In this episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, host Michael Sangster is joined by Scott Reid, a former communications director for Prime Minister Paul Martin, and Alex Panetta, a CBC correspondent in Washington. In their conversation, they dive into: 

* What are the political and economic challenges facing Canada,  

* How has the position of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau been weakened  

* How the dynamics will change with the U.S. under Trump's tariffs 

* How to best deal with and overcome internal leadership struggles.  

On this episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, host Michael Sangster welcomes Krista Livingstone Clark from Discovery College in British Columbia. They discuss the importance of specialized skill training and how it can efficiently launch careers. Krista details Discovery College's comprehensive healthcare and dental programs, highlighting the high demand and rewarding opportunities in these fields. They explore the college's approach to education, including regulatory requirements, program accessibility, and small class sizes. Krista also reflects on her personal journey, the impact of mentorship, and the importance of fostering leadership among students.  

In this episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, host Michael Sangster explores the unique opportunities and impactful stories in career colleges with Dr. Doris Jeanne MacKinnon, the Director of Education and Development at the National Association of Career Colleges. They delve into Dr. MacKinnon's passion for lifelong learning, particularly in career education, and her significant contributions through her writing. Dr. MacKinnon shares her experiences on Indigenous studies, particularly focusing on the stories of Métis women, and emphasizes the importance of understanding and reconciliation. The episode also highlights the rigorous process career colleges undergo to ensure their programs meet regulatory standards. Dr. MacKinnon discusses her journey with horses and the therapeutic relationship she shares with them, showcasing her multifaceted life beyond her academic achievements.

In this episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, host Michael Sangster interviews the Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, a distinguished political leader with over 20 years of experience in the House of Commons. Dr. Axworthy discusses his contributions to Canadian and global policy, his efforts to revitalize the University of Winnipeg, and the challenges facing Canada's education system. They explore the importance of advanced education, the role of international students, and the current state of Canada-US relations. Dr. Axworthy emphasizes the need for good governance and public service, drawing from his long and storied career in politics. 

In this episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, host Michael Sangster sits down with Jodi Hall, the CEO of the Canadian Association of Long Term Care. They delve into the critical staffing shortages in the Canadian long-term care sector, attributed to a high demand for registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and personal support workers. They also discuss the implications of an aging population and the housing crisis for long-term care. The conversation further covers government's role in supporting long-term care, the importance of mentorship, and the need for national occupational standards for personal care providers. The episode highlights the enduring challenges and potential solutions to improve the long-term care sector in Canada.

In this episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, host Michael Sangster sits down with Ravi Misir, the Director of Operations at Northwest Law Enforcement Academy in Winnipeg. They discuss how the Academy, founded by retired police chief Herb Stephen, uniquely prepares students for careers in law enforcement through comprehensive and in-depth training. The discussion covers the diverse backgrounds of instructors, the practical and academic components of the 11-month program, and the Academy's strong emphasis on communication skills.

In this special edition of EdUp Canada, host Michael Sangster is joined by political commentator, Evan Solomon, on the eve of the US election. They delve into the potential outcomes and impacts of the US election on Canada-U.S. relations, focusing on key issues such as tariffs and economic ties. Evan shares his unique perspectives on the divisive nature of current US politics, the history and future of Donald Trump’s influence on the Republican Party, and the stark differences between Democratic and Republican approaches to tariffs. They also discuss Canadian politics, including the future of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's tenure and the challenges facing the Trudeau government. Evan and Michael also discuss political polarization, the importance of taking risks, and the need for mentorship.  

In this episode of EdUp Canada, host Michael Sangster speaks with with Stuart Bentley, president and co-founder of triOS Corporation, and Mimi Saleh, an early childhood education instructor at Eastern College. They explore the crucial role of experiential learning, emotional intelligence, and developmental understanding in early childhood education. The discussion also touches on the personalized culture within triOS and Eastern College, the growing demand in the early childhood education workforce, and the support systems in place for student success. Stuart and Mimi share insights into mentoring, the impact of Maria Montessori's principles, and the regulatory challenges faced by private colleges.  

In this episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, host Michael Sangster speaks with Rick Butler, President and CEO of Lokken College in Alberta. They discuss the dire need for skilled labor in Canada amidst surprising funding cuts from both federal and provincial governments. Rick highlights Lokken College's tailored programs and personalized educational approaches that have led to a 100% employment rate for graduates in sectors like hospitality, industrial trades, and retail. The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating regulatory approvals, meeting high demand with limited class sizes, and the importance of soft skills and real labor market needs. Despite significant funding cuts, the resilience and dedication of the college's staff and leadership in continuing to deliver quality education are emphasized. The episode concludes with a reflection on the emotional impact of graduations and a call to recognize the critical contributions of regulated career colleges.

In this episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, host Michael Sangster dives into the transformative world of early childhood education with Grace DiMarcantonio, a seasoned instructor, and Dean Tremain, Executive Vice President of the Canadian Business College. They extensively discuss the pivotal role of regulated career colleges in shaping the future of early childhood education, the pros and cons of hybrid learning models brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of passionate and hands-on teaching.

On this episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, hosted by Michael Sangster, we dive into the history and success of Saskatoon Business College. Founded in 1907, the college has been family-run since 1951. Barry Chapman from the school shares insights on the importance of quality instructors, national curriculum standards, and staying updated with technological advancements.

In this episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, host Michael Sangster interviews Peter Mansbridge, former host of the CBC National News. They discuss the importance of trust in journalism, the impact of misinformation and disinformation, and Mansbridge's extensive career in broadcasting. Mansbridge shares insights from his new book, 'How Canada Works,' which profiles ordinary Canadians with essential jobs.

In this episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, host Michael Sangster talks with John Baird, former cabinet minister and senior member of the Conservative Party of Canada. They discuss the evolving demands of the labor market, the impact of geopolitics on large companies, and the importance of private delivery of education to meet labor needs.

In this episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, host Michael Sangster discusses a monumental achievement in the New Brunswick education sector with Darcie Reidpath, the president and co-owner of Oulton College in Moncton, New Brunswick. They delve into how the college became the first private career college in the Maritimes, possibly even in Canada, to offer a standalone degree program, specifically focusing on the bachelor's of science in nursing program.

In this episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, host Michael Sangster delves into the transformative power of fitness education with guest Andre Potvin, founder of Infofit Fitness Career College in Vancouver. They discuss the vital role of passion in pursuing a career in fitness, the importance of practical training in fitness education, and the positive job outlook for certified fitness instructors. The episode also touches on Andre's unique journey from exploring various professions to dedicating his life to fitness education, and the impact of mentors on personal and professional growth.

In this episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, host Michael Sangster engages with Chamara Perera, COO of Opulence Education Group, and other guests to explore the transformative power of career education. The discussion highlights the importance of student success, the role of educators in nurturing leaders, and how personalized training and skills development lead to gainful employment.

In this episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, host Michael Sangster is joined by Chad Rogers, partner at Crestview Strategy, for a deep dive into the intersections of public policy, politics, and skill development in Canada. They explore the role of career colleges in shaping the economic futures of Canadian families, discuss the complexities of populist politics and media, and discuss recent government management of international student policies and tech platform regulations. Amidst these discussions, Rogers shares his  insights on the realities of government decision-making, the necessity of hard work for success, and the importance of mentorship.

In this episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, host Michael Sangster welcomes Marie Lemay, the CEO and president of the Royal Canadian Mint, to discuss the importance of leadership and skills development in achieving career success. They explore how good leadership doesn't need to compromise social good or employee well-being, and how these elements can actually reinforce each other.

This episode of the EdUp Canada podcast, hosted by Michael Sangster, features a discussion with Sheila Musgrove, the founder of Tag Recruitment and an Amazon bestselling author. The discussion kicks off by acknowledging the achievements of women, particularly in the context of International Women's Day, and emphasizing the ongoing need for recognizing and supporting women in all fields. The spotlight then shifts to the core topic of career advancement and the crucial role of resumes in the job search process. Sheila Musgrove shares her expert advice on crafting impactful resumes, moving away from outdated resume formats to a two-step formula that showcases measurable achievements.

The EdUp Canada podcast episode, hosted by Michael Sangster, delves into the subject of veterans transitioning into civilian life and how the Ontario Fire Academy plays a crucial role in repurposing their skills for firefighting careers in Canada and abroad. Guests Raakesh Bharathi, president of the Ontario Fire Academy, and Mike Lunn, a career firefighter and instructor at the academy, share their military backgrounds, their journeys into firefighting, and how the academy's programs, designed with veterans in mind, prepare individuals for firefighting careers. The episode covers the importance of recognizing the potential of veterans, addressing the general public's misunderstanding of veterans, and the unique attributes veterans bring to firefighting.