Conservative Finance Critic Jasraj Hallan

In this episode of As It Happens, host Neil Coxell and Chris Howden explore a range of national and international stories. The segment opens with a critique of the Liberal government’s spring economic update by Conservative finance critic Jasraj Haaland, who dismisses the projected deficit reduction as insufficient and criticizes the government for increasing debt, taxes, and failing to address Canada’s high food inflation, household debt, and unemployment. Haaland argues that the Conservatives’ alternative—removing fuel taxes and the clean fuel tax—would save families $1,200 annually and lower food costs. He emphasizes that job creation, not training alone, is the real issue, blaming Liberal policies for driving investment out of Canada. The episode then shifts to a poignant tribute to American diplomat Lionel Rosenblatt, who led a daring, unauthorized evacuation of Vietnamese allies in 1975. His colleague Craig Johnstone recalls the urgency, danger, and compassion behind the mission. A lighter but equally gripping story follows Winnipeg resident Christine Kilbach, who fell into a manhole coverless catch basin while walking home from the movies—only to be rescued by quick-thinking neighbors and firefighters. The episode closes with a look at a lawsuit against Trader Joe’s over low-caffeine coffee, a poll on Alberta separatism revealing 27% support but 67% opposition, and a powerful medical breakthrough where a patient with HIV and leukemia was cured through a bone marrow transplant from a donor with an HIV-resistant gene mutation. The episode ends with a reflection on hope, resilience, and the power of science and human connection.