Politics for the rest of us.

The Backbench

Hosted by Noor Azrieh

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.

 

Latest Episodes Most Popular

#99 Canada’s Gutless Palestine Policy

While world leaders meet and Israel’s war on Gaza spreads, Canadian MPs are at odds over recognizing a Palestinian state.
October 1, 2024

#98 Parliament is Back and More Childish Than Ever

Male bravado, tearing up friendship contracts and begging your enemies for support. Canadian politics – or the new season of Love Island? Tune in to make sense of the messy year ahead.
September 24, 2024

#97 What Trudeau’s Housing Minister Has to Say for Himself

This week, host Mattea Roach asks the hard-hitting questions about mistakes the Liberals have made, and how they plan to fix it.
September 10, 2024

#96 Politics and Violent Threats: It’s Getting Worse

Harassment of MPs has risen around 800% in the past five years. One-off threats can so easily turn to real violence. Many leaders are calling it quits — saying it’s just too much.
August 27, 2024

#95 How Poilievre Will Win YOUR Vote

Pierre Poilievre isn’t just on the campaign trail, he’s pounding the pavement. And by jove, he’s following it all the way to the top of the polls relying on several rhyming promises.
August 13, 2024

#94 Can Kamala Save Canada from Trump?

Two team Canadas… two wildly different levels of athleticism. While our athletes head to Paris, our politicians are flooding to the USA to promote Canadian interests in a wildly turbulent time.
July 30, 2024

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
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