The Discourse

Erika Barootes and Cheryl Oates are seasoned political insiders from opposite sides of the aisle — and they’re not afraid to disagree. The Discourse is your backstage pass to the biggest issues in Canadian politics, featuring sharp takes, real talk, and unexpected common ground. It’s proof that politics doesn’t have to be a shouting match — it can be a damn good conversation.
Podcast Description
Erika Barootes and Cheryl Oates are seasoned political insiders from opposite sides of the aisle — and they’re not afraid to disagree. The Discourse is your backstage pass to the biggest issues in Canadian politics, featuring sharp takes, real talk, and unexpected common ground. It’s proof that politics doesn’t have to be a shouting match — it can be a damn good conversation.
Episodes
Episodes



May 2, 2024
Has Danielle Smith Gone Too Far?
May 2, 2024
May 2, 2024
53 min
Political parties will be players in Alberta's next municipal election for the very first time. The change, ushered in by the Danielle Smith government's Bill 20, is definitely controversial. But is it undemocratic? Has the UCP gone too far? We dig into what Bill 20 means for political parties...and what it means for you.
We're proud to partner and be members of Pocket Lobbyist, an online, membership-based platform to anticipate, interpret, and mitigate political risk.
Visit www.pocketlobbyist.com to learn more.
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Apr 25, 2024
Apr 25, 2024
43 min
With the growing concerns of fires and drought across the province, Erika and Cheryl discuss what's causing this, what are the impacts, and what government's role is to protect Albertans from natural disasters. We also cover the NDP leadership as they lead up to their first debate.
We're proud to partner and be members of Pocket Lobbyist, an online, membership-based platform to anticipate, interpret, and mitigate political risk.
Visit www.pocketlobbyist.com to learn more.



Apr 18, 2024
Apr 18, 2024
45 min
The UCP government has introduced some pretty contentious policies recently. On this episode we explore the reason why Bill 17 and 18 are making their way onto the legislature agenda and what it means for many groups and individuals impacted by these Acts.
We're proud to partner and be members of Pocket Lobbyist, an online, membership-based platform to anticipate, interpret, and mitigate political risk.
Visit www.pocketlobbyist.com to learn more.



Apr 4, 2024
Can Hoff Pull It Off?
Apr 4, 2024
Apr 4, 2024
51 min
Is the Alberta NDP leadership race a foregone conclusion? Or, can Sarah Hoffman prove the pollsters and pundits wrong, and defeat Naheed Nenshi? She joins us to discuss her campaign, her strategy and what she will do on Day One if she becomes premier.
We're proud to partner and be members of Pocket Lobbyist, an online, membership-based platform to anticipate, interpret, and mitigate political risk.
Visit www.pocketlobbyist.com to learn more.



Mar 28, 2024
RIP Rakhi / Axe the Tax!
Mar 28, 2024
Mar 28, 2024
43 min
Rakhi Pancholi pulls the chute on her NDP leadership bid…and Justin Trudeau doubles down on his carbon tax.
We're proud to partner and be members of Pocket Lobbyist, an online, membership-based platform to anticipate, interpret, and mitigate political risk.
Visit www.pocketlobbyist.com to learn more.



Mar 21, 2024
UCP Police Farce!
Mar 21, 2024
Mar 21, 2024
38 min
Alberta's government is equipping the province's Sheriffs with more comprehensive training and expanded powers. Is a divorce from the RCMP imminent? We get into it in this episode of The Discourse. Plus, how much should we read into Premier Danielle Smith's most recent approval ratings? And what's next in the Alberta NDP leadership race?
We're proud to partner and be members of Pocket Lobbyist, an online, membership-based platform to anticipate, interpret, and mitigate political risk.
Visit www.pocketlobbyist.com to learn more.



Mar 14, 2024
Naheed Nenshi and the NDP: Since When?
Mar 14, 2024
Mar 14, 2024
50 min
Former Mayor of Calgary and newest NDP leadership candidate Naheed Nenshi joins us to discuss why now, what he’s running on, and if he thinks he’s the one to beat.
We're proud to partner and be members of Pocket Lobbyist, an online, membership-based platform to anticipate, interpret, and mitigate political risk.
Visit www.pocketlobbyist.com to learn more.



Mar 7, 2024
Alberta Doctors: "A Lot of Fires Right Now"
Mar 7, 2024
Mar 7, 2024
55 min
A deep dive into Alberta healthcare, including the reorganization and the politics involved with AMA President Dr. Paul Parks who gives insight on compensation negotiations and what Alberta can do to recruit/retain family physicians.
We're proud to partner and be members of Pocket Lobbyist, an online, membership-based platform to anticipate, interpret, and mitigate political risk.
Visit www.pocketlobbyist.com to learn more.








