In this episode of Government Policy Unpacked, Rupesh Patel welcomes the distinguished former Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Ajay Bisaria, to unpack the complex dynamics of Canada-India relations during a pivotal moment in global diplomacy. With the upcoming Canadian election on the horizon and the political climate shifting, this conversation couldn't be more timely.

Ajay Bisaria shares insights from over 35 years of diplomatic service, reflecting on his experiences representing India in key global arenas, including Canada. Together, they navigate the challenges, opportunities, and historical turning points that have shaped the relationship between these two nations. They explore how political tensions, economic ties, and the vibrant Indian diaspora play unique roles in forging this bilateral relationship.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how recent geopolitical events, such as trade agreements, the evolving Indo-Pacific strategy, and even the diaspora's influence, particularly around Khalistani separatism impacts the ties between Canada and India. The episode also sheds light on what the future holds, including opportunities for economic diversification and collaboration in a volatile global order.

Key takeaways include:

• The importance of addressing political tensions to rebuild trust between governments.
• Insights into the cultural and economic bridges between Canada and India.
• How global events and shifting leadership could redefine bilateral strategies.

Whether you're curious about diplomacy, international trade, or the growing influence of Indian culture in Canada, this episode offers a thought-provoking lens into one of the most significant relationships shaping our world today. Tune in for a masterclass on diplomacy, cultural exchange, and global policy!

In this conversation, Rupesh Patel and Wyatt Tessari L'Allié discuss the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for society, governance, and safety. They explore the exponential growth of AI capabilities, the importance of responsible AI governance, and the role of government in regulating AI technologies. The discussion also highlights the potential risks associated with AI, including job displacement and safety concerns, as well as the need for global collaboration on AI safety. The conversation concludes with reflections on international AI safety summits and the challenges of establishing effective global governance frameworks. In this conversation, Wyatt discusses the current state of AI policy in Canada, highlighting the lack of political action and the urgent need for comprehensive legislation. He emphasizes the importance of safety in AI development, the challenges posed by deep fakes, and the dual role of AI in cybersecurity. The conversation also touches on the potential for human-level AI in the near future and the environmental impact of AI data centers, urging for proactive measures to address these issues.

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Wyatt Tessari L'Allié is the founder and Executive Director of AI Governance & Safety Canada, a leading civil society voice on the governance of advanced AI. A former engineer, filmmaker and climate advocate, he has spent the last 8 years researching and writing about the risks and opportunities of AI, and is the author of the book "A Path Forward This Century".

Canada’s carbon tax has been a defining policy in the fight against climate change, but with rising costs and shifting political tides, the tax has been axed. In this episode of Government Policy Unpacked, I dive into why the carbon tax was introduced, how it was meant to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and what led to being scrapped.

But what’s next? We explore whether taxing heavy emitters—a model pioneered in Alberta—could be a more effective and less burdensome way to cut emissions while keeping industries competitive. With the federal election on the horizon, political leaders are debating Canada’s approach to emissions reduction. Should we prioritize large industrial polluters over consumer-focused taxation? How do Canada’s climate policies compare to global trends?

Join me, Rupesh Patel, as I unpack the economics, environmental impact, and political stakes of Canada’s next steps of addressing climate change. Hit follow, leave a review, and stay informed as we break down the policies shaping our future!