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    Serious political discourse for the rest of us.

    The Backbench

    Hosted by Mattea Roach

    Your Twitter feed is a dumpster fire, and dinner table discussions aren’t exactly what they used to be. That’s why in 2024, The Backbench is going to bring the issues that matter into focus — and have fun doing it.

    With the next federal election looming, host Mattea Roach (Jeopardy! Super Champion) and featured guests will help you make sense of Canadian politics with a mix of engaging, myth-busting, rug-pulling analysis and personal stories straight from the mouths of those caught in the crosshairs.

    Latest Episodes Most Popular

    Introducing: The Secret Life of Canada | Sorry not Sorry

    We’re bringing you a special episode of a show we love! The Secret Life of Canada from CBC Podcasts is a podcast about the country you know and the stories you don't.
    July 2, 2024

    #92 The Spy Who Loved MPs

    On June 3, a cross-party committee released a redacted document alleging some parliamentarians have been "semi-witting or witting" participants in the efforts of foreign states to interfere in Canadian politics. 
    June 18, 2024

    #91 Flip-Flopping on Decriminalization

    When B.C. decriminalized small amounts of drugs in January 2023, it was seen as a promising weapon in the battle against the drug crisis. In May, B.C. walked that policy back, saying it caused disorder in the streets.
    June 4, 2024

    #90 Stop, Students What’s That Sound

    When the first group of students parked up at Columbia University, it sparked a movement that has gripped schools across the world. These encampment protests have now gripped universities across Canada- at U of T, U UOttawa, McMaster, U of C, McGill, U of A, UBC, and Dalhousie.  
    May 21, 2024

    #89 Canada’s Exploited Foreign Workers Program

    Temporary foreign workers are relied upon to fill the gaps in the Canadian labour market.
    May 7, 2024

    #88 Conservative Comic-Con

    The Canada Strong and Free conference is one of the biggest events of the year for Canadian conservatives.
    April 23, 2024

    State of Emergency Rooms

    We’re bringing you a special episode today from our friends at Commons. Over thirteen seasons, Commons has exposed Canada’s foundational reliance on monopolies, our addiction to real estate and the dark side of hockey. In their new season, host Arshy Mann is now dissecting the state of work in Canada to ask – how did we get here? And what can we do to fight back?
    April 9, 2024

    #86 The Convoy Keeps Rolling

    When the trucks moved out of Ottawa in 2022, our public discourse changed. Grievance politics thrived, and our political parties adapted.
    March 26, 2024
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