EPISODE · Dec 5, 2025 · 1 MIN
Western Standard News Update | 5 Dec 2025
from Western Standard News Update · host Western Standard
From the Western Standard newsroom, Chief Editor Dave Naylor brings you today’s top stories: the Liberals and Bloc Québécois have agreed to eliminate the religious exemption from Canada’s new hate-speech laws — a significant shift that critics say greatly expands federal control over expression. In Ottawa, thousands of federal civil servants were ordered to stop drinking coffee at work to accommodate roughly 100 Muslim colleagues observing Ramadan, a directive that has sparked widespread frustration. New payroll data also shows the federal bureaucracy continues to swell, with the number of employees earning at least $150,000 rising by 84% — now totalling nearly 13,000 staff. Plus, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is disputing a Radio-Canada report claiming she would target the pro-Canada side in any future sovereignty referendum, reiterating she would remain neutral. And Calgary MP Michelle Rempel Garner says she “will not be censored” after immigration officials complained that criticism of the system has led to civil servants being called names. Follow the Western Standard on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube Music.For full stories and member-exclusive access, visit WesternStandard.news.
What this episode covers
From the Western Standard newsroom, Chief Editor Dave Naylor brings you today’s top stories: the Liberals and Bloc Québécois have agreed to eliminate the religious exemption from Canada’s new hate-speech laws — a significant shift that critics say greatly expands federal control over expression. In Ottawa, thousands of federal civil servants were ordered to stop drinking coffee at work to accommodate roughly 100 Muslim colleagues observing Ramadan, a directive that has sparked widespread frustration. New payroll data also shows the federal bureaucracy continues to swell, with the number of employees earning at least $150,000 rising by 84% — now totalling nearly 13,000 staff. Plus, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is disputing a Radio-Canada report claiming she would target the pro-Canada side in any future sovereignty referendum, reiterating she would remain neutral. And Calgary MP Michelle Rempel Garner says she “will not be censored” after immigration officials complained that criticism of the system has led to civil servants being called names. Follow the Western Standard on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube Music.For full stories and member-exclusive access, visit WesternStandard.news.
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Western Standard News Update | 5 Dec 2025
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