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Resuming Debate

Garnett Genuis

One of the biggest problems plaguing our society is that we don’t actually debate much anymore. This podcast is set to remedy that. Your host, Garnett Genuis, is the Member of Parliament for Sherwood Park–Fort Saskatchewan in Alberta, Canada, serving as the Shadow Minister for International Development & Human Rights. Since being elected in 2015, he has gained a reputation for being among the most outspoken parliamentarians. Every episode will feature an interview with a guest, and then conclude with a debate involving Parliamentarians from different parties. Thank you for listening.

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Wednesday · 1 hr
EP89. One-on-One with Conservative Shadow Minister Shuv Majumdar on Canada-US Relations
Tensions between Canada and the US are the highest they have been in a very long time. Why is this happening, what should Canada be doing in response, and what is the role of the Loyal Opposition during these challenging times? Joining me to discuss these questions and more is Member of Parliament Shuv Majumdar, Conservative Shadow Minister for Canada-US Relations. Shuv has worked extensively on foreign affairs, including advising Prime Minister Stephen Harper on foreign policy. Before getting elected Shuv also led the Foreign Policy and National Security program at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. You can click here to find and follow Shuv on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
June 23 · 1 hr 10 min
EP88. Dorothy Day: Communism, Anarchism, Pacifism, Sainthood, and the Dignity of Work | Robert Ellsberg
After being appointed Shadow Minister for Employment, I did a lot of reading about philosophies of work. In the process, I very quickly became fascinated by the writings of Dorothy Day, one of the most interesting and important 20th century thinkers involved in social action, writing, and concepts of social justice that are both pro-work and pro-poor. She is a figure of profound religious and political significance, particularly for the Catholic community in North America. Joining me for this fascinating episode is Robert Ellsberg, a longtime associate, collaborator, and friend of Dorothy Day and editor of her writings. Robert is the publisher, executive director and editor-in-chief of Orbis Books, and is the former managing editor of The Catholic Worker (which Day edited herself until her death in 1980). You can find many of Dorothy Day’s writings on the Catholic Worker website, here: https://catholicworker.org/dorothy-day/dorothy-day-writing/ The Catholic Worker also features many commentaries on her writings and work, as well as a short biography which you can read here: https://catholicworker.org/dorothy-day/
#87
June 9 · 1 hr 2 min
EP87. Unmet Desire: Why Canadians Aren't Having the Families They Say They Want | Paige MacPherson & Andrea Mrozek
Conservatives recently announced proposals for major reforms to the parental leave system in Canada, introducing greater flexibility for parents, allowing learning on leave, and making it easier for parents to earn extra income while watching their kids. Part of the rationale for this policy was the reality of Canada’s sharply declining fertility rates – and the growing gap between the number of children that women report they want to have and the number of children they are actually having. Why is this happening, why we should care, and what can be done about it? Joining me for this conversation are Paige MacPherson and Andrea Mrozek, two brilliant policy minds working with two different Canadian think tanks. Both Paige and Andrea are also mothers themselves and are vocal advocates for families and family-first policy. Link to relevant Cardus research: https://www.cardus.ca/in-the-news/media-coverage/canadas-fertility-crisis-is-no-longer-a-minor-concern/ https://www.cardus.ca/research/family/reports/she-s-not-having-a-baby/ https://www.cardus.ca/research/family/reports/home-alone/
May 26 · 59 min
EP86. How Liberals Are Using Their Majority to Alter Canada’s Military Justice System | Rory G. Fowler
Liberals are making major changes to Canada’s Military Justice System, in ways that experts and other parties say will make the situation worse for victims. Over the past year, Bill C-11 on the Military Justice System has undergone careful review and significant amendment in committee. One of the first actions by the Liberals after getting their majority was to undo that work and advance a completely different version of the Bill. Joining me this week to discuss these changes to C-11 and to do a deep dive into the issues around Canada’s Military Justice System is retired Lieutenant Colonel Rory Fowler, a lawyer and expert on matters related to military justice who testified before the Defence Committee on Bill C-11 during its review.
May 14 · 49 min
EP85. Protecting Kids from Early Exposure to Pornography | Senator Julie Miville-Dechêne
Government has a basic obligation to protect kids from sexual abuse. Exposing children to explicit sexual material is undeniably a form of abuse. At the same time, there is understandably a level of suspicion associated with any effort by government to impact the online space. So how can we protect kids in a way that is both responsible and effective? Bills by Senator Julie Miville-Dechêne have now passed the Senate three times, unanimously, and received support from Conservatives, New Democrats, the Bloc, and many Liberals. On this episode, I am joined by Senator Julie to discuss these efforts and how these bills would work.
April 28 · 50 min
EP84. Conservatism on the Rock with MP Carol Anstey
I'm honoured to be joined this week by Carol Anstey, Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains, a riding covering the whole western coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. MP Anstey was elected in the last general election following a successful career as a real estate agent and then broker, as well as a consultant for small- to medium-sized businesses. In our conversation, we talk about her experience transitioning from the private sector to public service, from “the Rock” to “the Mainland”, the shifting political landscape in Newfoundland and Labrador, and some of the unique local issues that are driving a return to Conservatism. Be sure to follow Carol on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
April 15 · 1 hr 1 min
EP83. Could “Building Beautiful” Lead to More Affordable Housing? | Sam Farthing & Jaydean Boldt
Canada’s housing crisis has become a central issue in the national conversation, with a deepening divide between those who own a home and those who worry that they never will own a home. While there are many factors contributing to the issues of housing supply and affordability, beauty might be an important and under-discussed consideration. Joining me this week are Jaydean Boldt, principal at New Urban Design Group, and Sam Farthing, an architect specializing in classical and sacred architecture in Saskatoon. Both Jaydean and Sam are thinking about the housing crisis in the context of how good and beautiful urban design can help foster greater acceptance of housing construction in communities where more homes are needed. Together we explore the issue of NIMBYism and what’s behind it, whether beauty in design is objective or cultural, and how good urban form might help bridge divides over housing construction. We also discuss the practical considerations influencing whether developers and local governments choose to build beautiful. Could rediscovering beauty contribute to more affordable housing? GUEST LINKS Connect with Sam at https://www.sfarchitecture.ca/ Connect with Jaydean at https://www.newurbandesigngroup.com/
April 1 · 1 hr 4 min
EP82. National Stoicism with William B. Irvine and Ben Woodfinden
What does the ancient philosophy of Stoicism have to do with modern Canadian politics? According to my guests, a lot. At a time when we are grappling with how to adjust to unexpected changes outside our control, Stoicism provides a series of ideas and techniques which are potentially very useful as we adapt. When applied to national action, this outlook has been called "National Stoicism".I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with William B. Irvine and Ben Woodfinden to talk about what we can learn individually and collectively from Stoic philosophy. William B. Irvine is a writer, philosopher, and professor well known for his speaking and writing on Stoicism. His website (https://www.williambirvine.com/) will connect you to his books and other writings, and you can subscribe to his Substack here: https://morebetterthinking.substack.com/ Ben Woodfinden is a Senior Advisor & Director for a prominent Canadian GR firm and is a Doctoral student and Political and Constitutional Theorist at McGill University. He is also Pierre Poilievre’s former Director of Communications. You can read Ben’s writings for The Hub at https://thehub.ca/author/benwoodfinden/, follow him on X at https://x.com/BenWoodfinden and subscribe to his Substack at https://thedominion.substack.com/.
March 17 · 1 hr 3 min
EP81. Just War: From Thermopylae to Tehran with R.R. Reno
With war again raging in the Middle East and elsewhere, I sat down with “Rusty” R.R. Reno, an American theologian, political philosopher, and editor of First Things Magazine, to discuss ideas about just war and how Vatican engagement on warfare is impacting the American political conversation. In this episode we explore the criteria for a just war, thechallenges involved in determining real motives under politically complex conditions, and how these issues are seen by the Vatican versus by Catholics inside the American administration. You can find more of this kind of commentary and discussion, including more from R.R. Reno, at https://firstthings.com/.
#80
March 4 · 55 min
EP 80. Standing With Veterans: Assisted Living, Not Assisted Dying | Blake Richards MP
In this heavy episode, I talk with longtime Conservative Shadow Minister for Veterans Blake Richards about how dealing with Veterans Affairs Canada has been a source of frustration, pain and even further trauma. In particular, we discuss the scandal of bureaucrats suggesting facilitated death to Veterans looking for help with essential services, and how C-260 will help put a stop to it. Be sure to give Blake a follow on his socials. X: https://x.com/BlakeRichardsMP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blakerichards.ca/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blakerichards.ca/
#79
February 18 · 58 min
EP 79. Feminism, Pro-Family Policy, and the Dignity of Dependence | Leah Libresco Sargeant
Leah Libresco Sargeant is a family policy expert working in Washington D.C. and is the author of three books. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, First Things, The Dispatch, The New Atlantis, and even CNN, and she publishes frequently on her Substack, Other Feminisms. In this episode, Leah and I discuss some of the key themes and topics in her most recent book, The Dignity of Dependence: A Feminist Manifesto. We discuss feminism, dependence, euthanasia, and family policy. You can follow Leah on social media using the links below, and order a copy of her latest book, The Dignity of Dependence, (and her other books!) on Amazon or through your local bookstore. Connect with Leah Online: https://leahlibresco.com/ https://substack.com/@leahlibrescosargeant https://x.com/LeahLibresco https://www.facebook.com/leah.libresco/ Order a copy of The Dignity of Dependence: CA: https://a.co/d/0dg0ffMV US: https://t.co/y3QPPvVQjz
Dec 18, 2025 · 36 min
EP 78. Common Sense vs. Ideology with ⁨Aaron Gunn⁩ MP
Aaron Gunn represents North Island-Powell River in British Columbia in the House of Commons. Now he's thinking about making a bid for the leadership of BC's provincial conservative party.In this episode, Aaron explains his political philosophy, and we discuss key issues that are important to his constituents like energy development and drugs. We also break down the Vancouver Island political scene in general, and answer the question - is the West Coast really the 'Left Coast'?" As always, if you like what you hear, be sure to give Aaron a follow on the various social media platforms and get yourself a front-row seat to his exciting career. YT: https://www.youtube.com/@AaronGunnBCX: https://x.com/AaronGunnFB: https://www.facebook.com/AaronGunn.caIG: https://www.instagram.com/aarongunnbc
Nov 26, 2025 · 51 min
EP 77. Budget Breakdown with Banker Turned MP Sandra Cobena
Sandra Cobena is a new MP elected from the Toronto-area riding of Newmarket Aurora. Sandra left a successful career as a senior manager at TD Bank to run for the Conservative Party, and she now sits on the Finance Committee (a very rare appointment for a new MP). In this week’s episode of Resuming Debate, Sandra and I discuss her journey into politics, her take on the nation’s finances, the role of the Parliamentary Budget Officer, Mark Carney’s use of tax havens, and the outrageously irresponsible Budget 2025. If you like what you hear, be sure to give Sandra a follow on the various social media platforms, where she posts regular content from the House of Commons and the Finance Committee. IG - https://www.instagram.com/sandracobena_ FB - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556805185584 X - https://x.com/SandraCobena_
#76
Nov 12, 2025 · 1 hr 5 min
EP 76. War and Peace | Balkan Devlen, PhD
In the last couple months, some major intentional peace agreements have been negotiated. In other cases, such as Ukraine, war continues in spite of ongoing peace efforts. What does it take to achieve peace and what are the prospects for more peace agreements to come? This week I am joined by Balkan Devlen, a senior fellow with the Macdonald-Laurier Institute and co-founder of the Pendulum Group. Listen as Balkan and I discuss the state of war and peace in the world today.
Oct 28, 2025 · 53 min
EP 75. The Legacy of Ronald Reagan | Sean Speer & Anthony Koch
How relevant is Ronald Reagan to modern Conservatism? This week I sat down for a conversation with Sean Speer and Anthony Koch about Reagan's enduring legacy. Sean Speer is a scholar and columnist and The Hub's Editor-at-Large. Anthony Koch is a prominent conservative political strategist and the Managing Principal of AK Strategies. Follow Sean Speer on X Follow Anthony Koch on X Read The Hub and Follow The Hub on X
#74
Oct 8, 2025 · 1 hr 6 min
EP 74. Policy Choices Leading to Economic Decline | Richard Dias, CFA
In this week’s episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Richard Dias, CFA. Richard is an economic analyst with Ice Cap Asset Management and a global strategist with a knack for breaking down complex data into clear and simple terms. He is a co-host of The Loonie Hour, a popular Canadian finance podcast and has been featured on countless other podcasts to share his insights. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion about Canada’s devastating economic decline, the policies that have gotten us here, and what we must do to correct course. Richard’s links: X/Twitter: https://x.com/RichardD... Ice Cap Asset Management: https://icecapassetman... -- https://www.youtube.com/@IceCapAssetManagement‬ The Loonie Hour: https://thelooniehour.ca/ -- https://youtube.com/@saretsky
Sep 23, 2025 · 57 min
EP 73. Press to Parliament with Andrew Lawton MP
We're back! Resuming Debate has been on a bit of a hiatus since March, but we'll be returning to our regular programming of biweekly episodes released Tuesday evenings. In this episode, I sit down with friend and colleague Andrew Lawton. Andrew is a well-known media personality, author, and the newly elected Member of Parliament for Elgin—St. Thomas—London South. We talk about gun control, euthanasia, mental health struggles, and Andrew’s transition from journalist to parliamentarian. We also explore some of the various aspects of our parliamentary work, including committees and private member’s bills, and some important issues to keep an eye on in the 45th Parliament. Link to Euthanasia Petition: https://www.igotbetter.ca Viral clip from Committee of the Whole cross-examination with Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree: https://x.com/AndrewLawton/status/1930785242433872346 Full cross-examination video: https://x.com/AndrewLawton/status/1930992407505428907 And click here to connect with me on social media, watch my videos on YouTube, or subscribe to my newsletter!
#72
Mar 18, 2025 · 1 hr 6 min
EP 72. Jasper Wildfires: Insights from Two Great Danes | Dane de Souza & Dane Lloyd
In the year after a devastating wildfire wreaked havoc on the town of Jasper, the people of that community continue the enormous task of rebuilding – and planning for the future. Joining me on today's episode of Resuming Debate are Dane de Souza, Indigenous Fire Stewardship Expert, and Dane Lloyd, Conservative Member of Parliament for Sturgeon River–Parkland. In this episode, we discuss the multitude of policy failures which led to the Jasper Wildfire tragedy. We also talk about the efforts being made by the town to recover, how government red tape is complicating the process, and what you can do to help.
Feb 11, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
EP 71. Protecting Canadian Charities | Bruce MacDonald & Deina Warren
While Canadians are already struggling, Canadian charities are trying to fill that gap. But charities also face a series of unique challenges, some of them driven by government policy. Joining me on today's episode of Resuming Debate are Bruce MacDonald, President and CEO of Imagine Canada, and Deina Warren, Director of Legal Affairs at the Canadian Centre for Christian Charities (CCCC). We discuss the current growing need and important role charities are playing in Canada and discuss what the relationship between government and charitable institutions should look like. We also discuss recent recommendations of the finance committee that threaten the charitable sector. If you agree with the recommendations on protecting the charitable sector, you can click the link below to sign the petition. https://www.conservative.ca/cpc/protecting-the-charitable-status-of-religious-organizations/
Jan 29, 2025 · 1 hr 6 min
EP 70. From Teenage Activist to Parliamentary Prosecutor: The Michael Cooper Story
I’m excited to kick off the new year with a very special guest - Michael Cooper, MP for St. Albert-Edmonton. In this episode of Resuming Debate, Michael shares his journey from getting involved in politics as a high school student to his current role as Shadow Minister for Democratic Reform. Join us as we talk about his early involvement in the Canadian Alliance party, his commitment to battling foreign inference, his celebrity status in Taiwan, and how his experience as a lawyer helped shape his work at committees exposing Liberal scandals. If you liked this episode of Resuming Debate, please subscribe and leave us a review.

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