Power and Politics

Multiple sources tell CBC News that the risk of triggering another election has the Conservative and NDP caucuses grappling with whether to vote against the Liberal budget, as it remains unclear where the Liberals will secure the three votes they need. NDP MP Heather McPherson and Conservative House leader Andrew Scheer weigh in on how unlikely it is that their caucuses will lend the Liberals their support, and provide no assurance that an election will be avoided. Plus, Alberta Federation of Labour president Gil McGowan says unions in the province are organizing toward a general strike in response to the UCP government's use of the Charter's notwithstanding clause to force teachers back to work.

Multiple witnesses tell CBC News that U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra lashed out at Ontario trade representative David Paterson at an event in Ottawa on Monday, with one witness saying Hoekstra appeared to be upset about Ontario's U.S. ad and could be heard using the F-word. Former minister of foreign affairs John Manley and former U.S. ambassador to Canada Gordon Giffin react. Plus, CBC's Peter Armstrong breaks down why the Bank of Canada delivered another interest rate cut on Wednesday, and why the Federal Reserve did the same in the U.S.

A senior provincial source says Prime Minister Mark Carney saw Ontario's ad 'well in advance' of when it aired in the U.S., but after U.S. President Donald Trump halted trade talks, Carney called Ontario Premier Doug Ford to ask him to take it down. Alberta Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides defends the province's use of the Charter's notwithstanding clause to force striking teachers back to work. Plus, interim NDP Leader Don Davies responds to the Liberal House leader's assertion that they 'don't have the votes' to pass next week's federal budget yet.

U.S. President Donald Trump was unable to say when his threat of a 10 per cent increase to tariffs on Canadian goods would become a reality on Monday, but said he wouldn't meet with Prime Minister Mark Carney 'for a long time.' Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu responds, and details a new set of budget announcements aimed at increasing tradespeople and bolstering the economy against U.S. turmoil. Plus, David Frum, who was a speechwriter for former president George W. Bush, evaluates why Trump has had such a strong reaction to the Ontario ad that the president claims is 'fake.'

The Weekly Wrap panel breaks down the biggest moments in Canadian politics this week. With Laura D'Angelo, Michael Solberg and Zain Velji.

U.S. President Donald Trump expanded on his decision to cut off trade talks with Canada on Friday, accusing an Ontario ad of being a bid to 'illegally influence the United States Supreme Court.' Prime Minister's Council on Canada-U.S. Relations member Jean Charest and former Canadian ambassadors to the U.S. Frank McKenna and Derek Burney weigh in on Prime Minister Mark Carney's decision to say Canada 'stands ready' to return to negotiations, instead of making a policy concession as he did to end Trump's last hiatus.

CBC's Ashley Burke joins Power & Politics with breaking news that Ottawa is firing back at Stellantis and General Motors by limiting the number of tariff-free vehicles the automakers can import to sell in Canada. Unifor national president Lana Payne and Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association President Flavio Volpe react. Plus, Justice Minister Sean Fraser explains why he believes the bail reform bill he introduced today can survive a constitutional challenge despite some lawyers arguing it's destined to be struck down.

Radio-Canada's Laurence Martin explains what she heard from five Conservative caucus members who feel Pierre Poilievre is not projecting an image befitting a prime minister following his comments last week that RCMP leadership is 'despicable.' Then, Conservative deputy leader Melissa Lantsman defends Poilievre's denial that he suggested former prime minister Justin Trudeau should go to jail, despite Poilievre saying last week that Trudeau 'would have been criminally charged' if the RCMP didn't cover up for him.

Auditor General Karen Hogan digs into a new report where her office called the Canada Revenue Agency 167 times, with analysts waiting an average of 50 minutes to get an answer to a question — and receiving accurate information only 17 per cent of the time, when asking general questions about individual taxes. CRA Secretary of State Wayne Long responds, saying, 'We're going to do better.' Plus, CBC's Peter Armstrong explains how food prices pulled Canadian inflation up to 2.4 per cent in new price data for September.

After visiting India and China in a bid to thaw relations last week, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand defends against concerns that the Carney government is brushing past the nations' aggression and interference, arguing that Canada needs 'to be pragmatic about our economic needs.' Plus, CBC's J.P. Tasker looks at new polling that suggests Canadian consensus on immigration is crumbling, and former immigration minister Jason Kenney argues that 'perhaps the single biggest failure' of former prime minister Justin Trudeau's government was turning that consensus 'upside down.'

The Weekly Wrap panel breaks down the biggest moments in Canadian politics this week. With Laura D'Angelo, Michael Solberg and Zain Velji.

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree announced Friday that the Liberals are budgeting $617.7 million over five years to fulfill the campaign promise of 1,000 more Canada Border Services Agency officers. Anandasangaree says the increased staff will help stop illicit goods like fentanyl from crossing the border, but says he still rejects 'the notion that fentanyl is a problem going north to south.' Plus, Power & Politics' party insiders discuss the potential political risks around Pierre Poilievre's controversial comments about RCMP leadership.

Prime Minister Mark Carney says the Liberals will introduce a new crime bill next week, which will enable consecutive sentences for repeat and violent offenders and put the 'reverse onus' on people accused of certain major crimes to prove they should be released on bail. Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister Rachel Bendayan responds to concerns about making bail too difficult to receive, saying she hears stories from Canadians that 'they don't feel safe' and arguing that 'we need to get serious on crime in this country.' Then, Conservative justice critic Larry Brock makes the Opposition's case that the reforms won't have a meaningful impact on crime in Canada.

Industry Minister Mélanie Joly threatened legal action over automaker Stellantis's plan to move production of the Jeep Compass to the U.S. on Wednesday, saying that Stellantis agreed to maintain its 'full Canadian footprint, including Brampton' when accepting financial supports from Ottawa. Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association president Flavio Volpe argues Ottawa should withhold billions in subsidies for Stellantis's Windsor, Ont., battery plant unless the company resumes vehicle production at its Brampton Assembly, saying 'we shouldn't let them off the hook — Donald Trump isn't the only bully around.' Plus, Newfoundland and Labrador premier-designate Tony Wakeham responds to concerns about his approach to the province's tentative hydroelectric deal with Quebec.

B.C. Premier David Eby demanded that Ottawa support the province's forestry workers on Tuesday, as the U.S. enacted another 10 per cent tariff on Canada's softwood lumber — taking the total levy to just over 45 per cent. New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt tells Power & Politics what she'll be speaking to Industry Minister Mélanie Joly about tonight, as she lays out the impact on her province's economy. Plus, Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi weighs in on how the spat between Eby and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith could hurt his province's hopes for a new oil pipeline.

The Weekly Wrap panel breaks down the biggest moments in Canadian politics this week. With Laura D'Angelo, Michael Solberg and Zain Velji.

Federal Energy Minister Tim Hodgson said Thursday that Alberta will need to 'attract' B.C.'s support if it wants to execute its proposal for an oil pipeline to the West Coast. B.C. Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions Adrian Dix argues that B.C. can't support 'a project that doesn't exist.' Plus, CUPW negotiator Jim Gallant says the postal workers' union is moving to rotating strikes that will let delivery resume because 'our fight is not with the public,' but accuses Ottawa of adding 'poison pills' to its contract negotiations with Canada Post.

As Israel's government voted on ratifying the first phase of a U.S. plan for peace in Gaza on Thursday, senior Hamas official Khalil Al-Hayya said Hamas has received guarantees from the U.S., Arab mediators and Turkey that the war has permanently ended. Israeli ambassador to Canada Iddo Moed says he's hopeful that the war has concluded, 'but with Hamas we can never trust.' Plus, Unifor national president Lana Payne says she's 'extremely worried' about what she saw from the Carney government in Washington this week, saying Canada's push for fast sectoral deals allows U.S. President Donald Trump to 'pit one sector in Canada against another.'

In comments confirmed by a CBC News source and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Wednesday that Canada must accept that its auto industry will be second to the U.S. and that vehicles will be assembled on the American side of the border — adding that there's nothing Canada can do about it. Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association president Flavio Volpe asks for the prime minister to speak up about whether Ottawa is considering making those concessions. Plus, Prime Minister's Council on Canada-U.S. Relations member Jean Charest argues that the reality of moving the industry to the U.S. is that supply chains would take decades to unravel: 'The world is not that simple.'

Prime Minister Mark Carney emerged from Tuesday's talks with U.S. President Donald Trump without immediate relief from steel tariffs, but Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc says the 'positive' meeting ended with Trump and Carney directing their cabinet members 'to quickly land' deals on steel, aluminum and energy. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, Business Council of Canada President Goldy Hyder and the Power Panel discuss whether Trump's positive signals are enough of a result from another Washington trip, and how likely it is that they'll be converted to meaningful relief for Canadians.

Description: As the Canadian delegation arrives in Washington ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney's Tuesday meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, three sources tell CBC News and Radio-Canada they're aiming for partial relief from steel tariffs that could create a framework for how other tariffs could also be lowered. Former Canadian ambassador to the United States David MacNaughton warns Canadians to have 'measured expectations' for the meeting, and advises that Canada should still avoid making a 'bad deal quickly.' Plus, Conservative House leader Andrew Scheer makes the case that Carney is already failing his promises for U.S. negotiations.

The Weekly Wrap panel breaks down the biggest moments in Canadian politics this week. With Laura D'Angelo, Michael Solberg and Zain Velji.

Prime Minister Mark Carney will return to Washington to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday. The Pulse Panel discusses whether that's a signal that trade and security negotiations are nearing a conclusion — or just stalling out. Plus, Former parliamentary budget officer Kevin Page calls out interim PBO Jason Jacques for his warnings about a 'stupefying' and 'not sustainable' fiscal picture last week, saying the language is 'just wrong' and that Jacques needs to walk back the comments for the good of the office.

After announcing a new agency aimed at speeding up and diversifying defence spending, Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr denies that about three-quarters of Canada's defence spending goes to the U.S. because of a lack of Canadian manufacturing capacity, saying that Canada got 'lazy' with procurement by 'doing it a certain way all the time.' Plus, Coastal First Nations-Great Bear Initiative president Marilyn Slett explains why First Nations on B.C.'s north coast won't support Alberta's bitumen pipeline proposal 'now or ever.'

Alberta will develop and submit an application to the federal Major Projects Office for a bitumen pipeline to the northwest coast of British Columbia, Alberta Premier Daniella Smith announced on Wednesday. Smith joins Power & Politics to discuss how far Alberta is willing to take the project before a private proponent must take over, and how its possible for a pipeline to proceed amid objections in B.C. Plus, Minister of Artificial Intelligence Evan Solomon denies that Canada is falling behind on AI as he begins a '30-day sprint' to generate ideas for an updated national strategy, asking: 'How do we stay in front?'

Ten years since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its final report laying out 94 calls to action, is the federal government any further ahead on healing its relationship with Indigenous Peoples? Governor General Mary Simon reflects in a sit-down interview. Plus, Power & Politics asks Crown Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty if she thinks the government's major projects agenda collides with its path to reconciliation.

U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled his 20-point plan to end the Israel-Hamas war on Monday, and following their White House meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to the terms. Former Canadian ambassador to Israel Jon Allen tells Power & Politics how Trump could have pressured Netanyahu to take a deal that provides amnesty for Hamas members who lay down their weapons, and what could motivate Hamas to accept the plan. Plus, NDP MP Heather McPherson makes her case for the party's leadership after launching her bid on Sunday.

DESCRIPTION: The Weekly Wrap panel breaks down the biggest moments in Canadian politics this week. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree is in hot water after the leak of secretly recorded audio, where he cast some doubt on his government's gun buyback program. Canada Post workers launched a countrywide strike. The U.S. ambassador to Canada says Washington may need to reassess airport pre-clearance for Canadian travellers.

After Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the recognition of a Palestinian state by Canada and several allies sent the message that 'murdering Jews pays off,' Canada's UN Ambassador Bob Rae says he 'couldn't disagree more strongly.' Canada did not take part in the mass walkout of delegates as Netanyahu was speaking. Plus, postal workers are on strike in response to proposed reforms by the federal government. Power & Politics speaks to Canada Post spokesperson Jon Hamilton.

The Liberals laid out a number of changes to Canada Post on Thursday, including a phasing out door-to-door delivery, reducing the frequency of letter mail and lifting a moratorium on closing rural post offices. Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement Joël Lightbound justifies the changes as 'the foundation to having Canada Post reach a break-even point' as the Crown corporation loses $10 million a day, saying 'Canadians can be footing the bill forever' unless Ottawa takes action. Plus, in an exclusive broadcast interview, Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin tells Power & Politics that U.S. tariffs have created a 'significant urgency' to expand trade with Canada, and that Ireland will be ratifying Canada's trade deal with the EU this year.

Prime Minister Mark Carney defended both the Liberal gun buyback plan and Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree on Wednesday, as Conservatives continued to call for the minister's firing following the leak of an audio recording where he questioned the program's value. Alberta Justice Minister Mickey Amery joins Power & Politics to voice his own objections to the program, saying his government will not enforce the 'confiscation scheme.' Plus, CBC's Raffy Boudjikanian reports the latest on an RBC employee charged for allegedly accessing Carney's banking information.

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree kickstarts the Liberals' gun buyback program for individuals — one day after leaked audio revealed he has concerns about its effectiveness. Anandasangaree tells Power & Politics he's 'resolved' to do his job. Plus, federal Privacy Commissioner Philippe Dufresne discusses his investigation that found TikTok collected sensitive data from Canadian children.

Canada has officially recognized the state of Palestine — a significant departure from the position of Israel and the United States. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand joins Power & Politics from the United Nations. Plus, former Canadian deputy permanent representative to the United Nations Louise Blais weighs in on what this means for Canada's position on the world stage.

The Weekly Wrap panel breaks down the biggest moments in Canadian politics this week. With Laura D'Angelo, Michael Solberg and Zain Velji.

The Liberals tabled their legislation to criminalize ‘hateful' public displays of certain symbols on Friday. Liberal MP and former attorney general of Ontario Yasir Naqvi defends the bill from concerns about infringements on the right to protest. Plus, filmmaker and activist Avi Lewis becomes the first approved candidate to announce his bid for the NDP leadership, and explains why he believes he can 'restore the party's fortunes'.

Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum in Mexico City on Thursday, as both countries say they're striving to lessen their reliance on the U.S. Mexico's chief negotiator for CUSMA Ken Smith Ramos weighs in on how the two countries could co-operate as the U.S. begins public consultations for the review of the deal. Plus, B.C. Premier David Eby explains why he doesn't 'get' the case for a new oil pipeline in Canada.

The Bank of Canada highlighted a soft job market, low population growth and dwindling global resilience to U.S. tariffs in its first key interest rate cut since March, with Governor Tiff Macklem saying there's lower risk of inflation but that slow growth is 'not going to feel good'. CBC's Peter Armstrong breaks down what this says about Canada's economic future. Plus, Housing Minister Gregor Robertson makes the case that the Liberals' new housing agency can change Canada's trajectory on housing, while Conservative housing critic Scott Aitchison argues its more bureaucracy with little payoff.

Chrystia Freeland quit her post as minister of transport and internal trade on Tuesday, marking the second time she's resigned from the Liberal cabinet in a year. The Power Panel analyzes her decision to stay on as an MP but not run in the next election, as well as Prime Minister Mark Carney's announcement that he's appointing her as Canada's new special representative for the reconstruction of Ukraine. Plus, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe reveals what he heard from Chinese officials on his mission to Beijing to ease trade tensions and remove canola tariffs, saying Canada has a 'broader opportunity' to 'recalibrate' its relationship with China.

After Prime Minister Mark Carney and Leader of the Official Opposition Pierre Poilievre traded both jokes and jabs in their first House of Commons confrontation, the House leaders from both parties join Power & Politics to lay out their priorities for the fall sitting. Plus, Energy Minister Tim Hodgson defends the Liberals' selection of projects that are already in late stages of development for the major projects list, arguing his experience tells him that 'until a project's operating, it ain't there.'

The Weekly Wrap panel breaks down the biggest moments in Canadian politics this week. Prime Minister Mark Carney unveils the first group of federally approved major projects. Reports say the federal emissions cap could be on the chopping block. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says he's concerned about growing threats to politicians.

A Reuters report says the Liberals, Alberta and energy companies are in talks about removing the oil and gas emissions cap if the oilsands take other action on emissions, according to three unnamed sources. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith tells Power & Politics that Prime Minister Mark Carney 'understands that the world has changed,' and that they're 'having some very constructive conversations about being able to reorient' emissions timelines. Plus, Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce reacts to a nuclear facility in his province making the Liberals' major projects list, saying it's a good first step — but not enough.

Prime Minister Mark Carney named five projects where 'much of the hard work' for approvals was already done in his first tranche of major projects selected for fast-tracking on Thursday. Parliamentary secretary to the minister of energy Cory Hogan joins Power & Politics to defend the broader slate of potential selections as the 'fundamental transformation of Canada's industrial capacity' his government promised, and confirms that an oil pipeline would need to be paired with a major carbon capture project. Plus, Conservative deputy leader Melissa Lantsman says she doesn't 'understand how this is news,' arguing the Major Projects Office is 'a new bureaucracy' and that 'we are nowhere further today.'