Is the Era of Conservative Premiers Over? episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 23, 2026 · 30 MIN

Is the Era of Conservative Premiers Over?

from CANADALAND

Progressive Conservative Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston had been one of the most popular politicians in the country. Mark Carney-level popular. Regina George-level popular. For a while, it looked like Nova Scotia would be Houston’s forever. But now his popularity is at its lowest point since he took on the top job. Host Noor Azrieh sits down with his former Justice Minister turned Liberal MLA Becky Druhan to unpack her striking political turn: how does a senior member of a government go from defending it to deciding the problem is the very government she once helped run? Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Imogen Sayers (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Tristan Cappachione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Becky DruhanPhoto: Becky DruhanAdditional music: Audio NetworkBackground reading:N.S. premier defends $53.6-million budget cut reversal, floats idea of ‘budget tour’ – CTV NewsHouston's approval rating sinks amid budget cuts: Poll – City NewsMLA Becky Druhan joins Nova Scotia Liberal Party, intends to run for leadership - Halifax – Global NewsIndependent MLAs slow N.S. government agenda at Province House – CBC NewsSponsors: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadalandVisit fizz.ca to learn more about Fizz mobile and its long list of added-value features, and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN40 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.Get ahead of your to-do list with fifteen dollars off your first task at Taskrabbit.ca or on the Taskrabbit app using promo code: canadaland. Did you know we have a monthly supporter exclusive show? Next month on Off The Record, we’re bringing you something different: Sam Konnert interviews Jesse Brown following up on what he told us 6 months ago. Did he keep his promises? That will be coming out Thursday, July 2. Stay tuned!If you want to hear that (or if you want to catch up on all the great episodes of Off The Record you’ve missed!) become a supporter at canadaland.com/join.If you value this podcast, support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. Do you know someone who should work at Canadaland? Well, our audio journalism fellowship is back this fall and applications are open from now til the end of June. We’re looking for a couple of recent grads or working journalists who want to move into the world of audio journalism. Find out more or apply by going to labs.canadaland.com Make sure you’re up to date on our upcoming events by going to canadaland.com/live!Can't get enough Canadaland? Follow us @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram and @Canadaland_Media on TikTok! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Progressive Conservative Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston had been one of the most popular politicians in the country. Mark Carney-level popular. Regina George-level popular. For a while, it looked like Nova Scotia would be Houston’s forever. But now his popularity is at its lowest point since he took on the top job. Host Noor Azrieh sits down with his former Justice Minister turned Liberal MLA Becky Druhan to unpack her striking political turn: how does a senior member of a government go from defending it to deciding the problem is the very government she once helped run? Host: Noor AzriehCredits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Imogen Sayers (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Tristan Cappachione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Becky DruhanPhoto: Becky DruhanAdditional music: Audio NetworkBackground reading:N.S. premier defends $53.6-million budget cut reversal, floats idea of ‘budget tour’ – CTV NewsHouston's approval rating sinks amid budget cuts: Poll – City NewsMLA Becky Druhan joins Nova Scotia Liberal Party, intends to run for leadership - Halifax – Global NewsIndependent MLAs slow N.S. government agenda at Province House – CBC NewsSponsors: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadalandVisit fizz.ca to learn more about Fizz mobile and its long list of added-value features, and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN40 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.Get ahead of your to-do list with fifteen dollars off your first task at Taskrabbit.ca or on the Taskrabbit app using promo code: canadaland. Did you know we have a monthly supporter exclusive show? Next month on Off The Record, we’re bringing you something different: Sam Konnert interviews Jesse Brown following up on what he told us 6 months ago. Did he keep his promises? That will be coming out Thursday, July 2. Stay tuned!If you want to hear that (or if you want to catch up on all the great episodes of Off The Record you’ve missed!) become a supporter at canadaland.com/join.If you value this podcast, support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. Do you know someone who should work at Canadaland? Well, our audio journalism fellowship is back this fall and applications are open from now til the end of June. We’re looking for a couple of recent grads or working journalists who want to move into the world of audio journalism. Find out more or apply by going to labs.canadaland.com Make sure you’re up to date on our upcoming events by going to canadaland.com/live!Can't get enough Canadaland? Follow us @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram and @Canadaland_Media on TikTok! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Is the Era of Conservative Premiers Over?

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The Backbench CANADALAND When the group chat’s spiraling and your For You Page is a trainwreck, it’s hard to know what’s real — or what matters. Canadaland Politics (formerly The Backbench) cuts through the noise with bold questions, sharp analysis, and the political news you actually need.Each Tuesday, we’ll ask bold questions and offer sharp analysis, giving you the tools to challenge any perspective — maybe even your own. Canadaland Politics is made by Noor Azrieh, Aviva Lessard and Sam Konnert. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. What Is Happening Here | Canadaland Investigates Canadaland Statistically, a Jew in Canada is now 9 times more likely to be a victim of a hate crime than a Jew in the United States. How did this happen in a country known for politeness, diversity, and social democracy? Is this even a real phenomenon, or is anti-zionism being misclassified as antisemitism?Journalist and Publisher Jesse Brown is diving deep into the subject, travelling across Canada and speaking with Jews, anti-zionist activists, and high-profile public figures, all of whom have seen their lives change since October 7th, 2023.What Is Happening Here is available now — right here on Canadaland Investigates. Our critically-acclaimed and award-winning limited series, all in one place.canadaland.com/join Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.co Wag The Doug CANADALAND A monthly podcast grappling with the reality of four more infuriating years with the Fords and what that means for Ontario. Hosted by Allison Smith and Jonathan Goldsbie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. The Imposter CANADALAND Weird art from Canada. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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This episode is 30 minutes long.

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This episode was published on June 23, 2026.

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Progressive Conservative Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston had been one of the most popular politicians in the country. Mark Carney-level popular. Regina George-level popular. For a while, it looked like Nova Scotia would be Houston’s forever. But now...

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