Episodes
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Karina Gould on Uncommons
Happy Passover and Easter to those celebrating. I hope everyone is able to enjoy some of this beautiful long weekend, and I hope some of you will also enjoy this Uncommons episode with the always thoughtful Karina Gould. We met in Karina’s stomping grounds of Burlington at Peach Coffee Co., and…
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Sports, Sovereignty, and Reconciliation
Today marks the tenth anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final report. We’ve seen significant albeit imperfect progress since and there’s much more for us to do together. On this episode of Uncommons, I’m joined by Ava Hill and Willie Littlechild, two incredible Indigenous...
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Child honouring with the one and only Raffi
Like many Canadians, Nate grew up on Raffi’s music. On this episode, Raffi joins Nate to discuss his musical journey, his ongoing advocacy for the peace and the planet, and why we need to centre children in our decision-making through his philosophy of child honouring. You can learn more about…
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Moral Ambition with Rutger Bregman
Rutger Bregman is a Dutch historian, best-selling author, and co-founder of the School for Moral Ambition. His recent book and school both encourage us to spend our time and talent by making a difference on the greatest challenges and injustices of our time, rather than solely personal comfort…
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The Knowing with Tanya Talaga
Tanya Talaga is an award-winning author and journalist and a powerful voice for Indigenous rights and education in Canada. She’s also a constituent, which is how we happened to connect again recently when she was hosted by the House Speaker together with other finalists for the Shaugnessy Cohen...
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“Pay Up Or We'll Kill The Whales": Inside Marineland's Collapse
Phil Demers joins me outside the gates of Marineland for this episode- a return to a conversation we began seven years ago at the Fox Theatre. Back then, we were fighting to pass Bill S-203 to end whale captivity in Canada. The law passed in 2019. Now, the fight is to save the remaining 30 beluga...
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Grand bargains and running like a girl with Catherine McKenna
Catherine McKenna joined me in person for a live recording of this episode at the Naval Club of Toronto here in our east end. We discussed her new book ‘Run Like a Girl’, lessons learned from her six years in federal politics, the reality of political harassment, the tension between party loyalty...
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The Strong Borders Act? with Kate Robertson and Adam Sadinsky
** There are less than 10 tickets remaining for the live recording of Uncommons with Catherine McKenna on Thursday Oct 2nd. Register for free here. ** On this two-part episode of Uncommons, Nate digs into Bill C-2 and potential impacts on privacy, data surveillance and sharing with US…
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The Future of Online Harms and AI Regulation with Taylor Owen
After a hiatus, we’ve officially restarted the Uncommons podcast, and our first long-form interview is with Professor Taylor Owen to discuss the ever changing landscape of the digital world, the fast emergence of AI and the implications for our kids, consumer safety and our democracy. Taylor…
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Fixing Canada's Housing Crisis with Carolyn Whitzman
Nate and Carolyn Whitzman talk about her recent book Home Truths, Canada's housing needs, and different historical and international approaches that should inform how we build market, non-market, and supportive housing. Carolyn is a housing and social policy researcher, an expert advisor to UBC's...
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Erin O'Toole on Uncommons
Nate is joined by Erin O'Toole, the former leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. Together in front of a live audience in Beaches-East York, they tackle Trump’s tariffs, foreign interference, and the impacts of polarization. They also chat about collaboration across party lines, their...
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Economics of Canadian Immigration: Part 2 with Lisa Lalande
On these two episodes of Uncommons, Nate does a deeper dive on the economics of Canadian immigration policies, including a look at the unsustainable rise in temporary immigration levels, recent government action to correct those levels, and what is almost certainly an over correction to the...
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Economics of Canadian Immigration: Part 1 with Mikal Skuterud
On these two episodes of Uncommons, Nate does a deeper dive on the economics of Canadian immigration policies, including a look at the unsustainable rise in temporary immigration levels, recent government action to correct those levels, and what is almost certainly an over correction to the...
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Mark Carney on Uncommons
On this episode, Mark Carney joins Nate on the podcast to discuss the current political landscape, sustainable finance and the economic opportunities of climate action, and his future in politics as now economic advisor to the Liberal Party and potential future candidate.Mark has served as the...
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Justin Trudeau on Uncommons
On this episode Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joins Nate to discuss the next election, successes and failures in governing, and what comes next. Watch the full podcast on YouTube: — Transcript: Nate: Welcome to Uncommons. I'm Nate Erskine-Smith, and on this episode I'm joined by Prime Minister...
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Political and Personal with Lisa Raitt
On this episode Lisa Raitt joins Nate on the podcast to discuss the complexities of political life, the challenges of balancing political and personal life, and the importance of fostering collaboration across party lines. They reflect upon the challenges that Canada faces, including changes in...
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Wealth Inequality and Inclusive Growth with Matthew Mendelsohn
On this episode Matthew Mendelsohn joins Nate on the podcast to discuss the issue of wealth concentration and its threat to democratic stability. They discuss practical solutions to address wealth inequality, trust in democratic institutions, the role of the federal public service and the need…
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Health for All with Dr. Jane Philpott
Nate is joined on this episode by Dr. Jane Philpott, a former federal Health Minister and currently the Dean of Health Sciences at Queen’s University. She has recently published her book: Health for All, A Doctor’s Prescription for a Healthier Canada. Before politics, Dr. Philpott practiced…
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Public Health and Police Reform with Mohamed Shuriye
Nate is joined by Mohamed Shuriye, Director of Community Safety and Well-being at the City of Toronto to discuss police reform and more effective alternate public health responses. Mo has led the city’s efforts to develop an alternative community safety response model that is now rolling out…
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C-270 and social conservatism with Arnold Viersen
Nate is joined on this episode by Conservative MP Arnold Viersen. They talk about his legislation to protect people on porn platforms, his social conservative views and advocacy on abortion, and the role of social conservatism in today’s Conservative Party. In the interest of full transparency,...
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Protests and Palestine with Safia Southey and Dr. Amgad Elsherif
Nate is joined on this episode by Columbia law student Safia Southey and thoracic surgeon Dr. Amgad Elsherif. Safia participated in the encampment at Columbia that helped to spark similar protests at campuses across North America. She speaks to the importance of protest, the role students can…
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Who's Hungry with Neil Hetherington
Nate is joined on this episode by Neil Hetherington, CEO of the Daily Bread Food Bank, to discuss the recent surge in food bank visits, the diverse demographics of those in need, and the crucial role of policy reform in alleviating poverty and homelessness. Neil Hetherington joined Daily Bread…
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Taxes and productivity with Trevor Tombe
Nate is joined on this episode by economist Trevor Tombe for a discussion on the price on pollution, its impact on food inflation, wealth and capital gains taxation, and the government’s acquisition of the TMX pipeline. Trevor is a professor of Economics at the University of Calgary and a…
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Beyond partisanship with Mike Morrice
Nate is joined on this episode by Green MP for Kitchener Centre Mike Morrice for a discussion on the Canada Disability Benefit, the successes and shortcomings of the government’s climate plan, and the importance of acting as a voice for one’s constituents. Mike was first elected in 2021 and has...
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Free speech and civil liberties with Marilyn Gladu
Nate is joined on this episode by Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu for a discussion on the challenges faced when protecting civil liberties in Canada, as well as a wider conversation on areas of common ground and disagreement. Marilyn represents the riding of Sarnia—Lambton. She is a professional...
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Defending serious climate action with Steven Guilbeault
Nate is joined on this episode by Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault for a wide-ranging discussion on Canada’s environmental policy, the work being done to combat attempts by the Conservatives to undermine that policy, and the importance of communicating what is being…
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Youth Climate Corps with Laurel Collins
On this episode, Nate is joined by MP for Victoria and NDP environment critic Laurel Collins. The discussion covers a range of issues including Nate and Laurel's shared desire for a youth climate corps, Canada’s climate progress more broadly, and Laurel’s work to address domestic abuse. At the…
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Build more housing with Sean Fraser
Nate is joined on this episode by Housing, Infrastructure, & Communities Minister Sean Fraser to talk about the single most important issue in this country at the moment: housing affordability. The lack of housing affordability is a generational challenge. Young people are worse off than their...
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Cooperation & collaboration with Mayor Olivia Chow
Nate is joined on this episode by Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow for a discussion on federal-municipal cooperation, navigating the city's difficult financial situation, and what she hopes to accomplish with her first budget as mayor. You can listen to the #UncommonsPod wherever you get your podcast…
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Principled, pragmatic, liberal leadership with Yasir Naqvi
Nate is joined on this episode by Yasir Naqvi, a friend, a former opponent in the Ontario Liberal leadership race, and a continued federal colleague. Yasir is a lawyer, and an experienced politician who served in several provincial ministerial positions, including as attorney general. It's a...
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The pursuit of truth with Eliot Higgins
On our first episode back, Nate is joined by the founder of Bellingcat Eliot Higgins. Bellingcat is an investigative journalism website that specializes in fact-checking and open-source intelligence. Elliott himself began blogging about the Syrian civil war over 10 years ago. His work…
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Protecting the Greenbelt with David Crombie
Nate is joined on this episode by David Crombie for a discussion on the Greenbelt, the protection of the Greenbelt, and the Ford government corruption surrounding the Greenbelt. David Crombie is the former mayor of Toronto from 72 to 78. He's a former cabinet minister, and Clark and Mulroney...
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The politics of city building with David Miller
Nate is joined on this episode by former Mayor of Toronto, David Miller. Before running for public office, he was a partner at the Toronto law firm Aird & Berlis, where he specialized in employment and immigration law and shareholder rights. He became a Metro councillor in 1994, and in 1997 he…
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The legacy of residential schools with Kimberly Murray
Nate is joined on this episode by Kimberly Murray for a discussion on her ongoing work to address trauma, realize justice, and advance reconciliation. Kimberly is the Independent Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Unmarked Graves and Burial Sites associated with Indian Residential...
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Infectious diseases and health equity with Dr. Isaac Bogoch
Nate is joined on this episode by Dr. Isaac Bogoch for a discussion on Neglected Tropical Diseases, global health equity, pandemic prevention and preparedness and his advocacy during the pandemic. He’s a professor of medicine at U of T, an infectious diseases specialist with a focus on tropical...
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City building with Jennifer Keesmaat
On this episode, Nate is joined by Jennifer Keesmaat for a discussion around housing, transit, and the roles that each level of government can and should play. Jennifer is the former Chief Planner for the City of Toronto, she’s worked around the world in urban design, and she’s currently a…
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Renewing and rebuilding with Gerry Butts
On this episode, a conversation with former principal secretary to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and current Eurasia group Vice Chair Gerry Butts. During his time in the Prime Minister's office, his work included overseeing economic policy, the negotiation of the Paris climate accord, and the...
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The civic leadership we need: Part 2 with Michelle Boileau
Nate is joined on this episode by Timmins Mayor, Michelle Boileau. First elected as a councillor in 2018, she’s a born and raised northerner, a proud Franco-Ontarian, she has a range of different experiences in the post-secondary sector, and at only 34, she represents thoughtful generational...
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The civic leadership we need: Part 1 with Amy Martin
Nate is joined on this episode by Norfolk County Mayor Amy Martin. Mayor Martin is the kind of Mayor we could all use more of. She’s passionate, smart, kind, and she’s driven to make a difference in her home community. She served as a counsellor starting in 2018, and she defeated an incumbent…
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Profit in healthcare delivery with Dr. Bob Bell
Nate is joined by Dr. Bob Bell to talk about the key challenges facing our healthcare system and what we should make of the proposed expansion of for-profit delivery and surgical procedures proposed by Premier Ford. Dr. Bell is a former surgeon. He served as Ontario's Deputy Minister of Health…
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Just say no to the war on drugs with Ben Perrin
Nate is joined by Benjamin Perrin to discuss his criticisms of the Conservative Party's renewed call for a war on drugs but also this Liberal government's slow and incremental action in the face of an overwhelming crisis. Ben advocates for bringing a compassionate, evidence-based approach to...
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Putting an end to greenwashing with Catherine McKenna
Nate is joined on this episode by Catherine Mckenna, former minister of environment and climate and former minister of infrastructure and communities. She is currently the Chair of the United Nations High-Level Expert Group on the Net-Zero Emissions Commitments of Non-State Entities. The…
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Woman, Life, Freedom with Ladan Boroumand
Nate is joined by Dr. Ladan Boroumand to discuss the courageous and sustained uprisings in Iran following the death of Mahsa Jina Amini. Dr. Ladan Boroumand is the co-founder of the Abdorrahman Boroumand Center for the Promotion of Human Rights and Democracy in Iran, a nongovernmental…
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Our care with Dr. Tara Kiran
Nate is joined by Dr. Tara Kiran a physician and medical researcher and professor who, over the last decade, has led a program of research evaluating the impact of primary care reforms on quality in primary care in Ontario. Dr. Kiran is currently leading the Our Care project, including a 15 min...
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Vote 16 with Taylor Bachrach
Nate is joined by Taylor Bachrach, who makes a strong case for why we should lower the voting age to 16 and, at a minimum, send Bill C-210 to a parliamentary committee for further study. Taylor makes the argument that the government is facing some of the most consequential decisions in history…
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All policy is health policy with Dr. Adil Shamji
Nate is joined on this episode by Dr. Adil Shamji - the new Liberal MPP for Don Valley East, and a former emergency room doctor. Adil led a fascinating career before politics, as you’ll hear from him directly, including work in remote communities, supporting homeless shelters, and more. He’s now...
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Accountability and rights with Anthony Housefather
On this Uncommonspod, I’m joined by Liberal MP Anthony Housefather. He shares a similar approach to politics that is less partisan, with a willingness to speak one’s own mind. He’s done just that most recently with his work and comments in relation to Hockey Canada’s actions in response to sexual...
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Reflections and rebuilding with Kathleen Wynne
Nate is joined by Kathleen Wynne to discuss her time as Premier, the issues facing the provincial government, and rebuilding the Ontario Liberal Party. Kathleen is the former Premier of Ontario, having been elected in 2013 as the first woman and openly gay person to hold the office. She served as...
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Reclaiming the Internet for Civil Society with Ronald Deibert
In this episode Nate talks with Ronald Deibert about the role Canada should play in ensuring its own transparency with respect to cyber surveillance, and ensuring that our use of technology is consistent in respecting human rights. Ron is Professor of Political Science, and Director of the…
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Competition reform with Vass Bednar, Robin Shaban and Denise Hearn
Nate discusses competition reform in Canada with a panel of guests made up of Vass Bednar, Robin Shaban and Denise Hearn. All three have recently spoken at the House of Commons Industry Committee, and have stressed that competition reform should be a priority for our government. Denise Hearn is...
About this show
A bi-weekly discussion series hosted by MP Nate Erskine-Smith featuring experts, fellow parliamentarians, and other elected officials of all stripes.
www.uncommons.ca
Hosted by
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