Political Traction

Faced with volatile economic circumstances, the federal government presented its 2023 budget, which Prime Minister Trudeau and Minister Freeland argue will help Canada and Canadians respond to global trends like friendshoring and the shift to green energy. Billed as a plan to build a stronger, more sustainable and more secure economy, Budget 2023 includes substantial tax credits for clean tech, new taxes on stock buybacks, and modest efforts to address affordability. Adam is joined by Alex Ballingall, a reporter for the Toronto Star's Parliament Hill Bureau, and Navigator's own Daniele Medlej, a Liberal strategist and former communications director, to dive into what implications this budget holds for Canadians.

On Thursday, Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy presented his third provincial budget – signalling a shift in focus from COVID-19 to weathering the coming economic headwinds. On this week's episode of Political Traction, Adam is joined by Laura Stone, Queen's Park reporter for the Globe and Mail, Colin D'Mello, Queen's Park Bureau Chief for Global News and President of the Queen's Park Press Gallery and Navigator's very own Brayden Akers, to unpack Budget 2023.

Last month, the federal government banned TikTok from being installed on all government-issued devices, citing security concerns related to the app's ownership by a company with close ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This week, Adam Owen is joined by Chris Nardi, parliamentary reporter for the National Post, to discuss the government's decision and its framing within the larger issue of CCP's interference in Canada's internal affairs.

Following more than a decade in some of the highest-ranking positions in the previous Ontario government, Charles Sousa has returned to public service as a Member of Parliament in Justin Trudeau's Liberal government. This week, Adam Owen is joined by Charles to explore his decision to come out of political retirement, and the role he sees himself playing at Parliament Hill.

With Chinese weather balloons, an American news anchor threatening war against Canada, and public broadcasters getting political, silly season has officially begun. This week, Adam is joined by Tasha Kheiriddin, a principal in Navigator's Toronto office, and Catherine Moar, an associate principal in Navigator's Calgary office, to discuss these recent issues and the impact they've had on the current political landscape.

Last week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premiers from across Canada unveiled the federal government's plan for healthcare funding over the next 10 years. Despite high expectations, some experts consider the plan to have fallen short and believe that much more funding and innovation is needed to repair the strained system. This week, Adam is joined by University Health Network's President and CEO, Kevin Smith, to discuss the challenges facing the healthcare system and if Ottawa's offer is sufficient to address its systemic issues.

Following two historic electoral losses, the Ontario Liberal Party is facing an existential crisis as it prepares to pick its next leader. Some veteran members and former cabinet ministers made headlines recently by releasing a letter asking Ontario Green Party leader Mike Schreiner to ditch his party and run for OLP leadership. First, Adam is joined by Kate Graham, a former Ontario Liberal leadership candidate and candidate in London North Centre, who signed the letter. Then, he catches up with Sharan Kaur, a Liberal strategist and political analyst who has vocally criticized the campaign, to discuss both sides of the issue, and the future of the party.

We have seen successive governments purposefully cater policy to the oldest among us, and ask the younger generations to pick up the tab. What kind of impact will this have on the opportunities and optimism our youth have for their futures? This week, Adam is joined by Sean Speer, who has sat on Canada's leading think tanks, acted as a leading policy analyst to Stephen Harper, and currently teaches at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto, to discuss whether this imbalance will create a divide amongst Canadians, or if it's a necessary part of growing up in an aging society.

Rising incidents of crime are causing anxiety amongst Canadians. With all parties pointing fingers, the Trudeau Liberals have been silent on the issue. What will it take to finally see decisive action? This week, Adam is joined by Tristin Hopper, a columnist for the National Post, to discuss the alarming rise in crime, and what it means for Canadians' trust (or lack thereof) in the country's legal system.

In our final episode of 2022, host Adam Owen is joined by Navigator colleagues Michael Cooke, Rosa Ellithorpe and Tasha Kheiriddin. The panel unpacks this year's top events and highlights what 2023 may bring from foreign affairs and healthcare to grocery prices and the possibility of a federal election.

Toronto, among many cities across Canada, is facing a generational housing crisis. With soaring costs, those looking to buy in the city are being shut out of the market and renters are faced with limited options for an affordable place to call home. This week, Adam sits down with Brad Bradford, Toronto City Councillor and Chair of the City's Planning and Housing Committee to talk about the “Housing Action Plan” that City Council recently adopted, and to discuss whether it has what it takes to overcome the city's biggest challenge.

Parents are feeling left behind as children's hospitals fill up and local medicine shelves remain empty. This week, Adam is joined by Melanie Paradis, the president of Texture Communications and a veteran political communicator, and Jen Gerson, a freelance writer and co-founder of “The Line”, a Canadian commentary website, to discuss the political implications of government delay and mismanagement as flu, RSV, and COVID season continues to disproportionately affect children and debilitate households.

This week, host Adam Owen is joined by a panel of Navigator's public affairs experts – principals Tasha Kheiriddin, Colin MacDonald and Danielle Parr - to unpack two issues causing major controversy around the globe: Elon Musk's shaky takeover of Twitter and the excitement, problems and perils of the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

Tension between Canada and China is on the rise, with the two countries' dissension taking centre stage at this year's recent G20 summit. On this episode of Political Traction, Adam is joined by Vina Nadjibulla, Adjunct Professor at UBC's School of Public Policy and Global Affairs to contemplate what Canada's new approach in the Indo-Pacific might look like and what steps should be taken to solve Canada's Xi problem.

Seeking to short circuit negotiations with CUPE, the Ontario Government invoked the notwithstanding clause to declare strike action illegal and impose a new contract, but big labour fought back, and Premier Ford backed down. This week, host Adam Owen speaks with The Globe and Mail's future of work reporter Vanmala Subramaniam to break down what this means for labour, unions and collective bargaining.  

From grocery stores to gas stations, prices are up and the cost of living is top of mind for Canadians with the highest inflation in 40 years.  This week, Adam is joined by Brett House, former Deputy Chief Economist at Scotiabank, and André Turcotte, a principal at Discover,  Navigator's public opinion research firm, to unpack the Fall Economic Statement and discuss how the federal government is addressing affordability.

In a speech at the Brookings Institution in Washington, DC, Deputy PM Chrystia Freeland set out her views on “friend-shoring” and how liberal democracies should address the issue of trade in a global economy. This week, Adam is joined by Heather Scoffield, Ottawa Bureau Chief and Economics Columnist for the Toronto Star to unpack what the Freeland doctrine means for the Liberal Party and all Canadians amidst rising economic and geopolitical uncertainty.

Reporting on the front lines (w/ Adam Zivo) This week, Adam is joined by Adam Zivo, a political columnist with The National Post. Joining the episode from Kyiv, Adam provides a firsthand glimpse of current events and political dynamics in Ukraine. The duo discuss what more Canada can be doing to help Ukraine, and how information operations and communications are influencing the war.

In a special edition of the podcast, host Adam Owen is joined by Jason Hatcher, Managing Principal of Navigator's western operations and host of the Western Edge, a Navigator Podcast. Adam and Jason discuss new polling conducted by Navigator's in-house research division, Discover, on the mindset of Albertans and what they want from their government. The duo conclude the episode with an introduction to the panel discussion Navigator hosted on October 18 with experts on politics and policy in western Canada. If you'd like to see highlights of the research firsthand, visit the Navigator website.

This week, Amanda introduces the new host of Political Traction, Adam Owen, as Amanda signs off for her maternity leave. The duo reflects on Poilievre's first month as CPC leader and the changing political dynamics in Alberta and Quebec. 

This week, host Amanda Galbraith speaks with Navigator Associate Principal and Liberal strategist Jeff Costen and NDP strategist Kim Wright on what's next for the Ontario Liberal and NDP parties after a disappointing performance in the Provincial Election. With both of their leaders resigned, and in the case of the Liberals, official party status still out of reach, how will the parties rebuild?

On June 3, Ontarians will cast their vote in the provincial election. While all polls point to another four years of Doug Ford, the real debate taking place is about who will take second. This week, host Amanda Galbraith is joined by colleagues Mike Van Soelen, Colin MacDonald and André Turcotte to unpack the race so far, and share their predictions for the final outcome.

This week, host Amanda Galbraith speaks with Canadian Senator and member of the World Refugee and Migration Council Ratna Omidva on the growing refugee crisis facing Afghanistan and Ukraine. The two unpack the current debate around resettlement, and share important ways we can help support those in need. If you like this episode, check out Moving the Needle on Wicked Problems: http://www.ratnaomidvar.ca/podcast/

This week, host Amanda Galbraith reunites with our Scrum panel – former heads of newsrooms and Navigator colleagues – Caroline Harvey, Michael Cooke and André Pratte. The panel unpacks the growing divide in the Conservative Party leadership race, NYT's retreat from Twitter and the way media cover global conflicts.

This week host Amanda Galbraith speaks with former Navigator colleague and NDP strategist Sally Housser and Navigator Principal and Liberal commentator Colin MacDonald about the supply and confidence agreement and what it means for the next three years of government. The three also catch up on the UCP leadership race currently underway in Alberta.

This week, host Amanda Galbraith speaks with Ukrainian-Canadian Laryssa Waler about the conflict with Russia, and how it's resonating with the Ukrainian community here in Canada. The two discuss the history of the Russian relationship, and point to specific ways to help support Ukraine during this difficult time.

This week host Amanda Galbraith speaks with Jon Shell, the Managing Director of Social Capital Partners. SCP is making waves in Canada's existing financial system by pushing employee ownership and wealth equality models similar to those seen in the US and the UK.

This week, guest host Mike Van Soelen sits down with colleagues Clare Michaels and Brayden Akers to unpack the Conservative Party of Canada's leadership race.

This week, host Amanda Galbraith sits down with former political staffer and current Member of Parliament for Thornhill, Melissa Lantsman. The pair discuss a day in the life on the floor of the House of Commons, the pressures of managing a social media presence, and the surprises she might face in her new role.

This week, host Amanda Galbraith is joined by our Scrum panel - former heads of newsrooms and Navigator colleagues – Caroline Harvey, André Pratte and Michael Cooke. The group discusses everything from the Olympics, Quebec's controversial vax tax, the ‘modernization' of CBC and Premier Doug Ford.

On this special year end edition of Political Traction host Amanda Galbraith sits down with colleagues Michael Cooke, Danielle Parr and Mike Van Soelen to discuss the highs, the lows, the wins, and the losses of 2021.

In the wake of news from Barbados and a ceremony with Prince Charles, Rihanna and a newly minted President, all eyes are on the royal family and its reign over the shrinking commonwealth. This week, host Amanda Galbraith debates Canada's relationship with the monarchy with outspoken Canadian Republican, popular YouTuber and columnist for the Washington Post, J.J. McCullough.

This week, host Amanda Galbraith reunites with our Scrum panel – former heads of newsrooms and Navigator colleagues - Caroline Harvey and Michael Cooke. The trio discusses everything from the 2021 Speech from the Throne to the recent flooding in BC and all things Justin Bieber. 

This week, host Amanda Galbraith sits down with Jen Gerson, resident Albertian, political commentator and co-founder of the online newsletter, The Line, to unpack a tumultuous week in Alberta and federal politics.

This week, host Amanda Galbraith sits down with Navigator colleagues Philippe Gervais and André Pratte to unpack the French language failures of some of Canada's most important CEOs. The trio unpacks the heated debate and what it might mean for the future of Bill 96.

This week, host Amanda Galbraith sits down with the Toronto Star's Queen's Park Bureau Chief, Robert Benzie, to unpack the 2021 Ontario Fall Economic Statement and what's going on behind the scenes as Queen's Park gets back to business in an almost post-COVID world. The pair weigh in on the government's promise to fix longstanding issues in Ontario's health and long-term care sectors, a new multi-million-dollar staycation tourism fund, why raise the minimum wage to $15, and much more.

This week, host Amanda Galbraith sits down with Alex Ballingall, a Reporter from the Toronto Star's Ottawa Bureau, to unpack the momentous week that was in Canadian politics with a significant cabinet reshuffling. With only 8 ministers staying in their portfolios among 38 appointments, it's time for several ministers to hit the books as school is back in session.

This week, host Amanda Galbraith sits down with Sharan Kaur, the Former Deputy Chief of Staff to Finance Minister Bill Morneau and current Director of Strategic Initiatives and Public Affairs at Clearco. The pair discuss the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) and detail the trials and tribulations behind the scenes in planning one of the world's biggest conferences.

This week, host Amanda Galbraith is joined by Navigator colleagues Clare Michaels, Cathy Moar and Matthew Barnes to discuss what is going on with the federal party leaders, the most under-reported election story from the campaign trail, and which federal party leaders are likely to last until the next election cycle.

The Toronto Star's Ottawa columnist Althia Raj joined Navigator's live videocast as seasoned experts from across the country looked beyond the vote to explore what motivated Canadians to vote the way they did and exactly what this government will mean for you.

This week, host Amanda Galbraith sits down with political advisor and commentator Jenni Byrne to discuss the rise in popularity of the Peoples Party of Canada, the English leader's debate and much more.

This week, host Amanda Galbraith sits down with Toronto Star Columnist Susan Delacourt to discuss what goes down behind the scenes on a Liberal Party campaign tour bus during the 2021 Election campaign.

This week host Amanda Galbraith sits down with political insider and campaign strategist Bob Richardson to discuss reports of the Liberal's slipping polls and how the campaign may (or may not) need to shift in the next few weeks.

This week, host Amanda Galbraith is joined by Globe and Mail reporter and friend of the podcast Marieke Walsh, who joins us from Winnipeg, where she is on tour with the Liberal campaign. The two talk about the highs and lows of tour, and share potential names for the campaign bus.

This week, host Amanda Galbraith is back with a special Season 8 premiere with Navigator colleagues and political insiders Philippe Gervais, Clare Michaels and Matthew Barnes to get the inside scoop on what you need to know leading into the federal election.

This week, host Jason Hatcher sits down with the President & CEO of MEG Energy – Derek Evans to chat about the Oil Sands Pathways to Net Zero initiative which was launched by five energy companies representing 90 per cent of oil sands operations. They have a plan to work collectively to tackle climate change and achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. They then go head-to-head in our rapid-fire round to discuss everything from power breakfasts to live theatre.

This week, host Jason Hatcher sits down with two guests – Scott Nye & Nick Facey from Digital Alberta to chat about the tech sector and why Alberta could be the go-to province for start-ups and big companies alike. Three of them go head-to-head in our rapid-fire round to discuss everything from gaming to beer to hockey.

This week, Jason Hatcher sits down with Deborah Yedlin, CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce and Chancellor of the University of Calgary, to discuss the state of the economy in Alberta and some initiatives that are leading the West out of the pandemic. The pair go head to head in our rapid-fire round to discuss everything from triathlons to their favourite pandemic purchases.

This week host Jason Hatcher sits down with Dr. Terry Rock from Platform Calgary to discuss the future of innovation and the tech sector, followed by our rapid fire round debating the best in beer and music. And as a special treat, to kick of the Calgary Stampede we will end the show with a hit from Calgarian Cole Bradley, making it big in Nashville.

This week host Jason Hatcher sits down with Mikaela McQuade from the Eurasia Group in Washington D.C. to discuss Canada/US relations and the future of energy. Then stay tuned as the two go head-to-head in our rapid-fire round to debate the great outdoors.

This week, host Jason Hatcher sits down with former Calgary Stampeder Jon Cornish to discuss his work on diversity and inclusion in the locker-room and beyond, and establishing the Calgary Black Chambers. Then the two go head-to-head in our rapid-fire round to debate among other things - Kansas City BBQ vs AB Beef.