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Video Archive

Your all-access pass to the people and events shaping Canada’s democracy

00:59:44

Talk Politics

June 29, 2008

Host Ken Rockburn welcomes political players, newsmakers and pundits for a lively discussion on the issues and events of the moment. This week, Ken says goodbye after seven years at CPAC with a special one hour retrospective of his best and most engaging interviews as host of Talk Politics and Rockburn Presents. Among the guests on tonight’s special are: former prime ministers Jean Chrétien and Paul Martin; social activists Irshad Manji and Jaggi Singh; authors Barry Callaghan and Naomi Klein; newsmakers Maher Arar and William Sampson; musicians Matthew Good and Willie P. Bennett, and cultural icons Rick Mercer and the late Peter Gzowski.
00:59:32

Talk Politics

June 22, 2008

This week, host Ken Rockburn is joined in the studio by John Manley, former minister of foreign affairs (October 2000–January 2002) and former deputy prime minister (January 2002–December 2003). Mr. Manley discusses the September 11, 2001, ("9/11") terrorist attacks on the United States, the Canadian government’s response, and the impact that the 9/11 attacks have since had on Canada–United States relations. Also on the program, Ken speaks with Peter Donolo (the former director of communications for Prime Minister Jean Chrétien) about the communications strategies utilized by Mr. Chrétien and Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Later, Ken sits down with federal New Democratic Party leader Jack Layton to reflect on Mr. Layton’s experiences and achievements since his election as party leader in 2003.
00:53:51

Talk Politics

June 15, 2008

Host Ken Rockburn welcomes political players, newsmakers and pundits for a lively discussion on the issues and events of the moment. This week, Ken looks back at the exciting, revolutionary and often turbulent decade of the 1960s. The 2008 United States presidential race has generated an excitement that draws parallels with what took place 40 years ago. Barack Obama's oratory has been compared to that of Martin Luther King Jr. and his politics to that of Robert F. Kennedy. Ken looks back to that decade to see what was accomplished and if the current political climate will repeat. First, Ken speaks with Todd Gitlin, author of "The Sixties: Years of Hope, Days of Rage." Then, he hosts a round table discussion with three journalists who lived through that era, Earl McCrae (columnist with the Ottawa Sun), Dan Turner (former journalist with the Canadian Press), and Susan Murray (a former radio journalist for CBC Radio).
00:59:34

Talk Politics

June 8, 2008

Host Ken Rockburn welcomes political players, newsmakers and pundits for a lively discussion on the issues and events of the moment. This week, Ken speaks with Alex Neve (Secretary General of Amnesty Canada) about his organization's latest annual human rights report. The major themes of this year's report include violence against women, American detention of terrorism suspects and the continued use of the death penalty. Particular attention is given to the United States' "War on Terror." Also on the program Ken speaks with author and journalist Alex Rose about his new book, "Who Killed The Grand Banks?" In 1992, the federal government imposed a moratorium on the cod fishery. Mr. Rose talks about how that happened and who was responsible. And finally, Ken speaks with former Vancouver police officer Tony Smith about Canada’s drug policy. Mr. Smith, now a member of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP), is an outspoken advocate for the repeal of laws that criminalize the use of narcotics and soft drugs. Mr. Smith and LEAP were in Ottawa recently to provide support for Vancouver's Safe Injection Drug Site program.
00:59:32

Talk Politics

June 1, 2008

Host Ken Rockburn welcomes political players, newsmakers and pundits for a lively discussion on the issues and events of the moment. This week, Ken speaks with Tarak Fatah (one of the founders of the Canadian Muslim Congress) about his new book "Chasing a Mirage: The Tragic Illusion of an Islamic State.” A former investigative journalist in his native Pakistan, Mr. Fatah makes the argument that Islam has been hijacked by radicals who use the Koran for their own political gain and as a result discredit the religion. Also on the program, Ken speaks with Karl Inderfurth (professor of international affairs at George Washington University in the United States) about the evolving political situation in Pakistan. Mr. Inderfurth, assistant secretary of State for South Asian Affairs during the Bill Clinton administration, talks at length about how the new leadership of Yousof Raza Gilani is making a concerted effort to increase stability in Pakistan. Finally, Ken speaks with Robert Zeigler, director general of the International Rice Research Institute. The price of rice has doubled resulting in a food crisis that is having an impact all around the world. Mr. Zeigler has dedicated his professional life to the study and improvement of this important staple. He talks to Ken about how producers in Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam are coping with the staggering increase in costs.
00:59:33

Talk Politics

May 25, 2008

Host Ken Rockburn welcomes political players, newsmakers and pundits for a lively discussion on the issues and events of the moment. This week, Ken’s guest is Mel Hurtig, the founding chair of the Council of Canadians and the author of "The Truth About Canada." Mr. Hurtig's latest effort posits that Canada has changed a great deal over the last twenty years and mostly for the worse. Also on the program Ken speaks with intellectual and author Richard Florida about his book "Who's Your City?". Based on over twenty years of research, Mr. Florida has discovered that where we live determines the people we meet, the jobs we take, the networks we develop and the careers we choose.
00:59:32

Talk Politics

May 18, 2008

Host Ken Rockburn welcomes political players, newsmakers and pundits for a lively discussion on the issues and events of the moment. This week, Ken speaks with Ottawa Citizen columnist Dan Gardner about his new book "Risk: The Science and Politics of Fear.” Mr. Gardner's thesis is that the public is subject to a barrage of warnings about the threat of terrorism, war, murder, and rampant crime, and yet statistics show we are safer than we think. Also on the program, Ken speaks with veteran CBC journalist Patrick Brown about his work as a reporter in China. Mr. Brown, who has been covering China since the early 90's, talks to Ken about how attitudes among Chinese officials have changed towards foreign and domestic journalists. Finally, Ken speaks with author Charlotte Gray about her latest book, a biography on the Canadian feminist Nellie McClung. Instrumental in winning the vote for women, Ms. McClung was a member of the “Famous Five” who successfully lobbied for women to be considered by the courts as "persons" and allowed to sit in the Senate.
00:59:33

Talk Politics

April 27, 2008

Host Ken Rockburn welcomes political players, newsmakers and pundits for a lively discussion on the issues and events of the moment. This week, Ken conducts two interviews about the case of Omar Khadr, the only known Canadian incarcerated at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. First, Ken speaks with Michelle Shephard (journalist with the Toronto Star) whose book "Guantanamo's Child: The Untold Story of Omar Khadr" documents Mr. Khadr's case since he was captured by American forces in Afghanistan in 2002 when he was only 15. Ms. Shephard talks about Mr. Khadr's childhood, his family, the American soldiers who captured Mr. Khadr, and those who knew him in custody. Ken then speaks with Alex Neve (secretary general of Amnesty International Canada) about the legal status of Omar Khadr. Mr. Neve questions why Canada has not sought to repatriate Mr. Khadr. Mr. Neve also makes the argument that Mr. Khadr, should be treated as a child soldier and not as an enemy combatant. Finally, Ken speaks with author, philosopher, and religious scholar Barrie Wilson about his book "How Jesus Became Christian." Mr. Wilson's thesis is that today's Christianity is more about the Christ figure than what Jesus actually preached.
00:59:32

Talk Politics

April 20, 2008

Host Ken Rockburn welcomes political players, newsmakers and pundits for a lively discussion on the issues and events of the moment. This week, Ken's guest is Peter Zimonjic, a journalist who wrote a book about his experiences during the July 2005 bombings in London, England. Following the bombings, Mr. Zimonjic went one step further and set up a website with a discussion board that encouraged survivors to write about how the bombings affected their lives. The website's postings, along with his own experiences, formed the basis of Mr. Zimonjic's book, entitled "Into the Darkness: An Account of 7/7.” Also on the program, Ken speaks with author Patricia Pearson about her new book "A Brief History of Anxiety: Yours and Mine". Ms. Pearson talks about how the “norms” of western society are responsible for creating the “anxious” person, and discusses some solutions she has found that help her cope.
00:59:22

Talk Politics

April 13, 2008

Host Ken Rockburn welcomes political players, newsmakers and pundits for a lively discussion on the issues and events of the moment. This week, Ken speaks with Brian Anthony (executive director and CEO of the Directors Guild of Canada) about Bill C-10. This legislation would allow for the Minister of Heritage to deny funding and tax credits for films and television shows if the projects were deemed "contrary to public policy." Mr. Anthony appeared before the Senate Banking Committee that is examining Bill C-10. Also on the program, Ken speaks with Nicholas Gazzard, executive director of the Cooperative Housing Federation of Canada. Mr. Gazzard talks about a meeting held between federal minister Monte Solberg and various provincial ministers to discuss Canada's housing crisis. Finally, Ken speaks with author and journalist Michael Petrou about his book "Renegades: Canadians in the Spanish Civil War.” A senior writer with Maclean's magazine, Mr. Petrou's book is the culmination of months of exhaustive research into the Spanish Civil War where over 1,700 Canadians volunteered to fight against the fascist forces of General Franco who was buoyed by the support from the armies of Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini.
00:59:32

Talk Politics

April 6, 2008

Host Ken Rockburn welcomes political players, newsmakers and pundits for a lively discussion on the issues and events of the moment. This week, Ken talks to nuclear engineer and author Robert Zubrin about his latest book, "Energy Victory.” Mr. Zubrin's thesis is that the “War on Terror” can be won by breaking free of the West's dependency on foreign oil. Mr. Zubrin provides examples of how that can be done. Also on the program, Ken speaks with Dr. Richard Heinzl, author of "Cambodia Calling.” The book is a memoir of Mr. Heinzl's time in Cambodia during the early 1990's where he worked as a doctor in a small Cambodian village following the fall of the Khmer Rouge (the Communist Party of Kampuchea). Mr. Heinzl later founded the Canadian chapter of Doctors Without Borders. And finally, Ken speaks with retired academic and author John Trent about his latest book "Modernizing the United Nations System." In his book, Mr. Trent argues that the best and possibly only way for the UN to reform is by inviting dialogue with international civil society.
00:59:23

Talk Politics

March 30, 2008

Host Ken Rockburn welcomes political players, newsmakers and pundits for a lively discussion on the issues and events of the moment. This week, Ken speaks with American journalist and scholar Nicholas Schmidle. Mr. Schmidle has been living in Pakistan writing about the tense political situation in the country. He recently published an article in New York Times Magazine about the new generation of Taliban, and how this group of young Jihadists appears to be turning on the very bodies that nurtured them. Upon publication, Mr. Schmidle was asked to leave the country by Pakistani authorities. Also on the program, Ken speaks with Gabriel Shumba (human rights lawyer and Zimbabwean exile) about the Zimbabwe presidential elections held on March 29, 2008. Finally, Ken speaks with Shahir Zihane, a former member of the Mujahideen Army and current magazine publisher and radio network executive in Afghanistan. Mr. Zihane talks about the current situation in Afghanistan and his own experiences publishing and distributing several national news magazines throughout Afghanistan.
00:58:53

Talk Politics

March 23, 2008

Host Ken Rockburn welcomes political players, newsmakers and pundits for a lively discussion on the issues and events of the moment. This week, Ken speaks with David Pratt of the Canadian Red Cross and Nobel Laureate James Bruce about the Red Cross's initiative to combat climate change. The Red Cross has stated that climate change was responsible not only for worsening natural disasters, but is also making it more difficult for people in impoverished areas to find food and water and is accelerating the spread of transmittable diseases. Also on the program, Ken speaks with award-winning photojournalist Nick Danziger about his exhibit entitled "Tony Blair at War: Decision Iraq." On display at the Canadian War Museum, the exhibit is a behind-the-scenes account of Tony Blair and his advisors in the days leading up to the decision to take Britain into war with the United States against Iraq. Finally, Ken talks to Guy Mayson, the president and CEO of the Canadian Film and Television Production Association about Bill C-10. This legislation would allow for the Minister of Heritage to deny funding and tax credits for films and television shows if the projects were deemed "contrary to public policy."
00:58:53

Talk Politics

March 16, 2008

Host Ken Rockburn welcomes political players, newsmakers and pundits for a lively discussion on the issues and events of the moment. This week, Ken speaks with Dr. Gabor Maté, author of "In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction.” Dr. Maté is a physician who has worked with the drug addicts of Vancouver's Lower Eastside for over a decade, and his latest book is an ambitious thesis that looks at the prevalence of addiction in contemporary society. Dr. Maté's book addresses not only drugs, but also alcohol, tobacco, gambling, food, and sex addictions. Also on the program, Ken sits down with McGill University psychologist Susan Pinker about her first book, "The Sexual Paradox: Extreme Men, Gifted Women and the Real Gender Gap.” The book explores how gender differences play out in the workforce.
00:58:41

Talk Politics

March 9, 2008

Host Ken Rockburn welcomes political players, newsmakers and pundits for a lively discussion on the issues and events of the moment. This week, Ken speaks with Carleton University's Fen Hampson about the presidential nomination races in the United States. Mr. Hampson talks about the candidates, the races, and how the Canadian government has found itself in the middle of the Democratic campaign with alleged leaks of Democrat candidate Barack Obama's position on NAFTA. Also on the show, Ken speaks with Alain Pellerin (Conference of Defence Associations executive director) and Kim Nossal (head of the Political Science Department at Queen's University) about grants received from the Department of National Defence. Both guests have been invited to appear to refute claims made by Amir Attaran of the University of Ottawa, who claims that the grants are awarded to promote the views and aims of the government and the Defence Department. And finally Ken speaks Terry Fallis, the author of the political thriller "The Best Laid Plans.” Mr. Fallis is a former political aide and is now a public affairs consultant with the firm Thornley Fallis.
00:58:44

Talk Politics

March 2, 2008

Host Ken Rockburn welcomes political players, newsmakers and pundits for a lively discussion on the issues and events of the moment. This week, Ken speaks with author Erna Paris about her latest book "The Sun Climbs Slow: Justice in the Age of Imperial America,” which chronicles how the International Criminal Court came into being. Ms. Paris explores how the Court came into conflict with American politics and ideology. Also, on the program, Ken speaks with professor Amir Attaran of the University of Ottawa. Mr. Attaran has found himself in a storm of controversy over funding of the Conference of Defence Associations (CDA), a military think tank in Ottawa. On the eve of the CDA's 2008 annual conference, Mr. Attaran wrote an opinion piece, published in the Globe and Mail, outlining how much money the CDA receives from the Department of National Defence.
00:59:43

Talk Politics

February 24, 2008

Host Ken Rockburn welcomes political players, newsmakers and pundits for a lively discussion on the issues and events of the moment. This week, Ken speaks to Alex Neve (Secretary General of Amnesty International) and Paul Champ (human rights lawyer) about a federal court case on the transfer of Afghan detainees. Mr. Champ and Mr. Neve talk about how the case has evolved from simply being a matter of determining if Canadian Forces are subject to international human rights treaties while operating on foreign soil to determining whether the court has the right to impose an injunction on detainee transfers to Afghan authorities. Also on the program, Ken speaks with Fred Doucette, author of "Empty Casing: A Soldier's Memo of Sarajevo Under Siege.” Mr. Doucette, an infantryman with the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment was stationed in Bosnia in 1995 as part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force. Mr. Doucette talks about the personal toll the mission had on him. Mr. Doucette had his own conflict with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome to deal with upon his return to Canada, and this book documents that long trial.
00:59:31

Talk Politics

February 17, 2008

Host Ken Rockburn welcomes political players, newsmakers and pundits for a lively discussion on the issues and events of the moment. First, Ken sits down with Scott Taylor (editor of Esprit de Corps magazine) to discuss his reactions to the so-called “Manley Report” released by the Independent Panel on Canada’s Future Role in Afghanistan. The report outlines military and humanitarian aid recommendations for Canadian Forces stationed in Kandahar. Mr. Taylor explains his concerns with the recommendations and emphasizes the need for improved training of Afghan national security forces. Ken speaks with Dave Porter and Leonard Thomas about the devastation caused by the Mountain Pine Beetle in British Columbia’s interior. Over 13 million hectares of land have been affected by this destructive insect. Mr. Porter and Mr. Thomas, both with the B.C. Forestry Council, talk about how the infestation has been a major cause of concern in First Nations' communities throughout B.C.'s interior and is now spreading into neighbouring Alberta.
00:59:41

Talk Politics

February 10, 2008

Host Ken Rockburn welcomes political players, newsmakers and pundits for a lively discussion on the issues and events of the moment. This week, Ken tackles the issue of what the government should do with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). At the end of 2007, a Senate committee report suggested that Canada should seriously examine how it spends $3.1B on foreign development and assistance. As the government shows signs that it will proceed with the report's recommendations, Ken speaks first with Gerry Barr, president of the Canadian Council on International Cooperation and then with Conservative Senator Hugh Segal, co-author of the report. Finally, Ken speaks with Stephen Waddell (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) national executive director) about the government’s much anticipated copyright legislation. New copyright legislation is needed, Mr. Waddell argues, to protect the livelihood of Canada's artists and performers.
00:59:42

Talk Politics

February 3, 2008

Host Ken Rockburn welcomes political players, newsmakers and pundits for a lively discussion on the issues and events of the moment. This week, Ken sits down with Kamoji Wachiira, a Kenyan-born activist, aid worker, and environmentalist. In light of peaceful negotiations between Kofi Annan (former UN secretary general) and Kenya’s two main political rivals, violence has been escalating in the country. Mr. Wachiira offers insight into the deteriorating situation in Kenya. Also on the program, Ken speaks with Michael Geist, a law professor at the University of Ottawa. Mr. Geist comments on proposed changes to Canada's copyright laws put forward by the federal government. He describes the work he carried out in December 2007 to organize a grassroots effort of internet users in anticipation of the copyright law changes, which were announced by Industry Minister Jim Prentice. Finally, Ken is joined by MPs Keith Martin (Liberal foreign affairs critic) and Alexa McDonough (NDP international development critic) to discuss the federal government’s support for international aid proposals outlined in a February 2007 Senate report entitled “Overcoming 40 Years of Failure, a New Road Map for Sub-Saharan Africa.”