Power and Politics

Prime Minister Mark Carney joined the leaders of the U.K. and France in condemning Israel's strike in Qatar on Tuesday, with Carney saying 'such attacks pose a grave risk of escalating conflict throughout the region.' Former Canadian ambassadors and experts discuss whether the peace talks hosted by Qatar can be revived and whether Israel has crossed a line by striking a U.S. ally, with former ambassador to Israel Jon Allen saying U.S. President Donald Trump 'seems unable to control a rogue Israeli prime minister.' Plus, Bloc Québécois deputy house leader Alexis Deschênes discusses how far his party may be willing to support the Liberal government when the House of Commons returns next week.

Secretary of State for the CRA Wayne Long explains Prime Minister Mark Carney's vow for 'an austerity and investment budget,' saying 'we need to get our fiscal house in order,' but that Canadians shouldn't 'prejudge' that a spending review will mean cuts to services. Plus, Pembina Institute transportation program director Adam Thorn reacts to Carney's pausing of the federal EV mandate, and analyzes what it means for Canada's 2030 and 2035 emissions targets after Carney dodged a question about meeting the goals.

The Weekly Wrap panel breaks down the biggest moments in Canadian politics this week. Prime Minister Mark Carney unveils billions in funding to make Canada's economy more resilient. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre calls for an end to the temporary foreign worker program. And the NDP leadership race kicks off.

Prime Minister Mark Carney lays out a series of multi-billion-dollar measures that he says will protect workers while helping to transform Canada's economy in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war. Industry Minister Melanie Joly explains how it will affect Canadians. Plus, an exclusive interview with Canada's ambassador to the UN Bob Rae as Canada prepares to recognize Palestinian statehood at the United Nations this month.

Ministers expanded on the prime minister's promise of a budget with both cuts and spending at the second day of their cabinet meeting on Thursday, with Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne signalling 'adjustments' in the public service. Plus, ahead of his trip to China to make Canada's case against agricultural tariffs, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says Prime Minister Mark Carney will also have to go to China 'at the appropriate time' to settle the trade dispute.

As her party calls for all temporary foreign work outside of agriculture to be 'permanently abolished,' Conservative immigration critic Michelle Rempel Garner says it's 'bunk' that Canadians won't work certain entry-level jobs — despite criticism from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business that the move would be 'ridiculous' and jeopardize rural businesses. Plus, after the NDP lost most of its MPs in the federal election, interim leader Don Davies says the leadership race underway this week is the party's chance to ‘reconnect and rebuild' its relationship with the working class.​

Prime Minister Mark Carney received friendly fire from one of his biggest provincial supporters Tuesday, as Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he was 'getting concerned' about an 'almost elbows down' response to U.S. tariffs before dumping out a bottle of Crown Royal. The Power Panel discusses whether Ford's comments are a sign of fracture ahead of two days of private cabinet meetings. Plus, on the first official day of the NDP leadership contest, former NDP MP and past leadership candidate Nathan Cullen discusses how a new leader could rejuvenate the party after the 2025 election cleaved its numbers in the Commons.

Our panel of political insiders discusses what each party needs to accomplish as the House returns this fall.

The federal Major Projects Office officially opened Friday. Parliamentary secretary to the minister of energy Corey Hogan says Canadians won't 'have to wait long' for the list of national-interest projects the office will help fast-track, and defends the appointment of a veteran energy executive as the office's CEO. Conservative deputy leader Melissa Lantsman slams the opening as 'bureaucracy' and argues it's taken the Liberal government 'five months to set up an office.' Plus, Canada's Ambassador to Ukraine Natalka Cmoc says Russian strikes on Ukraine's capital this week were 'devastating' and hit 'every district of Kyiv.'

After more than a year of review, the Future of Sport in Canada Commission is warning sport has ‘a culture of silence that protects perpetrators.' Power & Politics asks Commissioner Lise Maisonneuve about her findings. Plus, Conservative international trade critic Adam Chambers says the Liberals' attempts to diversify Canada's trading partners do not go far enough.

Industry Minister Mélanie Joly and International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu defend their government's progress on trade and security diversification as Prime Minister Mark Carney concludes his trip to Europe, and as Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre accuses Carney of 'jetting around' and 'signing phony declarations' without making progress on major projects at home.

Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc's office says he had a 'constructive' and 'lengthy' meeting with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Tuesday, with one Canadian source telling CBC that the meeting was supposed to last an hour but stretched to 90 minutes. Nathan Cooper, Alberta's representative in Washington, assesses what that means for the prospects of a deal. Plus, after a meeting between Canadian and German leaders ended with a declaration of closer defence ties on Monday, German Ambassador to Canada Matthias Lüttenberg discusses the path forward for deepening integration.

While meeting with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada would possibly send Canadian troops to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire. Power & Politics asks the Polish Ambassador to Canada Witold Dzielski why his country is not prepared to make that offer. Plus, a UN-backed report has found that famine is occurring in parts of Gaza and is likely to spread. Secretary of State for International Development Randeep Sarai discusses Canada's response.

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada will remove all tariffs on CUSMA-compliant U.S. goods by Sept. 1. Carney's Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc says Canada still has 'lots of cards'. Plus, the Political Pulse panel weighs in, with the help of a special guest.

The Israeli military begins its operation to take over Gaza City, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will start ceasefire negotiations. Two regional experts join Power & Politics to discuss the latest from the Middle East. Plus, journalist Justin Ling discusses his new book The 51st State Votes: Canada Versus Donald Trump.

As Canada looks to secure a trade deal with the United States, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is warning the federal government has six to eight weeks to get Chinese canola tariffs removed. China's 75.8 per cent tariff on Canadian canola seed imports is ‘very, very significant' to producers and exporters, says Moe. Plus, former prime minister of Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk discusses whether the diplomatic push to end the war in his country has made any difference.

What can Canadians expect as Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre vows to take on Prime Minister Mark Carney? Power & Politics asks deputy leader of the Conservative Party Melissa Lantsman. Plus, Air Canada and the union representing its flight attendants have reached a tentative deal to end their strike. The executive vice-president of the Canadian Labour Congress Siobhán Vipond discusses what signals the strike sends to other labour unions.

The union representing thousands of striking Air Canada flight attendants says it will risk jail time and fines but will not order its members back to work. Labour Minister Patty Hajdu is defending her decision to force binding arbitration, telling Power & Politics 'it was clear' the airline and the union 'needed another tool' to continue negotiations after the union went on strike. Plus, the Power Panel weighs in.

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska to discuss a ceasefire deal to end the war in Ukraine. Power & Politics brings you the latest on that meeting, with expert analysis and reaction from the Ukrainian community.

Air Canada says it expects to cancel 500 flights by Friday evening, as a weekend flight attendant strike looms. CBC's Nicole WIlliams has the latest. And the Canadian Federation of Independent Business discusses the impacts of the strike on small businesses. Plus, U.S. President Donald Trump will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin Friday for talks on ending Russia's war in Ukraine. Russia expert Keir Giles discusses what to expect from that meeting.

More than 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants are preparing to walk off the job this weekend after an 'impasse' in negotiations. Power & Politics hears from the union representing Air Canada employees. Plus, New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt provides a wildfire update. And, the Palestinian envoy to the UN tells P&P that Canada is taking a 'significant' step in deciding to recognize the state of Palestine.

Wildfires across Canada are forcing thousands of Canadians from their homes. Power & Politics hears from Newfoundland's Public Safety Minister John Haggie and a New Brunswick mayor about the situation in their provinces. Plus, Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he's headed to Ottawa next week to talk U.S. tariffs with Prime Minister Mark Carney. The Power Panel weighs in.

While U.S. President Donald Trump claims his global tariffs have brought in 'trillions' of dollars to the U.S. economy, Nebraska Republican Rep. Don Bacon tells Power & Politics he doesn't see how tariffs have benefitted Americans 'at all.' Plus, Emergency Management and Community Resilience Minister Eleanor Olszewski provides an update on Ottawa's efforts to help with wildfires raging in Canada's east.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's campaign manager Jenni Byrne says she won't be running her party's campaign in the next federal election — but defends choices made during the last election, which saw Poilievre lose his seat. Power & Politics hears from host of the Beyond a Ballot podcast, Rachael Segal, who scored a rare interview with Byrne. Plus, Prime Minister Mark Carney doubles down on his decision not to add any new retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. as job numbers take a hit in Canada. P.E.I. Premier Rob Lantz reacts.

Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Métis leaders in Ottawa Thursday as part of ongoing consultations on his major projects plan. Power & Politics hears from Métis National Council President Victoria Pruden on how those talks went. Plus, U.S. tariffs kick in for more than 60 countries, as President Donald Trump's trade war wages on. CBC's Peter Armstrong has the latest. And the Power Panel weighs in.

Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne defends Canada's previous decisions to impose retaliatory tariffs on the U.S., but tells Power & Politics that Canada's strategy has now evolved. Plus, a former economic adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump shares her trade advice for Canada.

U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra tells Power & Politics that Canada wasn't granted an extension for a trade deal with the U.S. because of the 'energy in the room' during negotiations. Plus, two top cabinet ministers meet with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to strengthen trade ties. Former Mexican trade negotiator Juan Carlos Baker discusses what we can expect from those talks.

Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc says Canada won't accept a bad deal from the U.S. and that there had been no viable deal on the table this week ahead of the Aug. 1 deadline. Power & Politics has reaction from Canadian industry and New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt. Plus, The U.S. economy is starting to feel the burn of an international trade war. A former economic adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump shares his insights.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a tariff delay for Mexico, one day after saying there would be no extensions on his Aug. 1 deadline. Power & Politics asks Kenneth Smith Ramos, Mexico's former chief negotiator for the modernization of NAFTA, what about Mexico's approach got them Trump's first extension. Plus, Conservative foreign affairs critic Michael Chong reacts to the Liberals' decision to recognize a Palestinian state in September.

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada will recognize a Palestinian state in September if the West Bank's governing body, the Palestinian Authority, agrees to certain conditions. Power & Politics brings you reaction from Israel's Ambassador to Canada Iddo Moed and the former chief representative of the Palestinian general delegation to Canada Mona Abuamara. Plus, analysis from two former diplomats.

North Dakota Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer tells Power & Politics he's 'encouraging' U.S. President Donald Trump to ‘extend' his Aug. 1 deadline if there's no deal with Canada, saying he doesn't think a boilerplate tariff makes sense because ‘Canada is special.' Meanwhile, Ontario's Minister of Economic Development Vic Fedeli says his province is ‘ready for all eventualities.'

U.S. President Donald Trump has struck two major trade deals in recent weeks — both with a baseline 15 per cent tariff on most goods. As the Aug. 1 deadline for a Canada-U.S. deal looms, former Quebec premier Jean Charest says that tariff rate could be the new precedent for countries like Canada. The Power Panel weighs in. Plus, Elections Canada makes some changes to the ballot in the Battle River-Crowfoot riding after over 200 candidates registered to run. Power & Politics hears from one of those candidates.

U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters on Friday that 'we haven't really had a lot of luck with Canada,' saying 'I think Canada could be one where there's just a tariff, not really a negotiation.' B.C. Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth Ravi Kahlon reacts to Trump's comments and explains why he's preparing for the worst with the U.S. Plus, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami President Natan Obed details the assurances the prime minister gave him about the Liberals' major projects law in a meeting Thursday, saying Prime Minister Mark Carney was 'unequivocal' that C-5 will respect modern treaties — treaties which Obed says give Inuit the right to veto projects.

Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc met with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and five Republican senators on a two-day trip to Washington this week, but says negotiators still 'have a lot of work in front of us' before a trade deal can be struck. RBC chief economist Frances Donald forecasts that it could be a while before Americans feel the worst impacts of inflation from U.S. tariffs. Plus, Save the Children Canada president Danny Glenwright tells Ottawa that 'history will remember what we did in this moment' as more than 100 aid groups warn about mass starvation in Gaza, and as more images emerge of malnourished children.

After three days of talks focused on global trade challenges, Canada's premiers say they're 'united' like never before. Power & Politics brings you reaction from a number of premiers, including an exclusive broadcast interview with Ontario Premier Doug Ford.

Prime Minister Mark Carney joins Canada's premiers in Huntsville, Ont., to deliver an update on trade talks with the United States, with the Aug. 1 deadline just 10 days away. Carney says he'll only sign a deal that's ‘in the best interest of Canadians.' Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston tells Power & Politics he believes Canada is on a ‘path' to a deal after speaking with Carney, and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she's ‘encouraged' by the relationship between the prime minister and U.S. President Donald Trump.

Premiers kick off three days of talks largely focused on Canada-U.S. negotiations, as President Donald Trump's Aug. 1 tariff deadline approaches. David Cochrane asks British Columbia Premier David Eby whether he's ready to accept some tariffs as part of a U.S. trade deal. Plus, premiers sit down with Indigenous leaders as the push to build big national projects draws concern in some communities. Métis National Council President Victoria Pruden tells Power & Politics she was 'encouraged' by the collaborative tone of the meeting.

The prime minister will join premiers for a meeting in Ontario cottage country next week, as the Aug. 1 deadline for a Canada-U.S. trade deal draws closer. New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt shares her priorities for the meeting. Plus, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is making some changes to his tone and strategy as he faces a must-win byelection in just one month. The Political Pulse Panel weighs in.

Some Indigenous leaders emerged from a summit with Prime Minister Mark Carney voicing further frustration about a government law that aims to fast track major projects, with Kehewin Cree Nation Chief Vernon Watchmaker saying the legislation 'is not modernization, it is colonization in 2025.' Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty joins Power & Politics to discuss their concerns. Plus, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak says Ottawa has a 'trust-deficit' from First Nations.

As the Canadian steel industry reels from U.S. tariffs, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced his own near-worldwide tariffs to defend it, promising that all countries but the U.S. and Mexico will face 50 per cent steel tariffs on imports beyond set quotas — and another 25 per cent if any of it was made in China. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly tells Power & Politics that her government 'needed to act' to protect Canada's steel production capacity, and that she's aware of concerns over price increases. Plus, Canadian Steel Producers Association president Catherine Cobden says the measures are 'not complete relief, but some relief' from the 'devastating situation' U.S. tariffs have created.

When asked about the possibility of a deal with the U.S. that removes all tariffs, Prime Minister Mark Carney said there isn't much evidence of the U.S. making agreements without them. A member of the Prime Minister's Council on Canada-U.S. Relations, former Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil, says that the question may be 'how big' and broad the tariffs on Canadian goods will be, and that Carney will negotiate a deal 'Canadians can live with.' Plus, Canadian Chamber of Commerce executive vice-president Matthew Holmes discusses what the prospect of continued tariffs means for Canadian businesses.

U.S. President Donald Trump is threatening Russia with 100 per cent tariffs if it doesn't strike a deal to end the war in Ukraine in 50 days, and says he's concluded Russian President Vladimir Putin's talk about peace on their 'nice' phone calls 'doesn't mean anything.' Eurasia Group president Ian Bremmer argues Trump has shifted 'close to 180 degrees' on the war after being 'embarrassed' by Putin. Plus, Bonnie Critchley, an Independent candidate in the riding of Battle River-Crowfoot, argues constituents are being 'used' so that Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre can return to the House of Commons.