The Backbench

By: CANADALAND
  • Summary

  • If your Twitter feed’s a dumpster fire, and your dinner table discussions aren’t what they used to be, The Backbench has the insights you need on Canada's most important political issues.


    Each Tuesday, we’ll ask bold questions and offer sharp analysis, giving you the tools to challenge any perspective — maybe even your own.


    With the next federal election looming, you’ll want us in your ears and your back pocket.



    The Backbench is made by Noor Azrieh, Aviva Lessard and Sam Konnert.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    2021 CANADALAND
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Episodes
  • Did Jagmeet Singh Miss His Big Chance?
    Jan 28 2025

    When Justin Trudeau stepped down earlier this month, it should have been the perfect opportunity for Jagmeet Singh and the NDP to swing the narrative. To seize control.


    But they haven’t done any of that. What used to be Canada’s worker’s party seems like a shell of its former self. Why can’t they reach voters when everything is up in the air?


    This week Noor sits down with columnist and critic Max Fawcett, and former NDP strategist Mélanie Richer to unpack Singh’s woes.


    Host: Noor Azrieh

    Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)


    Guests: Mélanie Richer, Max Fawcett


    Background reading:

    • The NDP is getting outflanked — again – National Observer
    • Ginny Roth: The NDP don’t take themselves seriously, so why should we? – The Hub
    • Is It Time for Singh to Go? – The Walrus
    • Is Jagmeet Singh’s job at risk in the upcoming election? – iPolitics
    • Singh says NDP still plan to vote to topple Liberals ‘at the earliest opportunity,’ regardless of leader – CTV News



    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.


    You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.




    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    31 mins
  • Introducing: The Copernic Affair
    Jan 22 2025

    The Copernic Affair is available now, wherever you get your podcasts.


    The life of an unassuming sociology professor in Canada gets turned upside down when he is accused of carrying out a 1980 bomb attack on a synagogue in Paris. Hassan Diab says heʼs innocent, but French investigators are determined to prove otherwise.


    Journalists Dana Ballout and Alex Atack take listeners through the twists and turns of this extraordinary story, all the while asking…


    Is Hassan Diab guilty, or is he a scapegoat? And what if one person’s justice means committing an injustice to another?


    You can become a Canadaland supporter to listen to the whole series early and ad-free.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    4 mins
  • Trump Almost Forgot to Bully Us
    Jan 21 2025

    Donald Trump’s back, but Canada is STILL divided on how to respond. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has gone rogue, Doug Ford just wants everyone to look at his cool new hat.


    It’s an economic threat, but also threatens to pull our very identity apart. Are we just supposed to sit and wait? To break it down, Noor welcomes Wall Street Journal reporter Vipal Monga, and UBC lecturer Stewart Prest.


    Host: Noor Azrieh

    Credits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)


    Guests: Vipal Monga, Stewart Prest


    Background reading:

    • Canada’s fight with Trump isn’t just economic, it’s existential – The Conversation
    • Canada Knows Trump Would Win a Trade Fight. It Is Preparing to Retaliate Anyway. – The Wall Street Journal
    • Canada on Trump’s Proposed Union: Thanks, but Let’s Just Be Friends – The Wall Street Journal
    • Canada Suddenly Has No Leader, and No Plan, for a Trump Trade Fight – The Wall Street Journal
    • Alberta premier's Trump visit raises concerns she's flouting Team Canada approach – CBC News
    • Canada ready to buy more American products to appease Trump's tariff threat, ambassador says – AP News


    Sponsors:

    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/canadaland


    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.


    You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.


    Our latest investigation, The Copernic Affair, launches tomorrow on the Canadaland Investigates feed. Follow The Copernic Affair wherever you get your podcasts: https://canadaland.lnk.to/copernic-affair


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    38 mins

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