PODCAST · news
The Rodgers Brief
by Adam Rodgers
This podcast features analysis of current Canadian legal news, and stories with important legal angles. Previous episodes covered the Nova Scotia Mass Casualty Inquiry proceedings, arising out of the tragic events of April 18-19, 2020 in Portapique and other locations throughout Central Nova Scotia.Adam Rodgers has been a leading Nova Scotian litigation and criminal defense lawyer, as well as a business and political advisor, for 15 years. He has represented clients on many ground-breaking and prominent cases, including his most recent responsibilities with the Desmond Fatality Inquiry.
Episodes
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Dispersing the Fog E82 - R. v. Cope on Sentencing Circles, Malcolm Gladwell Book, Guest Anita Stewart from Antigonish Women's Centre on Gender Based Violence and St. F.X. Banner
This week, the Supreme Court of Canada released it's long-anticipated decision in R. v. Cope, dealing with sentencing of indigenous offenders, and specifically with the use of sentencing circles in the course of a sentencing.Guest Anita Stewart is the head of the Antigonish Women's Centre, where...
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Dispersing the Fog E81 - Comparing Cornell 7 to Cdn Junior Hockey Accused, Critiquing Clancy Lawyer, Bubbles' Charge Dismissed, NS Prison Case to SCC, Secret Awards for NS Mass Shooting RCMP Officers
This week we welcome back Tammy Oliver-McCurdie and Scott McLeod to discuss the announcement that more RCMP members would be receiving awards for their actions from the NS mass shooting, and the inquiry which followed, but that the names of those awarded would not be made public.Also this week;-...
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Dispersing the Fog E80 - Springhill Drug Bust Debunked, NS Justice Min Bar Complaint Revelations, Belleville Shooting, Guest Toronto Star Investigative Reporter Kevin Donovan on Car Thefts
This week we are very pleased to welcome Kevin Donovan, the lead investigative reporter for the Toronto Star, to discuss his series of stories about car thefts in Canada. We learn how the thieves operate, how the cars leave the country, and what owners can do to prevent their car from becoming a...
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Dispersing the Fog E79 - Sweeney Gambling Ad, Safe Driving Speeds, Use of Force Rules, Transgender Prisoners, Toronto Police Caught in 'Project South'
This week, we take a look at the alleged corruption in the Toronto Police, as has been exposed through the 'Project South' investigation into officers dealing drugs, providing private information to criminal organizations, and running other criminal operations, as has been exposed following the...
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Dispersing the Fog E78 - Frank Magazine Editor Arrested, RCMP Drop Name Tags, NS Outlaws Tip Theft, BC Human Rights Award to Prisoner, Oilers Sign Acquitted Formenton
This week, our main story is the arrest of Frank Magazine editor, Andrew Douglas, on a charge of distributing an intimate image. The charge arises from an story Frank published about 'slum' landlords, and has been subject to civil court proceedings as well. We discuss the charge, and the likely...
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Dispersing the Fog E77 - MCC Monitoring Final Report, Lindsay Clancy, Prison Gender Lawsuit, Ontario Cash Bail Injunction, Marco MacLeod Resigns, Guest Janet Merlo on RCMP Sexual Assault Class Action
This week, we welcome back Janet Merlo to give an update on the sexual abuse class action lawsuit against the RCMP, and get her views on two current abuse stories involving current RCMP officers. Also this week;- The Mass Casualty Commission's implementation monitoring committee has filed its…
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Dispersing the Fog E76 - Frank Magazine Press Freedom Court Win, NS Re-funds RCMP, More Prison Reports, Hydronyms, Guest Tom Juby on Plane Crash Docs
This week we welcome back forensic specialist, Tom Juby, as the anniversary of the Swiss Air crash off Peggy's Cove approaches. Tom reviews the newly unveiled evidence from TWA 800, Egypt Air 990, and American Airlines 587 and compares that to the covered up truth of Swiss Air.Also discussed this...
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Dispersing the Fog E75 - Corrections Canada Complaint re: Last Week's Show, PQ Police Shooting Video, CCLA on Cash Bail, Guest Andrew Douglas on Marco MacLeod
This week we welcome one of our favourites, Frank Magazine editor, Andrew Douglas, back to the show with his latest summer scoop on the controversial rap song recorded and posted online by NS Energy Minister, Marco MacLeod. We discuss the song, and how the controversy is being handled by those in...
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Dispersing the Fog E74 Guard-Inmate Relations at Springhill, BC RCMP Commander Removed, RCMP Quiet re: Bodies Found Near Portapique, Ontario To Try Cash Bail, Stampede 50/50 'Win'
This week, Paul and Adam break news in two stories, and discuss unexplored angles on several others in the news this week. The first breaking news relates to activities at the Springhill federal jail in NS, where there are allegations of senior female employees having intimate relations with male...
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Dispersing the Fog E73 - Guest 'West Yard' Author Dave Woodhouse on the Correctional Service of Canada; Boudrot Arrested
This week we are pleased to welcome Dave Woodhouse to the podcast, to discuss issues in Canadian jails, including the secrecy with which they operate, and how unprepared recruits are to face the realities of life as a prison guard. Dave joins a discussion on changes to the policies in Canadian...
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Dispersing the Fog E72 - Premiers Seek RCMP Clarity, NS Lib Leadership Contenders, Impact of 'Death of Privative Clause' at SCC, Geoff Ball v NS Premier's Security
This week, Paul and Adam reveal new details and discuss the arrest (and subsequent release) of 80-year old Geoff Ball by RCMP officers at a protest in Wolfville, which took place two weeks ago after a speech from NS Premier, Tim Houston. Premiers from across the country are asking for clarity on...
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Dispersing the Fog E71 - North Vancouver Plaza Shooting, with Guests Tom Juby and Calvin Lawrence
This week we welcome back two longtime police officers, forensic indent specialist, Tom Juby, and use of force expert, Calvin Lawrence, to discuss the video of police killing a suspect in a North Vancouver Plaza. The shooting victim had been disarmed of a knife by the person who filmed the...
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Dispersing the Fog E70 - Chelsea Witness Melissa Cross Discusses Police Manhunt Efforts and Emergency Alert Confusion, Plus Reaction From NS Mass Shooting Family Members
This week we hear directly from Melissa Cross, a key direct witness to the events in Chelsea, NS that echo and expose the mistakes made, and lessons not learned, at Portapique and across central NS during the 2020 mass shootings. Melissa was told it was not safe to go home, and waited at a nearby...
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Dispersing the Fog E69 - NS RCMP Fail Portapique Test in Chelsea, Guest Yvonne Colbert on Talk Radio Cuts
This week we welcome former ATV and CBC journalist and consumer advocate, Yvonne Colbert. Yvonne was married to former News 95.7 host Rick Howe, and brings a wealth of knowledge to questions of media coverage of major events. She discusses the demise of Rogers radio stations, and also how Rick…
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Dispersing the Fog E68 Supreme Crt Trump Pushback, Sask Officer Charges Stayed, Police Media Tactics
This week, Paul and Adam review the stories of the week, and then dive into an analysis of police media tactics, in a week where two RCMP officers were shot in Saskatchewan, and very little information has been shared with the public.Also this week;Former RCMP officer, now BC MLA, Macklin McCall…
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Dispersing the Fog E66 - TO Guns For Hire, Bail Reform + AI/Privacy Laws Passed, Guest Kelly Donovan
Happy Father's Day to our viewers who celebrate. This week, we welcome police whistleblower, Kelly Donovan. Ms. Donovan was an officer with the Waterloo Police Service and has written two books about how those who speak out about issues in the police get suppressed, or else become the target of...
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Dispersing the Fog E67 - Guest Curt Allen on Police Chief Issues, Montreal Shooter Manifesto and Reaction, NL Crown Weapons and Drug Charges, New Supreme Court Nominee
This week we welcome back former RCMP Deputy Commissioner, Curt Allen, to provide his reaction to last week's guest, Kelly Donovan's story, as well as his insight on issues with various police chiefs throughout Canada.Also, we discuss the shooting from this past Monday in Montreal, where Cst....
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Dispersing the Fog - E65 Ontario Police Deaths, ASIRT Investigates Edmonton Chief, C-34 Safe Social Media Act Shortcomings, Guest YVR's Monty Robinson
This week we welcome Monty Robinson, the former police officer at the center of the controversial death of Robert Dziekański at the Vancouver Airport in 2007. He discusses the efforts he has made to clear his name, and the barriers to justice he has encountered. Also discussed;The deaths of two...
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Dispersing the Fog E64 - Carter Hart Chants, SMU Video Court Study, Henry Nowak Murder, Guest Ryan McMahon of the Crave hit documentary "Thunder Bay"
This week we are excited to welcome Ryan McMahon, the podcaster and documentarian behind the Crave hit "Thunder Bay", a 4-part story that follows McMahon as he re-investigates nine murders that were subject to official Police Review and Civilian Police Commission investigation reports. McMahon...
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Dispersing the Fog E63 - Ellison Death Reactions, No Subpoenas in Lobster Mobster Trial, Guest Former RCMP Cst Cathy Mansley
This week, we welcome former RCMP officer, Cathy Mansley, to the show. Cathy has been the driving force behind two class action lawsuits against the RCMP, and made the complaint that lead to the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission report on the death of Susan Butlin.Also discussed, the...
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Dispersing the Fog E62 - The Tragic Death of Clinton Ellison, Scathing Civilian Oversight Commission Report on RCMP's Susan Butlin Investigation
This week we discuss the tragic death of Clinton Ellison, as well as the report from the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP on the RCMP's botched investigation into the sexual assault complaint of Susan Butlin.Clinton Ellison was the brother of Corrie Ellison, who was killed…
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Dispersing the Fog E61 - SCC Creates Coercive Control Tort, Ashley v. AI, Guest Kim March on Bill Majcher Trial
This week, we welcome guest Kim March, who was an 'unindicted co-conspirator' of William Majcher, who was acquitted this week in BC of targeting an alleged fraudster on behalf of the Chinese government. Mr. March was to be a witness in the trial, but was never called to the stand. He tells us…
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Dispersing the Fog E60 - Calls for Non-RCMP for Jack and Lilly Sullivan Case, Jail Guards Assaulted by Dangerous Offender, NPF Writes "Dear Mike" to RCMP Commissioner re: YVR4
Happy Mother's Day to all the moms (and maternally-inclined care providers). This week, we follow up on stories from our recent coverage, with new details and reactions. First, we discuss the growing calls for an outside police force to take over the Jack and Lilly Sullivan investigation after…
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Dispersing the Fog E59 - Sullivan Children, Deaths in NS Jails, RCMP-Truro Police On Different Channels, Guests Fmr RCMP Complaints Comm. Shirley Heafey and Fmr RCMP Dep. Comm. Curt Allen
This week, we are excited to introduce a new guest, former RCMP Complaints Commissioner, Shirley Heafey. She is joined by former RCMP Deputy Commissioner Curt Allen to discuss her career, her interactions with senior RCMP leadership, and her role in the Robert Dziekański case (where she assisted...
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Dispersing the Fog E58 - Desmond Inq. Update, Majcher Trial, Guest Calvin Lawrence on Idsinga Book
This week we welcome back former Halifax Police and RCMP officer, Calvin Lawrence, author of 'Black Cop', to discuss the new book by retired Toronto Police homicide detective Hank Idsinga. Idsinga has made allegations of anti-sematic racism at the highest levels of the Toronto Police service in...
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Dispersing the Fog E57 - NS Mass Shooting 6th Anniversary With Guests Scott McLeod + Darrell Currie
This week, we acknowledge the 6th anniversary of the Nova Scotia mass shootings in Portapique and other communities in central Nova Scotia, with guests Scott McLeod and Darrell Currie. Scott's brother was a victim of Gabriel Wortman, and Darrell Currie was Deputy Fire Chief of the Onslow-Belmont...
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Dispersing the Fog E56 - NS Premier Calls for Respect for RCMP, Former Crown Suing After Demotion, Jail Guard Sentencing, Guest Rob Creasser on NPF
This week, we welcome former RCMP officer, Rob Creasser, who was involved in the formation of the RCMP union, and who has thoughts (and breaking news) on the National Police Federation, and it's (now former) head, Brian Sauve. Also covered this week;The Premier of Nova Scotia called for respect…
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Dispersing the Fog E55 - First Nations Dispensary Raids & Blockades, Cdn Bar Association v. Press, Guest Dave Moore on Cameron Ortis, Charter Violations in Jesus' Trial
Happy Easter! We start this week's show discussing the dispensary raids that ended in arrests, police having to abandon their vehicles, and politicians looking to shift the blame from their own Ministerial Directive.Paul and Adam also discuss the comments from Canadian Bar Association President,...
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Dispersing the Fog E54 - National Police Union Resignations, Attorney General on RCMP Shortages, Spying on Indigenous Leaders, Halifax Police Posing as Homeless, Bill 21 at Supreme Court
This week, Paul and Adam discuss the National Police Federation election controversy, the Attorney General's report on RCMP staffing levels, the RCMP's "expression of regret" for spying on Indigenous leaders (including former National Chief George Manuel) in the 1970's, and the arguments in the...
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Dispersing the Fog - E53 Cameron Ortis Parole Decision, Souvannarath-Bonaparte, Teens Arrested for School Threats, Ford Seeks Apology in Umar Zameer Case, Judge Suspended for Jailing Lawyer
This week, Adam and Paul delve into two parole board decisions, threatened school shootings, and the efforts being made to clear the names of Toronto Police officers who were found to by lying by a judge and jury. Cameron Ortis, the former head of RCMP Intelligence, was granted parole soon after...
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Dispersing the Fog - E52 Parole for Former Spy Cameron Ortis, Deep Fakes Not "Intimate Images", 'Red Alert' Book Review, 'The Getaway', Rattlesnake Sentencing, Allan Legere Dies in Prison
This week, it is just Adam and Paul, discussing the week's news and released cases. There is breaking news this week, as the guys discuss former spy Cameron Ortis being granted early parole from his 14 year jail sentence. This story was national news when Mr. Ortis was tried and convicted, but…
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Dispersing the Fog E51 - Dispensary Raids, MCC Through a Racial Lens, Murder Witness Given Transcripts in Jail, Guest Garry Clement on Ryan Wedding and International Crime Organizations in Canada
This week we welcome former RCMP Superintendent, and highly respected organized crime expert Garry Clement. Garry is the author of Under Cover - Fifty Years of Dirty Money, Organized Crime and the RCMP, and brings insight into the Ryan Wedding story, as well as how Canada is dealing with...
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Dispersing the Fog E50 - Prison Drones, Tumbler Ridge Inquiry?, Druhan's Ambitions, Epstein, Risley, SOTU, Guest - Documentarian Amy Herdy on Potential for Portapique Film
This week we welcome documentary filmmaker, Amy Herdy, of Cove Tower, based out of Boulder, Colorado. Amy is looking into making a documentary on the NS mass shootings after having read Paul's books on the subject. She discusses the industry, why she thinks no documentaries have been made to date...
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Dispersing the Fog -E49- Olympics, US Supreme Court re: Tariffs, John Risley, Tumbler Ridge Shooter Open AI Ban, $750k Fine for School Trustee, Guest Dave Moore on AI for Ports
This week, we take a few minutes to lament the gold medal hockey game loss to the US, before discussing the stories of the week. This week saw the US Supreme Court strike down the tariff's that had been imposed by President Trump, as Adam had predicted after hearing the arguments before that…
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Dispersing the Fog - E48 Tumbler Ridge Shooting, Fed Gov't Staying With RCMP, SCC Decides Magic or Sex, Guest Melissa Ellsworth Shares Her Tragic Story
This week, we bring a special guest, who's name most will not recognize. Melissa Ellsworth was a forensics nurse and correctional guard who suffered a head injury trying to save an elderly woman from a dangerous patient. She has been battling Workers Compensation ever since, and has now been...
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Dispersing the Fog E47 - Premier Smith v Alberta Chief Judges, Eight Toronto Officers Arrested, Guests Edgar MacLeod and Calvin Lawrence
This week we delve into two main stories, the brewing dispute between Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and the Judges of the province who are accusing the Premier of political interference, and then the dramatic arrests of eight Toronto police officers on allegations that they were collaborating…
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Dispersing the Fog E46 - Lawyers Speak Out on Courthouse Arrest, Random Traffic Stops At Supreme Court, Secret RCMP Awards and Workplace Report for NS Mass Shooting, Guests Scott McLeod and Curt Allen
This week, guests Scott McLeod (brother of the late Sean McLeod) and Retired Deputy Superintendent Curt Allen bring their perspectives to the news that 23 RCMP officers and lawyers received awards for their work in response to the NS mass shootings of April, 2020, and also that Employment and...
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Dispersing the Fog E45 - Review of First Survivor by Lisa Banfield, with Chad Jones + Frank Magazine's Andrew Douglas
This week we go beyond the excerpts and dig into the full book, The First Survivor: Life With Canada's Deadliest Mass Shooter, with citizen investigator Chad Jones, and Frank Magazine's Andrew Douglas. We discuss remaining unanswered questions, how the book is structured, reaction from family...
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Dispersing the Fog E44 - Lisa Banfield Book Excerpt and Interview, with Chad Jones and Ryan Potter
This week has seen an excerpt of Lisa Banfield's book, The First Survivor - Living With Canada's Deadliest Mass Shooter, published by the Nationals Post chain of newspapers. She also did an interview with CTV in advance of the book release on January 20, 2026. We review some of the details…
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Dispersing the Fog E43 - ICE v. Good, Sydney Grenade, Undercover Agent Ops with Guest Paul Derry
This week we are following up on the revelation from last week's show that Peter Griffon, a close friend of Gabriel Wortman, had a 'handler' and was likely an RCMP agent. We are joined by former long-time undercover operator, Paul Derry, who gives insight into how that relationship can work. Also...
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Dispersing the Fog E42 - New Portapique "Handler" Document Discovered, With Guest Ryan Potter
We welcome everyone to 2026 in our first episode of the new year with breaking news of the Nova Scotia mass shootings. Having sifted through a trove of emails among RCMP officers assigned to the Mass Casualty Commission analysis of the shootings, citizen investigator Ryan Potter has found…
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Dispersing the Fog E41 - Year in Review and Predictions for 2026
This week, Paul and Adam look back at the stories covered on Dispersing the Fog in 2025, themes that have weaved their ways through those stories, and some of the great guests who have added to the richness of the show over the past year. As well, they look ahead to 2026 and some of the potential...
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Dispersing the Fog E40 - Breaking Down C-16 Proposed New Criminal Laws, Mi'kmaq Chief Bans Premier & Ministers, Guest Dave Moore on RCMP Corruption
This week we take a dive into the new justice legislation proposed by the Federal Government. It is designed to address delays in the criminal courts, and there are elements that should have this effect. Bill C-16 also seeks to criminalize 'coercive control' and makes 'femicide' a crime equal to...
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Dispersing the Fog E39 - Justice Min v Chiefs on Cannabis, Deporting Offenders, Guest Curt Petrovich
This week we welcome back former CBC reporter Curt Petrovich, to discuss the report into the four RCMP officers charged after the taser death of Robert Dziekański in the Vancouver Airport in 2007. Curt has written a book on the topic, and walks us beyond the headlines to what really matters about...
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Dispersing the Fog E38 - The Stringer, The (L)Awful Man, Guest Moira Webster on RCMP Smear Campaign
This week, we welcome Moira Webster to discuss her former husband, Mike Webster, a former clinical psychologist with a focus on policing (and also CFL football player and professional wrestler). She describes how he was smeared by the RCMP after his comments on the Robert Dziekański taser death,...
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Dispersing the Fog - E37 - OPP YVR Report, R Wedding Lawyer Charged, Guest Tammy Oliver McCurdie
Our guest this week is Tammy Oliver McCurdie, sister of the late Jolene Oliver, who was killed along with her partner and daughter in the Portapique, Nova Scotia mass shooting. Tammy is also a member of the Progress Review Committee, tracking the progress on recommendations from the Mass Casualty...
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Dispersing the Fog - Ep 36 - NS Death Reviews Secret, No Police for Newfoundland Fires, No Golf in West Mabou, Guest Dave Moore on Glen Assoun Coverup and Amber Alert for Sullivan Children
This week, we have the pleasure of a rare interview with retired RCMP analyst, Dave Moore. Dave discusses his investigation into the murder of Brenda Way, which he discovered was not committed by Glen Assoun, who had been found guilty, but by serial killer Michael McGray. His investigation was...
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Dispersing the Fog Ep 35 - Poppies in Court, Crossing d'Entremont, Tipping Pitches, Guest Curt Allen
This week, we welcome back former RCMP Deputy Commissioner, Curt Allen, to discuss some of the stories we have been covering in recent weeks, and get his take on the sexual assault crisis in the Force, as well as the modernization issues flagged by Chief Edgar MacLeod.Also, we discuss wearing...
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Dispersing the Fog - Ep 34 - Supreme Court Strikes Child Porn Mandatory Minimums, Guest Chief Edgar MacLeod on Policing, Game 7 Reflections
The guest this week is former police chief Edgar MacLeod, who served in various police forces for 34 years, after which he became Executive Director of the Atlantic Police Academy. Chief MacLeod has a unique perspective on police structures in Canada, and shares his insights.This week, the…
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Dispersing the Fog - Ep 33 - NS Cabinet Shuffle, NBA Betting Arrests, Guest Former RCMP Confidential Informant Paul Derry
This week, Paul and Adam welcome Paul Derry, who has written extensively about his time as a confidential informant with the RCMP, which started when he was 15 years old. Derry discusses his time in the witness protection program, his lawsuits against the RCMP, and his efforts to work with police...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
This podcast features analysis of current Canadian legal news, and stories with important legal angles. Previous episodes covered the Nova Scotia Mass Casualty Inquiry proceedings, arising out of the tragic events of April 18-19, 2020 in Portapique and other locations throughout Central Nova Scotia.Adam Rodgers has been a leading Nova Scotian litigation and criminal defense lawyer, as well as a business and political advisor, for 15 years. He has represented clients on many ground-breaking and prominent cases, including his most recent responsibilities with the Desmond Fatality Inquiry.
HOSTED BY
Adam Rodgers
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Rodgers Brief have?
The Rodgers Brief currently has 282 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Rodgers Brief about?
This podcast features analysis of current Canadian legal news, and stories with important legal angles. Previous episodes covered the Nova Scotia Mass Casualty Inquiry proceedings, arising out of the tragic events of April 18-19, 2020 in Portapique and other locations throughout Central Nova...
How often does The Rodgers Brief release new episodes?
The Rodgers Brief publishes regularly with 282 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Rodgers Brief?
You can listen to The Rodgers Brief on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Rodgers Brief?
The Rodgers Brief is created and hosted by Adam Rodgers.
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