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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


    • Jun 14, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
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    Latest episodes from Power and Politics

    Weekly Wrap: Carney's gambit for a productive G7

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2025 19:42


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

    Iran says Israel has 'triggered a war'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 45:43


    Former Canadian head of mission in Iran Dennis Horak and former Canadian ambassador to Israel Jon Allen discuss why Israel decided to strike at the heart of Iran's nuclear program despite the risk of regional escalation, and evaluate whether Iran has the capacity for greater retaliation after initial volleys of dozens of missiles. Plus, our political insiders weigh in on what Prime Minister Mark Carney can accomplish when he's face to face with U.S. President Donald Trump at the G7 summit in Alberta next week.

    Backlash to Modi G7 invite as report says Indian agent tracked NDP leader

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 55:59


    Following a Global News report that says an Indian agent closely surveilled former NDP leader Jagmeet Singh and caused the RCMP to put him in police protection, World Sikh Organization legal counsel Balpreet Singh argues Canada's G7 invitation to India's leader tells Sikh Canadians that their 'lives simply don't matter.' Plus, former Canadian ambassador to the UN Louise Blais and former G8 sherpa Sen. Peter Harder weigh in on the invitation, and whether Canada is right to not pursue a joint communique from a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump.

    Canada and U.S. exchanging outline for possible deal: Sources

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 54:11


    CBC's Kate Simpson and Radio-Canada's Louis Blouin explain what sources told them about a document being passed between Ottawa and Washington, which outlines the details for a possible deal. Former defence minister David Pratt reacts to one source who says the document states Canada's willingness to join the U.S. president's proposed 'Golden Dome' security program. Plus, Supreme Court of Canada Chief Justice Richard Wagner discusses why he believes the rule of law and the legitimacy of courts are under attack around the world.

    Trump tests boundaries of his power with troops in L.A.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 42:52


    NBC senior correspondent Jay Gray joins Power & Politics from a confrontation between protesters and National Guard troops deployed by President Donald Trump in Los Angeles, as California's governor accuses Trump of the 'acts of a dictator.' Auditor General Karen Hogan says the estimated cost of Canada's F-35 fighter jet program has gone from $19 billion in 2022 to $27.7 billion in 2024, partly because the Defence Department relied on outdated information. Plus, a former Canadian ambassador to Saudi Arabia and an international affairs expert discuss whether Canada was right to invite controversial international players to the G7 summit next week.

    Carney pledges $9B to hit NATO spending goal by March

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 43:51


    Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada will reach NATO's two per cent of GDP defence spending target this fiscal year — a dramatic acceleration from his previous 2030 timeline. U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra tells Power & Politics that the U.S. is 'thankful' for the spending and says it shows 'clear progress' for trade and security talks between the president and prime minister. Then, Canada's top military commander, Gen. Jennie Carignan, argues the increased cash can build capacity in the armed forces despite procurement and staffing limitations.

    Weekly Wrap: Has Carney raised expectations too high to reach?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2025 22:48


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

    Can the Liberals' bill actually speed up energy projects? Should it?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 46:44


    Energy Minister Tim Hodgson defends a new Liberal bill's ability to speed up the approval of projects of 'national interest,' despite critics' concerns about Indigenous consultation and environmental assessment. Plus, Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal — who represents the riding where Canada has accused Indian government agents of involvement with the killing of a Sikh separatist — opposes Prime Minister Mark Carney's decision to invite Indian Prime Minister Narenda Modi to the G7 Summit in Alberta.

    Trump and Carney having direct, private talks for trade deal

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 50:18


    U.S. President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have been speaking privately in hopes of reaching a trade deal and lifting tariffs, Industry Minister Mélanie Joly confirmed Thursday. Radio-Canada's Louis Blouin reports the latest details. Plus, Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., Mayor Matthew Shoemaker discusses what the damage to the steel industry from 50 per cent U.S. tariffs will mean for his city.

    Ottawa negotiating, 'preparing reprisals' for 50% metal tariffs

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025 46:16


    Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada is in 'intensive' talks with the U.S. about the doubling of steel and aluminum tariffs, and is 'preparing reprisals' in case talks fail. President and CEO of the Canadian Steel Producers Association Catherine Cobden tells Power & Politics that the increased tariffs could weaken the steel sector 'in a matter of days.' Plus, Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson says ‘there's still a lot of unity' among premiers despite continued splintering over pipelines since Monday's first ministers' meeting.

    Liberals table border security plan, Trump doubles tariffs on metals

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 53:44


    The Liberals table their Strong Borders Act they say will protect Canada's sovereignty, strengthen the border and keep Canadians safe. Guest host J.P. Tasker asks Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree what border czar Tom Homan had to say about it. Plus, deputy leader of the Conservative Party Melissa Lantsman joins Power & Politics to discuss a Conservative motion that passed in the House of Commons, urging the government to table an economic update before the summer.

    Carney says there's 'real potential' for an oil pipeline after meeting with premiers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 58:23


    Prime Minister Mark Carney spells out his criteria for what qualifies as a project of 'national interest.' While there are no specific examples coming out of the first ministers' meeting, Carney says it will be a 'living list.' Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy Dominic LeBlanc, and the premiers of Alberta, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador join Power & Politics live on set in Saskatoon.

    Weekly Wrap: The House returns - without Poilievre

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2025 17:47


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

    Wildfires force evacuations across Manitoba and Saskatchewan

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 59:15


    Canada's national fire preparedness rating has moved to its highest alert level. Power & Politics speaks to Minister of Emergency Management Eleanor Olszewski as thousands across the prairies have been forced to evacuate their homes. Plus, premiers will meet with Prime Minister Mark Carney next week to decide on some specific nation-building projects that will be fast-tracked for approval. New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt says it 'will be like The Hunger Games.'  

    Appeals court lets Trump keep his sweeping tariffs — for now

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 50:05


     A U.S. federal appeals court is pausing a ruling that would block U.S President Donald Trump's broadest tariffs while the White House appeals. Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield led one of the two lawsuits that saw the federal trade court declare the tariffs illegal, and says the Trump administration's attacks on judges are 'as low as it gets' and a symptom of repeated losses. Plus, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne says the competing decisions to block and then maintain the tariffs demonstrate 'how volatile' the situation with the U.S. is.

    Poilievre stuck as spectator for Carney's first question period

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 49:15


    Prime Minister Mark Carney traded barbs with Leader of the Official Opposition Andrew Scheer in his first question period appearance Wednesday, while Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre was forced to spectate after the loss of his seat last month. CBC's Rosemary Barton and Radio-Canada's Louis Blouin grade Carney's performance. Conservative deputy leader Melissa Lantsman explains her party's strategy while Poilievre is seatless. Plus, Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries president Christyn Cianfarani joins us from the security conference where Defence Minister David McGuinty vowed 'action to rebuild Canada's defence capacity.'

    Power & Politics: Exclusive interview with Prime Minister Mark Carney

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 66:02


    On the day King Charles delivers the Liberal government's speech from the throne, Prime Minister Mark Carney sits down for an exclusive interview with Power & Politics.

    House returns for the first time in 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 51:52


    MPs elect a new speaker as the House gears up for the opening of the 45th Canadian Parliament. Power & Politics speaks to Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon about what to expect before summer. Plus, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew is calling for 'national unity projects' to be discussed at next week's first ministers' meeting in Saskatoon.

    Weekly Wrap: How effective is Carney's single mandate letter?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2025 22:30


    The Weekly Wrap panel breaks down the biggest moments in Canadian politics this week. With Zain Velji, Michael Solberg and Amanda Alvaro. 

    U.S. senators meet Carney on his turf

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 48:58


     A group of U.S. senators met Prime Minister Mark Carney and senior officials in Ottawa on Friday, and emerged saying they were optimistic about a deal with U.S. President Donald Trump. Power & Politics brings you reaction from both the U.S. and Canadian delegations, including interviews with North Dakota Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer and Innovation Minister Mélanie Joly. Plus, Save the Children Canada president Danny Glenwright describes the hunger unfolding in Gaza and explains why Israel's easing of its aid blockade isn't enough to avert humanitarian disaster.

    Netanyahu accuses Carney of 'emboldening Hamas' after D.C. shooting

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 47:09


    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attacked Canada, France and the U.K. in his response to the killing of two Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington, saying that 'when mass murderers, rapists, baby killers and kidnappers thank you, you're on the wrong side of justice.' Israel's Ambassador to Canada Iddo Moed responds to the countries' joint warning of sanctions over Israel's expansion of the war in Gaza, telling Power & Politics that 'Israel has the capability of conquering Gaza in half a day.' Plus, NDP interim leader Don Davies addresses a letter from three of the party's seven MPs calling out his selection as leader. 

    Will Israel's vow to control Gaza widen divide with Canada?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 41:59


    Former Canadian ambassador to Israel Jon Allen and University of Ottawa professor Thomas Juneau discuss how allies will respond to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's vow to control all of Gaza at the end of the war, after Canada, France and the U.K. made a statement warning Israel to stop its offensive and allow aid into the strip. Allen calls the Israeli military's firing of 'warning shots' in the vicinity of a group of diplomats in the West Bank — which Canada's foreign minister says included four Canadian personnel — 'almost unheard of,' adding that the lack of protection is 'unconscionable.' Plus, CBC's Katie Simpson has the latest on how U.S. President Donald Trump confronted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office with baseless claims about targeted killings of white farmers. 

    Another Canada Post strike is set. Is there any hope for a deal?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 62:03


    Canada Post's Jon Hamilton and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers' Jim Gallant lay out the barriers still preventing a deal as they count down to a strike planned for Friday. As G7 finance ministers arrive in Alberta, six-time representative of the prime minister for the summit Peter Boehm breaks down how the Trump administration's overturning of the global trade order will shake up this week's meetings. Plus, NDP MP Heather McPherson defends interim leader Don Davies after three of the party's seven MPs disputed his appointment. 

    Weekly Wrap: Carney reveals his crisis cabinet

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2025 24:00


    The Weekly Wrap panel breaks down the biggest moments in Canadian politics this week. With Zain Velji, Michael Solberg and Amanda Alvaro. 

    Ontario budget paints grim picture of tariff impacts

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 63:19


    Ontario's 2025 budget reveals the significant consequences of U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war on Canada. The budget includes a $14.6-billion deficit as U.S. tariffs begin to squeeze the province's economy. Power & Politics hears from Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy. Plus, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith shuffles her cabinet as separation chatter grows in the province. Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi reacts.

    Conservatives slam Carney for 'extremely unusual' budget skip

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 68:04


    Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon discusses which spending priorities the Liberals will try to pass before the summer despite forgoing a budget this year. Conservative MP Adam Chambers expands on leader Pierre Poilievre's accusations that skipping the budget sends the wrong message to investors, and goes against Prime Minister Mark Carney's assertion that he has a 'plan' for the economy. CBC's Meagan Fitzpatrick reports on the $14.6-billion deficit unveiled in the Ontario budget today. Plus, the Bloc Québécois announces it's challenging the election result in Terrebonne, where it lost by a single vote.

    Liberals plan tax cut this summer, but no plan for budget

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 55:01


    Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne says the government's first priority is passing a tax cut for July 1, but signals that the Liberals aren't planning to release a budget this year — just an economic statement in the fall. Plus, Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith explains why he posted on social media that it's 'impossible not to feel disrespected' after being left out of cabinet on Tuesday.

    budget liberals tax cuts no plan philippe champagne liberal mp nathaniel erskine smith
    Two dozen new faces in Carney's 'big change' cabinet

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 58:04


    Prime Minister Mark Carney has booted 10 ministers and brought in 24 new faces for his post-election cabinet, arguing that 'Canadians voted for big change, not small change' and vowing to move with 'urgency.' Industry Minister Mélanie Joly defends her shuffle from the foreign affairs file during a trade war with the U.S., revealing that she 'asked for' the shift. Plus, Conservative MP Kyle Seeback makes the case that there's still too many Trudeau-era ministers for this cabinet to represent a new direction for Canada. 

    Is Carney about to overhaul his front bench?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 70:50


    Radio-Canada's Louis Blouin reports that there's likely to be a lot of new faces joining cabinet and a number of familiar ones leaving it Tuesday, as Prime Minister Mark Carney seeks to both focus his front bench and differentiate himself from his predecessor. Former Conservative chief of staff David McLaughlin and former Liberal deputy chief of staff Michele Cadario discuss the message Carney needs to send with his ministerial choices. Plus, Asia Pacific Foundation vice-president of research and strategy Vina Nadjibulla dissects why both China and the U.S. were willing to come to a deal that hacks down tariffs despite recent trade war escalations. 

    Weekly Wrap: The beginning of a Canada-U.S. reset?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2025 22:22


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

    Canada's U.S. ambassador on Trump and Carney's push for a deal

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 55:51


    Canada's ambassador to the U.S. Kirsten Hillman says the prime minister and president 'want to come up with a deal' after their Tuesday meeting, and officials will be 'working to prepare that for them' — including in bilateral talks to take place before the 2026 review of CUSMA. Prime Minister Mark Carney sets a date for naming his new cabinet. Plus, New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt explains how premiers are preparing the home front as tariffs have a deepening impact on employment.

    Bank of Canada warns of trade war's economic risks

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 63:16


    The Bank of Canada says the trade war with the U.S. puts Canada's financial stability at risk, and warns the worst scenarios could lead to 'market dysfunction' and pressure on the banking system. U.S. President Donald Trump hails his first trade deal since imposing his tariff regime — but the agreement with the U.K. hasn't been finalized. Plus, Bloc Québécois House leader Christine Normandin discusses how much the party is willing to collaborate with the Liberal minority government.

    Did Carney accomplish enough in Washington?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 62:31


    Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly was in the room when Prime Minister Mark Carney met with U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday. She explains what they accomplished for Canada in Washington, despite no changes to tariffs. Plus, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew weighs in on Carney's performance after the prime minister briefed premiers on the meeting. 

    Trump praises 'great meeting' with Carney, 'big step up' from Trudeau

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 60:47


    Prime Minister Mark Carney says he told U.S. President Donald Trump that his 51st state comments are 'not useful' in their first official meeting, and Trump praised Carney as a 'very good person' — but U.S. tariffs remain in place. From Washington, Power & Politics host David Cochrane speaks with Business Council of Canada president Goldy Hyder, Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton and Ontario's representative in Washington David Paterson about how much Carney advanced Canada's cause. 

    What can Carney accomplish in Washington?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 55:33


    Prime Minister Mark Carney arrives in Washington for his first official meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, after Trump renewed his 51st state threats and said that he's 'not sure what' the prime minister 'wants to see me about.' Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association president Flavio Volpe discusses how Carney needs to approach the meeting as layoffs hit the auto industry. Plus, leaders of Canadian media associations assess what Trump's threat of 100 per cent tariffs on films made outside the U.S. would mean for the industry. 

    The Final Wrap: Have the rules of Canadian politics been broken?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2025 42:14


    It's our final bonus Saturday episode, where our political insiders break down what the biggest federal election stories actually mean for what comes next in Mark Carney's minority Liberal government.This week, former Justin Trudeau adviser Laura D'Angelo, former Harper government staffer Michael Solberg and former Alberta NDP strategist Zain Velji debrief the election results and aftermath -- Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre losing his seat but quickly finding a new riding to run in, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh stepping down, and PM Carney asserting that he can run his minority government just fine without formal NDP support.All that plus: our strategists weight in on the most under-the-radar stories from throughout the 5 weeks of the campaign. 

    PM Carney lays out his agenda for Canada — and Trump

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 52:01


    Prime Minister Mark Carney lays out his agenda for the weeks ahead, including the first round of talks with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Tuesday. The Pulse Panel joins us. And Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says he will run for a seat in Alberta, after losing his own in Ontario. Power & Politics hears from former Conservative Party leader Andrew Scheer on what happens ahead of that byelection.

    Will Poilievre keep the Conservative leadership?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 51:22


    Conservative MP Jamil Jivani explains why he's attacking Ontario Premier Doug Ford over conservative infighting, and throws his support behind Pierre Poilievre's continued leadership despite the loss of his Carleton seat. CBC's Kate McKenna reports that the party's caucus will meet next week, and that sources say Poilievre is trying to touch base with all of its members before that happens. Plus, former NDP MP Peter Julian discusses his election loss and where the party's campaign fell short.

    Carney faces Trump, opponents face uncertain futures

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 65:47


    Radio-Canada's Louis Blouin has the latest on a post-election call and upcoming meeting between Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump. Conservative MP-elect Chris d'Entremont explains what he thinks went wrong during the party's campaign and calls for 'better relationships' between provincial and federal conservatives. Plus, NDP MP-elect Heather McPherson and Green Party Leader Elizabeth May chart the future for their respective parties following dramatically reduced vote shares. 

    Liberals fall short of majority, Poilievre loses his seat

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 54:15


    Liberal MP-elect Bruce Fanjoy explains how he beat Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre in his own riding, and Conservative MP-elect Scott Aitchison explains why he thinks Poilievre should remain leader. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith discusses what she needs to see from Prime Minister Mark Carney to heal a divide between Ottawa and western provinces. Plus, former Conservative deputy leader Peter MacKay and former Conservative chief of staff David McLaughlin discuss the party's future after failing to capitalize on an over-20-point polling lead.

    It's the morning after the election. Front Burner's here for you

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 32:06


    Power and Politics will be back with extensive election coverage later today. But first, our colleagues at Front Burner have stayed up very late to bring you this analysis.A whirlwind election campaign has ended with Mark Carney leading the Liberal Party to victory, coming back from disastrous polling numbers just months ago. The NDP has been decimated, with leader Jagmeet Singh stepping down. Yet, despite losing, Pierre Poilievre's Conservative Party still earned the support of a large percentage of the population, leaving the Liberals with the prospect of leading a country dealing with persistent political divides.CBC Ottawa senior writer Aaron Wherry and David Coletto, CEO of the polling firm Abacus Data, recap the biggest moments of the night and what to expect in the coming months.To hear more of Front Burner's daily coverage of the stories shaping Canada and the world: https://app.magellan.ai/listen_links/fb-elxn2025

    Who will be prime minister?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 57:31


    Election day is here. The first polls begin to close in just a few hours. Power & Politics breaks down the final moments of the campaign with updates from CBC reporters from coast to coast to coast. Plus, our party insiders guide us through the parties' paths to victory.

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