The Sunday Magazine for May 15, 2022
This week on The Sunday Magazine with Piya Chattopadhyay:
The issues driving the federal Conservative leadership race
With the English language debate now in the books, the race to lead the federal Conservative Party is well underway. We convene The Sunday Magazine political panel to discuss the latest developments of that race and take an early look at how Ontario's provincial election is shaping up. Chattopadhyay is joined by Toronto Star national columnist Susan Delacourt in Ottawa, CBC Calgary opinion and analysis producer Jason Markusoff and political commentator Supriya Dwivedi in Toronto, to parse the big political stories of the week and talk about what's to come.
Hockey opened the door to Canada-Russia relations 50 years ago… now what?
The 1972 Summit Series between Team Canada and the Soviets helped ease tensions and open lines of communication between two nations. It also built an enduring piece of diplomatic infrastructure: a hockey bridge. In the face of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, observers say the bond is worth preserving. Gary J. Smith is the author of the new book Ice War Diplomat. He was one of the Canadian diplomats who helped make the Summit Series happen. Smith takes us behind the scenes of the Summit, revealing the politics of that time — with added insight from Zachary Paikin of the Institute for Peace and Diplomacy and the Centre for European Policy Studies, and University of Victoria Russian studies professor Megan Swift.
How Elamin Abdelmahmoud found home in 'elsewhere' as newcomer to Canada
Elamin Abdelmahmoud has become a familiar face and voice to many Canadians. He's the host of CBC's Pop Chat and Party Lines podcasts. He's also known for his culture writing and political commentary. Now, Abdelmahmoud is telling his own story in a new book called Son of Elsewhere: A Memoir in Pieces. His essays explore the culture shock he felt immigrating to Canada from Sudan as 12-year-old, and how he carved out his identity and figured out his place in the world. He tells Chattopadhyay how becoming a fan of professional wrestling and the teen drama The O.C. helped him navigate cultural barriers as an adolescent in Kingston, Ont. — and why country music and the American south speak to him as an adult.
The enduring power of 'Skinnamarink'
Since the late 1970s, the lyrics of Sharon, Lois and Bram's rendition of "Skinnamarink" have brought so much love and joy to families across the country. Even now, Sharon Hampson and Bram Morrison continue to entertain kids and grown-ups alike with their captivating music. Chattopadhyay speaks with the legendary children's performers about their 2021 album of live performances and their more than 40 years of bringing cheer and comfort to Canadian families.
Plus: We head to Montreal, where one man is delivering on his mission to end junk mail.
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