COMMONS

CANADALAND

COMMONS is a documentary podcast that proves Canada is anything but boring. Each season, host Arshy Mann guides you through the country’s dark underbelly, bringing you stories about crime, corruption and all manner of misdeeds.


This season: stories of how these monopolists bullied their way to the top, strangled their rivals, and cornered their markets with help from the government.




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Monopoly 15 - Movie Monster
22-02-2023
Monopoly 15 - Movie Monster
“I love the smell of monopoly in the morning”“Forget it, Jake, it’s Cineplex”“The competition commissioner once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti”“Life is like a box of anti-competitive cinema chains that allegedly use their 75% market share to bully their competition, limit consumer choice and charge obscene junk fees. You never know what you’re going to get.”Featured in this episode: Barry Hertz (Globe and Mail), Corinne Lea, Andy Willick, Sonya WilliamTo learn more:“Cineplex’s distribution deal with Lionsgate sends ripples through Canadian film industry” by Barry Hertz in The Globe and Mail“Independent cinemas accuse Cineplex of shutting them out of market for top films” by Maryse Zeidler in CBC News“Indie theatres say they're last in line for movies because of Cineplex” by Joseph Pugh in CBC News“Cineplex's monopolization” by Vass Bednar in Regs to RichesAdditional music from Audio NetworkSponsors: Douglas, Free LunchIf you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody.You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Monopoly 12 - Overdrawn
01-02-2023
Monopoly 12 - Overdrawn
Not only do the Big Five banks get away with charging exorbitant fees for basic services. Not only do they block any competitors by controlling Canada’s payment infrastructure. Not only are they totally entwined with the federal government. But the Big Five banks are about to get even bigger.Featured in this episode: Colin Deacon, Keldon Bester, Alex VroncesTo learn more“How blocked mergers foiled banks' ambitions — and forced the Big Six to innovate” by James Bradshaw in The Globe and Mail“How the push to modernize Canada’s payment systems went off the rails” by Jon Victor in The Logic“How the Big Five banks control how money moves in Canada” by Alex Vronces in Policy Options“RBC-HSBC banking merger is a slide to monopoly – Canada should just say no” by Keldon Bester in The Globe and MailCredits: Arshy Mann (Host and Producer), Jordan Cornish (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor) Sponsors: Rights Back At You, Athletic Greens If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody.You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Monopoly 11 - Flight Risk
25-01-2023
Monopoly 11 - Flight Risk
It’s been a hard few years for Canadian air passengers. And while no one blames the airline oligopoly for COVID or winter storms, air travellers have had to put up with a lot.But Canada has consumer protections to make sure that when something goes wrong, there’s a fair process in place to make sure everyday Canadians don’t get screwed over, right? Right??!Featured in this episode: Gábor Lukács, John GradekTo learn more“Canadian airline regulator’s stance on refunds aligned with execs’ requests from days earlier, emails show” by Christopher Reynolds in Canadian Press“This Nova Scotia man’s fight with an airline pulled back the curtain on a flawed passenger-protection act, an adjudicator says” by Steve McKinley in Toronto Star“Ottawa ‘not hiding’ from holiday travel chaos fallout, transport minister says” by Sean Boynton & Aaron D'Andrea in Global NewsCredits: Arshy Mann (Host and Producer), Jordan Cornish (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator)Sponsors: Douglas,If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody.You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
MONOPOLY 9 - Diamonds of Attawapiskat
11-01-2023
MONOPOLY 9 - Diamonds of Attawapiskat
This episode was originally published on December 21, 2021. Attawapiskat has become famous across Canada and around the world. Not for the natural beauty that surrounds it, or for the Cree culture of the people who live there. Instead, it’s become a byword for the toxic legacy of Canadian colonialism.But while Attawapiskat faced crisis after crisis, the community was sitting on a literal diamond mine run by the world’s most famous mining company.So why is it that a community rich in diamonds is so poor? And why did the government and De Beers do so little to help them through?Featured in this episode: Mike Koostachin, Vicki Lean, Anna BaggioTo learn more:After the Last River by Victoria LeanThe People of the Kattawapiskak River by Alanis Obamsawin“De Beers decision to dump sewage into Attawapiskat played role in current housing crisis” by Ossie Michelin in APTN News“Have You Ever Tried to Sell a Diamond?” By Edward Jay Epstein in The AtlanticAdditional music from Audio NetworkSponsors: Rotman, Athletic Greens Credits: Arshy Mann (Host and Producer), Jordan Cornish (Producer), Kieran Oudshoorn (Managing Editor), André Proulx (Production Coordinator)If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody.You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Monopoly 10 - The Way the Music Died
18-01-2023
Monopoly 10 - The Way the Music Died
♩♪ A long, long time ago, I can still rememberHow the music used to pay my billsI knew that if I got my breakThat I could be as big as DrakeAnd then I could stop shopping at No Frills ♩♪♩♪ But Spotify, it’s nearly killed usTicketmaster’s ground us to dustThe companies got too largeNow monopolies are in charge ♩♪♩♪ And the record labels I fear the mostHave all just merged and so now we’re toastDon’t you think it’s just so gross?The way, the music, died ♩♪Featured in this episode: Simon Outhit, Cory DoctorowTo learn moreChokepoint Capitalism: How Big Tech and Big Content Captured Creative Labor Markets and How We'll Win Them Back by Rebecca Giblin & Cory Doctorow“'A public relations nightmare': Ticketmaster recruits pros for secret scalper program” in CBC News by Dave Seglins, Rachel Houlihan & Laura Clementson “We went undercover as ticket scalpers — and Ticketmaster offered to help us do business” in Toronto Star by Robert Cribb & Marco Chown Oved“Is Live Music Broken? It’s Not Just Ticketmaster, It’s Everything” in The Ringer by Nate RogersA Statement From Live Nation EntertainmentCredits: Arshy Mann (Host and Producer), Jordan Cornish (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator)Sponsors: Douglas, Athletic Greens If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody.You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Monopoly 9 - Diamonds of Attawapiskat
04-01-2023
Monopoly 9 - Diamonds of Attawapiskat
This episode was originally published on December 21, 2021. Attawapiskat has become famous across Canada and around the world. Not for the natural beauty that surrounds it, or for the Cree culture of the people who live there. Instead, it’s become a byword for the toxic legacy of Canadian colonialism.But while Attawapiskat faced crisis after crisis, the community was sitting on a literal diamond mine run by the world’s most famous mining company.So why is it that a community rich in diamonds is so poor? And why did the government and De Beers do so little to help them through?Featured in this episode: Mike Koostachin, Vicki Lean, Anna BaggioTo learn more:After the Last River by Victoria LeanThe People of the Kattawapiskak River by Alanis Obamsawin“De Beers decision to dump sewage into Attawapiskat played role in current housing crisis” by Ossie Michelin in APTN News“Have You Ever Tried to Sell a Diamond?” By Edward Jay Epstein in The AtlanticAdditional music from Audio NetworkSponsors: Rotman, Athletic Greens Credits: Arshy Mann (Host and Producer), Jordan Cornish (Producer), Kieran Oudshoorn (Managing Editor), André Proulx (Production Coordinator)If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
CANADALAND #725 The Rogers Family Compact
28-12-2022
CANADALAND #725 The Rogers Family Compact
This episode was originally published on November 1st, 2021. Who are the Rogers family? How did they get so powerful? Why have they turned against one another? And what does it matter?  We've spent a week immersed in Rogers history to bring you this unofficial narrative of Canada's telecom overlords.Further reading:Kelly Pullen’s 2014 story in Toronto Life on the “ruthless” power struggle at Rogers: https://torontolife.com/from-the-archives/edward-rogers-the-man-who-would-be-king/Ted Rogers’ last interview, with Alan Gregg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9B-hlNXKYZ0Ted Rogers’ Anniversary novelty song: https://vimeo.com/95189390The Globe and Mail’s best (and perhaps only) headline about a significant butt-dial: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-rogers-ceo-joe-natale-learned-of-edward-rogerss-plan-to-oust-him/Ted Rogers’ Autobiography, “Relentless” – https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00E7S2P9AHigh Wire Act: Ted Rogers and the Empire that Debt Built, by Caroline Van Hasselt : https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B003E8AJRECredits: Jesse Brown (Host & Publisher), Jonathan Goldsbie (News Editor), Cherise Seucharan (Reporter, CANADLAND), Damiola Onime (Producer), Additional Music by Audio NetworkIf you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody.You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Monopoly 6 - The Urge to Merge
14-12-2022
Monopoly 6 - The Urge to Merge
Rogers and Shaw are getting ready to tie the knot. But before they can consummate their less-than-holy union, they have to get the approval of Canada’s competition tribunal and the federal government. And even though most Canadians would find this union highly objectionable, it’s likely to be approved.Because for 150 years, Canadian politicians have been talking out of both sides of their mouths. They claim they want to promote competition. And then they pass laws that do the opposite.Featured in this episode: Vass Bednar, Keldon BesterTo learn more“Antitrust watchdog should just say no to Rogers and Shaw merger” in The Globe and Mail by Keldon Bester and Ben Klass“Is the Competition Bureau's efficiency defence still defensible?” in The Financial Post by Vass Bednar “The Development of Competition Policy, 1890-1940: A Re-Evaluation of a Canadian and American Tradition” in Osgoode Law Journal by Brian CheffinsCredits: Arshy Mann (Host and Producer), Jordan Cornish (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator)Additional music from Audio Network“Canon in D Major” by Kevin Macleod, adapted.Sponsors: Douglas, Oxio If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody.You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Monopoly 5 - Against the WIND
07-12-2022
Monopoly 5 - Against the WIND
WIND Mobile, now known as Freedom, was a small company that tried to break through Canada’s telecom oligopoly. It did not have an easy ride. WIND faced numerous hurdles from regulators, it was subjected to dirty tricks from the telecom oligopoly, and was eventually sold to Shaw. But it also helped lower cell phone rates and brought in unlimited data and U.S. roaming, changing the wireless market permanently.This is the inside story of WIND Mobile, from the people who were there.Featured in this episode: Simon Lockie, Brice Scheschuk, Tony ClementTo learn more“Why can’t TTC riders use their cellphones on the subway? Ask Bell, Rogers or Telus” in The Toronto Star by Lex Harvey“Wind Mobile backer regrets Canadian launch” in CBC News “Globalive offers $3.75-billion to buy Freedom Mobile” in The Globe and Mail by Alexandra PosadzkiCredits: Arshy Mann (Host and Producer), Jordan Cornish (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator)Additional music from Audio NetworkSponsors: Rotman, Oxio If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody.You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Monopoly 1 - Lost in the Supermarket
09-11-2022
Monopoly 1 - Lost in the Supermarket
Canadians are being squeezed at every end. When it comes to cell phone bills, grocery bills, housing, entertainment, we’re all paying more than ever before.But a small number of companies that dominate their industries are reaping in enormous profits.This season of COMMONS we’ll be digging into all of the monopolies, oligopolies and cartels that dominate our lives. And for our first stop, we head to the supermarket.Featured in this episode: Vass Bednar, Marco Chown Oved (Toronto Star)To learn more“Supermarkets are hiking prices faster than necessary — and profiting from inflation, Star investigation suggests” by Marco Chown Oved in the Toronto StarRegs to Riches by Vass Bednar “Canada’s competition watchdog to investigate grocery industry in wake of soaring food prices” by Ghada Alsharif in the Toronto StarCredits: Arshy Mann (Host and Producer), Jordan Cornish (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator)Additional music from Audio NetworkIf you value this podcast, please support us. We rely on listeners like you paying for journalism. As a supporter, you’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on Canadaland merch, invites and tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis and you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. Come join us now, click the link in your show notes or go to https://canadaland.com/joinYou can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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