CANADALAND

Journalists and politicians are honouring Robert Fife, who retired after 48 years. Known for his big scoops, Fife leveraged anonymous sources to hold the powerful accountable. But Fife’s brand of “access journalism” also runs the risk of being used as a political tool. Jan Wong joins Jesse Brown to explain why journalists shouldn’t get too cozy with the politicians they cover.  Host: Jesse BrownCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer and Fact Checking), imogen sayers (Mixing and Mastering), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Jan WongPhoto: Mark BlevisAdditional music by Audio NetworkFurther reading: Ottawa mayor declares June 11 ‘Robert Fife Day’ to honour veteran journalist - The Globe and Mail Robert Fife gives a candid account of some of the biggest stories and issues of his career - The Globe and MailRobert Fife — 2026 Hyman Solomon Award for Excellence in Public Policy Journalism Hear No Evil, Write No Lies | The Walrus  Change is coming to Winkler, ralliers say as southern Manitoba city hosts 1st Pride march | CBC News Weston family-backed digital publication Be Giant launches - The Globe and Mail  Sponsors:Fizz: Visit fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN40 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.Douglas:  Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today.  Visit douglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offer.Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at Shopify.ca If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch at our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Carney’s Liberals are trying to push a whole stack of bills across the finish line–and it’s no small stack. Bail reform, hate crimes, gender-based violence, housing, election financing, digital safety, lawful access, and privacy.Is this what an efficient Parliament looks like? Or is this what it looks like when a very determined Carney turns urgency into pressure, and pressure starts to feel a lot like being yelled at?Host Noor Azrieh asks POLITICO’s Nick Taylor-Vaisey and Mickey Djuric.Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Annie Tuba (Producer) Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), imogen sayers (Mixing and Mastering), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Nick Taylor-Vaisey, Mickey DjuricBackground reading:'He yells': Mark Carney's focus has Liberal MPs bristling – Toronto StarWith just over a week left on the legislative clock, here’s the current state of play in the House of Commons – iPoliticsOttawa moves to ban kids under 16 from social media – CTV News‘We know how to work together’: U.S. Ambassador Hoekstra on partnership with Canada amid CUSMA talks – CTV NewsSponsors: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadalandVisit fizz.ca to learn more about Fizz mobile and its long list of added-value features, and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN40 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.Get ahead of your to-do list with fifteen dollars off your first task at Taskrabbit.ca or on the Taskrabbit app using promo code: canadaland. Did you know we have a monthly supporter exclusive show? Next month on Off The Record, something different: Sam Konnert interviews Jesse Brown following up on what he told us 6 months ago. Did he keep his promises? Also, the deep dive on what the Theresa Kielburger lawsuit means for Canadaland and the story that was lost in the shuffle. Episode out Thursday, July 2.If you want to hear that (or if you want to catch up on all the great episodes of Off The Record you’ve missed!), become a supporter at canadaland.com/join.If you value this podcast, support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. Make sure you’re up to date on our upcoming events by going to canadaland.com/live!Can't get enough Canadaland? Follow us @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram and @Canadaland_Media on TikTok! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This industry is notorious for exploiting interns. Thanks to our supporters, we’ve been able to build a program that does the opposite: pay a fair wage to emerging journalists to work on their own stories, not ours.Applications for the 2026 Canadaland Audio Journalism Fellowship are now open. This is a paid 4-month opportunity in the fall for two journalists to pitch, develop, and produce an original story to be broadcast on our network.Learn more and apply at labs.canadaland.com. Applications close June 30th.Want to keep programs like this alive? Become a supporter before the end of May, and pay just $2. Hurry over to canadaland.com/join. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Canada inches closer to China to escape the US's “global swagger,” do we even know who we're dealing with?As Canada inches closer to China’s “global swagger” to escape the US's orbit, do we even know who we're dealing with? This week, Noor sits down with Jonathan Cheng, The Wall Street Journal's China Bureau Chief, a Canadian who's been based in Beijing since 2019,  to get an inside look at China's current confidence, its trade posture, and what Beijing actually thinks of Canada.Also, Xav Trudeau's "electric" halftime show in Ottawa, a Conservative MP names her grandchild Charlie Kirk, Danielle Smith's refer-referendum, cabinet shuffle rumours, and the controversial surveillance bill that made Signal threaten to leave Canada entirely.Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Jonathan ChengBackground reading:China’s Foreign Minister to visit Canada for the first time in 10 years - The Globe and MailA ‘red line’: Chinese embassy condemns Canadian MP’s visit to TaiwanChina and India among ‘main perpetrators’ of foreign interference, Canada’s spy agency reports - Toronto StarNissan eyes exporting Chinese-made electric cars to Canada - Financial PostOttawa working to get Canadian companies selling goods on Chinese platforms - National - Global NewsOttawa working to get Canadian companies selling goods on Chinese platforms - National - Global NewsSponsors: Visit fizz.ca to learn more about Fizz mobile and its long list of added-value features, and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN40 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadalandGet ahead of your to-do list with fifteen dollars off your first task at Taskrabbit.ca or on the Taskrabbit app using promo code canadaland. Start your business today with the industry’s best business partner, Shopify, and sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at SHOPIFY.CADid you know we have a monthly supporter exclusive show?Off The Record is our monthly call in show and this Thursday, you can call in and chat with Sam Konnert about your favourite story. We’re asking the question:What’s the story that everyone in your community talks about? The one that just never dies.Was it a drunk uncle? Did your classmate get arrested? A rumour that stuck? Maybe your community helped out an individual in need!Just something that, if you bring it up, people go: “oh yeah… that!”Call in is this Thursday, May 28, from 4:30-6:30 Eastern TimeIf you want to catch up on all the great episodes of Off The Record you’ve missed, become a supporter at canadaland.com/join.It’s our biggest sale of the year! Save 80% on a Canadaland subscription and become a supporter for only $2/month. You’ll get all of our podcasts ad-free, free access to our live events, and much, much more. What are you waiting for? Go to Canadaland.com/joinCan't get enough Canadaland? Follow @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram for clips, announcements, explainers and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CBC is pausing its production of an elaborate “prank show” led by Indigenous creators after outrage online. Critics say “Northland Tales” is political activism that has no place on the national broadcaster.But Ryan McMahon joins San Grewal to explain why pranking is fair game, even on the CBC, and why it would be a shame if the show gets cancelled. Host: San GrewalCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer and Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Ryan McMahonFurther reading: CBC pausing production on satirical Indigenous show | CBC NewsLILLEY: CBC hits pause on show targeting RCMP and conservatives - Toronto Sun CBC called out for role in prank interviews of Kamloops residential school grave critics -CBC NewsCBC-funded prank show’s deceptive tactics raise fraud and legal concerns: Lawyer - The Hub'I'm sick to my stomach': Retired RCMP officer details humiliating experience with CBC prank show Taxpayer-funded mockumentary exposed; most legacy media steer clear of graves dissidents - The Rewrite [Substack]Hundreds gather to celebrate Murray Sinclair's legacy with round dance in Winnipeg | CBC News   Sponsors:oxio: Head over to canadaland.oxio.ca and use code CANADALAND for your first month free! Douglas:  Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today.  Visit douglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offer.Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at Shopify.caIt’s our biggest sale of the year! Save 80% on a Canadaland subscription and become a supporter for only $2/month. You’ll get all of our podcasts ad-free, free access to our live events, and much, much more. What are you waiting for? Go to canadaland.com/joinStephen Marche will be interviewing Chrystia Freeland LIVE in Toronto in the first edition of The Nuance, a live event series in partnership with the MNJCC. Join us on Sunday, May 24th at 7pm at the Al Green theatre. Doors open at 6pm. Free for Canadaland supporters, or you can become a supporter at the door for only $2 this month. Seating is first come first served. Find out more at canadaland.com/live Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prime Minister Mark Carney wants to turn Canada into a defence powerhouse — and venture capital is racing to cash in. Host Sam Konnert talks to defence experts and industry insiders about the new military-tech gold rush, and asks: can Silicon Valley mentality fix Canada’s stagnant defence sector, or are we scaling up its worst instincts?CORRECTION: at the 26 minute mark, the reporter mistakenly says Christiane Fox was questioned by Conservative MP Damien Kurek before the public accounts committee. In reality, Fox was questioned by Conservative MP Ned Kuruc.Host: Sam KonnertCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Philippe Lagassé, Samuel Witherspoon, Hugo HodgettBackground reading:Prime Minister Carney launches Canada’s first Defence Industrial Strategy to strengthen security, create prosperity, and reinforce strategic autonomyDefence tech upstart Dominion Dynamics takes aim at the U.S. giants supplying Canada – The LogicThe defence-tech gold rush is testing the limits of venture capital – The LogicCanada's $1-trillion defence commitment: whose future are we defending? – The Hill TimesMeet Eliot Pence, the man turning Canada’s defence procurement upside down – Be GiantDeputy minister says she was 'advancing diversity' when she hired acquaintance – Ottawa CitizenSponsors: Visit fizz.ca to learn more about Fizz mobile and its long list of added-value features, and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN40 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadalandDid you know we have a monthly supporter exclusive show? Last Thursday on Off The Record, we talked about Social media — what you love and hate. As journalists, we are pretty terminally online, so we wanted to know how you balance social media with real life, and you gave us lots of insight. Check it out, if you haven’t already!To listen to that episode (or if you want to catch up on all the great episodes of Off The Record you’ve missed!) become a supporter at canadaland.com/join.It’s our biggest sale of the year! Save 80% on a Canadaland subscription and become a supporter for only $2/month. You’ll get all of our podcasts ad-free, free access to our live events, and much, much more. What are you waiting for? Go to Canadaland.com/joinStephen Marche will be interviewing Chrystia Freeland LIVE in Toronto in the first edition of The Nuance, a live event series in partnership with the MNJCC. Join us on Sunday, May 24th at 7 pm at the Al Green Theatre. Doors open at 6 pm. Free for Canadaland supporters, or you can become a supporter at the door for only $2 this month. Seating is first-come, first-served.Can't get enough Canadaland? Follow @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram for clips, announcements, explainers and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everyone is talking about Drake’s new album ICEMAN (except Canadian media.)Why is Canadian media more interested in the provenance of ice blocks than the next chapter in the career of one of Canada’s biggest stars?Drake is one of Canada’s biggest cultural exports. He represents Canada and Toronto on the global stage, and yet at home he isn’t given the same acclaim as other Canadian icons. Writer and Hip Hop lecturer Dalton Higgins joins to explain why Canada hasn’t fully embraced Drake.Host: Noor AzriehCredits: James Nicholson (Producer), Andrea Varsany (Associate Producer and Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)Guest: Dalton HigginsAdditional music by Audio NetworkFurther reading: Can Drake’s New Album End Rap’s Cold Streak? - WSJDrake's 'Iceman' Arrives at the Most Pivotal Moment of His Career - BoardroomDrake caused another stink in Toronto after smelly seats he froze in ‘Iceman’ stunt were removed from a Raptors game - Toronto StarMeet the family-run Ontario company behind Drake's massive ice sculpture | CBC News Can Drake reconnect with Toronto, the city that once loved him, with his new ‘Iceman’ album? - Toronto Star ‘It’s a real challenge,’ Food insecurity still an emergency in Toronto with food bank use on the rise, report says - NOW Toronto Why some Canadians are using the census to protest against the federal government - CTV News     Sponsors:Douglas:  Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today.  Visit douglas.ca/canadaland to claim this offer.Fizz: Visit fizz.ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN40 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.Squarespace: Check out Squarespace.com/canadaland for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch use code canadaland to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.It’s our biggest sale of the year! Save 80% on a Canadaland subscription and become a supporter for only $2/month. You’ll get all of our podcasts ad-free, free access to our live events, and much, much more. What are you waiting for? Go to Canadaland.com/joinStephen Marche will be interviewing Chrystia Freeland LIVE in Toronto in the first edition of The Nuance, a live event series in partnership with the MNJCC. Join us on Sunday, May 24th at 7pm at the Al Green theatre. Doors open at 6pm. Free for Canadaland supporters, or you can become a supporter at the door for only $2 this month. Seating is first come first served. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NDP Leader Avi Lewis has a massive task ahead of him. When host Noor Azrieh last spoke with him before the leadership election, he said he had a plan. Well, how’s that working out for him? Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: NDP Leader Avi LewisBackground reading:Are you paying more than your neighbour? It could be 'surveillance pricing' – CBC NewsProvincial NDP leaders react to Avi Lewis’ ascension to federal NDP leadership – RabbleSask. and federal NDP clash over stance on fossil fuels in open letter – CBC NewsHere's the 'experiment' NDP Leader Avi Lewis is trying to run in Canadian politics – CBC NewsSponsors: Visit fizz.ca to learn more about Fizz mobile and its long list of added-value features. Activate a first plan using the referral code CAN40 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadalandAnd did you know we have a monthly supporter exclusive show? Last Thursday on Off The Record, we talked about Social media — what you love and hate. As journalists, we are pretty terminally online. We wanted to know how you balance social media with real life, and y’all showed up! Check it out, if you haven’t already.To listen to that episode (or if you want to catch up on all the great episodes of Off The Record you’ve missed!) become a supporter at canadaland.com/join.It’s our biggest sale of the year! Save 80% on a Canadaland subscription and become a supporter for only $2/month. You’ll get all of our podcasts ad-free, free access to our live events, and much, much more. What are you waiting for? Go to Canadaland.com/joinStephen March will be interviewing Chrystia Freeland LIVE in Toronto in the first edition of The Nuance, a live event series in partnership with the MNJCC. Join us on Sunday, May 24th at 7pm at the Al Green theatre. Doors open at 6pm. Free for Canadaland supporters, or you can become a supporter at the door for only $2 this month. Seating is first come first served.Can't get enough Canadaland? Follow @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram for clips, announcements, explainers and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.