined to one community—it doesn’t. The point is to mold opinions, have them spread, and be shared with others. It also doesn’t mean [Carney] is complicit in it. But it does signal [the WeChat posts are] meant to influence and help his campaign. You don’t run positive stuff about a candidate that you want to lose.” – Dennis Molinaro, a former Canadian national security analyst, suggesting that Beijing’s information campaign could spread beyond the Chinese diaspora.

Duration: 1:04:02
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

• Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu rebukes Mark Carney over Gaza comment at rally
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• U.S. set to significantly hike softwood lumber duties against Canada
• Alberta revamping health-care grants to ‘activity-based’ hospital funding system
• Beijing Intelligence Operation Promotes PM Carney’s Strength Against U.S. to Sway Chinese Canadian Voters, Election Monitor Says
• Word of the Week: Sway

Alberta moves to allow municipal political parties, the auditor general fires government employees getting money on the side, and Canada pauses non-lethal exports to Israel. Also, Toronto Police give bad advice to deter car thieves.

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“We might as well leave cookies and milk at the front door along with a note. ‘Dear Mr. Criminal, the keys are in the mailbox, don’t kick my door in.’” – Ontario Premier Doug Ford on the Toronto Police’s advice to keep car keys by the front door to prevent injury during home invasions.

Duration: 56:22
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

• Alberta to introduce legislation allowing political parties on municipal ballots
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• Auditor general’s office discovers three of its own employees earning side money off undisclosed government contracts
• Trudeau government has paused non-lethal military exports to Israel over human rights concerns
• Toronto Police: Just Let the Thieves Steal Your Car
• Word of the Week: Faraday

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

• Conservatives call for ethics probe into Justin Trudeau’s free Jamaican holiday stay
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• Labour Force Survey, December 2023
• Parks Canada letter forces Banff to pause pedestrian zone decision
• Belfry Theatre vandalized in protest over play set in Israel
• Word of the Week: Conversation

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

Canada abstains on a UN resolution against the US. Victoria bans plastic bags, despite better alternatives, and the Alberta NDP decide to let themselves borrow $5b more money. Also, we conclude the year long investigation into Trudeau’s lack of ethics.

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Duration: 47:17
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

• Canada abstains as UN General Assembly backs resolution to nullify U.S. move on Jerusalem
• Ban on plastic bags to start in Victoria July 1 with range of fines
• Alberta government authorizes $37B in borrowing
• Justin Trudeau’s Bahamas vacation broke multiple ethics rules: commissioner
• Word of the Week: Borrow