Canada enters economic winter under cover of darkness

Today on The Really Big Show with Jim Csek and Iain Burns, we examine a troubling pattern emerging in Canada: more control, less transparency, and growing questions about who is actually being held accountable.At the centre of the discussion is the federal government’s push to introduce a new online harms framework, with Ottawa arguing it must catch up to Europe in regulating the internet. But as previous legislation failed in Parliament, questions remain about where the line is between protecting Canadians and expanding government control over speech and digital platforms.That concern is amplified by recent developments in Ottawa, where, after securing a majority, the Liberals have moved to take full control of parliamentary committees, shifting key proceedings behind closed doors “in camera.”These sessions bar public access, produce no transcripts, and limit what MPs can disclose, raising serious concerns about transparency at a time when scrutiny may be most needed.The show highlights specific cases, including the PrescribeIT program, a project that cost over $300 million before being shut down, with leadership compensation drawing renewed attention as discussions were moved out of public view. At the same time, the ethics committee has also gone in camera, even as reports on forced labour linked to Canadian supply chains have not been tabled for years, prompting questions about oversight and accountability.On the economic front, mixed signals continue. The Bank of Canada says a recession is unlikely, but has downgraded growth forecasts, while youth unemployment is rising at one of the fastest rates seen outside of a recession. With 13.8% of young Canadians out of work and investment reportedly declining by hundreds of billions over the past decade, concerns about long-term competitiveness are intensifying.The episode also dives into stalled nation-building efforts. Despite the passage of Bill C-5, designed to fast-track major projects, not a single project has been approved months later, with no clear definition of what qualifies as being in the “national interest.”Meanwhile, regulatory uncertainty continues to weigh on investment decisions and infrastructure development. Other stories highlight systemic strain across institutions, from court rulings forcing EI recipients to repay government errors, to internal challenges within the Canadian Armed Forces, and reports of political pressure and backroom conversations surrounding potential floor crossings.Across all of these issues, a consistent theme emerges: a growing concentration of power alongside diminishing transparency, and a system where Canadians are increasingly asked to trust decisions they cannot fully see.If more decisions are being made behind closed doors, and fewer mechanisms exist to scrutinize them, how can Canadians be confident that those in power are acting in their best interest?The Really Big Show: The thinking Canadian's daily briefing, independent and informed.Live every weekday at 9AM PST.We’re building independent Canadian media into a powerful voice and we can’t do it without you.Contribute here: https://thereallybigshow.caNow streaming on Rumble, Spotify, Apple and more.We tell real Canadian stories the mainstream won’t.Become a member and support independent media.Help us spread the word - subscribe, share, comment.NowMedia: free from political influence. Committed to the truth. Your source for Canadian News.#canadiannews #canadapolitics #canada #conservative #liberal