Can Canada sell itself to the world without selling out?

In this special live episode of Gloves Off recorded at Toronto’s historic El Mocambo, Stephen Marche tackles one of Canada’s most pressing economic questions: how do we attract the capital we need to build the country without selling off the assets, companies and infrastructure that make us sovereign?

Stephen is joined live on stage by economists Armine Yalnizyan and Dan Ciuriak, and Cross Check co-hosts Vass Bednar and Jon Shell, to examine the Carney government’s recent Investment Summit 2026, airport privatization, foreign ownership, and Canada’s struggle to finance its own growth.

From defence manufacturing and critical infrastructure, to AI, pension funds, and the future of Canadian innovation, the conversation asks what good investment looks like—and who ultimately benefits.

Featuring (in order of appearance): JR Cox, Armine Yalnizyan, Rod Sims, Dan Ciuriak and Cross Check Co-Hosts Vass Bednar and Jon Shell

Also visit our website—gloves-off.ca—for more research behind the issues from the Canadian Shield Institute

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As America pulls back from its traditional alliances, what does that mean for Canada and the future of the global order?

In this extended interview, Stephen Marche revisits his conversation with Julianne Smith, former U.S. Ambassador to NATO and former senior Pentagon official. Smith explains how the Trump administration has transformed America’s relationships with its allies, why trust in the United States has eroded, and how Canada and other middle powers are responding.

From NATO and European defence to Canada’s growing ties with the European Union and Nordic countries, Smith explores whether middle powers can build a new “third pole” of global influence—and whether the existing international order can survive America’s retreat.

What happens when America’s allies start building a world without America at the centre?

Excerpt of interview originally featured in Ep 8 "What Are We Fighting For?"

Also visit our website—gloves-off.ca—for more research behind the issues from the Canadian Shield Institute including: a linguistic analysis of how the concept of "sovereignty" has changed over time, based on how it has been used in the House of Commons since 1900.

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S2 Episode 8 aftershow with Stephen Marche, Vass Bednar and Jon Shell. The trio dives deeper into the issues of each Gloves Off episode, bringing a mix of insight, expertise, and strong opinions (held at varying degrees) to their lively discussion.

Canadian Shield Research:

-Canada's 2026 Sovereignty Obsession is Unprecedented

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