Open Sources Show Notes for Thursday December 17, 2015

We’re winding down a very busy first year here at Open Sources Guelph with a visit from an old friend, and discussion about two very important topics that have been at top of mind for many Canadians over the last 12 months.

This Thursday, December 17, at 5 pm, Scotty Hertz and Adam A. Donaldson will discuss:

1) Welcome Back, Frank! For the first half of the show, we will welcome special guest Frank Valeriote. The former Liberal MP of Guelph will join us for a kind of exit interview as we reflect back on his career in Ottawa, the things he’s proud of accomplishing while there, and whether or not he’s maybe missing the rush of being a politician. We’ll talk about the challenges and rewards of being a Member of Parliament, and maybe share a few laughs.

2) Duffy Speaks! After months and months, the man himself finally took the witness stand at his own trial and Senator Mike Duffy was literally called to account for all his expenses. Although he promised big revelations, Duffy’s testimony, for the most part, seems to be a public airing over how he was painted into a corner by Stephen Harper and the PMO on all matters, from his representing P.E.I. to the response to the expense report. Is Duffy a patsy, and more importantly, does anyone buy that?

3) What’s Next for Truth and Reconciliation? The final report from the Justice Murray Sinclair and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was delivered Tuesday with its promise of a new era in bilateral, nation-to-nation relations between Canada and its Indigenous peoples. Prime Minister Justice Trudeau and his government has already called for the Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women, but what of the other 93 recommendations? Is this truly the start of a new era, and what will it take for the government to keep their promises?