

Two years post-launch, B.C.'s "safer supply" program, aimed to curb the overdose crisis, faces scrutiny from Auditor General Michael Pickup for issues with transparency, access, and potential drug diversion. Vancouver Sun's Vaughn Palmer joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the AG's findings, recommendations, and the political response in B.C. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


The "Online Harms Act," a new federal legislation aimed at curbing harmful online content, introduces harsh penalties for severe offenders and raises concerns about its impact on freedom of expression, as discussed by National Post political reporter Catherine Lévesque with host Dave Breakenridge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


Homelessness and homeless encampments are a major issue in many Canadian centres. Ottawa Citizen reporter Andrew Duffy and 10/3 host Dave Breakenridge, explore the diverse causes, municipal responses, government efforts, and the potential benefits of examining international solutions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


Court documents reveal that five Canadians were charged in a massive FBI drug operation, which took down over a dozen alleged traffickers based on the work of an informant who infiltrated the senior ranks. National Post reporter Adrian Humphreys joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss his investigation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


Explicit, AI-generated images of Taylor Swift have reignited the discussion around the nefarious uses of this emerging technology. It has raised questions about how prevalent the problem is, and whether legislation is strong enough to address it. National Post reporter Chris Knight joins the show to discuss cases in Canada, why this is a growing problem, and whether our current laws need to evolve with the technology. Background reading: Canadians have very limited options if fake explicit photos end up on social media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


Tragedy has struck a small Manitoba community with the deaths of five people. A woman, a teen girl and three small children were all killed over the weekend, and the partner of the woman and father of the three kids has been charged in their deaths. Winnipeg Sun reporter Glen Dawkins joins the show to discuss how the investigation unfolded, what police are saying about the case, and what the reaction has been in the community. Background reading: Manitoba man charged with murder in deaths of common-law partner, children and teen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


After weeks of speculation about developments in the case, London police have spoken publicly about its investigation into sexual assault allegations against members of Canada’s 2018 World Juniors team. Five players from that squad have been charged, two years after revelations of a stalled investigation and a lawsuit settled out of court. London Free-Press reporter Dale Carruthers joins host Dave Breakenridge to discuss the history of the case, why we’re seeing charges now, and what police had to say about the six-year delay. Background reading: London police chief apologizes to complainant, defends Hockey Canada probe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


Canada is a big importer of illicit drugs, but many Canadians might not know that we’re also sending shipments of drugs like methamphetamines overseas, to Australia and elsewhere in the south Pacific. This is being driven by gangs in Canada, but also Canadians overseas who are highly ranked in drug trafficking networks. Vancouver Sun crime reporter Kim Bolan joins the show to discuss her investigation into Canadian gangs’ involvement in international drug trafficking networks, what authorities in other countries have to say about the problem, and the human toll once these drugs hit the streets. Background reading: B.C. gangsters at the centre of a global drug trade Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


Critics of the Liberals’ handling of the Freedom Convoy and its occupation of downtown Ottawa in 2022 were handed some vindication this week. The Federal Court of Canada has ruled that the Trudeau government’s use of the Emergencies Act was unconstitutional. National Post political reporter Chris Nardi joins the show to discuss why the court ruled against the Liberals, whether it opens the government to other legal action, and why the government is looking to appeal the ruling. Background reading: Court rules Liberals' use of Emergencies Act was unjustified, unreasonable Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


Outspoken author and academic Jordan Peterson’s legal fight against his profession’s governing body hit a snag in the Ontario Court of Appeal. Peterson was fighting a sanction from the College of Psychologists of Ontario ordering him to undergo remedial social media training. Ontario's highest court declined to hear his appeal of a lower court ruling. National Post reporter Tyler Dawson joins the show to discuss why Peterson was in hot water with the College, what his lawyer tried to argue in court and whether there’s any further recourse. Background reading: Jordan Peterson says he's willing to risk licence over social media training after losing court battle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


Former Alberta premier Rachel Notley announced she is stepping down as the head of Alberta’s NDP. The move, expected after last spring’s election defeat to Danielle Smith’s UCP, sparks a leadership contest that could ultimately shape the progressive movement, not just in Alberta, but in Canada. Calgary Herald columnist Don Braid joins the show to discuss Notley’s legacy, where the provincial party goes from here, and whether the former premier has ambitions beyond Alberta. Background reading: Braid: Rachel Notley announces she’s leaving Alberta NDP leadership, triggering party contest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


The RCMP has been under scrutiny for years, regarding how it performs as community law enforcement, how it manages national policing, and even whether it’s an organization capable of change. Some even wonder whether it’s time to say goodbye to the Mounties as they exist now. National Post political reporter Ryan Tumilty joins the show to discuss what shortcomings have been identified within the RCMP, how that affects its ability to carry out its core mandates, and whether the federal government or top brass are committed to change. Background reading: After 150 years, is it time to say goodbye to the Mounties as we know them? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


For many Canadians, January marks a time when they reconsider their relationship with alcohol. But looking beyond Dry January, is alcohol consumption in Canada something to be worried about? National Post health reporter Sharon Kirkey joins the show to discuss why Canadians may be re-evaluating their drinking, who is actually drinking more, and how doctors are being encouraged to broach the subject with their patients. Background reading: Canadian doctors to screen for risky drinking as polls suggest it's adults who have a problem Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


While Justin Trudeau’s popularity has been waning, and things have been looking up for the Conservatives for quite some time, Pierre Poilievre and the Tories still have to convince Canadians they’re a government in waiting. One new way the Tories have tried to do this has been with a series of videos, putting Poilievre front and centre, some focusing on the leader, some focusing on issues that are resonating with Canadians. But as political communication goes, how effective are they? National Post Parliamentary Bureau Chief Stuart Thomson joins the show to discuss why the Tories are trying this approach, what are the benefits of it, and what pitfalls the party should watch out for Background reading: Poilievre's Conservatives are using the 'selfie' video to remake the Canadian political conversation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


Several months after being charged with counseling people to commit suicide, an Ontario man has been hit with fourteen murder counts. Kenneth Law, who police allege sold sodium nitrite, which can be fatal, via an online store, was charged in the deaths of people ranging in age from 16 to 36. Toronto Sun columnist Joe Warmington joins the show to discuss what police have said about the case, whether they’re investigating other charges and how the case could unfold once it reaches court. Background reading: Alleged suicide 'Chef of Death' charged with 14 counts of murder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


Beer and wine drinkers in Ontario will see more buying options in the coming years, as the province moves to allow sales in corner stores and all grocery stores. Premier Doug Ford, following through on a campaign promise from 2018, made the announcement this week, suggesting it will give consumers more choice and "start treating people like adults." Toronto Sun columnist Brian Lilley joins the show to discuss why the government is making the changes now, when they’ll take effect, and where this puts Ontario compared to other provinces’ liquor sales laws. Background reading: LILLEY: Here's what's good about Doug Ford's booze sale changes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


New information has come to light about the killing of a Canadian Sikh activist in B.C. in June. An indictment filed in New York in the foiled assassination of a Sikh separatist alleges the violence was directed by an Indian government employee, and part of a larger plot that also targeted other separatists in Canada, including Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Vancouver Sun investigative reporter Gordon Hoekstra joins the show to discuss the indictment, what it unveiled about Nijjar’s death and whether Canadian officials. Background reading: U.S. investigation into alleged plot to kill Sikh activist in New York points to ties to slaying of Nijjar in Surrey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


The back and forth between Alberta and Ottawa over energy has ratcheted up a notch. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has invoked her controversial sovereignty act over the federal government’s proposed clean energy regulations, claiming meeting 2035 targets is just not possible. Calgary Sun columnist Rick Bell joins the show to discuss what Smith hopes the sovereignty act will accomplish, how the federal government responded, and what could happen next. Background reading: Bell: Smith plays Alberta sovereignty card, sets up battle with Ottawa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


The federal government unveiled its mid-year fiscal update this week, but its outlook for the government and the country’s economy is less than rosy. The deficit is expected to grow, while economic growth is expected to slow in 2024. National Post political reporter Ryan Tumilty joins the show to discuss what this means for the country’s bottom line, the political ramifications for the government and what measures are in the update to help Canadians. Background reading: 'There is no more fiscal room': Deficits expected to rise as the government projects dark economic clouds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


The killing of a restaurant owner in August caused uproar in the tight-knit community of Owen Sound, Ontario. Sharif Rahman was fatally attacked outside his restaurant, and without arrests in the case, the community is looking for answers. Owen Sound Sun Times reporter Greg Cowan joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the killing, what Rahman meant to the community, and how the community responded. Background reading: Brutal killing of beloved business owner sparks uproar in quiet Ontario city Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


Young Ottawa Senators centre Shane Pinto has been handed a major suspension related to the league’s gambling policy. While it’s not clear what exactly his violation of the rules was, the league says there were suspicious activities on his account on a sports betting app. Postmedia’s Ottawa hockey columnist Bruce Garrioch joins me to discuss the nature of the allegations, why the league leveled such a large penalty and what this says about the NHL’s relationship with sports betting. Background reading: Ottawa Senators forward Shane Pinto suspended 41 games by NHL for gambling Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


The greatest outdoor show on ice returns to Edmonton with the NHL’s Heritage Classic making a stop where it all started 20 years ago. The inaugural event, played on a chilly November evening at Commonwealth Stadium, sparked an idea that has garnered a host of similar games in stadiums across the league. But it wasn’t necessarily a guaranteed success. Postmedia national sports writer Dan Barnes joins the show to discuss where the idea for the Heritage Classic came from, challenges that the Oilers faced with in getting it off the ground, and the legacy of that game in the league now. Background reading: Heritage Classic: The inside story of the NHL's outdoor game Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


The Quebec government has courted controversy with a new tuition policy that some feel unfairly targets Anglophones. The government, meanwhile says it’s vital to help protect the French language in Montreal. Montreal Gazette political reporter Philip Authier joins the show to discuss the policy, which universities it affects and why the government is facing pushback on yet another language policy. Background reading: Tuition increase is not a move against anglophones, Legault insists Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


Alberta won a round in one of its many battles with the federal government after a key piece of legislation was struck down. The Supreme Court ruled Bill C-69, or the Impact Assessment Act, which affected the approval process for major projects on federal land, was unconstitutional. Alberta had challenged it on the basis that it infringed on provincial jurisdiction. Calgary Herald columnist Chris Varcoe joins the show to discuss what made the act so controversial in Alberta, the Court’s reasoning in its decision, and how this all plays into the back and forth between Alberta and the Trudeau government Background reading: Varcoe: 'Stay in your lane' — After victory against Bill C-69, Alberta emboldened in feud with feds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


Six months after a massive heist at Toronto’s airport, a lawsuit is shedding new light on the crime. $20 million in gold and nearly $2 million in cash were nabbed from a cargo facility, and police as yet have not announced any developments in the case. National Post reporter Adrian Humphreys joins the show to discuss the nature of the lawsuit, what it reveals about the heist, and what recourse is being sought. Background reading: New details about $20M Toronto airport gold heist revealed in Brink's suit against Air Canada Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


Just months after announcing the decriminalization of possession of all drugs, the B.C. government unveiled legislation aimed at curbing open-air drug use. The plan has been met with criticism from harm reduction proponents and skepticism from the NDP government’s political opponents. Vancouver Sun legislative reporter Katie DeRosa joins the show to discuss the motivation behind the law, what locations are being targeted, and how the government reconciles this move with its past announcement on decriminalization. Background reading: Proposed B.C. law would make drug use illegal in almost all public spaces Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


Albertans were given a grim reminder of the dangers that can lurk in the backcountry with the fatal grizzly attack that took the lives of two experienced outdoors people. The attack, in a remote area of Banff National Park, was believed to be predatory in nature and also saw the death of the couple’s dog. Calgary Herald reporter Bill Kaufmann joins the show to walk us through the attack, what’s believed to have caused the bear’s aggression, and what experts say about whether more can be done to prevent bear-human encounters. Background reading: Couple emptied bear spray can in battling grizzly that killed them, relative says Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


Wab Kinew and the NDP steamrolled the PCs in Manitoba this week to win a convincing electoral majority. Kinew becomes the first First Nations premier of a Canadian province, and Heather Stefanson has resigned as leader of the PCs. National Post reporter Tristin Hopper joins the show to discuss why Stefanson failed to resonate with voters, where the PCs stumbled during the campaign, and how the NDP was able to capitalize on that. Background reading: One of Canada's weirdest-ever 11th hour re-election pitches Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


Canada stumbled into an international incident after parliament honoured a Ukrainian vet who fought on the side of the Nazis in the Second World War. This has created problems not just for the Liberal government, but for our Ukrainian allies. National Post columnist Tasha Kheiriddin joins the show to discuss why the Liberals response to the incident was problematic, the fallout internationally and why this government struggles on international relations Background reading: Tasha Kheiriddin: Trudeau's handling of Rota affair has very real implications for Ukraine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


Should Alberta go alone, and split from the Canada Pension Plan, even if it means taking half the total funds for the whole of the CPP with it? That’s the question being asked in Alberta right now as the UCP government looks to consult Albertans in advance of a potential referendum on the issue. Calgary Sun columnist Rick Bell joins the show to discuss why the province is considering it’s own pension plan, what the cost would be, and why some are skeptical of the figures in the province’s own report Background reading: Alberta deserves more than half CPP assets if it exits program: report Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices