Wonk
Wonk
Public Policy Forum
Wonk is a podcast about policy and policymakers in Canada — but you don’t need to be a policy wonk to enjoy it. Hosted by PPF President and CEO Edward Greenspon, we talk to leaders, thinkers and doers who are setting the agenda and driving change for the better in Canada. We also probe the passionate personalities behind the policies. After all, good policy at its core is about people. Listen to Wonk, and be in the knoW. New episodes on Thursdays. This feed also hosts the archive for Public Policy Forum's podcast, Policy Speaking.
Episode 2: Jeff Elgie
At a time when news outlets are falling into decline and disappearing from the map, Jeff Elgie has been steadily growing Village Media from his base in Sault Ste Marie, Ont. In the process he has wound up at the centre of one of the most important debates of the digital news era: how to effectively sustain journalism and, by extension, the strength of our democratic fabric. He talks to host Edward Greenspon about the government's recently announced $100-million agreement with Google, and what motivates him to keep fighting for local news.
Dec 7, 2023
33 min
Episode 1: Bob Rae
As Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations Bob Rae has taken on what may be his most consequential role in a 45-year career largely in public service. From the invasion of Ukraine to the war between Israel and Hamas, he speaks for Canada with a rare and often critical clarity. Ambassador Rae talks to host Edward Greenspon about the emotional toll of life at the UN and Canada’s recent diplomatic efforts.
Nov 30, 2023
23 min
Introducing Wonk
Sounding out smart policy and the passionate people behind it. Wonk is a weekly conversation with the leaders and policymakers who are shaping our democracy, driving the economy, and tackling the issues that matter to Canadians. Hosted by author, former journalist and president and CEO of the Public Policy Forum, Edward Greenspon, Wonk is rooted in the belief that good policy – and thoughtful discussion -- make a better Canada. New episodes on Thursdays.
Nov 29, 2023
35 sec
Ep. 78: Growing Canada's Infrastructure with John Casola
In this episode of Policy Speaking, John Casola, Chief Investment officer of the Canada Infrastructure Bank, joins host Edward Greenspon to break down what the Infrastructure Bank does, why we need it and what projects are in the pipeline.
Mar 30, 2023
41 min
Ep. 77: Trade and Tough Decisions with Steve Verheul
In this episode of Policy Speaking, Steve Verheul, Canada's former Chief Trade Negotiator, joins host Edward Greenspon to discuss negotiating the new NAFTA, the strength of middle powers, and Canada's potential leadership in creating a new trading system.
Mar 8, 2023
41 min
Ep. 76: Unpacking the Clean Energy Puzzle with Scott Balfour
In this episode of Policy Speaking, Scott Balfour, CEO of Emera joins host Edward Greenspon to discuss the many puzzle pieces inherent in Canada’s energy transition. Balfour and Greenspon discuss how to reach renewable energy goals, the need for honest conversations and the question that’s on everyone’s mind: affordability.
Feb 10, 2023
33 min
Ep. 75: The Future of Healthcare with Dr. Victoria Lee & Dr. Danielle Martin
Paired with the release of the Public Policy Forum’s Taking Back Health Care report, this special edition of Policy Speaking features report authors Dr. Victoria Lee and Dr. Danielle Martin. Dr. Lee, Clinical Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia and Assistant Professor at Simon Fraser University, and Dr. Martin, Professor in the Department of Family & Community Medicine with Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto, join host Edward Greenspon to discuss what it will take to mend the health-care system – and why money is only a part of that solution.
Jan 24, 2023
39 min
Ep. 74: Toward Economic Reconciliation, with Harold Calla and Geordie Hungerford
In this episode of Policy Speaking, Harold Calla, executive chair of the First Nations Financial Management Board, and CEO Geordie Hungerford join host Edward Greenspon to discuss a roadmap for achieving economic reconciliation. Calla and Hungerford call for the creation of new Indigenous-led institutions, including a First Nations Infrastructure Institute, an Indigenous Development Bank and an Indigenous Economic Council to create capacity and get capital flowing, ultimately fueling the Indigenous ownership movement and building a robust Indigenous economy.
Dec 8, 2022
40 min
Ep. 73: The Future of Work with Stéphan Déry
Stéphan Déry, Assistant Deputy Minister of Real Property Services at Public Services and Procurement Canada, and Edward Greenspon, PPF President and CEO, discussed the future of work and workspaces during a recent PPF Member Event. Their conversation ranged from how to modernize the federal government's workspaces to ways to attract and retain workers – including beautiful places to work. This episode includes a #PPFproud shoutout to Manulife for being recognized as one of the World’s Best Employers by Forbes in 2022 for the third year in a row.
Nov 24, 2022
35 min
Ep. 72: An exit interview with B.C. Premier John Horgan
In this special edition of Policy Speaking, Edward Greenspon, PPF president and CEO, is joined by outgoing B.C. Premier John Horgan. On one of his last days as premier of British Columbia, Mr. Horgan gives a no-holds-barred interview on challenges in energy policy, healthcare and climate change, as well as his bubbling frustration with the federal-provincial relationship. This episode includes a #PPFproud shoutout to Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada for offering more than $85 million in grants to support colleges and partner organizations through the College and Community Innovation program.
Nov 17, 2022
45 min
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