Wonk
WONK is a show about big ideas in unprecedented times. Hosted by Amanda Lang, we unpack some of the most pressing issues and challenges facing Canada, and talk to some leading thinkers and policymakers about how to tackle them. New episodes drop on Thursdays.
This feed also hosts the archive for Public Policy Forum's podcast, Policy Speaking.
- Update frequency
- every 7 days
- Average duration
- 40 minutes
- Episodes
- 149
- Years Active
- 2020 - 2025
Ep.29: More Runway for Airports and Canada's Aviation Industry
Billion dollar infrastructure investments are on hold and airport passenger volumes are down 90% at two of Canada's biggest airports. The CEOs of Toronto and Vancouver airports – Deborah Flint and Ta…
Ep.28: What is Reconciliation About?
Senator Murray Sinclair shares wisdom on the Nova Scotia lobster fishing dispute and how current events fit into the trending societal discussion about racism and systemic racism. Sen. Sinclair demon…
Ep.27: The Second Surge of COVID-19
An effective and truly national vaccine roll out plan is what Dr. David Naylor, Co-chair of Canada's COVID-19 Immunity Task Force, hopes for. He joins host Edward Greenspon to chat about what it take…
Ep.26: ABCs of Economic Recovery with Frances Donald
Perhaps a middle ground can open up between unrestrained spending and unreasonable restrain for Canada's COVID-19 recovery, says Frances Donald, Global Chief Economist & Head of Macroeconomic Strateg…
Ep.25: Ushering in the fifth generation of digital communications
New 5G technology is rolling out in some Canadian communities, promising improvements to life-saving technologies as much as to your fun weekend activities. At the same time, there's a huge digital d…
Ep.24: Hydrogen – A competitive element of Canada's renewable future
Hydrogen promises a green bearing to Canada's energy economy, yet consumer applications are still out of reach. Grant Strem, CEO of hydrogen-tech company Proton Technologies, and Marty Reed, Vancouve…
Ep.23: New Ventures into Democracy
New digital frontiers have renewed old problems: conspiracy theories, hate speech and disinformation. This conversation with Peter MacLeod, founder of public engagement firm MASS LBP, and Amira Elgha…
Ep.22: From Old School, to (Mostly) Online School
In the first 10 days after the pandemic struck, Canadian colleges and universities moved over 2.2 million learners online. Now students are going back to school – but not like before. Edward Greenspo…
Ep.21: The Next Move on Vaccines, Apps and the Canadian Arsenal Against COVID-19
Listen to this episode to learn the latest developments on the vaccine front. What does the recent manufacturing agreement mean for Canada and what's ahead for delivering a safe vaccine to Canadians …
Ep.20: Systemic Racism in Canada; A Conversation with Minister Hussen on How We Can #dobetter
Episode 20 I A series of three major concurrent and overlapping crises, one about health, about the economy and about race, diversity and inclusion has brought our society to a troubled place in time…
Ep.19: The Future of Energy; Re-stabilizing an Industry
Three months into a pandemic and the Canadian economy finds itself in an induced coma with a long journey ahead to recovery. The Bank of Canada contests that we have a bumpy road to recuperation but …
Ep.18: Getting the Future of Work Right in Unprecedented Times; Part 2 of 2
Ep. 18 I Unprecedented times have called for the future of work to become the present. The rapid acceleration of automation and technology integration into the workplace is thought to either cause di…
Ep.17: Getting the Future of Work Right in Unprecedented Times, At An Accelerated Pace
Episode 17 I The COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly accelerated the future of work, the issue of lack of diversity and a skills gap in the workplace. We know that diversity and inclusion can improve organ…
Ep. 16: The Adaption Advantage- Sustaining adaptability in the workforce post COVID-19
Episode 16 I The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated change in the way Canadians work and has initiated remarkable adaptability in the workplace. Future-of -work strategist, Heather McGowan has referre…
Ep. 15: Leveraging Immigration & Mobility For Economic Growth Post-COVID-19
What is Canada doing to attract and retain immigration in the Canadian workforce? Host Edward Greenspon sits down with Catrina Tapley, Deputy Minister of Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada, …
Ep.14: Understanding a Disease – COVID-19 and Genomics Canada
Episode 14 | COVID-19 is a virus that impacts different individuals in similar ways. Although scientists have been learning rapidly, so much is still unknown about the virus. President & CEO of Genom…
Ep.13: The Generation Squeeze and COVID-19
As younger Canadians endeavour to make a life for themselves, they are increasingly “squeezed” by stationary incomes, strain in procuring quality employment, high costs for services, and rising debts…
Ep.12: Unpacking Labour Force Trends from COVID-19
Numbers reflect what is happening in the world around us. But how has COVID-19 impacted the shift? Lynn Barr-Telford, Canada's Assistant Chief Statistician, responsible for social, health and labor s…
Ep.11: The News Media and COVID-19
Episode 11 | Where do you get your information from? Original news is in serious decline, yet times of crisis are when the community leans most heavily on reliable news sources. Co-hosted by Edward G…
Ep.10: Intergenerational Attitudes and Impacts of Covid-19 with David Coletto
Episode 10 | David Coletto is one of Canada's leading pollsters and experts on millennials. Co-hosted by Edward Greenspon and Policy Lead Katie Davey, on this live podcast recording they review what …