Podcasts
WONK is the Public Policy Forum’s weekly podcast exploring the big policy questions shaping Canada’s future. Hosted by award-winning journalist Michael Serapio, the new season asks what it will take to build a more prosperous, resilient and ambitious country. Each episode brings leading voices into thoughtful, non-partisan conversations about investment, trade, major projects, health, Canada’s place in the world and more. Watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts. (What’s a WONK, you ask? We’ve got you covered.)
R.J. Simpson on why the North is hot right now
This week on WONK, the premier of the Northwest Territories discusses the growing strategic importance of the North, the appetite for its critical minerals and his message for Ottawa
Dr. Jane Philpott on getting every Canadian a family doctor
This week on WONK, the former health minister outlines why Canada needs a health-care system reboot that's focused on primary care for everyone
Raven Lacerte on leading a national movement to end violence
This week on WONK, the co-founder of the Moose Hide Campaign joins us to talk about her work, the roots of violence against women and children and why 'big things are coming'
Sean Speer on how governments can get stuff done
This week on WONK, leading conservative thinker Sean Speer talks political instability and the challenges of state capacity
Janice Stein on what’s wrong with the world — and what Canada can do
This week on WONK, renowned international affairs expert Janice Stein talks about Canada's place in a increasingly unstable and changing world
What we heard on WONK: Season One
Check out our catalogue of smart conversations with the people driving policy discussion in Canada
Let’s build a better Canada together. Whether you’re looking to support our mission by becoming a member, partnering with us on a project or sponsoring an event, your engagement helps drive informed, inclusive policy across the country.
John Risley on his big green hydrogen bet
This week on WONK, John Risley explains why his green energy project in Newfoundland will be revolutionary, what keeps him anchored in Atlantic Canada and why he went to 'wind farm academy'
Trevor Tombe, economic truth-teller, is kind of a big deal right now
This week on WONK, Trevor Tombe talks to host Edward Greenspon about the Trans Mountain pipeline, productivity and being the second most famous economist from Maple Ridge, B.C.
‘The fascinating economist’ Craig Wright, on the role of a big bank forecaster
This week on WONK, Craig Wright, chief economist at the Royal Bank of Canada for the past 23 years, talks to Edward Greenspon about what’s changed over his career and where Canada needs to do better.
Mark Podlasly on the really big news hidden in Budget 2024
This week on WONK, Mark Podlasly joins host Edward Greenspon to explain how Indigenous Loan Guarantees put Indigenous communities on a whole new path.
What does Canada really want from immigration?
This week on WONK, Rupa Banerjee on Canada's evolving immigration system, what it gets wrong, and why it's unfair to blame foreign students for housing woes
The new chief economist of the OECD, Álvaro Santos Pereira, on solving the productivity crisis
This week on WONK, the OECD’s incoming chief economist, Álvaro Santos Pereira talks to host Edward Greenspon about why he's optimistic Canada will solve its productivity crisis.
Emera CEO Scott Balfour on the urgent energy transition
This week on WONK, Emera CEO Scott Balfour talks to host Edward Greenspon about efforts to wean Canada off carbon and build a clean electricity system.
Halifax Mayor Mike Savage on how a big city keeps up with growth
This week on WONK, Halifax Mayor Michael Savage talks to Edward Greenspon about Halifax’s growing pains, and the long and winding road to municipal success.
How to win at the Olympics
This week on WONK, the CEO of the Canadian Olympic Committee David Shoemaker talks to Edward Greenspon about the importance of international competition in a time of war.