HANNAFORD: Ottawa is trying to redefine what it means to be Canadian

About this episode

Michael Bonner discusses the federal government's attempt to reshape the narrative of Canadian identity.

Historian and political strategist Michael Bonner believes the federal government is engaged in something more ambitious than updating a handbook for new citizens. In his view, the project amounts to an attempt to reshape the national story itself — to substitute a political vision of Canada for a historical one.

People in this episode

Guest: Michael Bonner

Topics covered

• Canadian identity
• political vision
• national story
• historical narrative
• federal government

Keywords

• Canada
• Ottawa
• Michael Bonner
• national story
• political vision
• historical narrative

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Ottawa

Places: Canada

More episodes of Western Standard Shows

• CORY MORGAN SHOW: Alberta’s referendum is very real · June 13, 2026 · 46 min
• MARTY UP NORTH: Alberta independence: Does $400 billion in startup cost pass the smell test? · June 7, 2026 · 1h 2m
• HANNAFORD: COVID-era pastor says Christians can resist government — but not through violence · June 7, 2026 · 26 min
• THE PIPELINE: Smith’s leadership gets wobbly · June 6, 2026 · 49 min
• CORY MORGAN SHOW: Premier Smith is flirting with political suicide · June 6, 2026 · 46 min
• MARTY UP NORTH: A referendum on a referendum: Danielle Smith’s political tightrope · June 1, 2026 · 1h 2m