In this post-election edition of Gristle & Bone, recorded on May 7th in downtown Montreal, hosts Christopher Bourne and Dónal Gill unpack the first major developments following Canada's 45th federal election—and what they mean for the country’s future at home and abroad.
With Prime Minister Mark Carney preparing to govern with a minority, the episode explores key milestones:
A Speech from the Throne by King Charles III on May 27, the first in nearly 50 years—a symbolic reaffirmation of Canadian sovereignty amid growing U.S. pressure.
A bold promise of interprovincial free trade by July 1, with provinces already moving but facing linguistic and regulatory barriers.
Carney’s Oval Office meeting with Donald Trump, where he played a cautious game—avoiding confrontation, absorbing Trump’s usual misinformation, and drawing praise for his "Canada is not for sale" real estate metaphor.
The hosts reflect on how Carney’s technocratic tone marks a break from Trudeau’s performative style, and why his calm, unflashy manner might be Canada’s best defense in this Trump-tilted world.
Also in this episode:
The Conservative aftermath: Poilievre remains leader (for now), Scheer steps in as interim House leader, and Alberta’s Danielle Smith stirs separatist tensions.
The NDP rebuilds: With Singh gone and Don Davies as interim leader, the party faces existential questions about relevance, strategy, and identity.
Reviving federalism in Quebec?: As the Quebec Liberal Party begins a new leadership race, the hosts explore whether Carney’s leadership might reshape the provincial-federal dynamic.
From the legacy of Confederation to the volatility of today’s North America, this episode brings full-circle the podcast’s founding idea: Canada, once again, is fighting to define itself between gristle and bone.
🎙️ Stay tuned as Gristle & Bone transitions into a new chapter—follow us for updates on what’s next.
Credits for Gristle and Bone
Music from Free Music Archive (CC BY-NC)
Intro & Outro: Ovar by Don Aman
16:28 Nature Morte by Don Aman
51:30 The turk by Panta Rei
1:00:45 White bells by Panta Rei
1:25:28 Have We Mistaken The Bottle For The Whiskey Inside? by Chris Forsyth and the Solar Motel Band
1:32 Satellite by Mr Smith