Explain Like I’m Five Episode 27: Ambassadorship, with Colin Robertson

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“Our embassies and our high commissions are responsible for the whole of government relationship with the host country…It’s the political relationship we may have with them, it’s the trade relationship we have with them.”

Colin Robertson, former Canadian diplomat and current Vice President and Fellow at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, joins host Aaron Reynolds to explain what the work of an ambassador looks like, their role on the international stage, and the fine line between politics and diplomacy.

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Quality Content Episode 16: The Next 22, with Scott Brison

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“I’m very thankful to Canada and I feel like I’m very lucky to be part of this generation, in this country. There are few places where a family like mine would be embraced both in a community but also in the public realm.”

Host Alex Paterson sits down with longtime Nova Scotia MP Scott Brison to chat about his decision to retire from public service after 22 years in politics, representing the riding of Kings-Hants. The two reflect on the ups and downs of his journey, the importance of legislators in Canadian society, and what he hopes to achieve in his next phase of life.

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/Thread Episode 33: Extradition messaging, Canada’s new food guide, and Oscar nominations

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“There’s a reasonable argument to be made that the Liberals weren’t particularly surprised by McCallum saying this because it’s not uncommon – and we’ve seen this before with the Liberals – to send somebody out to test a message that may or may not be popular.”

BuzzFeed’s Elamin Abdelmahmoud and Vocal Fry Studios’ Vicky Mochama join host Sarah Turnbull at Toronto’s Lakeview Diner to talk about the mixed messages surrounding Meng Wanzhou’s extradition, Canada’s new food guide, and the nominations for the 91st Academy Awards.

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Explain Like I’m Five Episode 26: Brexit, with Lauren Dobson-Hughes

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“If you drew a flowchart, it would take up six rooms and have four million different options. So if anyone tells you they know what’s going to happen at this point, I’d call them on that. “

Political strategist Lauren Dobson-Hughes joins Aaron Reynolds to explain Brexit: how it happened, the looming deadlines, and why it’s been so complicated to negotiate.

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Quality Content Episode 15: 1979, with Michael Healey

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“The play is about the nature of leadership, the question of principle versus expediency in politics. It’s also about red Toryism and the concept of leading everybody in the country regardless of who voted for you.”

Canadian playwright and actor Michael Healey joins guest host Aaron Reynolds to chat about his play 1979 and how it reflects Canada’s politics today through the lens of Joe Clark’s brief term as prime minister 40 years ago.

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/Thread Episode 32: Welcoming refugees, Liberal cabinet reorg, and Gillette’s “toxic masculinity” ad

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“I will commend the government for their commitment to all manner of fair and proper immigration and dealing with issues of oppression, abuse and the like, but when you stage manage it to such a degree you create problems for yourself.”

Host Sarah Turnbull is joined by Shannon Proudfoot of Maclean’s and Tim Powers of Summa Strategies, to chat about the week’s headlines. Topics include: The welcoming of a Saudi teen fleeing her allegedly abusive family, the ups and downs of the Liberal’s cabinet shuffle, drama in the Burnaby South by-election, and Gillette’s new “toxic masculinity” ad that’s sparking controversy.

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Explain Like I’m Five Episode 25: Canadian Health Care, with Dr. Danielle Martin

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“Anything that’s provided in a hospital or by a doctor – if it’s deemed to be medically necessary – is covered, that was the vast majority of health care in the 1960s when these plans were developed, increasingly it leaves out a lot of important stuff.”

Dr. Danielle Martin, family physician and vice-president of Medical Affairs and Health System Solutions at the Women’s College Hospital, joins host Aaron Reynolds to explain how Canada’s health care system works, how it came to be, and what challenges it faces in adapting to changes in modern medicine.

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/Thread Episode 31: Trump’s address to the nation, Liberal cabinet shuffles, and Kim Campbell’s profanity

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“What I found odd about the address was that this is a president who has championed himself as an outside Washington guy – you know the rebels at the gates – and here he is sitting with all the trappings of the government around him. The medium or the venue did not suit the message.”

Host Sarah Turnbull sits down with Susan Delacourt, national columnist and Ottawa bureau chief at the Toronto Star and David Reevely, news editor at The Canadian Press to talk about the week’s headlines. Topics include: U.S. President Donald Trump’s address to the nation regarding the proposed wall at the U.S./Mexico border, the Liberal’s impending cabinet shuffle following MP Scott Brison’s retirement announcement, and former Prime Minister Kim Campbell’s profanity on Twitter.

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We’re hiring: Junior Producer

Canada 2020 is hiring a Junior Producer to join the Canada 2020 team in Ottawa, Ontario on a two-year contract.

The 2020 Network launched in June, 2018 with daily shows focused on current affairs, policy issues, and arts and culture. The network is an extension of Canada 2020’s mandate as a convener and curator of interesting ideas, presented more accessibly to the public.  
Reporting to the senior producer, the junior producer will help in the growth of Canada 2020’s podcast network and its various shows, in addition to providing content and communications support to Canada 2020. This includes assistance with show editing, scheduling, chasing, and content dissemination as well as the development of future network ideas. 
We’re looking for someone who has a passion for audio storytelling and is eager to explore new avenues in this domain. You have strong technical skills combined with a creative and curious outlook. 
Must-haves:

  • 1-2 years working in media
  • Strong narrative audio editing skills
  • Good news sense and writing abilities
  • Familiarity with video editing software
  • Familiarity with graphic design
  • Organized and able to juggle multiple tasks at once
  • Self-starter

Responsibilities:

  • Edit podcast segments
  • Help with chase producing
  • Pitch show ideas and concepts
  • Maintain feeds and back-end infrastructure
  • Build social media assets and help with promotion 

Applicants are required to send along their resume, cover letter, and audio sample – something you’ve edited, produced or hosted – to [email protected]. Deadline: February 8, 2019.