The Charlie Kirk Show: "O Canada, O Problems" – April 29, 2025

In the April 29, 2025 episode of The Charlie Kirk Show, host Charlie Kirk delves into the pressing issues facing Canada, contrasting them with the current state of the United States under President Trump's administration. Titled "O Canada, O Problems," the episode offers a critical analysis of Canada's political landscape, economic challenges, and societal shifts, while featuring insights from Canadian media personality Ezra Levant.

1. Introduction: Setting the Stage

Charlie Kirk opens the show with a strong assertion about Canada's decline, stating, "Oh, Canada. Oh, we have problems" (00:00). He emphasizes the need for gratitude towards the US, attributing the nation's resilience to the Trump administration's policies aimed at protecting American workers and prioritizing national interests.

2. The Decline of Canada: Economic and Social Crises

Kirk outlines what he perceives as Canada's downfall over the past decades, highlighting issues such as:

• Economic Instability: "Mass migration has driven down wages and pushed up housing costs." (04:00)
• Housing Market Collapse: "The average home price is tens of thousands of dollars higher than here in America, even though Canada has nothing but space and lower incomes." (05:30)
• Mental Health Crisis: Kirk bluntly states, "They become the most famously pro suicide country in the world." (07:15)
• Healthcare Struggles: He points out the inefficiencies in Canada's healthcare system, mentioning long wait times and a surge in drug usage: "They have long wait for medical procedures, mass proliferation of drug usage." (08:00)

Kirk criticizes Canada's Liberal government under Prime Minister Mark Carney, accusing it of aligning with globalist agendas and mishandling national issues. He asserts, "Canada is literally falling apart. Its average home price is tens of thousands of dollars higher than here in America." (05:30)

3. The Trump Administration vs. Canadian Governance

Drawing parallels between the US and Canadian political environments, Kirk praises the Trump administration's efforts to reorganize the US government for better representation. He contrasts this with Canada's prolonged Liberal rule, stating, "Canada, being our neighbor to the north, has indulged the last 40 years in Liberal government and their decline is steep." (06:00)

Kirk also discusses the minimal regret among Trump voters regarding their 2024 election choice. Referencing a poll, he notes, "Only 2% of Trump voters regret their vote, despite what all the media is saying." (09:34)

4. Critique of J.B. Pritzker: Illinois' Governor

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to criticizing Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. Kirk labels him as the "ultimate Nepo baby," criticizing his policies and personal choices. He mockingly comments on Pritzker's physique and governance, stating, "J.B. Pritzker, he calls for mass protests and disruption, comparing the United States under Trump to Nazi Germany." (14:14)

Kirk expresses concern over Pritzker's influence and his potential presidential ambitions, arguing that his leadership is detrimental to Illinois' economy and social fabric.

5. Interview with Ezra Levant: A Glass Half Full Perspective

Ezra Levant, joining from Rebel News, offers a more optimistic view of the Canadian political situation. He acknowledges the challenges but highlights the progress made by the Conservative Party of Canada:

• Conservative Gains: "The Conservative Party of Canada, led by Pierre Poliev, got the highest vote count of the Conservative Party in a generation." (18:45)
• Election Dynamics: Levant explains that despite a secure Conservative base, the multi-party system allowed the Liberals to form a minority government. He attributes this to strategic maneuvers by the Liberal and Green parties to consolidate votes.
• Future Outlook: Expressing hope, Levant states, "Pierre Poliev got about 41.5%. And you're thinking, well that's terrible because in the two-party American system it would be. But believe it or not, that's the highest any politician has got in Canada in 30 years." (20:00)
• Generational Divide: He discusses the generational split in voting patterns, with younger Canadians leaning Conservative due to economic frustrations, while older voters remain Liberal, often influenced by anti-American sentiments.

6. Free Speech and Media in Canada

A critical topic discussed is the state of free speech and media in Canada. Levant argues that Canada's restrictive media environment hampers conservative movements:

• Media Control: "Our media is so concentrated it would be as if PBS was larger than all other media combined." (29:11)
• Government Influence: He highlights the government's role in shaping media narratives and restricting alternative voices, mentioning incidents where Rebel News was banned from leaders' debates.
• Proposed Legislation: Levant warns against Prime Minister Carney's potential reintroduction of the "online harms act," which he believes would stifle free speech: "Freedom of speech is the most important freedom, because with it, you can fight to recover all the others." (34:00)

7. Conclusion: Optimism and Call to Action

Despite the grim outlook presented by Kirk, Levant remains steadfast in his optimism for Canada's political future. He encourages continued grassroots activism and resilience, asserting, "We're going to keep fighting. And again, I'm a glass half full guy." (34:27)

Charlie Kirk wraps up the episode by acknowledging Levant's positive outlook, stating, "It's a depressing picture from my view, but your optimism and positivity is remarkable and noteworthy." (35:38)

Key Takeaways

• Canada's Challenges: Economic instability, housing crisis, mental health issues, and healthcare inefficiencies are at the forefront of Canada's current problems.
• Political Critique: The Liberal government's policies under Prime Minister Mark Carney are heavily criticized for aligning with globalist agendas and failing to address national concerns.
• Generational Voting Patterns: A significant divide exists between younger and older voters in Canada, influencing election outcomes.
• Free Speech Concerns: The state of media and free speech in Canada is portrayed as oppressive, hindering conservative movements and alternative viewpoints.
• Optimism Amidst Criticism: While Kirk presents a dire view of Canada, Levant offers a hopeful perspective, emphasizing the potential for future Conservative victories and the importance of grassroots activism.

Notable Quotes

• Charlie Kirk on Canada's Decline: "Canada is literally falling apart. Its average home price is tens of thousands of dollars higher than here in America." (05:30)
• Ezra Levant on Conservative Performance: "The Conservative Party of Canada, led by Pierre Poliev, got the highest vote count of the Conservative Party in a generation." (18:45)
• Charlie Kirk on Free Speech: "JB Pritzker's language is going to get somebody killed." (15:51)
• Ezra Levant on Media Concentration: "Our media is so concentrated it would be as if PBS was larger than all other media combined." (29:11)
• Ezra Levant's Optimism: "We're going to keep fighting. And again, I'm a glass half full guy." (34:27)

"O Canada, O Problems" serves as a comprehensive exploration of the perceived issues within Canadian society and governance, juxtaposed against the political dynamics of the United States. Through spirited debate and contrasting viewpoints, Charlie Kirk and Ezra Levant provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of North American politics and the intricate challenges faced by neighboring nations.