Power and Politics

Follow Power and Politics
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

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


    • Aug 17, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 51m AVG DURATION
    • 1,508 EPISODES


    More podcasts from CBC Radio

    Search for episodes from Power and Politics with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Power and Politics

    N.L., Quebec sign new Churchill Falls deal. Will the Quebec election ruin it?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2026 39:01


    Newfoundland and Labrador strike a new Churchill Falls deal with Quebec, one that's worth more than $70 billion, but could the upcoming Quebec election put it all at risk? Power & Politics asks N.L. Premier Tony Wakeham and federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson.

    Canada, U.S. far from trade deal: New details on barriers, concessions

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2026 49:52


    Major disagreements have Canada and the U.S. far from a trade deal, CBC News has learned. Power & Politics brings you exclusive details on possible concessions, plus reaction from members of the Canada-U.S. trade advisory council. The Power Panel weighs in.

    Canada and the U.S. try to land a trade deal

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2026 46:31


    Canadian and American trade officials are pushing ahead with talks — meeting for the second time this week. With a tariff hike just days away, where do talks stand? Eric Miller, president of Rideau Potomac Strategy Group, joins Power & Politics to discuss. Plus, an update from B.C. Emergency Management Minister Kelly Greene as wildfires continue to upend life across large parts of British Columbia.

    Exclusive: Canada unsatisfied with latest U.S. trade offer, sources say

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026 45:49


    According to two sources with knowledge of Canada-U.S. trade talks, Canadian and American negotiators have exchanged a number of trade offers in recent weeks but neither side is ready to accept a deal. The CBC's Kate McKenna has those details. Plus, should the U.S. ambassador be declared a persona non grata? Tens of thousands of Canadians say yes. The Power Panel debates whether this petition could help or hurt trade talks.

    What's at stake if Canada's trade talks fall apart?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026 46:10


    Canada's top trade negotiators are back in Washington for their third meeting in as many weeks. CEO of the Canadian American Business Council Beth Burke says if talks break down, more than 100,000 jobs are at stake on either side of the border. Plus, Canada's largest overseas mission just got an extension until 2031. Where does its future lay as Russia's war in Ukraine is raging into its fifth year? Power & Politics asks Latvia's Chief of Defence Maj.-Gen. Kaspars Pudāns.

    Is the Carney government caving to the U.S. on trade talks?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2026 46:01


    As Canada readies its position in U.S. trade talks, Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre is warning against accepting any possible concessions in exchange for tariff relief. Power & Politics asks Conservative Canada-U.S. relations critic Shuvaloy Majumdar how his party would pursue a tariff-free deal. Plus, reaction from Quebec on the possibility of the federal government putting provincial booze bans on the table.

    Canada prepared to end booze bans to ease trade war: sources

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2026 46:54


    CBC News has learned new details about Canada's trade talks with the U.S., including where Canada may be prepared to make concessions in exchange for tariff relief. Power & Politics talks to Brian Clow, who has direct experience negotiating with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and asks Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy what it would take to get the province on board with a booze concession.

    Republican senator says 'this is the moment' to get a trade deal

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2026 53:10


    The prime minister's top trade negotiators are in Washington. Part of their push to stop the latest U.S. tariff threats means talking to those with the president's ear — including U.S. Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer. Power & Politics speaks with Cramer about his meeting with Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc. And, U.S. President Donald Trump calls Canada's leadership 'nasty.' Power & Politics asks Quebec's CUSMA envoy Louise Blais what this means for the state of trade negotiations.

    Is Carney's trade negotiation strategy working?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2026 46:55


    As Canada faces down U.S. President Donald Trump's latest tariff threat, Prime Minister Mark Carney says now is not the time to change strategy. Former Quebec premier Jean Charest says it's a 'good signal' that Carney's top trade negotiators are back in Washington. Plus, Power & Politics takes stock of the life and legacy of veteran Canadian broadcaster Lloyd Robertson.

    Carney's top trade negotiators are back in Washington

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2026 46:14


    Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and chief trade negotiator Janice Charette are back in Washington just days after wrapping their last trip to the U.S. capital — is this a sign that talks are intensifying? The CBC's Kate McKenna has the details. Plus, according to a letter sent by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service to Alberta's Opposition leader, the province's fall referendum could be a target for foreign interference. Power & Politics talks to Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi about what CSIS is doing to monitor those risks.

    Can Carney keep his majority as byelections and U.S. trade threats loom?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2026 28:43


    Canadians in three federal ridings will go to the polls at the end of this month. What could this mean for Prime Minister Mark Carney's already slim majority government? Plus, with even more Trump tariffs looming over billions' worth of Canadian exports, Carney says it is time to intensify trade talks. The Power Panel weighs in on this special holiday edition of Power & Politics.

    Trump says he's secured a deal for Gaza. Is it attainable?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2026 45:59


    U.S. President Donald Trump says he's secured a peace deal for Gaza that would see Israel withdraw its troops and Hamas give up its weapons. However, skepticism remains about whether this is the needed breakthrough. We'll speak with former Canadian ambassador to Israel Jon Allen. Plus, two major North American unions are pleading with the White House to reverse course on tariffs as Trump's polling numbers continue to fall. Power and Politics speaks with the United Steelworkers Association and the Power Panel weighs in.

    Carney won't leverage energy exports in trade talks. Why not?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2026 49:16


    Prime Minister Mark Carney says he 'doesn't see the value' in using Canadian energy exports as leverage in U.S. trade negotiations as his minister responsible for Canada-U.S. trade returns from a trip to D.C. Plus, the Power Panel helps unpack the ongoing labour dispute between WestJet and its flight attendants as a strike looms.

    Carney aids Alberta amid tensions with Ontario

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2026 48:59


    Prime Minister Mark Carney announced half a billion dollars in funding to help build infrastructure for new homes in Alberta as his government gets into a spat with Ontario over high-speed rail and the downtown Toronto airport. Plus, we hear about the impact of the trade war from Vermont Sen. Peter Welch and B.C. Forests Minister Ravi Parmar.

    Trump says he doesn't care about CUSMA

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2026 45:07


    Calling the free trade deal 'not important,' U.S. President Donald Trump says he doesn't care about CUSMA as Canada's minister of U.S. trade prepares for a trip to Washington. Power & Politics speaks with former U.S. diplomat Maryscott Greenwood and the Power Panel weighs in. Plus, tension is growing between the federal and Ontario governments after Prime Minister Mark Carney's decision to withdraw support for the Billy Bishop Airport expansion. Was that decision political?

    Gordie Howe Bridge officially opens for travel and trade

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2026 45:23


    After months of political delays, trade and passenger traffic are finally moving across the Gordie Howe International Bridge. The Detroit Regional Chamber's president and CEO joins us to discuss the corridor's opening. Plus, the prime minister has called for three August byelections — the Power Panel discusses if the government's slim majority is at risk.

    Canada threw a party to open the Gordie Howe Bridge. The U.S. wasn't invited

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2026 44:56


    Canada celebrated the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge on Friday without the United States after prolonged delays and threats of new tariffs. Power & Politics speaks with Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens and the Power Panel weighs in.

    Carney says 'everything is on the table' if no trade agreement reached by August

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2026 63:44


    With Canada facing new 50 per cent U.S. tariffs on Aug. 19, Prime Minister Mark Carney warns that retaliatory measures remain an option if an agreement with U.S. President Donald Trump isn't reached. As the Council of the Federation and first ministers' meeting conclude, the country's premiers join Power & Politics to discuss their meetings with the prime minister. Are they confident in the path he put forward?

    Can the premiers stay united against Trump's tariff threat?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2026 57:03


    As Day 2 of the Council of the Federation's meetings wrap up, divisions are starting to show among premiers regarding the best strategy for Canada to handle U.S. President Donald Trump's threatened 50 per cent tariffs. Power & Politics speaks with premiers from across the country before Prime Minister Mark Carney's arrival in Charlottetown.

    Tariff shockwaves overshadow premiers' meeting

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2026 66:34


    Reeling from the latest Trump administration threat of a 50 per cent tariff on many Canadian goods, the nation's premiers gather in Charlottetown. Power & Politics speaks with B.C. Premier David Eby, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and P.E.I. Premier Rob Lantz about their approach to the latest from south of the border, and the Power Panel weighs in.

    U.S. threatens 50% tariffs on Canadian exports, including CUSMA goods

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2026 58:51


    U.S. President Donald Trump signed three proclamations to impose 50 per cent tariffs on a sprawling list of Canadian exports which the White House says are a response to Canada's 'discrimination' against U.S. motor vehicles, dairy and alcohol. Power & Politics speaks with industry experts Flavio Volpe and Matthew Holmes and the Power Panel weighs in.

    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.

    Claim Power and Politics

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel