Story Studio Network's Chief Executive Producer Dave Trafford pokes holes, pokes fun and provokes the "second thing that comes to mind" on the big stories of the week.
His regular contributors include a bi-weekly visit by the Now and Next C.A.S.T (Comms and Strategy Team!)
Lindsay Broadhead brings her comms experience and insights base on her time leading teams at the Toronto Region Board of Trade and, most recently, the Chief Communications Officer at the City of Toronto.
Bob Reid applies his earned experience as a major market journalist and a Senior Advisor to the Premier of Ontario to his analysis of the communications "Touchdowns and Fumbles".
Anne Marie Aikins is a "media relations maven", a sought after pundit and speaker, and a strategic comms adviser specializing in public transit in Ontario.
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Welcome In!
This is NOW & NEXT.
Story Studio Network's Chief Executive Producer Dave Trafford pokes holes, pokes fun and provokes the "second thing that comes to mind" on the big stories of the week.
His regular contributors include a bi-weekly visit by the Now and Next C.A.S.T (Comms and Strategy Team!)
Lindsay Broadhead brings her comms experience and insights base on her time leading teams at the Toronto Region Board of Trade and, most recently, the Chief Communications Officer at the City of Toronto.
Bob Reid applies his earned experience as a major market journalist and a Senior Advisor to the Premier of Ontario to his analysis of the communications "Touchdowns and Fumbles".
Anne Marie Aikins is a "media relations maven", a sought after pundit and speaker, and a strategic comms adviser specializing in public transit in Ontario.
Now and Next (May 28, 2025) Host: Dave Trafford Guest: Scott Clancy, Retired Major General, RCAF
Episode Summary: This episode of Now and Next dives deep into the national security implications of King Charles’s historic throne speech, which outlined the Carney government’s legislative agenda. Retired Major General Scott Clancy returns to evaluate whether Canada is finally ready to meet the moment on defense and sovereignty—particularly in the Arctic.
Clancy underscores the urgency of continental defense, Canada’s vulnerabilities, and the economic and strategic importance of Arctic infrastructure. The conversation weaves through Canada’s transactional relationship with the U.S., defense spending shortfalls, and how dual-purpose Arctic infrastructure could become the pivot point for national unity, sovereignty, and long-overdue policy execution.
Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction Dave Trafford previews the show and introduces the throne speech’s historic setting and implications, including King Charles’s presence in the Senate.
01:59 – Sovereignty and Security in the Throne Speech Scott Clancy reacts to the throne speech, emphasizing its resonance on themes of defense, sovereignty, and the symbolic power of King Charles’s remarks.
07:06 – Defense Alliances and Rearm Europe Commitment Clancy evaluates Canada's commitment to Rearm Europe, highlighting its dual benefits for Canadian industry and alliance-based diplomacy.
12:28 – The Illusion of Security and North American Vulnerabilities Clancy explains Canada’s critical gaps in continental defense, especially against cruise missile threats, and the lack of public urgency about security.
19:31 – Arctic as a Strategic Pivot Point Clancy argues that Arctic sovereignty and infrastructure development offer a unique opportunity to align public support, defense priorities, and Indigenous community interests.
29:41 – Bureaucratic Barriers to Innovation and Readiness Frustrations with federal silos and budgetary constraints are laid bare, revealing how interdepartmental inefficiencies hinder real progress in Arctic readiness.
33:25 – Infrastructure, Personnel, and the Path ForwardClancy outlines the real indicators of defense commitment: boots on the ground, infrastructure in the Arctic, and the political will to empower leaders within the system.
NOW and NEXT
Welcome In!
This is NOW & NEXT.
Story Studio Network's Chief Executive Producer Dave Trafford pokes holes, pokes fun and provokes the "second thing that comes to mind" on the big stories of the week.
His regular contributors include a bi-weekly visit by the Now and Next C.A.S.T (Comms and Strategy Team!)
Lindsay Broadhead brings her comms experience and insights base on her time leading teams at the Toronto Region Board of Trade and, most recently, the Chief Communications Officer at the City of Toronto.
Bob Reid applies his earned experience as a major market journalist and a Senior Advisor to the Premier of Ontario to his analysis of the communications "Touchdowns and Fumbles".
Anne Marie Aikins is a "media relations maven", a sought after pundit and speaker, and a strategic comms adviser specializing in public transit in Ontario.
