Rebel News Podcast — EZRA LEVANT | Our mission is clear — and we refuse to stay silent against unchecked power
Date: January 14, 2026
Host: Ezra Levant
Notable Guest: Sam Cooper (The Bureau News)
Episode Overview
In this episode, Ezra Levant details Rebel News's latest campaign—taking Chrystia Freeland to the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner over her alleged conflict of interest involving a secret advisory job for the Ukrainian government while serving as a Canadian MP and Finance Minister. The episode explores the rationale behind Rebel News's activist brand of journalism, the law and ethics at issue, and broader concerns about unchecked power among Canada’s political elite. The second half features investigative journalist Sam Cooper, diving deep into Canada's complicated relationship with China, political and business entanglements, and the risk of foreign interference.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Rebel News’s Mission and Strategy (00:00–05:45)
- Ezra reflects on Rebel News’s unique mission: not only reporting news and offering opinion, but engaging in direct activism when others shy away.
- Quote:
“Every now and then when we cover a story that moves us...we stop and we do something about it. You know what I mean?” —Ezra Levant (03:11) - Recent stories: onboarding journalists (Scarlet and Tamara Leach), international coverage, and upcoming trip to Davos.
- Distinction versus newer independent competitors (Juno, Western Standard, Epoch Times): Rebel’s large audience and willingness to act, not just report.
2. Chrystia Freeland Controversy and Legal Action (05:46–24:28)
- Allegation: Freeland secretly accepted an advisory post with Ukrainian President Zelensky while also acting as Carney’s adviser and Canadian MP. Just days later, Canada sent $2.5bn to Ukraine.
- Freeland’s (and Carney's) attempt to keep the role secret, only revealed after Zelensky’s public tweet.
- Tactics: Immediate legal challenge—Rebel News’s lawyer, Chad Williamson, files an official complaint to the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner.
- Details from the letter:
- Alleged violations of sections 4–11 of the Conflict of Interest Act (conflict, preferential treatment, insider info, influence, employment offers, gifts/advantages).
- Emphasizes that unpaid roles can still represent a conflict due to prestige and influence.
- Quote:
“What Chrystia Freeland did was illegal. That’s not just my opinion. It’s the law.” —Ezra Levant (11:36) - Key questions demanded of the Ethics Commissioner, including disclosure timelines, recusal from decisions, and record preservation.
- Ezra urges listeners to read the complaint and help crowdfund legal costs (auditfreeland.com).
- Quote:
“No one should be above the law, especially not someone as unethical as Chrystia Freeland.” —Ezra Levant (22:19)
Reflection on Rebel’s Activist Role
- Successes with past legal actions (e.g., lawsuits against Justice Minister Lametti and blocking on Twitter by Stephen Guilbeault).
- Recognition of the high cost and uphill battles involved:
- “Nervous because I don’t want to lose...we fight these uphill battles. David versus Goliath.” (23:25)
- Affirms importance of direct action and legal activism in journalism.
3. Interview with Sam Cooper: Mark Carney’s China Visit and Canadian Power Networks (24:29–40:06)
Mark Carney’s ‘Dictatorship Tour’ (24:29–26:12)
- Carney, as PM, begins trips to China, Qatar, and Davos, amidst growing concerns over his dual interests (PM and Brookfield Asset Management shareholder).
- Historic context: Jean Chrétien’s long-term ties and lobbying in China set precedent.
Canadian-Chinese Political-Business Interlocks (26:13–29:33)
- Sam Cooper details how Montreal-based industrialists and former PM Jean Chrétien have been key architects of Canada’s China policy for decades.
- CSIS documents cite industrialists’ leverage over politicians as a focal point for China’s election interference efforts.
China, Trade, and Geopolitical Risks (29:34–36:23)
- Discussion of Canada’s economic exposure to the US vs. China and potential US backlash if Canada is seen as veering too close to China.
- Ezra floats idea of joint Canada–US military bases in the Arctic to reaffirm alliance and deter Chinese (PLA) encroachment.
- Sam strongly agrees, connects Western resource and military strategy to US-China rivalry:
- Quote:
“We can never really be separate from the United States in terms of an ally...it’ll never work.” —Sam Cooper (35:44)
- Quote:
Chinese Diaspora Politics in Canada: Markham Case (36:24–39:04)
- Ezra and Sam discuss the complex tug-of-war within Chinese-Canadian communities, referencing MP Michael Ma’s floor-crossing and subsequent trip to China.
- Sam raises concerns about association with known Beijing-linked operatives:
- Quote:
“Michael Ma, without alleging that he's involved in any under the table dealings, he's been meeting more than once with very senior people that should be on Canada's Foreign Agent Registry...” —Sam Cooper (38:22)
- Quote:
4. Listener Mail & Hot Takes (40:07–End)
- Topics covered include:
- The Iranian regime's theocratic nature versus the western fear of "Handmaid’s Tale"-style Christian dystopia.
- Concerns over immigration, foreign wars impacting Canada, and perceived government neglect of domestic issues.
- Ezra responds passionately, often critiquing what he characterizes as “regime media” and governmental hypocrisy.
- Discussion of China’s influence versus radical Islamist influence in Canada:
- Quote:
“The thing about the Islamic extremists funded by Qatar and Iran is they're violent, they're abusive...the Chinese influence is not as abusive. It's more economic, I think.” —Ezra Levant (46:18)
- Quote:
- Closing message: “Until tomorrow, on behalf of all of us here at Rebel World Headquarters, the Unhomed, good night and keep fighting for freedom.”
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On activism:
“Every once in a while...I look around and I say, so no one's going to do something about this? ...we got a crazy story. No one's going to do anything, not even the opposition. That's how I felt the other day… That's what I mean by activism.” —Ezra Levant (03:43) - On Freeland’s alleged conflict:
“Freeland broke the law. And Carney probably did too... But everybody seems to have dropped the matter. Well, everybody except us.” —Ezra Levant (10:28) - On legal activism:
“...journalists [are] important...but who’s going to stand up and stop them?” —Ezra Levant (23:57) - On Canada–China policy:
“China is up to no good in our country. But...not only is Mark Carney...deeply exposed in his own business dealings to China...powerful business industrialists connected to Jean Chrétien in Montreal have essentially been writing Canada’s China policy for decades.” —Sam Cooper (25:20) - On threats to Canadian democracy:
“These are people...that I'll assert to you are extremely key to the Don Valley North election interference story and the election interference across Canada… I have the concern [Michael Ma’s] floor crossing could be connected to Beijing's interference.” —Sam Cooper (38:43)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:00 — Ezra opens with campaign against Chrystia Freeland, Rebel News’s mission
- 05:46 — Details of legal complaint, Freeland’s timeline, ethics violations
- 18:00 — Reading from Chad Williamson’s letter and specific legal violations
- 21:00 — The six big questions for the Ethics Commissioner
- 24:29 — Interview with Sam Cooper: Carney in China, power networks
- 29:34 — US–China–Canada trade and military strategy discussion
- 36:23 — Chinese Diaspora politics and Michael Ma’s case
- 40:07 — Listener mail, closing remarks
Tone and Language
The episode maintains a fiery, combative tone typical of Ezra Levant, blending dogged investigative commentary with populist activism. Sam Cooper’s segments are more investigative and analytical, but equally critical of entrenched interests and foreign influence.
Summary Takeaway
This episode is a manifesto for Rebel News’s brand of “citizen journalism”—combining reporting, opinion, and direct legal action to challenge what they view as unchecked government and elite power. The case against Chrystia Freeland is presented as both a flashpoint and a symbol for this mission, while the discussion with Sam Cooper broadens the frame to include the systemic intertwining of political and business elites, foreign interference, and the precariousness of Canadian sovereignty in a complex global landscape.