Follow-Up With Althia Raj

The Liberal government revealed a mini-budget chock full of new spending — but it’s the pitch to keep the spending taps open, to inject up to $100 billion into the economy after the pandemic, that has financial experts turning their heads. In this episode: HuffPost Canada Ottawa reporter Zi-Ann Lum; Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux; Kevin Page, Canada's first parliamentary budget officer and the president and CEO of the Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy at the University of Ottawa; and Scotiabank’s director of fiscal and provincial economics Rebekah Young. Hosted by Althia Raj.

The path to electoral victory for the Conservative party involves building a bigger tent and floating a few trial balloons — during a pandemic. We ask insiders for their first impressions of Erin O’Toole’s first 100 days as Conservative leader. In this episode: Stephen Harper’s former campaign manager Jenni Byrne, former Harper PMO advisor Dennis Matthews, Abacus Data CEO David Coletto, Unifor National President Jerry Dias, Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald, Eric Wen of the Chinese Canadian Conservative Association, the National Council of Canadian Muslim CEO Mustafa Farooq, Campaign Life Coalition’s political operations director Jack Fonseca, and Ontario Conservative MP Karen Vecchio. Hosted by Althia Raj.

While it seems debates over free speech have been on a rolling boil south of the border, the topic has also dominated francophone TV and radio in recent weeks, giving new breath to old debates about how Quebec’s voice is represented in Ottawa. In this episode: Bloc Québécois MP Stéphane Bergeron, Conservative MP Gérard Deltell, Liberal MP Joël Lightbound, and Maverick Party interim leader Jay Hill. Hosted by Althia Raj.

The U.S. election cycle feels like it has its own gravitational pull and two candidates signal different opportunities — and potential challenges — for Canada. In this episode: Eurasia Group vice chairman Gerald Butts, former Globe and Mail energy reporter Shawn McCarthy, former federal Conservative minister James Moore, CBC News’ Washington-based correspondent Alexander Panetta and HuffPost Canada's senior politics editor Ryan Maloney. Hosted by Althia Raj.

Annamie Paul is the first new leader of the federal Green party in 14 years. As she tries to move the party beyond Elizabeth May’s shadow — spectres have been raised by former leadership contenders about the integrity of the race.

The throne speech has been read. The Conservatives and Bloc have signaled their displeasure, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh finds himself kingmaker, again. In this episode: NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, and pundits Karl Bélanger, Greg MacEachern, and Kate Harrison. Hosted by Althia Raj.

Months into a pandemic, the initial political unity in Ottawa has disintegrated. Historic economic packages have been approved at breakneck speed, but some Canadians are still being left behind. In this episode: Government House Leader Pablo Rodriguez, and pundits Karl Bélanger, Greg MacEachern, and Kate Harrison. Hosted by Althia Raj.

As the government whips through 2020 with minority numbers, the Liberal’s No. 1 dissenting MP sits down for a candid talk about how he's found a balance between his own “principled independence” and toeing the party line. In this episode: Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, NDP MP Peter Julian, Conservative MP Bruce Stanton, and Liberal MPs James Maloney and Ali Ehsassi. Hosted by Althia Raj.

With a cabinet decision due over the fate of Teck Frontier, a massive new oilsands mine project, the Liberals face another test on how serious they are about reducing carbon emissions. In this episode: Energy and environmental economist Andrew Leach, Liberal MP Kody Blois, NDP MP Laurel Collins, Bloc Québécois MP Kristina Michaud, and Tory MPs Tim Uppal and Stephanie Kusie. Hosted by Althia Raj.

The Liberals have returned to Ottawa in need of dance partners to get things done. We speak to current and former House leaders on the moves they’ve learned — and the missteps they’ve witnessed in other minority governments. In this episode: Former Liberal house leader Ralph Goodale, former Conservative house leader Jay Hill, NDP national director Anne McGrath, and current House leaders Candice Bergen (Conservative), Christine Normandin (Bloc Québécois), and Peter Julian (NDP). Hosted by Althia Raj.

We’ve made it to the end of the rainbow. The Liberals have been re-elected with a strong minority, with equally strong divisions across Canada. We look at how election night unfolded at the different party headquarters, and what’s next. In this episode: HuffPost Canada reporters Zi-Ann Lum, Emma Paling, Melanie Woods and senior politics editor Ryan Maloney. Hosted by Althia Raj.

Parliament has adjourned and, we’re told, a nasty campaign lies ahead. Our pundit panel reviews how the Liberals have done after nearly four years and if Andrew Scheer’s “blandness” actually gives him an edge. In this episode: Government House Leader Bardish Chagger. Pundits Greg MacEachern, Karl Bélanger, and Kate Harrison. Hosted by Althia Raj.

Social media has given politicians more platforms than ever to engage with the public. But the temptation to package sound bites into spicy content has seemingly encouraged a more casual relationship with the truth — and raised questions about politicians' responsibilities. In this episode: NDP MP Nathan Cullen, Conservative MP Peter Kent, and Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith. Hosted by Althia Raj.

Two motions put climate change at the top of the agenda in Ottawa this week. Elizabeth May doesn’t think it’s a coincidence. But as the debate unfurls in the last weeks of Parliament, frustration mounts in the back benches about rules in the House of Commons. In this episode: Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, Liberal MP Frank Baylis, and Deputy Speaker of the House Bruce Stanton. Hosted by Althia Raj.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's former principal secretary has kept a low-profile since testifying about the SNC-Lavalin affair. Now, he speaks candidly about that, his new relationship with the PMO, and the unexpected realities of political fame. In this episode: Gerald Butts, former principal secretary to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Hosted by Althia Raj. Detailed show notes: (3:43) Butts explains why he’s sitting down for this interview (26:39) “What do you mean by it was difficult on your family?” (16:49) The last conversation Butts had with Jody Wilson-Raybould (27:00) The “most difficult” period for Butts’ family after his resignation (32:28) A violation of Marquess of Queensberry rules (45:15) “One of the most surreal things about being involved in politics…” (48:36) Butts share the best piece of advice he’s ever got (Spoiler: it’s from his aunt, former Canadian senator Sister Peggy Butts) (49:57) The letter to Dalton McGuinty that marked a career turning point (1:04:47) Agreeing to disagree on Liberals’ broken promises (1:08:08) “I don’t think people appreciate how real the dangers are for people in public life right now” and talking about Michael Wernick (1:18:06) Althia notes how the prime minister seems to be “rudderless”; Butts disagrees

Jody Wilson-Raybould and Jane Philpott’s ejection from the Liberal caucus has opened yet another chapter in the SNC-Lavalin affair — and a robust debate from their political colleagues. In this episode: Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett, Liberal MP John McKay, and Daughters of the Vote delegates. Hosted by Althia Raj.

It’s make or break for the Liberals as they begin to pitch their election-year budget. But are its goodies strong enough to change the channel on SNC-Lavalin? We go behind-the-scenes with insiders about what goes into crafting one. In this episode: Edward Goldenberg, former senior political advisor to prime minister Jean Chrétien; Rachel Curran, former policy director to prime minister Stephen Harper; Michele Cadario, former deputy chief of staff to prime minister Paul Martin and B.C. premier Christy Clark. Hosted by Althia Raj. Detailed show notes: (2:40) ‘Unimpressed’ Liberals on new challenge to caucus camaraderie (3:33) Jean Chrétien’s two-week budget notice (7:40) Michele Cadario recalls how stakeholders door-knocking “never really stops” (10:38) Fielding cabinet ministers’ wishlists (12:07) “The budget isn’t a group writing exercise” (12:20) The “watershed” budget of 1995 (13:38) Experts share their take inside the budget lock-up in Ottawa (14:25) Former Parliamentary budget officer Kevin Page IDs the theme behind the Liberals’ 2019 budget (16:46) That time a prime minister’s balanced budget excitement didn’t translate for voters (18:28) Putting deficit numbers into perspective (19:45) It’s a “great” political opportunity in opposition votes - Michele Cadario (24:11) Conservative MP Michael Chong: “The Liberals are clearly making a very desperate attempt to change the channel from their refusal to address this violation of our constitution (25:57) Liberal MPs talk about loyalty to the party

Jody Wilson-Raybould unleashed scorching testimony that burned her party. As her fate in the Liberal party remains unclear, veteran NDP MP Nathan Cullen sits down to talk about his own exit. In this episode: HuffPost Canada senior politics editor Ryan Maloney, NDP MP Nathan Cullen. Hosted by Althia Raj. Detailed show notes: (5:12) Ryan Maloney on one of the “wilder” moments in Jody Wilson-Raybould’s testimony (7:44) “The prime minister asked me to help out” (14:51) That reference to Watergate’s infamous “Saturday Night Massacre” (19:04) Defining the difference between “illegal” and “inappropriate” pressure (20:51) How badly the SNC-Lavalin controversy is hurting the Liberals (24:48) Cabinet minister talk about Jody Wilson-Raybould’s place in caucus (28:71) NDP MP Nathan Cullen addresses perception his exit would fuel a narrative that the party is in trouble (30:43) Nathan Cullen on Jagmeet Singh’s “significant” potential for growth (34:46) Nathan Cullen shares the really good piece of advice Stockwell Day gave him as a rookie MP (36:00) The one time Jack Layton got “proper angry” with Cullen (37:17) Ed Broadbent on what Jagmeet Singh’s byelection win means for the party now

The Liberal government is eager to have its pipeline review bill pass through the Senate before the election. These senators say, not so fast. In this episode: Independent Senators Doug Black, Paula Simons, and Tory Sen. David Tkachuk. Hosted by Althia Raj.

Jody Wilson-Raybould’s cabinet resignation seemingly blindsided the prime minister. Her high-profile departure tests the government’s resiliency in an election year. In this episode: House of Commons justice committee chair Anthony Housefather and HuffPost Canada senior politics editor Ryan Maloney. Hosted by Althia Raj. Detailed show notes: (3:41) Breaking down the ABCs of the political fallout (6:56) HuffPost editor Ryan Maloney says Wilson-Raybould’s social media suggests she’s liking posts that suggest “she’s been done dirty” (13:18) Three hours of “political theatre” in under two minutes (14:42) Tory MP Michael Cooper claims a “cover up” (16:26) Liberal MP Anthony Housefather takes you behind the scenes of a heated committee meeting (20:41) Housefather on what kind of witness he doesn’t want to appear (23:28) Housefather floats a Quebec caucus theory for why Wilson-Raybould was shuffled—then later apologizes (25:37) Althia reads the Liberal-backed motion that thwarted one tabled by Conservatives, NDP (27:06) “They want us to vote for a motion that already implies that wrongdoing occured” (30:19) Canadian committees vs. American committees (31:26) Housefather explains he didn’t reach out to PMO because of optics and staff are “potential witnesses” (33:11) How differently the SNC-Lavalin affair is playing out in Quebec vs. everywhere else

The House has returned to new digs — both physically and in terms of election-year partisan burns. Our politics panel weighs in on the early strengths and vulnerabilities of the leaders and parties ahead of this fall's crucial vote. In this episode: Harper and Associates senior associate Rachel Curran, Proof Strategies senior VP Greg MacEachern, former NDP national director Karl Bélanger, Abacus Data CEO David Coletto; MPs Charlie Angus, Gérard Deltell, Wayne Easter; HuffPost reporters Zi-Ann Lum and Ryan Maloney. Hosted by Althia Raj. Detailed show notes: (6:48) HuffPost editor Ryan Maloney says Liberals have a “big fish to take down” (8:28) HuffPost reporter Zi-Ann Lum on how the PM’s handling of hecklers has changed (13:02) Pollster David Colletto on the “great unknown” factor (16:09) Tory MP likens election year to the Super Bowl (20:01) Greg MacEachern warns of the temptation of election-year “false starts” (24:44) “As far as Mr. Bernier goes, he’s a real gift to Justin Trudeau” (31:34) That “four knights of the Apocalypse” Maclean’s cover (38:14) Outremont is a barometer for 2019 election

Who knew you could experience separation anxiety with a building? We tour Centre Block one last time before it closes for at least a decade for renovations and learn some of its wild stories. Detailed show notes: (3:54) Joe Clark shares his first Centre Block memory (6:53) Folklore of Pierre Trudeau’s statuette-breaking stunt (13:15) Revealed: the secret Ottawa Senators carving in the Senate (17:02) 1966 bombing inside the building (23:38) Duffy’s recollection of that time Pierre Trudeau got into a shoving match with a reporter (25:34) “The most beautiful room in Canada” (27:26) That time an MP was caught butt naked in the halls

A Quebec First Nation’s land claim to Parliament Hill tests the Liberals’ promise to build a nation-to-nation relationship. In this episode: Algonquin Elder Albert Dumont, Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett, AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde, and Ottawa reporter Zi-Ann Lum. Hosted by Althia Raj. Detailed show notes: (4:25) Touring through the Kichi Sibi lands (10:02) Developer flags “significant lack of clarity” in how the private sector should engage with First Nations (11:29) Dumont explains how he’s “duty bound” to the land (20:16) Althia asks Carolyn Bennett if the Liberals promised too much (28:16) Elder William Commanda’s vision

The former Tory veteran and now leader of the People's Party of Canada says he’s not opposed to immigrants or legitimate asylum seekers when he advocates admitting fewer newcomers. Maxime Bernier expands on his message and the risk of how it can be misinterpreted. Hosted by Althia Raj. Detailed show notes: (4:20) “I don’t want to play with the emotions of Canadians” (7:04) Seeking a beta Canadian values test (9:46) Who is and isn’t welcome in Bernier’s party (11:32) Faith Goldy comes up in the conversation (14:28) The longtail of the PPC’s stance on the UN’s global compact on migration (27:44) Bernier’s “We don’t like discrimination” message to ethnic minorities

Whether you agree or disagree with him, Maxime Bernier is a newsmaker. We sit down with the People’s Party of Canada leader to talk about his turning point with Andrew Scheer and his brand of "smart populism based on serious policy." Hosted by Althia Raj. Detailed show notes: (4:36) Bernier on why he backed out of supporting Scheer (9:20) “Christmas gift” of 338 riding associations (11:50) Drawing inspiration from Emmanuel Macron (12:33) Who is actually showing up to Bernier’s rallies? (21:22) Explaining doing “nothing” about climate change (28:44) What Bernier’s rocky 2018 taught him

As the NDP and Tories piled on the Liberal government for deepening Canada's deficit, they face some deep troubles of their own. In this episode: Liberal MP Scott Simms, Conservative strategist Rachel Curran, Liberal strategist Greg MacEachern, and former NDP national director Karl Bélanger. Hosted by Althia Raj. Detailed show notes: (2:55) Panellists discuss fiscal update (6:15) “Santa Morneau” came around, says Karl Bélanger (7:31) What does a blue Liberal think about the deficit? (10:02) Don't forget to talk about Alberta (14:28) Paul Godfrey’s excitement over $595-million media bailout spooks a panellist (14:47) Ex-weatherman-MP Scott Simms vs. ex-news anchor-MP Peter Kent (16:47) Pollster David Coletto on the Liberals' up-and-down year (21:00) Panellists discuss NDP free fall (27:23) "Doug Ford is setting himself up to be a drag on Andrew Scheer" (32:48) We left you a funny kicker

Three years into their mandate, how are the Liberals doing with their ambitious agenda to grow Canada's middle class? Have partisan politics and economic realities dimmed the government's hope of bringing “real change”? In this episode: Former parliamentary budget officer Kevin Page, Infrastructure and Communities Minister François-Philippe Champagne, Families, Children, and Social Development Minister Jean-Yves Duclos, Tory MPs Tony Clement and Deepak Obhrai, People’s Party Leader Maxime Bernier, and NDP MPs Matthew Dubé and Jenny Kwan. Hosted by Althia Raj. Detailed show notes: (3:15) François-Philippe Champagne explains his government's accomplishments in 30 seconds (4:10) Kevin Page puts income inequality into perspective (6:15) Missing "middle class" definition and "tectonic plate shift" in income distribution (7:56) Analyzing impact of Liberal government's child benefits (13:34) Page quotes Forrest Gump: "S**t happens" and draws wisdom from squirrels (14:41) Grading the Trudeau government (16:25) Opposition MPs assess the last 3 years (18:50) Visiting Jean-Yves Duclos in his office (20:31) How the Liberals' measure the "middle class" (28:24) Feds will not fund Ontario's basic income project (34:10) OK, we gave Champagne more time to talk

A new UN report gives humanity 12 years to get its act together to curb rising temperatures and avoid unprecedented environmental disaster. The House of Commons even held a special debate, but most MPs didn’t show up. So what political will is there in Canada to actually curb climate change? In this episode: Environment and Climate Change Minister Catherine McKenna, Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, and Canadians for Clean Prosperity executive director Mark Cameron. Also: NDP MP Charlie Angus, Tory MP Garnett Genuis, and Liberal MP Marc Miller. Hosted by Althia Raj.

Canadian schmoozing is back at the United Nations as the Justin Trudeau government ramps efforts to secure a seat at the Security Council table. Former diplomats talk about RLBs (Rotten Lying Bastards) and get frank about Trump's effect on the Liberals’ current campaign. In this episode: Former foreign affairs minister Lloyd Axworthy; current Canadian ambassador to the UN Marc-André Blanchard; former Canadian diplomats Paul Heinbecker, Allan Rock, and Yves Fortier; UN senior fellow Richard Gowan; Canadian Forces college professor Adam Chapnick. Hosted by Althia Raj.

Jagmeet Singh was supposed to be a fundraising magnet, but his first rocky year as NDP leader has been a bust. The party calls a regroup in B.C. Also: Two outgoing veteran NDP MPs get real about the “Real Change” that blocks them from getting things done. In this episode: NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, party strategists Karl Bélanger and Robin Sears, NDP commentator Tom Parkin, and NDP MPs Nathan Cullen, Linda Duncan and Irene Mathyssen. Hosted by Althia Raj.

While Maxime Bernier tried to steal headlines from the start of the Conservative party policy convention in Halifax, 3,000 delegates focused on positioning their party for the 2019 election. In this episode: Andrew Scheer’s chief of staff Marc-Andre Leclerc, ex-Harper war room strategist Jason Lietaer, Alberta Tory delegate Natalie Pon, Tory MPs Tony Clement and Pierre Paul-Hus, and Sen. Don Plett. Hosted by Althia Raj.

This session of Parliament comes to an end with the legalization of recreational marijuana — a day after the Liberals were smoked in a rare byelection loss. Is this a taste of what’s to come? In this episode: Government House Leader Bardish Chagger. Hosted by Althia Raj.

Donald Trump’s first official trip to Canada ended with the president and his subordinates hurling insults at the prime minister and making new-again threats to Canadian workers. What’s behind Trump’s anti-Canada kick? In this episode: HuffPost Canada’s senior politics editor Ryan Maloney, UNIFOR national president Jerry Dias, and Ontario dairy farmer David McDiarmid. Hosted by Althia Raj.

Who knew “sunny ways” included buying a controversial pipeline that Kinder Morgan wanted to dump. With 2019 around the corner, will this political gambit ruin the Liberals’ shot at re-election? In this episode: NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, Liberal MP John Wilkinson, and B.C. Environment Minister George Heyman. Hosted by Althia Raj.

Scott Simms was stripped as a standing committee chair after he refused to toe the party line on the government’s controversial Canada Summer Jobs attestation. The Liberal MP speaks out about his caucus crime and political punishment. In this episode: Liberal MPs Scott Simms, John MacKay, and Raj Grewal, NDP MP Matthew Dubé, and Conservative MP Karen Vacchio. Hosted by Althia Raj.

The government is taking another crack at repealing some of the Tories’ controversial changes to Canada’s election laws. But there are some real concerns about timing. In this episode: Green Party Leader Elizabeth May. Former chief electoral officer Marc Mayrand. Tory MP Blake Richards, and expats voting rights advocate Gillian Frank. Hosted by Althia Raj.

The NDP are pissed. The Tories are bewildered. And the Liberals are pretty pleased with their new debate-lite convention process that supported resolutions bending the party to the left. In this episode: Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, NDP Parliamentary leader Guy Caron, Abacus Data CEO David Coletto, Nanos Research Chairman Nik Nanos, incoming Liberal Party president Suzanne Cowan, Canada 2020 president Tom Pitfield, and the prime minister’s policy director Michael McNair. Hosted by Althia Raj.

Kinder Morgan’s pipeline ultimatum added fuel to a simmering Canadian political family feud. And after weeks of Tories asking for Daniel Jean to appear at committee, he does. And it was a bit anticlimactic. In this episode: iPolitics reporter Kady O’Malley. Hosted by Althia Raj.

Move over Morneau. Tories have changed focus and are hell-bent on selling a story of Liberal intrigue starring the prime minister’s national security adviser Daniel Jean. One 21-hour voting marathon later, how many more to go? . In this episode: iPolitics reporter Kady O’Malley. Hosted by Althia Raj.

Employment And Workforce Minister Patty Hajdu, labour pioneer and former NDP MP Peggy Nash join host Althia Raj for a live conversation about working as a woman in the male-dominated field of politics to mark Women’s History Month.

From the scrutiny over Bill Morneau’s personal millions to the country’s budgeted billions, we talk about pharmacare and the Liberals’ sunny, spendy ways with the finance minister himself. Warning: mild profanity in this episode. In this episode: Finance Minister Bill Morneau. Hosted by Althia Raj.

The NDP took a hard turn to the left at its convention in Ottawa as Jagmeet Singh gave Canadians a sneak peek at the party’s much-anticipated platform. How left can the NDP go? In this episode: Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, and lots of interesting voices from what the party calls its youngest and most diverse policy convention. Hosted by Althia Raj.

The Trudeau government’s contentious Canada Summer Jobs program changes sucked up a lot of oxygen at the 2018 Manning Centre conference. Was it a Liberal trap to get Conservatives talking more about religion? In this episode: Leader of the United Conservative Party in Alberta Jason Kenney, Conservative party campaign chair Hamish Marshall, and Tory MPs Garnett Genuis, Rachael Harder, and Karen Vecchio. Hosted by Althia Raj.

Parliament resumes this week as the death knell for NAFTA gets louder. Our panel joins Althia to talk about what’s on tap for this upcoming session: from jabs over trade, a shrinking “bozo eruption” in the Conservative caucus, and the NDP’s diminishing presence that risks a two-party system in Canada. In this episode: Political strategists Rachel Curran, Greg MacEachern and Karl Bélanger. Hosted by Althia Raj.

Within 24 hours, sexual harassment allegations ousted a federal minister from cabinet and two provincial PC leaders from their top spots. Our panel joins Althia to talk about how the #MeToo momentum is changing Canadian politics. In this episode: Rachel Curran, Greg MacEachern, and Karl Bélanger. Hosted by Althia Raj.

An end-of-year note to listeners from host Althia Raj.

Justin Trudeau’s Liberals swept to power promising real change. As the Grits celebrate two years in government, we mark the anniversary by looking back at what’s been done, or not done, with their promises. In this episode: Political strategists Rachel Curran, Greg MacEachern and Karl Bélanger. Hosted by Althia Raj.

In this episode: Guy Caron’s spokesman Farouk Karim, Charlie Angus’ campaign manager Jesse Brady, Jagmeet Singh’s campaign manager Michal Hay and field director Nuvi Sidhu, HuffPost Canada senior politics editor Ryan Maloney, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. Hosted by Althia Raj.

In this episode: The last in our series on NDP leadership hopefuls: Jagmeet Singh. Hosted by Althia Raj.

Charlie Angus, Jagmeet Singh, Guy Caron and Niki Ashton take part in a final debate hosted by HuffPost Canada before NDP members choose their new party leader. Moderated by Althia Raj.

In this episode: NDP leadership hopeful, veteran MP, and former rocker Charlie Angus expands on his vision of the party and reveals he’s afraid of heights. Hosted by Althia Raj.