Western Context 451 – Set Me Free

Chrystia Freeland resigns to accept an economic role in Ukraine, Rebecca Schulz resigns as Alberta environment minister, and David Eby wants a refinery instead of a pipeline. Also, the Cape Breton gun buyback pilot brings in only 25 guns. Hosts: Shane and Patrick Duration: 55:41 For detailed show notes visit westerncontext.ca.

We look at 2025’s news stories, including consequential elections, possible pipelines, numerous union strikes, trade talks, and the ascension of Prime Minister Mark Carney. We also go over our favourite pictures, quotes, words and episodes of the year. Hosts: Shane and Patrick Duration: 1:03:40 For detailed show notes visit westerncontext.ca.

A BC college loses its credentials, Danielle Smith speaks candidly about immigration, and the happiness of Canada’s youth plummets. Also, a US trade deal is not on the horizon. Hosts: Shane and Patrick Duration: 1:03:54 For detailed show notes visit westerncontext.ca.

David Eby backtracks on indigenous reconciliation, Alberta’s job creation lowers unemployment, and the CRA spends $18M on a chatbot that doesn’t work. Also, another floor crossing shows the importance of foreign interference coverage. Hosts: Shane and Patrick Duration: 1:10:23 For detailed show notes visit westerncontext.ca.

John Rustad eventually resigns as BC Conservative Leader, the UCP AGM reaffirms Danielle Smith’s opposition to federal overreach, and Canada steps into the EU tent on defence. Also, a Canadian company sells military APCs to ICE. Hosts: Shane and Patrick Duration: 1:02:54 For detailed show notes visit westerncontext.ca.

Nutrien decides to export through Washington instead of BC, more UCP MLAs are facing recall campaigns, and the Dakota Nations sue for title over southwest Manitoba. Also, a memorandum sets the conditions for a west coast pipeline. Hosts: Shane and Patrick Duration: 1:01:39 For detailed show notes visit westerncontext.ca.

The gun buyback pilot in Cape Breton produces only 22 guns, the notwithstanding clause gets misinterpreted by the media in Alberta, and BC cancels its EV mandate and rebate. Also, Canada looks at the Saab Gripen instead of the F-35. Hosts: Shane and Patrick Duration: 1:03:06 For detailed show notes visit westerncontext.ca.

The media ignores internal Liberal infighting, Carney approves more major projects, and the Alberta NDP turns to Americans for public relations. Also, a DND directive that would see public service members trained by the military quietly gets scrapped. Hosts: Shane and Patrick Duration: 1:10:14 For detailed show notes visit westerncontext.ca.

Carney’s budget promises capital spending and a huge deficit, David Eby declares BC wants no pipeline to the north coast, and Alberta faces rural redistricting issues. Also, a Nova Scotia MP crosses the floor to the Liberals. Hosts: Shane and Patrick Duration: 1:09:48 For detailed show notes visit westerncontext.ca.

Mark Carney threatens an election if his budget doesn’t pass, Alberta uses the notwithstanding clause to end the teacher’s strike, and David Eby continues to force his reconciliation policies through. Also, Carney thaws Canada’s relationship with China. Hosts: Shane and Patrick Duration: 1:08:33 For detailed show notes visit westerncontext.ca.