Today's guests:

Globe & Mail columnist Andrew Coyne on his new book "The Crisis of Canadian Democracy"

Western Standard publisher and president Derek Fildebrandt on Alberta politics and the separatist movement

Bob Plamondon on his new book "Freedom Fighter: John Diefenbaker’s Battle for Canadian Liberties and Independence"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to The Rob Breakenridge Show

02:32 Andrew Coyne interview

02:34 The State of Canadian Democracy

03:28 Challenges and Dysfunction in Governance

03:29 The State of Canadian Democracy

11:25 Crisis of Legitimacy and Accountability

19:16 The Role of Party Leadership and Reform

25:12 Future of Canadian Democracy and Hope for Change

27:15 Derek Fildebrandt interview

36:53 The Political Landscape of Alberta's By-Election

39:53 Independence Movements and Alberta Nationalism

42:45 Danielle Smith's Leadership and Challenges

45:43 The Role of Federal Politics in Alberta's Future

49:01 The Inevitability of Independence Referendum

51:49 Debating Independence: The Future of Alberta

54:48 The Influence of Former Politicians on Independence

01:02:56 Bob Plamondon interview

01:03:53 Reflecting on John Diefenbaker's Legacy

01:06:07 Diefenbaker's Nationalism and Independence

01:08:48 Championing Individual Rights and Freedoms

01:15:18 The Avro Arrow Controversy

01:18:41 Cross-Party Respect and Legacy

01:20:38 Diefenbaker's Longevity in Politics

01:22:34 Lessons for Current Leaders

01:24:50 Podcast wrap-up

keywords

Canadian politics, Alberta independence, democracy crisis, political leadership, trade relations, Canadian history, political parties, federalism, political reform