Boy, were to begin ... Carney the technocrat has ideas?? The CPC hasn't said what it would do if elected??? - even you two admit that what they have said has been stolen by the LPC as a new idea and plan.
Buy military equipment? We call the US and offer to buy off the shelf from them IN EXCHANGE for no tariffs - you couldn't come up with that? Carney hasn't either???
As far as Carney goes, Mr 'i'm watching paint dry and giving the play by play' candidate not only refuses to answer questions honestly (Brookfield anyone?) but he bristles when he is asked questions he doesn't like - way to go Mark! you are thin skinned and boring what a great Canadian politician! Dad voice? He reminds me of the teacher in Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
Canadians are concerned about their personal economy, not the US President. We want to se a Canadian Dream that we can get behind - build pipelines, build homes, build infrastructure, cut debt, cut taxes, get rid of supply management (don't get me started on that one!), get the technocrats and government officials out of the way and, by the way, cut the federal civil service by 25% on day one - not boots on the ground but the high priced paper pushers - and similar. Oh wait, that is the CPC proposals, what was I thinking.
I realize that voters are not well informed but do you REALLY THINK that the majority will simply pretend that they woke up in the shower after the last 10 years and forget the damage and, frankly, ten lost years and elect the LPC this year????????????????
If I were the US there’s no way I would sell Canada the latest military gear. It may be used against them. Canada would probably get a better deal with Warsaw pact surplus weaponry.
I was being facetious. But yes there are alternatives. The French had the Mirage aircraft (Do the Israelis still use them?) the Swedes had the Saab Viggen?, there are H&K and MAS rifles plus whatever the Brits use, etc. I wasn’t aware of Japan and South Korea armaments.
You don't understand why people are calling for Gretzky's head? It's pretty straightforward, they already believed that Drumpf was the second coming of Hitl0r, the 51st state bullshit has pushed them over the edge. To them it's *literally* 1939, we're Poland, and Gretzky is friends with the moustache man.
I understand why people hate Trump, fine, but this is what TDS is: when the hatred clouds your judgement and causes an irrational response, often one of spiteful self-harm.
An experiment : try to tell someone about Sam Cooper's reporting on the actually existing Canadian fentanyl problem. You will likely be branded a traitorous magat appeaser
I’m aware of Cooper’s reporting and think there is at least some merit there. I also don’t believe the Trump administration actually cares about the fentanyl situation. That is a smokescreen. Regarding the left in Canada getting a free pass calling anyone they disagree with Nazis, fascists or whatever phobe it’s time for everyone to kindly push back against that. “No PP is not a Nazi and all his supports are not Nazi apologists”. “I’m anti 51st state but stop with that”. We need to stop being so terrified of the cancellors in this country and ceding the public discourse. Use intellectual arguments and kindly push back.
"...it’s time for everyone to kindly push back against that."
Even responding to ideological dogmatism grants it more dignity than its pretensions deserve. Just ignore the provocations (that's all they are; they aren't invitations to dialogue, 'intellectual' or otherwise). This is why we need free speech: it allows non-nimble thinkers to identify themselves so we know whose judgment we can safely ignore.
I think the ignoring has been part of the problem. I don’t think one should always get in the mud and get dirty with a long back and forth but instead provide concise denunciations. “Police aren’t perfect but they are not all bastards” “I’m not a Nazi, that’s ridiculous” ect
Sure. I'm not suggesting we remain mute, only that extended interaction with committed ideologues is pointless. You can't really converse with them, in the sense of engaging in a joint quest for truth where information is exchanged and everyone is open to input. Every 'conversation' for an ideologue is simply an exercise in making his way forward--over, around or through every obstacle--to the conclusion he knows in advance he has to reach. Typically, ideologically captured websites don't even have discussion forums like this one: why would they risk 'platforming' dissenting views? "We don't need any help with The Narrative, thanks," is the message; "your role is to consume and obey."
As Nietzsche observed, "Every man repays careful study, but not every man is worth talking to." That's all I'm suggesting here. We can afford to save 'pushing back' for the ballot box. That's where it matters.
I think that is important nuance and yes some people are unfortunately beyond being reached. I do think sometimes you can plant a seed with someone and down the road they become less ideologically intrenched, in part, due to a previous conversation that initially appeared to be an abject failure.
That's Enlightenment optimism in a nutshell, and as a retired reference librarian whose entire career consisted of trying to connect people with the most reliable information possible I'm of course sympathetic to it. The major premise underlying Enlightenment thinking (which gave us public libraries and universal public education in the first place) is that individuals given access to information and left free of tyrannical interference would naturally make rational decisions that furthered their own best interest. This is turn would lead to a society in which everyone's best interests would be maximized. It's an attractive idea, and it works to a certain extent. It would have worked better than it has if the average person were an Enlightenment philosopher.
Unfortunately, that's not generally the case. People routinely make decisions that aren't in their best interest at all, and the phenomenon of people for whom everything education could do has been tried and failed is discouragingly widespread. Schopenhauer warned that we need to be aware when we're no longer dealing with someone's reason but his will—he WILL not understand us—and this is something one encounters repeatedly. So, sure, plant a seed if you can, but don't expect many of those seeds to germinate. In my experience, logical arguments and appeals to evidence employed in debates with ideologues resonate only with non-ideologues who'd cite the same evidence and arguments themselves.
I don’t understand why Matt doesn’t understand the Gretzky reaction.
Or to put it in another way, I don’t understand how Matt can say Canada faces an existential threat and then be surprised that Canadians are turning on an ex pat who is apparently great friends with that threat.
Small piece of push back for Matt on the Gretzky stuff (yes I know there are vastly more important issues). I agree with everything Matt said except that Gretzky came to rep his country. He didn’t even look at the Canadian bench but gave thumbs up and smiles to the US bench. He did an objectively awful job as honourary captain and didn’t seem to rep Canada at all. I don’t think Gretzky should be cancelled, statues torn down or everything he’s done automatically discredited but I found his performance curious.
Re the whole "why isn't anyone speaking up for Canada?" bit: did we speak up for Greenland? I take the whole "we deserve it" bit - and agree- but i find it ironic how even that answer hides and deflects from us taking any responsibility for the very thing we are complaining others aren't doing, when the situation is reversed. And i've never even heard anyone ask this
Fair point. Canada should have spoken up for Panama, Greenland and Mexico but the difference is the history with the UK and us technically being part of the commonwealth.
All those "cheap" ships you can get offshore? Well that quoted price is basically the cost of welding slabs of steel together to form a hull. You want plumbing? $! You want electrical? $$! You want radars and engines? $$$! You want weapons? $$$$$$$$$$$!
In addition, you want maintenance and refits of that shiny ship you bought? Well get in line Canada because your priority is not our priority. You don't have a yard capable of doing the work? Well maybe you should have thought of that prior to buying offshore. But give us enough money and we'll help you out! $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$!
A little history lesson. In 1998, HMCS Ottawa left Saint John Shipbuilding in NB. She was the last of 12 frigates being built for the RCN. At that time Canada had a worked up and experienced shipyard that had cut the build time of a frigate by 18 months. The workers were able and ready for more work. And work was available because the RCN's two Supply Ships and 4 AAW Destroyers were closing in on 30 years of age. The Canadian Coast Guard's only major polar ice breaker was reaching 50 years of age. The entire GoC fleet was in dire need of renewal. But the GoC decided that it wasn't the time for that and the yard was shut and the workers drifted off with the wind.
I'm sure that Stephen Harper was not pleased with the state of the GoC fleet and did what I think was the most important thing that he ever did for Canada, initiate the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). To their credit the Trudeau Liberals kept that program and despite the hiccups it is about to bear fruit. To shut the whole thing down and go offshore right now would be the cherry on top of stupid shit this country has done over the years.
Oh on a final note, they way we cost procurement is fubard. That 70 billion for the River Class Destroyers? Well that cost includes the food, fuel, and wages of the crew over the life of the ship! Chew on that for a bit before folks pull their hair out on the costs.
Canada stood up the world's fourth largest navy by the time the Second World War was done. And kept the domestic shipbuilding industry going for 40 years through loan guarantees and ship purchases.
We can build anything we want, it just takes investment and commitment and contracts. The penny-wise, pound-foolish approach of the bankers and accountants has left us in a precarious position. "Just buy it cheap overseas" is short-term thinking.
The Drummond Report! What a reference. Next week you need to shout out The MacDonald Commission (look it up, kids).
The reason no Ontario Conservatives love Doug Ford is the same reason no Ontario Liberals/Dippers hate him - he's no Mike Harris. And I'm with Matt - zero percent chance he does anything with this new mandate. We will continue along fiscally adrift for the foreseeable future with the only question being whether the next cheques will be for $250 or $500 rather than just $200 - inflation, don't ya' know.
Hi, Jen. Lobster season in the Halifax area is over in June, but lobster pounds keep lobster that they sell after the season ends. Also, lobster season in Cape Breton is open from May to July so you can order lobster from there! The very best lobster comes the Cape Breton communities of Main à Dieu and Louisbourg! So the bottom line is that you should have no problem getting lobster.
Doug “Mr Wonderful II” (Kevin O'Leary was the first) Ford. After his third term? Why, he will run for Prime Minister, of course. And the Party won’t matter. Whichever one will improve his odds.
Not voting. I do feel one should vote if only for other alternatives like the Blue Party. But it’s a personal choice. I realize that the candidates for all the major parties are “ Unsullied” connected eunuchs vetted to the teeth by their parties and leadership so it’s a choice between Tweedledee and Tweedledum. (Kind of like elections in the former Soviet Union) and yes it’s a waste of money just like JTs similar attempt at a majority a few years earlier. But out of respect for your ancestors who died fighting tyranny two generations ago, I believe one should make the effort. It might even be nice if one picked the candidate who most represented the values of his/her ancestors. One can always dream…
Jen believes Canada has chosen to fritter away its strength. I see it as choosing to be a gazelle in the animal kingdom. Every day the lion wakes up knowing he has to be faster than the slowest gazelle. And every day the gazelle wakes up knowing he has to be faster than the fastest lion. So you had better start running the instant you wake up. You can try to sit on your hindquarters and point to another gazelle with statements like “Mexico produces more Fentanyl” but IMHO that won’t get you very far.
By his reaction to tough questions, Carney demonstrates he’s only an adult in the room when he’s in control and his emotional dependence is being satisfied, much like Trump whose neediness was on full display in the Oval Office meeting with Zelensky. Carney is also adopting the Presidents’ psychopathic lying method to deflect legitimate questions. Does Canada want or need a Trump wannabe? Definitely not!
A fat cat liar north of the 49th. and a cowardly bully to the south- the rest of the world must be wondering why North Americans can’t find honest positive leaders.
Not saying there isn't BS there, but part of municipal permits for trucking certain things is for oversize / overweight loads.
Since municipalities own, and have the records and inspections / maintained of most roads and bridges, there is good reason why they would be responsible for checking that the planned load won't collapse a bridge / fit under and underpass.
There is a lot of room to switch to a 'default approved' mindset, but there are still important checks to do in a lot of areas. The blanket simplification is DOGE mindset.
Matt - not voting :( I’m not sure I can describe how disappointed I am. If you, who are employed by being informed of the politics of the day, can’t be bothered to vote - if only to spoil a ballot, we are in bad shape. We typically have one opportunity to meaningfully impact our government. When you give that up, I’m not sure why any government should care what you think about the work they do good or bad. Sorry man, that was a bad call, not saying the options are great, but there are options, and the system only works if informed people make choices. Sitting on your hands effectively say’s “do whatever you want” and that’s certainly not been the vibe I get from this podcast.
My opinion isn’t worth much more than a fart in the wind. I’m sad that seems to be your opinion of your own vote in choosing a government or your local representative
Matt I totally appreciate your decision to not participate in the recent Ontario election. I have voted municipally, provincially, and federally in every election since turning 18 in 1980 (my first and only time voting for a Trudeau), and like you I could not bring myself to vote for any of the choices. I am not criticizing your decision but I solved my dilemma by showing up at the polling station and declining my ballot. It confirmed my support for democracy while at the same time verifying my disdain for Ford's decision to mount an unnecessary election. Love your podcasts.
I’ll never pass judgement on those who refuse to exercise their franchise on election day. Some have legitimate reasons that to them, is a protest against the thin gruel on the ballot.
As for myself, I have been blessed to know war veterans who came back from two world wars and have seen enough Canadian War Graves cemeteries to view my franchise as a gift, given to me by brave people who took on a great responsibility and delivered. The least I can do is show up on election day and give them a small payback.
I deliberately chose to NOT vote in the last federal election. That was the first time in my life (I am now 74) that I did not vote and I do not regret my symbolic act. It didn't change anything but I avoided being in an odious group when at the end of the campaign, the winners and losers intone, "The people have chosen." In that particular campaign I was of the opinion that ALL of the "major" [even the NDP] were promising things against my province and I wouldn't be part of that.
My point is, non-voting is a choice and if someone thinks that is a bad choice then they had best ensure that better choices are offered.
I have never been on the ‘voting should be mandatory’ side of the fence.
Some folks don’t vote because they have looked at the candidates and rather than spoiling the ballot they choose not to vote.
Others don’t vote because they don’t care. I am truly glad that these folks don’t vote. They obviously are not going to take the time to examine the policies of the candidates and vote for the best choice.
One of my good friends voted for an NDP candidate because he was good looking. (I really wish she had had better voting criterion)
Regarding your last comment, about becoming a republic of the British government gets Canada’s King to reject a Canadian request.
This would be a major overstep by the British government because King Charles is King of Canada entirely separately from being King of Great Britain. It would be direct interference in Canada’s *internal* head of state. So you’re right, it would be time for some “asshole nation” action.
But not to the point of fatally harming ourselves.
Asshole nation might need to punch itself in the face from time to time just to prove that we are serious, but that doesn’t extend to shooting ourselves in the face.
Opening up the constitution in the middle of this crisis would be downright suicidal for reasons I think we all understand.
The constitution needs to be opened out for several reasons, and the timing will never be convenient. So, why wait. Perhaps after the Western Provinces have had their referenda, then the timing might be convenient ?
For the same reason that Ukraine would be stupid to start building a massive infrastructure project involving high speed rail and a space programme.
It’s a highly complex project with difficult decisions and even if you do everything right, you’ve got an a hole authoritarian neighbour whose word doesn’t mean squat and doesn’t honour his country’s agreements or treaties who will try to blow up your project at the most in opportune time to harm your country and benefit his own.
Re His Majesty: There is only one person who has abrogated their responsibility regarding the Charles III speaking publicly for his Kingdom, Canada. That person is Justin Trudeau. No one else. Furthermore, your suggestion that our King should interrupt the State Dinner being hosted by the UK King for the UK Government is embarrassing.
1. Ships and submarines: Produced overseas (not US) maintained in Canada. Significant part of the procurement costs for any naval construction project is the the cost to maintain and operate the equipment. This solution gives the RCN capable warships, while keeping a large portion of the funds in Canada.
a. Examples BAE builds the River Class. The Danes have excellent small Frigate and Corvette designs. The UK are working on Long range large UUVs and would likely leap an offer to partner with them. Japan and France both make excellent longer range conventional submarines, that have AIP options, the endurance (70 days plus) and the weapons load (30 +) we need
Alternately, arranged for one of the UK, European, Japanese or Korean shipbuilding firms to buy and operate of the Canadian Yards.
Designing and building warships is no place of hobbyists or armatures.
2. Weapons, Aircraft and other systems systems. Absolutely go with other countries, where possible have them partner with Canadian manufactures. All systems come with strings attached . US systems come with hawsers.
SAAB already was ready to build Fighters in Canada. They also have MPA and AEW aircraft designs that use Bombardier jets as their base.
Boy, were to begin ... Carney the technocrat has ideas?? The CPC hasn't said what it would do if elected??? - even you two admit that what they have said has been stolen by the LPC as a new idea and plan.
Buy military equipment? We call the US and offer to buy off the shelf from them IN EXCHANGE for no tariffs - you couldn't come up with that? Carney hasn't either???
As far as Carney goes, Mr 'i'm watching paint dry and giving the play by play' candidate not only refuses to answer questions honestly (Brookfield anyone?) but he bristles when he is asked questions he doesn't like - way to go Mark! you are thin skinned and boring what a great Canadian politician! Dad voice? He reminds me of the teacher in Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
Canadians are concerned about their personal economy, not the US President. We want to se a Canadian Dream that we can get behind - build pipelines, build homes, build infrastructure, cut debt, cut taxes, get rid of supply management (don't get me started on that one!), get the technocrats and government officials out of the way and, by the way, cut the federal civil service by 25% on day one - not boots on the ground but the high priced paper pushers - and similar. Oh wait, that is the CPC proposals, what was I thinking.
I realize that voters are not well informed but do you REALLY THINK that the majority will simply pretend that they woke up in the shower after the last 10 years and forget the damage and, frankly, ten lost years and elect the LPC this year????????????????
We already have a "no tarrifs" agreement, signed by Trump. Why do you think he would honour a second one any more.
And buying US military gear, especially anything sophisticated, just gives them more leverage over us. Why would we do that?
If I were the US there’s no way I would sell Canada the latest military gear. It may be used against them. Canada would probably get a better deal with Warsaw pact surplus weaponry.
South Korea and Japan make perfectly reasonable stuff. Certain things from various places in Europe...
I was being facetious. But yes there are alternatives. The French had the Mirage aircraft (Do the Israelis still use them?) the Swedes had the Saab Viggen?, there are H&K and MAS rifles plus whatever the Brits use, etc. I wasn’t aware of Japan and South Korea armaments.
You don't understand why people are calling for Gretzky's head? It's pretty straightforward, they already believed that Drumpf was the second coming of Hitl0r, the 51st state bullshit has pushed them over the edge. To them it's *literally* 1939, we're Poland, and Gretzky is friends with the moustache man.
I understand why people hate Trump, fine, but this is what TDS is: when the hatred clouds your judgement and causes an irrational response, often one of spiteful self-harm.
An experiment : try to tell someone about Sam Cooper's reporting on the actually existing Canadian fentanyl problem. You will likely be branded a traitorous magat appeaser
I’m aware of Cooper’s reporting and think there is at least some merit there. I also don’t believe the Trump administration actually cares about the fentanyl situation. That is a smokescreen. Regarding the left in Canada getting a free pass calling anyone they disagree with Nazis, fascists or whatever phobe it’s time for everyone to kindly push back against that. “No PP is not a Nazi and all his supports are not Nazi apologists”. “I’m anti 51st state but stop with that”. We need to stop being so terrified of the cancellors in this country and ceding the public discourse. Use intellectual arguments and kindly push back.
"...it’s time for everyone to kindly push back against that."
Even responding to ideological dogmatism grants it more dignity than its pretensions deserve. Just ignore the provocations (that's all they are; they aren't invitations to dialogue, 'intellectual' or otherwise). This is why we need free speech: it allows non-nimble thinkers to identify themselves so we know whose judgment we can safely ignore.
I think the ignoring has been part of the problem. I don’t think one should always get in the mud and get dirty with a long back and forth but instead provide concise denunciations. “Police aren’t perfect but they are not all bastards” “I’m not a Nazi, that’s ridiculous” ect
Sure. I'm not suggesting we remain mute, only that extended interaction with committed ideologues is pointless. You can't really converse with them, in the sense of engaging in a joint quest for truth where information is exchanged and everyone is open to input. Every 'conversation' for an ideologue is simply an exercise in making his way forward--over, around or through every obstacle--to the conclusion he knows in advance he has to reach. Typically, ideologically captured websites don't even have discussion forums like this one: why would they risk 'platforming' dissenting views? "We don't need any help with The Narrative, thanks," is the message; "your role is to consume and obey."
As Nietzsche observed, "Every man repays careful study, but not every man is worth talking to." That's all I'm suggesting here. We can afford to save 'pushing back' for the ballot box. That's where it matters.
I think that is important nuance and yes some people are unfortunately beyond being reached. I do think sometimes you can plant a seed with someone and down the road they become less ideologically intrenched, in part, due to a previous conversation that initially appeared to be an abject failure.
That's Enlightenment optimism in a nutshell, and as a retired reference librarian whose entire career consisted of trying to connect people with the most reliable information possible I'm of course sympathetic to it. The major premise underlying Enlightenment thinking (which gave us public libraries and universal public education in the first place) is that individuals given access to information and left free of tyrannical interference would naturally make rational decisions that furthered their own best interest. This is turn would lead to a society in which everyone's best interests would be maximized. It's an attractive idea, and it works to a certain extent. It would have worked better than it has if the average person were an Enlightenment philosopher.
Unfortunately, that's not generally the case. People routinely make decisions that aren't in their best interest at all, and the phenomenon of people for whom everything education could do has been tried and failed is discouragingly widespread. Schopenhauer warned that we need to be aware when we're no longer dealing with someone's reason but his will—he WILL not understand us—and this is something one encounters repeatedly. So, sure, plant a seed if you can, but don't expect many of those seeds to germinate. In my experience, logical arguments and appeals to evidence employed in debates with ideologues resonate only with non-ideologues who'd cite the same evidence and arguments themselves.
I don’t understand why Matt doesn’t understand the Gretzky reaction.
Or to put it in another way, I don’t understand how Matt can say Canada faces an existential threat and then be surprised that Canadians are turning on an ex pat who is apparently great friends with that threat.
Small piece of push back for Matt on the Gretzky stuff (yes I know there are vastly more important issues). I agree with everything Matt said except that Gretzky came to rep his country. He didn’t even look at the Canadian bench but gave thumbs up and smiles to the US bench. He did an objectively awful job as honourary captain and didn’t seem to rep Canada at all. I don’t think Gretzky should be cancelled, statues torn down or everything he’s done automatically discredited but I found his performance curious.
Re the whole "why isn't anyone speaking up for Canada?" bit: did we speak up for Greenland? I take the whole "we deserve it" bit - and agree- but i find it ironic how even that answer hides and deflects from us taking any responsibility for the very thing we are complaining others aren't doing, when the situation is reversed. And i've never even heard anyone ask this
Fair point. Canada should have spoken up for Panama, Greenland and Mexico but the difference is the history with the UK and us technically being part of the commonwealth.
We show up for no one and expect everyone to love us.
Re: Shipbuilding
All those "cheap" ships you can get offshore? Well that quoted price is basically the cost of welding slabs of steel together to form a hull. You want plumbing? $! You want electrical? $$! You want radars and engines? $$$! You want weapons? $$$$$$$$$$$!
In addition, you want maintenance and refits of that shiny ship you bought? Well get in line Canada because your priority is not our priority. You don't have a yard capable of doing the work? Well maybe you should have thought of that prior to buying offshore. But give us enough money and we'll help you out! $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$!
A little history lesson. In 1998, HMCS Ottawa left Saint John Shipbuilding in NB. She was the last of 12 frigates being built for the RCN. At that time Canada had a worked up and experienced shipyard that had cut the build time of a frigate by 18 months. The workers were able and ready for more work. And work was available because the RCN's two Supply Ships and 4 AAW Destroyers were closing in on 30 years of age. The Canadian Coast Guard's only major polar ice breaker was reaching 50 years of age. The entire GoC fleet was in dire need of renewal. But the GoC decided that it wasn't the time for that and the yard was shut and the workers drifted off with the wind.
I'm sure that Stephen Harper was not pleased with the state of the GoC fleet and did what I think was the most important thing that he ever did for Canada, initiate the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). To their credit the Trudeau Liberals kept that program and despite the hiccups it is about to bear fruit. To shut the whole thing down and go offshore right now would be the cherry on top of stupid shit this country has done over the years.
Oh on a final note, they way we cost procurement is fubard. That 70 billion for the River Class Destroyers? Well that cost includes the food, fuel, and wages of the crew over the life of the ship! Chew on that for a bit before folks pull their hair out on the costs.
Canada stood up the world's fourth largest navy by the time the Second World War was done. And kept the domestic shipbuilding industry going for 40 years through loan guarantees and ship purchases.
We can build anything we want, it just takes investment and commitment and contracts. The penny-wise, pound-foolish approach of the bankers and accountants has left us in a precarious position. "Just buy it cheap overseas" is short-term thinking.
The last paragraph. The Liebranos and leftists like that because it helps to whip up the anti-build hysteria.
The Drummond Report! What a reference. Next week you need to shout out The MacDonald Commission (look it up, kids).
The reason no Ontario Conservatives love Doug Ford is the same reason no Ontario Liberals/Dippers hate him - he's no Mike Harris. And I'm with Matt - zero percent chance he does anything with this new mandate. We will continue along fiscally adrift for the foreseeable future with the only question being whether the next cheques will be for $250 or $500 rather than just $200 - inflation, don't ya' know.
Hi, Jen. Lobster season in the Halifax area is over in June, but lobster pounds keep lobster that they sell after the season ends. Also, lobster season in Cape Breton is open from May to July so you can order lobster from there! The very best lobster comes the Cape Breton communities of Main à Dieu and Louisbourg! So the bottom line is that you should have no problem getting lobster.
Where to begin?
Doug “Mr Wonderful II” (Kevin O'Leary was the first) Ford. After his third term? Why, he will run for Prime Minister, of course. And the Party won’t matter. Whichever one will improve his odds.
Not voting. I do feel one should vote if only for other alternatives like the Blue Party. But it’s a personal choice. I realize that the candidates for all the major parties are “ Unsullied” connected eunuchs vetted to the teeth by their parties and leadership so it’s a choice between Tweedledee and Tweedledum. (Kind of like elections in the former Soviet Union) and yes it’s a waste of money just like JTs similar attempt at a majority a few years earlier. But out of respect for your ancestors who died fighting tyranny two generations ago, I believe one should make the effort. It might even be nice if one picked the candidate who most represented the values of his/her ancestors. One can always dream…
Jen believes Canada has chosen to fritter away its strength. I see it as choosing to be a gazelle in the animal kingdom. Every day the lion wakes up knowing he has to be faster than the slowest gazelle. And every day the gazelle wakes up knowing he has to be faster than the fastest lion. So you had better start running the instant you wake up. You can try to sit on your hindquarters and point to another gazelle with statements like “Mexico produces more Fentanyl” but IMHO that won’t get you very far.
By his reaction to tough questions, Carney demonstrates he’s only an adult in the room when he’s in control and his emotional dependence is being satisfied, much like Trump whose neediness was on full display in the Oval Office meeting with Zelensky. Carney is also adopting the Presidents’ psychopathic lying method to deflect legitimate questions. Does Canada want or need a Trump wannabe? Definitely not!
#CarneyLies is trending on social media. The memes are pretty funny.
But, is this the publicity that Canada needs.
We, the gullible nation of Canada can proudly say that the front-runner for our next PM is trending on X because he is a liar.
A fat cat liar north of the 49th. and a cowardly bully to the south- the rest of the world must be wondering why North Americans can’t find honest positive leaders.
Not saying there isn't BS there, but part of municipal permits for trucking certain things is for oversize / overweight loads.
Since municipalities own, and have the records and inspections / maintained of most roads and bridges, there is good reason why they would be responsible for checking that the planned load won't collapse a bridge / fit under and underpass.
There is a lot of room to switch to a 'default approved' mindset, but there are still important checks to do in a lot of areas. The blanket simplification is DOGE mindset.
Jen, please cut out the vocal fry. It got extremely annoying during the segment about the king.
Matt - not voting :( I’m not sure I can describe how disappointed I am. If you, who are employed by being informed of the politics of the day, can’t be bothered to vote - if only to spoil a ballot, we are in bad shape. We typically have one opportunity to meaningfully impact our government. When you give that up, I’m not sure why any government should care what you think about the work they do good or bad. Sorry man, that was a bad call, not saying the options are great, but there are options, and the system only works if informed people make choices. Sitting on your hands effectively say’s “do whatever you want” and that’s certainly not been the vibe I get from this podcast.
I’ll have to find a way to live under the weight of your judgment.
My opinion isn’t worth much more than a fart in the wind. I’m sad that seems to be your opinion of your own vote in choosing a government or your local representative
Matt I totally appreciate your decision to not participate in the recent Ontario election. I have voted municipally, provincially, and federally in every election since turning 18 in 1980 (my first and only time voting for a Trudeau), and like you I could not bring myself to vote for any of the choices. I am not criticizing your decision but I solved my dilemma by showing up at the polling station and declining my ballot. It confirmed my support for democracy while at the same time verifying my disdain for Ford's decision to mount an unnecessary election. Love your podcasts.
I’ll never pass judgement on those who refuse to exercise their franchise on election day. Some have legitimate reasons that to them, is a protest against the thin gruel on the ballot.
As for myself, I have been blessed to know war veterans who came back from two world wars and have seen enough Canadian War Graves cemeteries to view my franchise as a gift, given to me by brave people who took on a great responsibility and delivered. The least I can do is show up on election day and give them a small payback.
I deliberately chose to NOT vote in the last federal election. That was the first time in my life (I am now 74) that I did not vote and I do not regret my symbolic act. It didn't change anything but I avoided being in an odious group when at the end of the campaign, the winners and losers intone, "The people have chosen." In that particular campaign I was of the opinion that ALL of the "major" [even the NDP] were promising things against my province and I wouldn't be part of that.
My point is, non-voting is a choice and if someone thinks that is a bad choice then they had best ensure that better choices are offered.
Oh, I fully intend to vote this time round.
I have never been on the ‘voting should be mandatory’ side of the fence.
Some folks don’t vote because they have looked at the candidates and rather than spoiling the ballot they choose not to vote.
Others don’t vote because they don’t care. I am truly glad that these folks don’t vote. They obviously are not going to take the time to examine the policies of the candidates and vote for the best choice.
One of my good friends voted for an NDP candidate because he was good looking. (I really wish she had had better voting criterion)
Regarding your last comment, about becoming a republic of the British government gets Canada’s King to reject a Canadian request.
This would be a major overstep by the British government because King Charles is King of Canada entirely separately from being King of Great Britain. It would be direct interference in Canada’s *internal* head of state. So you’re right, it would be time for some “asshole nation” action.
But not to the point of fatally harming ourselves.
Asshole nation might need to punch itself in the face from time to time just to prove that we are serious, but that doesn’t extend to shooting ourselves in the face.
Opening up the constitution in the middle of this crisis would be downright suicidal for reasons I think we all understand.
The constitution needs to be opened out for several reasons, and the timing will never be convenient. So, why wait. Perhaps after the Western Provinces have had their referenda, then the timing might be convenient ?
Why wait?
For the same reason that Ukraine would be stupid to start building a massive infrastructure project involving high speed rail and a space programme.
It’s a highly complex project with difficult decisions and even if you do everything right, you’ve got an a hole authoritarian neighbour whose word doesn’t mean squat and doesn’t honour his country’s agreements or treaties who will try to blow up your project at the most in opportune time to harm your country and benefit his own.
Re His Majesty: There is only one person who has abrogated their responsibility regarding the Charles III speaking publicly for his Kingdom, Canada. That person is Justin Trudeau. No one else. Furthermore, your suggestion that our King should interrupt the State Dinner being hosted by the UK King for the UK Government is embarrassing.
1. Ships and submarines: Produced overseas (not US) maintained in Canada. Significant part of the procurement costs for any naval construction project is the the cost to maintain and operate the equipment. This solution gives the RCN capable warships, while keeping a large portion of the funds in Canada.
a. Examples BAE builds the River Class. The Danes have excellent small Frigate and Corvette designs. The UK are working on Long range large UUVs and would likely leap an offer to partner with them. Japan and France both make excellent longer range conventional submarines, that have AIP options, the endurance (70 days plus) and the weapons load (30 +) we need
Alternately, arranged for one of the UK, European, Japanese or Korean shipbuilding firms to buy and operate of the Canadian Yards.
Designing and building warships is no place of hobbyists or armatures.
2. Weapons, Aircraft and other systems systems. Absolutely go with other countries, where possible have them partner with Canadian manufactures. All systems come with strings attached . US systems come with hawsers.
SAAB already was ready to build Fighters in Canada. They also have MPA and AEW aircraft designs that use Bombardier jets as their base.
I don't see any PM asking the King to say anything. Doesn't matter if it's Trudeau, Carney or Poilievre.