CanadaPolitics

Canada’s public broadcaster is operating under a mandate last updated in 1991.

Since then, the media environment has transformed — from streaming platforms to social media to AI-generated misinformation.

As discussions begin around modernizing CBC/Radio-Canada’s mandate, we’ll be exploring what public media should look like in 2026 and beyond.

What should a modern public broadcaster prioritize today?

When the Omnibus Budget Implementation Act was first tabled November 18th, reporters asked me if I would vote against it. They were baffled when I said, “I will vote 'no' if I am allowed to vote.” They were nonplussed. How could MPs NOT be allowed to vote on a major confidence measure – a 600+ page bill? As I suspected, we were not allowed to vote. C-15 breezed through Thursday afternoon “on division.” The whole thing took less than five minutes" - Elizabeth May, Good Sunday Morning newsletter, March 1 2026

A big chance to the way Canadian Parliament operates is happening, with little public knowledge. With the support of whipped votes from the Conservatives and Bloc, and the NDP lacking official party status, Carney is able to push bills through "on division", without any of the normal study, debate, or chance for MPs to vote in Parliament. This is possible if no party with official status challenges it. In the past five MPs from any party could force a vote, but this was changed in 2020. Even less power for individual MPs.

Not even Harper who also messed with Parliamentary procedures was able to do this.

Is it justified as a wartimes measure, given the unprecedented threat from our former ally, the United States? The thing is, the Wartimes Measures Act is temporary and defined by strict parameters. This is just becoming the new normal, without debate.

The video is David Doel's breakdown of the recent NDP leadership debate, and covers a lot of angles. I wanted to focus discussion on a specific element, the argument for public options, which takes up a good chunk of it, citing programs in other countries or certain provinces.

I'm not necessarily arguing that you should vote for your NDP candidate, or like any of the NDP leadership candidates. But it would be good to focus on some of the benefits (and tradeoffs) of the public option when it comes to things like telephone costs, healthcare, groceries, housing, etc.

Good episode as usual.

The Good Talk threesome really isn't happy with Avi Lewis'es recent comment on Mark Carney. 😄

Also they likened his proposals about public options for food, telco, housing to the Soviet Union. These are knowledgable Canadians. They must know enough Canadian history to recall that crown corporations providing basic services to Canadians is very much a Canadian tradition. Whaddayamean Soviet Union?

Debate is at https://www.ndp.ca/debate

More info on debate and candidates:

• https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ndp-leadership-candidates-debate-preview-9.7096023
• https://www.cp24.com/news/canada/2026/02/19/ndp-leadership-candidates-face-off-aim-for-breakaway-in-key-debate/

Candidate sites:

• Heather McPherson - https://www.heathermcpherson.ca/
• Avi Lewis https://lewisforleader.ca/
• Tanille Johnston - https://www.tanille.ca/
• Rob Ashton - https://robashton.ca/
• Tony McQuail - https://tonymcquailgreenprogressive.ca/-

Message to PM Mark Carney, 2026-02-13 By staying silent while the Israeli government pursues a genocide we risk the breakdown of international law which will have consequences for Canada too. At the very least, stop direct and indirect arms trading with Israel. Support Bill C-233, the No More Loopholes Act. https://armsembargonow.ca/en-nomoreloopholes/

Another good discussion of the latest poll numbers with Philippe J. Fournier and Eric Grenier.

Message to my MP, 2026-02-12 Canadians don’t want to be a part of the development of these horrific weapons and their testing in Gaza. No weapons parts from or through Canada should get into the hands of the Israeli government. I urge you to support Bill C-233, the No More Loopholes Act. https://www/. militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2026/02/11/it-just-blows-your-lungs-out-of-your-mouth-a-history-of-thermobaric-weaponry/ #gaza #netanyahu

Message to Iddo Moed, Israeli Ambassador to Canada, 2026-02-10 How sad that Israel must constantly seek more conflict to feel “secure.” Less killing, less greed, and a healthy dose of fairness in your dealings with your neighbours would serve you much better.

Message to PM Mark Carney, 2026-02-09 Economic opportunity, that’s the whole song and dance in Canada. But when you think about it, working with a free Palestine – with Palestinians –, would open up a vast array of prospects for trade, would it not?

Message to Anita Anand, Foreign Affairs Minister, 2026-02-06: Despite a negotiated ceasefire agreement, the IOF pursue daily the destruction of Palestinian infrastructure, homes, and lives. All this with help from the Canadian arms industry. Help stop the genocide by imposing an embargo on all arms trade with Israel and through its partners.

There are fountains of wealth being generated in this country. But that wealth isn't trickling down to working people. It’s all stuck at the top.

Our 'Tax Plan for the 99%' takes on the corporate hoarding class – to redistribute wealth⁠ and raise the floor for all of us.

Join us: lewisforleader.ca

It seems like Nate Smith will be running for Ontario Liberal (OLP) leader again.

His words: https://youtube.com/shorts/vClzhI-SQUs