E44 Senator Andrew Cardozo

We had the privilege of interviewing Senator Andrew Cardozo, Senator for Ontario and recipient of the 2023 DreamKeepers Citation, the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal, and the King Charles III Coronation Medal. Our conversation began with Canada’s economy, from rising youth unemployment to its evolving relationship with the United States. With the new Advisory Committee on Canada–U.S. Economic Relations and the upcoming review of CUSMA in July, we explored how Canada is positioning itself within an increasingly uncertain North American trade landscape. We then turned to Senator Cardozo’s expertise in media and public broadcasting, reflecting on his time as Commissioner at the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission and his continued advocacy for CBC/Radio-Canada. We examined the challenge of building a sustainable long-term funding model that protects both editorial independence and the long-term viability of public media. Continuing our discussion on information in the digital age, we examined rising misinformation, disinformation, and AI misuse in politics, and explored ways to protect Canada’s information ecosystem amid growing polarization. In addition, we discussed his role as Chair of the Arts and Heritage Advisory Working Group, including how and why works are selected and displayed, along with his vision for Centre Block and a more diverse representation of Canada’s cultural heritage. Finally, we discussed practical ways for youth to engage in the democratic process beyond formal politics, as well as the recent outcome of Bill S-222. Stay until the end to hear about Senator Cardozo’s remarkable work as an artist and which Canadian landscape has been his favourite to paint!