The Shurman Report

Hi, I’m Peter Shurman. No big baritone announcer today, no theme song today either. Just me. I’m here to give you a piece of news. The Shurman Report began in early August with gusto. I decided to do the show daily on four video platforms plus release the audio as a podcast immediately afterward every day. I’m proud of the work that went into it because we have fulfilled that dream…we’ve even generated a reasonably sized audience, considering how long the show has been around. However, The Shurman Report comes to an end today with this message. Let me take a moment to explain my decision to those of you who have stuck with me and watched or listened daily. The funding of radio and television in Canada is either by the federal government (which means YOU) if you listen to CBC radio. For their television service and all other private operations (like CTV, Global, Rogers, and Bell) it’s private funding derived from the sale of commercial time. The same is true of podcasts…but only a few can make it big…Joe Rogan, Megyn Kelly, Alec Baldwin, just to name a few. If you’re Peter Shurman (and there are literally hundreds of thousands of shows like The Shurman Report), you need to invest your own money for at least three years before you can even hope for any financial return with no guarantees. But it’s much more than financial return…because I knew about what the stakes were when I developed this show between late Spring and Summer earlier this year. I am no spring chicken anymore. To create The Shurman Report was pretty much an all-day business in which I found the guests, wrote my talking points, operated the equipment, posted the show on line, appeared on camera…in other words, this was a one-man band! I figured it all out and made it happen but have had to conclude that a full time job for zero pay in your mid-seventies just doesn’t work well – at least not for me. I did it because I needed to feel relevant and have a hard time not working. People don’t get “old” anymore…they just get “older”. I am pretty certain that I am as sharp, witty, and good at broadcasting as I used to be. But I don’t have the time or energy to be a one-man-band. I used to work for a Program Director in radio who thought if he blew everything age-related out of the station, he’d be able to attract younger listeners. He was wrong and, looking at radio or television ratings these days, wrong about much more than just the one station. The conventional broadcasting industry is 20thcentury technology and a 20th century consumable. Which explains why pretty well nobody under 45 or 50 bothers much with radio and has a flat screen TV but only buys the streaming component. They don’t watch regular TV. I set out to appeal to older people and I did that. But, as I’ve mentioned, I am an older person. So, while I can relate, I can’t do this alone and unfunded. If there are further opportunities that I can manage, you’ll find me on the air or the web somewhere. But it can’t be what I’ve been doing. I have adult kids but also a 3 year-old grandson. I want to see him more. I hit some golf balls this summer after two years absence from the game due to joint surgeries. My ability to hit them straight and long was there. But I had to turn down requests to actually play the game…too much time and not enough left for the Shurman Report. I won’t say goodbye…I don’t believe in that. I’ll say “farewell” and hope to re-appear somewhere sometime soon. Take care of yourself as I am doing…that’s the most important thing. And thank you for your support. Good night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Peter features reaction by the Government to Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s statement yesterday that Israel’s retaliation for the missile attack last week by Iran would be a gift to humanity if it disabled Iran’s nuclear capacity. The Foreign Minister Melanie Joly warned that the G7 (Canada is a member) wants to see a proportionate response. She would not say whether a “proportionate response” might actually be such an attack. Another attack on the Canadian flag at a march in downtown Toronto. And the opposite in the UK as Brits march on an Islamist town and chant negatively about Allah. Peter appeals to his audience on behalf of Food Banks…usage is north of 50% around Toronto and 25% across Ontario over last year and this is about families having a decent Thanksgiving (this Monday). Lisa McLeod MPP-C/Nepean joins Peter to talk about some of these thing plus the danger warning about AI getting too powerful coming from Canada’s Nobel winner for AI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Peter discusses the changing face of the Middle East as the inferno keeps on burning and appears to be getting hotter. He also comments on the instability never before experienced in Canada all related to the situation. Stephen LeDrew and Peter continue with the general topic of huge change in Canada. Trudeau has been successful in bringing about the initial stages of his post-national state. That’s just code for globalist ideology. Trust us, we don’t want that because we wind up running as an open door country and the results are obvious. This may well be the most noteworthy program we’ve done since inception. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Peter talks about the various positive ways October 7th was remembered around the world. He also, however, shares his concern that we’re all not thinking the same way in the west. Some have seen the inferno of the Middle East as a call to action. And businessman Rick Ekstein will join Peter. Rick, who spent 20 years travelling all over the Middle East building his business, will tell you about what he’s seen in four trips he’s made to Israel since last October to meet Members of Knesset; IDF soldiers; former hostages and families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andy Stinton with us today…it’s a minor push-and-shove as usual but that’s because he always comes with topics ready-to-eat. Today….do we pay politicians enough to get good people? Wait and listen to what we think Why doesn’t Pierre Poilievre have a platform? I keep telling Andy why but he’s not buying it. And do we vote parties in when election time comes around or toss them out. Good discussion. Before we do any of that I’ll have an extended Shurman viewpoint on the weekend marches and what I think about what’s going on in the Middle East. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Peter & Stephen LeDrew: diminishing trust in our news media; The Debate; Miracle in Israel? In a shortened show today, Peter welcomes Sytephen LeDrew and they discuss: 1.   Canadians diminishing trust in our news media; 2.   Iran’s overwhelming missile attack on Israel and underwhelming results; 3.   Winners and Losers…who won the debate? Peter brings you a tweet from X that defies explanation. The Shurman Report wishes all people of good will, Jews and non-Jews alike, a happy and sweet new year…considered a religious holiday in Judaism, Rosh Hashana begins this evening.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Peter editorializes about Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly speaking to the UN. She uses her podium to slam Israel for “being against a Palestinian state…sound bass-ackwards to me; Melanie Joly cites the Charter of Rights and Freedoms to justify selective use of our basic freedoms on a positive and negative basis…why does she allude so clearly to her own political persuasion? Kamala Harris repeatedly affirms how she would put equity against equality as a way to get more for the disadvantaged…in many situations, it’s an ongoing theme. The latest is Hurricane Helene. Stay tuned. Those aged 65-74 mostly still work. Even if they don’t, that’s where the money is. Why is the Bloc Quebecois so intent on forcing Trudeau to increase OAS in that cohort when it is in far better circumstances than any other? And Lisa McLeod, MPP…a regular contributor to talk about these and other items on the current news agenda.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Peter is joined by Andy Stinton – we discuss whether the public was better-formed before social media Where are the flying cars? What’s a Dejero? (pertains to camera conversion to clips) Reaction to the death of Hassan Nasrallah by the Israelis and joy in the streets. Don’t mess with Israel…the Houthis find out the hard way. Netanyahu reaches out to Iranians, most of who could do without the Mullahs. And should PMJT spend 16-million to extend OAS when there’s no need? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Peter and Stephen Ledrew discussing the past week…a private member’s bill in the Canadian Parliament that would make it illegal to downplay or justify the Indian Residential school system. We talk about journalism paid for with your tax dollars. And the fight of Israel’s life. Peter’s Views address a Bloc Quebecois ultimatum to Justin Trudeau; the American “too close to call” election; and the major western countries pushing for a 21 day ceasefire in the Middle East and being denied by Netanyahu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Peter interviews Igal Hecht, a film maker who has created The Killing Roads, a new documentary not for the faint of heart. It chronicles the murderous rampage of terrorists as they sought out and killed Israelis on October 7, 2023. Regular Contributor Lisa McLeod talks about the Bloc Quebecois ultimatum to Prime Minister Trudeau; the CEO of Canada Post telling his Annual General Meeting that the company is unsustainable. And we talk about how Liberal MPs could approach the House Foreign Affairs Committee with the idea of negotiating a Palestinian state without Israel involved. And Peter editorializes a little on Premier Doug Ford’s idea for a tunnel extending for 55 kilometers underneath Highway 401 as a way to facilitate traffic movement on North America’s busiest stretch of highway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A group of Liberal Members of Parliament have approached the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee with the idea of negotiating with the Palestinians with a view to creating a Palestinian state. These must be incredibly dense people. How many times have you been told a "two-state' solution is unacceptable...and despite that, they'd negotiate with whomever represents Palestinians and not Israel. It's amazing to see all of the high-powered people in New York to attend the United Nations. Many want to negotiate a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah...has no one told them it'd not wanted? The House of Commons is rocking these days -- howling from the government side about all the Liberal programs designed to help Canadians that Pierre Poilievre (as Prime Minister) would remove. Interesting to watch who's yelling and who isn't. And Andy Stinton and Peter shoot topics around like whether or not all vehicles from 2 wheels up need regulation to save lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are visited once again by Ottawa-based Dan Donovan, publisher of Ottawa Life Magazine…he helps us once again with one of those by-elections held last week. Seems the Liberal losers of that one are crying in their beer but, even more amazing, Quebec Premier Francois Legault is at odds with Bloc Quebecois strategy…and the Bloc was the winner! Western University President and Vice Chancellor writes an op-ed in the Toronto Star that addresses the positive outcomes Canada could miss out on if it pursues the current strategy of dramatically cutting student visas. Prime Minister Trudeau appears on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert who refers to ‘the Canadian Trump’ without actually naming Pierre Poilievre…guy needs better research.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The two-state solution for a resolution to Israeli/Palestinian problems is never going to happen. It’s dead. Hear journalist Dave Gordon on The Shurman Report today…he wrote an op-ed piece in The National Post explaining why and what must now happen. We’ve watch a couple of high profile Democrats explain why they defected to the Trump team. Why? We have video and opinion from Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Junior. Justin Trudeau tells the United Nations what Canada is doing to pave the way for future generations and, therefore, what other countries need to do. Nobody told him the UN is ‘united’ in name only! Seniors and accessibility sometimes don’t meet well. A story about what gets in their way. As senior take over as the largest cohort in Canada, universal building accessibility is what they want.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Ledrew joins Peter to offer his thoughts on our Immigration Minister’s confidence in the system…really? Send over some of what he’s smoking. What’s Mark Carney up to? And just how badly can a charming Justin Trudeau be set to lose terribly in the next election? Peter tells you about an Israeli newspaper article that discusses a Dubai based journalist who thinks Israel is making Iranian proxies look like idiots…he’s right, of course, but we always thought they did that all by themselves. “Word salad” has become a new catch phrase and has been repeatedly used by detractors of Kamala Harris. She yet to hold a spontaneous news conference because she seems to have bypassed the ability to be prepared for anything a well-researched journalist might throw at her. We have a word salad for you. Should young Gazan refugees be taught a curriculum designed and used by the Palestinian Authority at home…or by Canadian educators? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lisa McLeod joins The Shurman Report today…she’s the MPP for Nepean and a former Ford Government Cabinet Minister in two different portfolios…but she’s done after 19 years and won’t run again. She’ll be another regular contributor to The Shurman Report. Home mortgages renewing in 2025 should come in somewhat better than we may have been thinking. Canada’s inflation rate has reached the 2% target and the Bank of Canada will likely drop its overnight rate by 1/2% next month. And again in December. If mortgage renewal or a new home purchase is on your list for 2025, start thinking now.  Jagmeet Singh and Anaiida Poilievre (wife of Pierre Poilievre) exchange words on social media. And the United States positions troops and rocket launchers in very western Alaska…the Russians and Chinese have ships, subs, and aircraft in the area for drills. Not unusual but America takes no chances. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andy Stinton would never vote for Donald Trump but Peter would. They talk about it and walk away still friends! Are Bank of Canada officials going to have a good hard look at dropping the overnight bank rate by another ½ percent when that decision is made next month? Canada has seen its inflation rate drop precipitously and achieve the 2% inflation target. Peter talks about what the so-called “Opposition Day” could mean for Parliament and for the country next week. And is cyber-attack just a theory or can it cause major problems? Ask anyone who’s been targeted and pray that our entire country never is. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Montreal and Central Winnipeg held by-elections last evening. While Elmwood-Tascona in Winnipeg remained NDP as it has historically been, the plurality was cut from about 10000 over their nearest rival the Conservatives, The difference is stark…now only 1200 votes. That shows the strength concervatism is gaining even in what some would have considered a forever unattainable riding. In Quebec, Emard-Lasalle-Verdun was in contention. It’s a working class riding loing held by the Liberals. But the Bloc Quebecois was victorious. It was a squeaker though with both Liberal and NDP contenders nipping at the Bloc’s heels. We have Dan Donovon of Ottawa Life who speculated with us just 24 hours ago. A short piece on what Hamas has a its only objective versus what Israel wants versus what the world outside wants. It’s all incompatible. And finally, what the hell are we continuing to fund Ukraine for? It wants to try for a win by sending precision missiles of NATO manufacture and supply deep into Russia. Russia is warning of a nuclear exchange and time is running out on the doomsday clock. Trudeau is with The USA but he doesn’t even know why. He wants to help Ukraine…the Americans want business out of this human tragedy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The big Canadian news today is that people are voting in Central Montreal and Central Winnipeg to pick new Members of Parliament. The Montreal seat was Liberal and once held by Prime Minister Paul Martin. Has that changed?  In Winnipeg, a so-called safe seat for the NDP is up for grabs. The loss of that seat would be painful for newly free (from any support agreement) Jagmeet Singh. The results will likely not be known until later this evening. But we’re joined by an astute observer of things electoral, Dan Donovan of Ottawa Life Magazine. Peter editorializes or informs on three things: the country of Iran; the two assassination attempts on Donald Trump; and why he himself is a Conservative. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some highly placed Sikh people say that since they all use the name Singh, Poilievre’s nickname “Sellout Singh” is out of order. Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan even calls it racist. Do you tip at fast food restaurants? Should you? Should the now imminent Air Canada strike be settled by binding arbitration? And should transportation companies be regulated as essential services? A Toronto teacher was dismissed for sharing pro Palestinian views and now she’s suing for wrongful dismissal. Can she win the case? This was at a private school. She shared material about the Israel-Hamas conflict in a film for her math class and on social media. She alleges that the object of her termination was either to “punish” her pro-Palestine views or rid the school of faculty who sympathized with the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. Lawyers for the school, told the court they intend to defend against the allegations, which have not been tested in court.  And TIFF is taking ‘Russians at War’ off their roster. Ukrainians are angry it got Canadian funding in the first place. Interestingly, the Russian soldiers depicted are negative on the war saying it is not what they signed up for and that they only fight to save themselves. Is TIFF pulling a worthwhile film or just reacting to noise? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Peter delves into whether the “eating dogs and cats story could have any fact behind it…it can! He revisits the unanswered question “are we better off now than four years ago?”. And he examines a column in today’s National Post where writer Carson Jerema asks the question: Does Mélanie Joly know she works for Hamas? Canada’s Parliament has been in summer recess and, wow, how things have changed on the board for the governing Liberals. Peter is betting the forces required to evoke a general election are not ready to come together. But the public brawling will continue. His editorial view on that. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices