Prominent Canadian political commentator Aaron Gunn unveiled the third season of his hit show Politics Explained, with the first episode drawing about 500,000 views. .“When looking around the media landscape in Canada, for the most part, this kind of long-form investigative journalism just doesn’t exist,” said Gunn in an interview. .“I think it’s important that Canadians have an opportunity to take an in-depth dive and explore some of the issues that are most important for them.” .The first episode is called Vancouver is Dying, which came out on Oct. 5. Vancouver is Dying examines how violent crime, homelessness, and drug addiction are destroying the city. .Gunn said it was “the most challenging episode this season.” He spoke with recovered drug addicts, former police officers, the police union head, crime analysts, and addictions treatment specialists. .One part of this episode saw him walk through the Downtown Eastside. He called walking through the Downtown Eastside with his production crew “like being on a roller coaster.” .There were areas where he said he feared for his safety, but the police escort made him feel somewhat safe. If he and his production team did not have the escort, he said there would have been terrifying moments. .Gunn interviewed former Alberta Mental Health and Addictions chief of staff Marshall Smith, who used to be a homeless drug addict in the Downtown Eastside before becoming an addiction recovery expert. He said Smith was “the linchpin bringing that episode together.” .He said he's amazed with the amount of attention the first episode has garnered. The episode has become so popular Alberta Premier Danielle Smith referenced it at a press conference. .“I should make a note on this point that I’ve chosen as my chief of staff Marshall Smith,” said Smith. .“He was recently featured in a documentary called Vancouver is Dying about the very serious mental health and drug addiction problem that is in Vancouver and very clearly shows the difference in a conservative approach of treatment first versus the approach we’ve seen socialist governments take.” .The next episode is called Spending, Debt, and the Rise of Inflation in Canada, which was released Wednesday. One highlight of the episode is an interview he did with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre about monetary policy. .Gunn said people should support independent journalism because Canada “needs a diversity of viewpoints and opinions if we want to have a healthy democracy.” .“We can’t keep going with this monolithic media culture where every one parrots the same talking points about in many cases the same failed policies,” he said. .Gunn endorsed Poilievre during the Conservative leadership race in June. .READ MORE: Gunn endorses Poilievre for Conservative leader.“Today, I could not be happier to officially and unreservedly endorse @PierrePoilievre to be the next leader of the Conservative Party and the next Prime Minister of Canada,” he said. .While he does not endorse politicians often, he said Canada is in serious trouble.
Prominent Canadian political commentator Aaron Gunn unveiled the third season of his hit show Politics Explained, with the first episode drawing about 500,000 views. .“When looking around the media landscape in Canada, for the most part, this kind of long-form investigative journalism just doesn’t exist,” said Gunn in an interview. .“I think it’s important that Canadians have an opportunity to take an in-depth dive and explore some of the issues that are most important for them.” .The first episode is called Vancouver is Dying, which came out on Oct. 5. Vancouver is Dying examines how violent crime, homelessness, and drug addiction are destroying the city. .Gunn said it was “the most challenging episode this season.” He spoke with recovered drug addicts, former police officers, the police union head, crime analysts, and addictions treatment specialists. .One part of this episode saw him walk through the Downtown Eastside. He called walking through the Downtown Eastside with his production crew “like being on a roller coaster.” .There were areas where he said he feared for his safety, but the police escort made him feel somewhat safe. If he and his production team did not have the escort, he said there would have been terrifying moments. .Gunn interviewed former Alberta Mental Health and Addictions chief of staff Marshall Smith, who used to be a homeless drug addict in the Downtown Eastside before becoming an addiction recovery expert. He said Smith was “the linchpin bringing that episode together.” .He said he's amazed with the amount of attention the first episode has garnered. The episode has become so popular Alberta Premier Danielle Smith referenced it at a press conference. .“I should make a note on this point that I’ve chosen as my chief of staff Marshall Smith,” said Smith. .“He was recently featured in a documentary called Vancouver is Dying about the very serious mental health and drug addiction problem that is in Vancouver and very clearly shows the difference in a conservative approach of treatment first versus the approach we’ve seen socialist governments take.” .The next episode is called Spending, Debt, and the Rise of Inflation in Canada, which was released Wednesday. One highlight of the episode is an interview he did with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre about monetary policy. .Gunn said people should support independent journalism because Canada “needs a diversity of viewpoints and opinions if we want to have a healthy democracy.” .“We can’t keep going with this monolithic media culture where every one parrots the same talking points about in many cases the same failed policies,” he said. .Gunn endorsed Poilievre during the Conservative leadership race in June. .READ MORE: Gunn endorses Poilievre for Conservative leader.“Today, I could not be happier to officially and unreservedly endorse @PierrePoilievre to be the next leader of the Conservative Party and the next Prime Minister of Canada,” he said. .While he does not endorse politicians often, he said Canada is in serious trouble.