Western Context

Alberta’s car insurance system could see higher rates, the BC NDP has no money left for their promises, and Poilievre wants to legalize pipelines. Also, a Quebec court reduces a sentence because of the criminal’s skin colour.

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“The opponents of pipelines are using this very cleverly. They’re saying: ‘well we can’t change the rules to allow a pipeline, because there’s no pipeline proposed.’ That’s because the rules don’t allow for pipelines to get built. So let’s get rid of this chicken and egg distraction that the Liberals have imposed.” – Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre on the bottlenecks of Canada.

Duration: 1:02:09
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

• Alberta’s overhaul of the auto insurance system continues. Here’s how much Albertans could be paid out and the latest updates
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• B.C. NDP has promises to keep, but no money to spend
• Poilievre says Carney’s moving in the ‘wrong direction,’ pledges to ‘legalize’ pipelines
• Black man given reduced sentence due to race, Quebec minister worries it sets bad precedent
• Word of the Week: Fault

The Trudeau Liberals give Canadians a 2 month GST holiday, Alberta is looking at a different auto insurance approach, and BC Ferries is looking to raise fares by 30%. Also, Trump tariffs cause chaos in the Canadian media.

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“President Trump has the right to put his workers and his nation’s security first. I will put Canada’s workers and Canada’s security first. We need a Prime Minister with the brains and backbone to stand up for this country.” – Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre on a Canada First plan.

Duration: 1:05:16
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

• Liberals to cut GST on beer, children’s toys and Christmas trees
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• Rate hikes, no-fault claims in new rules pitched for Alberta auto insurance
• BC Ferries warns of potential 30% fare hike as costs rise
• Should Canada retaliate if Trump makes good on 25 per cent tariff threat?
• Word of the Week: Vibecession

The CRTC taxes 5% of streaming giants’ revenues, the UCP asks the public for input on auto insurance, and speed limit reductions in BC show the need for careful city planning. Also, Canadian parliamentarians could be compromised by foreign powers.

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“This week’s Bill C-11 streaming ruling acts as if consumers, competition, and affordability are irrelevant issues that are at best someone else’s concern. The result is that Canadians have been largely removed from broadcasting and Internet policy at the regulator, expected to pay up and shut up.” – Michael Geist on this week’s CRTC ruling.

Duration: 52:51
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

• Foreign streamers must pay into fund to boost Canadian content, CRTC says
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• Premier says ‘no appetite’ for government-run auto insurance despite savings
• Jogger clipped by fast-moving e-bike on E&N Rail trail
• Some Canadian politicians are ‘wittingly’ participating in foreign interference
• Word of the Week: Wittingly

The Federal Court of Appeal rejects a native veto on Trans Mountain, Alberta’s unemployment rate continues to rise, and ICBC is changing to a no-fault system. Also, the Trudeau government tries to put more regulations on Canadian media.

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Duration: 52:44
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

• In a major victory for Trans Mountain, Federal Court dismisses Indigenous appeal of project’s approval
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• Edmonton unemployment rises again, now 2nd highest of any Canadian city: StatsCan
• After ruling it out, Horgan goes for no-fault auto insurance
• Licensing for media companies in Canada would likely be proportionate
• Word of the Week: Protest