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Every weekday afternoon, Power & Politics host Vassy Kapelos guides Canadians through the country's political news, with a regular cast of political panellists and the continuously unfolding drama of the Canadian political scene.

CBC Radio


    • Jul 17, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
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    Latest episodes from Power and Politics

    Trump threatens more tariffs on Canada over wildfire smoke drifting to the U.S.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2026 44:39


    As wildfires burn across Canada, displacing residents and threatening public health, the smoke is also making its way over to the U.S. American politicians are demanding that Canada get those fires under control — or face economic retribution. Power & Politics hears from Ontario Minister of Natural Resources Mike Harris on those threats. Plus, U.S. President Donald Trump used a prime time speech to cast doubt on the U.S electoral system and outline a conspiracy ranging from Chinese interference to the deep state. P&P has a reality check on those claims and the Reporter Roundtable weighs in.

    Ottawa makes multibillion-dollar defence investment for armoured vehicles

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2026 45:00


    Ottawa says it will spend almost $2 billion over four years on 190 armoured combat support vehicles that will be built by a Canada-based company. Power & Politics hears from Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr. Plus, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer says he hasn't 'seen a lot of movement' from Canada in trade talks. The Power Panel weighs in.

    Canada's finance ministers talk growth as economy shows signs of improvement

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2026 53:03


    Federal and provincial finance ministers meet in Prince Edward Island to talk breaking down barriers and strengthening the economy. That's as the Bank of Canada releases a cautiously optimistic economic outlook. Power & Politics hears from Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne and two of his provincial counterparts. Plus, footage shows protesters swarming the premier of Nova Scotia's car and smashing the front windshield. P&P has the details from the CBC News reporter who was on the scene.

    What Canada's bridge deal with Trump could mean for future negotiations

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2026 46:07


    Former UN ambassador and premier of Ontario Bob Rae tells Power & Politics that U.S. President Donald Trump's deal with Canada to open the long-awaited Gordie Howe International Bridge is a distorted power move. Plus, midterm elections loom in the U.S. as the death of one Republican senator and the illness of another change dynamics in Washington. P&P hears from Semafor's David Weigel.

    Did Canada make another concession to the U.S. to open the Gordie Howe Bridge?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2026 45:25


    The Gordie Howe International Bridge between Windsor, Ont., and Detroit is set to open on July 27 after months of delays from the U.S. administration. A new deal will see a U.S. development fund get 50 per cent of the toll profits for 15 years, despite Canada paying for the entire $6.4-billion bridge. Power & Politics hears from Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens and Conservative Canada-U.S. relations critic Shuv Majumdar. The Power Panel weighs in.

    How is the global economy handling new disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2026 49:23


    Canada and the U.S. strike a deal to finally open the Gordie Howe Bridge as days of renewed strikes in the Strait of Hormuz renew global economic concerns. Economist Justin Wolfers joins Power & Politics to evaluate how this now reignited conflict is weighing on the global economy. Plus, we get Conservative reaction to the Prime Minister's big week of investment deals.

    Carney becomes first PM to visit Saudi Arabia in 26 years - why is he there?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2026 47:41


    A new Meta artificial intelligence data centre to be built outside of Edmonton is raising energy consumption concerns. We speak with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith about the project. Prime Minister Carney becomes the first Canadian leader to visit Saudi Arabia in over 20 years as the U.S.-Iran ceasefire deal collapses — Middle East expert Thomas Juneau offers his analysis. Plus, party infighting has led some Conservatives to call on federal leader Pierre Poilievre to set aside personal disputes in favour of party unity. The Power Panel weighs in.

    Why are Carney and NATO backing new U.S. attacks on Iran?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2026 45:48


    The NATO summit in Turkey wraps as U.S. President Donald Trump declares the ceasefire deal with Iran is over following an exchange of strikes between the nations. Power & Politics speaks with former U.S. permanent representative to NATO Ivo Daalder. Plus, a week after the CUSMA renewal deadline passed, we ask Canada-U.S. relations expert Laura Dawson what to expect for the next 10 years as the trade deal potentially faces rolling reviews.

    RCMP and FBI make 24 gang arrests, 3 on Canadian soil

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2026 48:12


    A transnational crackdown on three international organized gangs based in India results in 37 charges and 24 arrests, three on Canadian soil. The NATO summit begins with U.S. President Donald Trump renewing his threats against Greenland. Plus, Prime Minister Mark Carney makes his first Senate appointments, including a sitting Conservative MP.

    Canada picks German over South Korean submarines. Is it the right choice?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2026 64:07


    After months of speculation, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the federal government will now enter into negotiations with German shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) to build the navy's new fleet of submarines over South Korea's Hanwha Ocean. But is that the right choice? Defence analyst Dave Perry and Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr join Power & Politics to weigh in.

    Alberta's pipeline pitch revealed — and Canadian taxpayers are on the hook

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2026 48:37


    Details of Alberta's pitch for a pipeline to the B.C. coast are finally revealed, and taxpayers could be on the hook for a significant portion of the costs. Power & Politics hears from Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Energy Minister Tim Hodgson. Plus, Liberal MP and environmental activist Steven Guilbeault warns against the proposed pipeline's impacts. The Power Panel weighs in.

    Alberta to unveil pipeline proposal details, B.C. gets a deal of its own

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2026 59:39


    Alberta Premier Danielle Smith will soon unveil details of her province's long-awaited proposal for a pipeline to B.C. Meanwhile, B.C. Premier David Eby gets a major deal of his own with the federal government. Power & Politics hears from Premier Eby, and the Power Panel weighs in.

    Alberta prepares its pipeline pitch as Carney concedes higher emissions

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2026 49:12


    Alberta is expected to unveil its proposal for a pipeline to B.C. this week, while Prime Minister Mark Carney suggests Canada will not meet its carbon emissions targets. Power & Politics hears from Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, and president of the Canadian Climate Institute Rick Smith reacts.

    Will Canada Day bring a renewed CUSMA deal?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2026 46:26


    The Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade agreement is officially up for review on Canada Day. While Canada and Mexico have expressed interest in renewing the pact, U.S. President Donald Trump says he might want the deal scrapped. Power & Politics hears from Ontario's representative in Washington David Paterson. Plus, the Alberta government is expected to submit a proposal for a new pipeline on that same day. The Power Panel weighs in.

    24 Sussex is getting a new life, but who will foot the bill?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2026 45:52


    After sitting vacant since 2015, progress for the official residence of the prime minister of Canada is on the horizon. Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a fundraising campaign to accrue the cash for the rehabilitation of 24 Sussex. Power and Politics speaks with Minister of Public Works and Procurement Joël Lightbound and president of Heritage Ottawa, Katherine Spencer-Ross, on the decision to restore the 158-year-old house and what those plans might entail

    Carney defends a housing plan he says the government hasn't well explained

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2026 56:33


    Prime Minister Mark Carney is backing a plan for the federal government to buy unsold Vancouver condos, but says the government hasn't done well explaining how it would work. Power & Politics speaks with NDP Leader Avi Lewis about the housing pitch as Parliament wraps for their summer vacation. Plus, a U.S. Senate hopeful in Michigan is campaigning to ‘open the damn' Gordie Howe bridge — while saying the White House wants to keep it closed.

    Can Canada fast-track Arctic development?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2026 45:48


    The federal government names the first projects it plans to declare in the national interest: one of which is an all-season highway in Canada's North. Power and Politics speaks to Minister of Transportation Steven MacKinnon and Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson about the push to develop in the Arctic, and the hurdles these projects will face.

    Several First Nations to own a nuclear reactor in Ontario

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2026 48:52


    The Williams Treaties First Nations will co-own a new nuclear reactor following a $700-million deal with federal and provincial governments. Power & Politics chats with Ontario Energy Minister Stephen Lecce. Plus, after learning more about the tragedy in Montreal on Monday, we speak with a national security expert on the rise of the ‘incel' movement that motivated the attack.

    U.K. ousts a 6th Prime Minister in 10 years. What's behind the turmoil?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2026 33:32


    Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigned as party leader after his cabinet failed to back him due to recent local election losses and party infighting. We speak with the chief political correspondent at The Times, Aubrey Allegretti. Later, the Power Panel weighs in on Starmer's departure and takes a closer look at upcoming byelections at home as two more MPs step away from their federal seats.

    Weekly Wrap: School's out for MP's — but politics never breaks

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2026 24:41


    The House of Commons heads into summer break. A majority government, a defiant Conservative party and a new NDP leader shook things up during the spring sitting. The Weekly Wrap panel — Laura D'Angelo, Zain Velji and Michael Solberg — look back on the sitting that was, and look ahead to what to expect next.

    Reporter Roundtable: Carney says Trump's CUSMA disdain is 'no secret'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2026 25:10


    As U.S. President Donald Trump makes fresh threats to terminate CUSMA, Prime Minister Mark Carney says it's 'no secret' the president is 'not the biggest fan' of CUSMA. The Globe and Mail Ottawa bureau chief Robert Fife, The Canadian Press deputy parliamentary bureau chief Mia Rabson and La Presse parliamentary bureau chief Joël-Denis Bellavance bring you inside the week's biggest political stories.

    What was last on the Liberal to-do list before summer?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2026 23:07


    Members of Parliament agreed to wrap up the current sitting to commence their summer break. Government House leader Steven MacKinnon joins Power & Politics to look back at the 21 government bills passed in the House of Commons during the 14-week sitting. Plus, G7 countries have backed Canada as a major global energy supplier, but what does that mean? Oil market researcher Rory Johnston joins the show to explain.

    Should Canadians with mental illness have access to MAID?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2026 58:49


    A special parliamentary committee has urged the government to indefinitely pause expanding medical assistance in dying (MAID) to people with mental illness as their sole underlying condition. Power & Politics speaks to two lawmakers on the committee — Conservative MP Michael Cooper, who agreed with its conclusion, and Sen. Kristopher Wells, who dissented. Plus, the Power Panel weighs in as the G7 wraps up without a Carney-Trump meeting.

    World leaders caught on hot mics at G7 summit

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2026 58:15


    Three different moments were picked up by hot mic at the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, including an exchange between Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Chinese EVs. Plus, a Saskatchewan Conservative MP has introduced legislation to expand access to magic mushrooms for mental health treatment. The Power Panel weighs in on these developments.

    G7 begins as U.S. and Iran reach new deal

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2026 55:48


    G7 leaders arrive in France for a two-day summit, as Middle East analysts caution the newly struck U.S.-Iran ceasefire falls short of a peace deal. The Power Panel discusses Industry Minister Mélanie Joly's upcoming trip to China to try and move Chinese EV manufacturing to Canada and Prime Minister Mark Carney's Trump impersonation in Ireland.

    Reporter Roundtable: Hoekstra says 'make us an offer' on CUSMA

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2026 15:50


    The on-again-off-again opening of the Canada-U.S. Gordie Howe bridge is off again as U.S. President Trump repeats threats to kill CUSMA. U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra says those threats are an 'opportunity' to 'make us an offer.' CBC's Catherine Cullen, The Canadian Press deputy parliamentary bureau chief Mia Rabson and La Presse parliamentary bureau chief Joël-Denis Bellavance bring you inside the week's biggest political stories.

    Trump says he doesn't want to renew CUSMA. Is he bluffing?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2026 47:15


    U.S. President Donald Trump is once again threatening to kill CUSMA. But U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra says his threats present an opportunity for Canada to 'make us an offer.' Power & Politics hears from New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt, who was just briefed on Canada-U.S. trade talks by Prime Minister Mark Carney at a virtual premiers' meeting. Plus, Carney heads to Paris and Dublin for trade talks ahead of the G7 summit. Power & Politics host David Cochrane is travelling with the prime minister, and brings us the latest details.

    Feds move to ban social media for kids under 16: How would it work?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2026 38:31


    The federal government introduces legislation to make social media safer, which includes requiring platforms to restrict usage by kids under 16 years old. Power & Politics asks Minister of Canadian Culture and Identity Marc Miller how his government will enforce these regulations. The Power Panel weighs in.

    Carney says Gordie Howe bridge to open this week despite Trump threats

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2026 63:24


    Prime Minister Carney confirms the opening of the Canada-U.S. bridge that U.S. President Donald Trump had previously vowed to block — as the White House says Trump's position on the bridge has 'not changed.' Power & Politics hears from Ontario's representative in Washington. Plus, the federal government is reportedly moving to ban social media for children under 16. P&P has the latest, and the Power Panel weighs in.

    Poilievre rallies Albertans to stay in Canada, says feds are the problem

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2026 54:05


    Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre makes an appeal to Albertans to stay in Canada — saying the problem isn't with the country, but with the federal government and its policies. Power & Politics hears from Alberta Conservative MP Mike Lake, and the Power Panel weighs in. Plus, Canada's new Governor General delivers her own message of unity to Canadians. P&P speaks to Louise Arbour's former Supreme Court colleague about what to expect from Canada's 31st Governor General.

    Weekly Wrap: The cost of Alberta separatism

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2026 22:33


    Alberta Premier Danielle Smith warns Albertans that separating from Canada could cost billions of dollars, while new polling suggests it could also cost the province a significant number of its residents. And Canada works to mend a shaky relationship with the U.S. ahead of the CUSMA review deadline. The Weekly Wrap panel — Laura D'Angelo, Zain Velji and Michael Solberg — breaks it all down.

    Reporter Roundtable: Canada 'optimistic' about U.S. talks but admits 'turbulence'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2026 20:03


    Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc says he's 'optimistic' about U.S. trade talks, after returning from a trip to Washington. He does admit that some 'turbulence' and uncertainty remain. That's while Canada unveils its long-awaited AI strategy. CBC's Aaron Wherry, The Canadian Press deputy parliamentary bureau chief Mia Rabson and La Presse parliamentary bureau chief Joël-Denis Bellavance bring you inside the biggest political stories.

    Carney eyes 'large-scale' data centres in new AI strategy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2026 59:44


    Prime Minister Mark Carney has released Canada's long-awaited AI strategy. Power & Politics hears from Minister of Artificial Intelligence Evan Solomon on his government's approach to widespread integration. The Power Panel weighs in.

    Can Carney beat recession and U.S. concession allegations?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2026 63:19


    The Conservatives grill Prime Minister Mark Carney on Canada's technical recession, as the U.S. says it will impose more tariffs on Canada related to forced labour. Power & Politics hears from Conservative trade critic Adam Chambers. Plus, the federal government asks the CRTC to reconsider a streaming tax decision that was listed as a trade irritant by the Trump administration. Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture Marc Miller defends the move.

    Poilievre blames Carney for recession as economists warn not to overreact

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2026 41:16


    Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre accuses Prime Minister Mark Carney of 'hiding' as Canada slips into a technical recession. But the Bank of Canada warns not to put too much weight on that label. The Power Panel weighs in. Plus, the Liberals are set to unveil their AI strategy this week. CBC has the exclusive details.

    Weekly Wrap: What will Carney do about Canada's surprise technical recession?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2026 24:32


    Canada's economy is flashing red, as new numbers show the country slipped into a technical recession in the first quarter of this year. This comes just as crunch time for Canada's trade talks with the U.S. approaches. The Weekly Wrap panel breaks down another busy week in Ottawa.

    Reporter Roundtable: Are Canada-U.S. negotiations showing any signs of life?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2026 19:52


    Prime Minister Mark Carney makes the case for a new Canada-U.S. partnership while in New York. Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc says he is heading south for talks ahead of the upcoming CUSMA review, but says a date has not yet been set. CBC's Aaron Wherry, The Canadian Press deputy parliamentary bureau chief Mia Rabson and La Presse parliamentary bureau chief Joël-Denis Bellavance bring you inside the biggest political stories.

    Carney pitches Canada to help 'Make America Great Again'

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2026 57:53


    On a trip to New York, Prime Minister Mark Carney pitches a new Canada-U.S. partnership, saying 'Canada Strong will help make America Great Again.' Power & Politics hears from Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc, who's planning his own trip down south. Plus, Ontario Minister of Economic Development Vic Fedeli tells P&P about his province's new plan to boost its defence sector.

    Alberta not a reliable partner to Canada: outgoing MP Guilbeault

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2026 55:42


    Liberal MP and former environment minister Steven Guilbeault announced on Wednesday that he will be leaving federal politics. Power & Politics hears from Guilbeault on his concerns about Canada meeting its climate targets and the Ottawa-Alberta energy deal. Plus, P&P hears from Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew about his concerns over Alberta's duty to consult First Nations when it comes to separating from Canada.

    Guilbeault to quit Carney's government: sources

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2026 56:18


    Former environment minister Steven Guilbeault is resigning as a Liberal MP and expected to break the news to his colleagues on Wednesday, CBC News has learned. Power & Politics asks Liberal caucus chair James Maloney what this departure says about caucus unity, as Guilbeault had made his concerns about the Carney government's environmental rollbacks clear ahead of his departure. Plus, P&P hears from former Alberta premier Jason Kenney about the province's referendum question — and the challenges ahead for Premier Danielle Smith.

    Alberta referendum a 'dangerous bluff' similar to Brexit: Carney

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2026 54:28


    Prime Minister Mark Carney is warning Albertans that voting in favour of the province exploring a legal path to leave Canada is a 'dangerous bluff,' comparing it to Brexit. Power & Politics hears from Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, as western premiers meet in Alberta. Plus, U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra says he doesn't understand why Canadians are so frustrated as the trade war continues. The Power Panel weighs in.

    Weekly Wrap: Alberta (kind of) puts separation on the ballot

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2026 28:13


    All eyes are on Alberta as the province asks its residents to weigh in on staying in Canada, or starting a process that could lead to the breakup of the country. The Weekly Wrap panel — Laura D'Angelo, Zain Velji and Michael Solberg — breaks it all down.

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