Western Context

Chrystia Freeland’s budget includes $43b in new spending, 2023 sees an increase in unprovoked violence, and Danielle Smith speaks with a controversial pastor. Also, Dominic Leblanc’s sister-in-law is appointed as interim ethics commissioner.

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“The public has to believe that ethics are taken seriously, and they have yet to have any big evidence of that since 2018. The (Conflict of Interest) Act has been there for 17 years for God’s sake, so maybe the time has come to do something different so that we don’t keep repeating the same errors. After 17 years, maybe we should realize that something is not working,” – Retiring Ethics Commissioner Mario Dion on the Trudeau government’s repeated ethical transgressions

Duration: 57:47
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

• In Budget 2023, Liberals eye inflation relief ‘without having to write a big cheque’
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• Random murders and police killings, once exceedingly rare, now becoming regular part of Canadian crime landscape
• Danielle Smith her own worst enemy on COVID court cases but that doesn’t make her guilty
• Opposition cries foul after minister’s in-law appointed interim ethics commissioner
• Word of the Week: Unprovoked

A Canadian lithium company is being bought by China, Edmonton city council struggles with transit designs, and a Victoria biologist just wants us to think about the birds. Also, millions are required to renovate 24 Sussex Drive.

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“I could probably make a passable hat using my socks but I’d much rather wear a hat.” – Liberal MP Andy Fillmore on Neo Lithium mining lithium carbonate, not lithium hydroxide, and why it’s ok for a Chinese state-owned company to buy out Neo Lithium.

Duration: 54:45
Hosts: Shane and Patrick

• Conservative party leader O’Toole calls for security review of Chinese takeover of Neo Lithium
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• Edmonton working to address bus network redesign concerns
• New 11-storey building in downtown Victoria could harm birds, biologist says
• The problem with Justin Trudeau’s house: Canadian taxpayers have spent millions on PM’s lodgings, while official residence sits in dire straits
• Word of the Week: Security

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