‘What is common knowledge?’ Steven Pinker explains
Steven Pinker has spent his academic and literary career thinking about thinking, and the ways societies have been shaped by our neurology and what we do with it. He is a professor at Harvard University and author of 13 books. The latest: "When Everyone Knows What Everyone Knows: Common Knowledge and the Science of Harmony, Hypocrisy and Outrage". On this episode of Wonk, he speaks with host Amanda Lang about the book, the impact of social media, AI and more.
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Why Canada needs to build ‘anchor companies’
Despite some big advantages, world-leading research and a lot of early promise, Canada does not have a thriving life sciences and biotech sector. Could the elements that would fuel this much sought after industry also fuel growth in other places? Gordon McCauley is the head of adMare BioInnovations, a national life sciences accelerator. He talks to host Amanda Lang about how to lure more anchor companies, investment and entrepreneurs to Canada.
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Minister Champagne: Putting a ‘generational’ budget into practice
Canada’s recent federal budget has been called generational and transformational. Of course, it's been called that by the government that passed it, but there's no question that this budget comes at a pivotal moment for Canada. Host Amanda Lang talks to Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne about changing the investment climate, affordability and following the German economic example.
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Alberta’s Danielle Smith on pipelines and fellow premiers
When it comes to the Team Canada approach to fighting tariffs, the rubber hits the road in the provinces and territories — and with a growing list of major projects. Missing from the list so far is a pipeline from Alberta to B.C., a lightning rod for some very familiar-feeling inter-provincial disputes. Host Amanda Lang talks to Alberta Premier, Danielle Smith, about her optimism around pipeline plans, dealing with separatist sentiment and why Alberta recently used the notwithstanding clause.
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Matthew Boswell on Canada’s fight against anti-competitive behaviour
When it comes to setting the stage for a healthy economy, competition laws are among the most important tools. A lot of Canadians looking at our banks, telcos and airlines might wonder if we're getting it right. Recent reforms have put Canada on a stronger footing, but are we ready for the massive challenges ahead? Canada's competition commissioner, Matthew Boswell, talks to host Amanda Lang about the new laws, enforcement efforts and fixing some old economic "own goals".
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.