The Discourse

This week on The Discourse, Cheryl and Erika take you inside one of the most politically packed weeks in Canada—from royal pageantry to banned books to the high-stakes First Ministers' Meeting.

This week on The Discourse, Erika Barootes and Cheryl unpack the two dominant themes in Alberta politics: scandal and separation—with a healthy side of political theater. We start with a deep dive into the UCP health procurement scandal. Alberta Health Services' former CEO, Athena Mentzelopoulos, dropped a $1.7M lawsuit accusing the government of shady dealings with private surgical contracts. Now, former Chief of Staff Marshall Smith is punching back with a $12M defamation suit against Mentzelopoulos and the Globe and Mail. Is it a desperate move or a dangerous miscalculation? Then it's on to Alberta's separatist movement. Between the Republican Party of Alberta, the Alberta Prosperity Project, and Thomas Lukaszuk's pro-Canada counter-petition, the province's political fringes are making noise. But are they making sense? Erika and Cheryl discuss public sentiment, the real economic risks, and whether this movement has any legs beyond Facebook pages and town halls. We wrap with some spicy commentary on upcoming by-elections—especially the one in Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills, where Republican leader Cam Davies is running—and a questionable “MLA Dashboard” that outs politicians as separatists… according to who, exactly?

This week on The Discourse, Cheryl and Erika go deeper into the wildfire of Western alienation that's setting inboxes, headlines, and political panels ablaze. With new separatist parties gaining steam and Danielle Smith refusing to pick a side, the Premier may be running out of room to maneuver—and that could be big trouble for the UCP come election time. The hosts break down: Why Alberta's political culture is uniquely flammable—and why Danielle Smith keeps adding fuel. How a new federal cabinet and a looming by-election are turning up the heat on Premier Smith to finally pick a side. What the Saskatchewan NDP is doing right by reframing the separation debate—and why Alberta's NDP should take notes. How government chaos inside the Alberta legislature is being buried by chaos outside it, and what consequential bills are slipping through the cracks. Plus: deputy minister shuffles, federal cabinet reactions, and a very honest trip down memory lane on the 10-year anniversary of Alberta's NDP win. If you're trying to keep up with the current pace of Alberta politics… good luck. But start here.

This week on The Discourse, Cheryl and Erika wade into the political firestorm Premier Danielle Smith kicked off with her live address on Alberta's sovereignty. Cheryl opens with a scathing monologue on why Smith's refusal to outright reject separation has real consequences — politically, economically, and reputationally. Erika counters that Smith's move is about getting ahead of grassroots frustration, not fuelling separatism. Sparks fly as they unpack what it means to lower the referendum threshold, who's really behind the push for independence, and whether Smith is preserving democracy or playing footsie with Take Back Alberta. From there, your hosts tackle: Whether Alberta's “Fair Deal 2.0” will be an actual educational tool — or just more grievance theatre. Naheed Nenshi's fiery “just do it” dare to Smith, and why Cheryl thinks it's playing with fire. The Carney-Trump Oval Office meeting: why both hosts were (cautiously) impressed. Smith vs. Ford: two premiers, two very different tones on working with Prime Minister Carney. What the Alberta NDP's new federal opt-out means — and whether 89% is really a strong number for Nenshi. And a preview of three coming by-elections in Alberta: what each party's strategy might be, and whether the UCP will continue to drag out the timeline for Nenshi's seat. Listen now for a fiery debate on democracy, discontent, and the future of Alberta.

Canada has spoken… kind of. The Liberals are back with a minority, the Conservatives won the West but lost the race, and the NDP? Well, Jagmeet Singh lost his seat and resigned. This week, Cheryl and Erika are unfiltered, exhausted, and deeply in their feels. They dig into: Why this was an election where every party lost something Poilievre's future: is he safe from the Conservative firing squad? How the NDP holds the balance of power despite a devastating loss The East-West divide: is Canada more fractured than ever? What Danielle Smith's post-election statement reveals about her strategy Why separatist talk in Alberta is growing louder—and riskier Plus: the subtle power moves behind leadership speculation, the role of advance votes, and what Mark Carney must do in his first 90 days to calm the country down. This is the episode where no one gets spared—except maybe Donald Trump, who might be the only person grinning at the results.

The last week of the federal campaign is anything but sleepy—Cheryl and Erika go full tilt on everything from budget bombs to Alberta bombshells.

It's federal debate week, so we're taking you inside the room where it happens — no, not the stage — the prep room. This week, Cheryl and Erika trade war stories from decades of political debate prep, sharing what really goes into those make-or-break moments on the campaign trail. From binders and body language to one-liners and last-minute nerves, we unpack how leaders get ready, what success actually looks like, and why sometimes it's not what you say — it's how you look when someone else is saying it. In this episode:

What do you get when you mix a 15,000-person rally, a Boilermaker endorsement, and Mark Carney forgetting the price of strawberries? A pre-debate episode of The Discourse that does not hold back. This week, Erika and Cheryl throw down over:

Liberation Day has come and gone, but we're still drowning in uncertainty. Every hour brings new twists, and today's no exception. We break down what President Trump said and what it means for the federal election. Meanwhile, Danielle Smith's No F**s Given* Tour takes Florida by storm—she won't be silenced, but will her trip to see Ben Shapiro shake things up back home? And speaking of silence… is this the beginning of the end for Jagmeet Singh? Could the NDP vanish from Parliament before April is over?

In this gripping episode (Erika apologizes for her lack of voice), we delve into the heart of Canada's 2025 federal election, where Mark Carney's Liberals are surging ahead but face stiff competition from Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives. The campaign is dominated by concerns over Donald Trump's tariffs and threats to Canadian sovereignty, shifting the focus to which party can best navigate these challenges. We explore the latest poll numbers and are joined by Jason Krips, CEO of the Alberta Forest Products Association, who discusses the impact of U.S. tariffs on the forestry industry. Don't worry, the "Allegations" and new statement of defense make the episode, as does Premier Smith's overtaking the airwaves this week. 

With a federal election call looming, The Discourse dives into the latest polling shake-up: the Liberals are surging, Poilievre is scrambling, and the NDP is disappearing. Cheryl and Erika debate whether Carney's carbon tax cut is a game-changer or just clever spin, and if the Conservatives can pivot before it's too late. Meanwhile, in Alberta, the UCP's latest scandal heats up—lawsuits, RCMP investigations, and a very questionable government response. Is this headed for court or a quiet settlement? Plus, Cheryl dreams up Poilievre's lost Axe the Tax photo op, and Erika takes bets on whether she'll actually vote Conservative.

After a week off, The Discourse is back, and Alberta politics is as chaotic as ever. We break down Alberta MLA Scott Sinclair's budget rebellion and why getting booted from the UCP was inevitable, the RCMP's deep dive into the AHS scandal (sorry, “The Allegations”), and the looming federal election now that Mark Carney has taken the Liberal helm. With caucus drama, corruption probes, and a political reset in Ottawa, there's no shortage of hot takes. Segment 1: The Scott Sinclair Situation An MLA Rebels – Scott Sinclair, Lesser Slave Lake MLA, was booted from the UCP caucus after saying he wouldn't support the budget. What Went Wrong? – We dig into how caucus discipline works and why his decision was a political no-go. Optics vs. Reality – Did he have a point, and could the government have handled this differently? Comparing to Guthrie – Why did Pete Guthrie survive his controversy while Sinclair got the boot? Indigenous Representation – The UCP now has zero Indigenous MLAs. What message does that send? Segment 2: The AHS Scandal – Or Should We Call It “The Allegations”? RCMP Investigation Begins – Was this inevitable, and what does it mean for the government? What About the Internal Review? – Will Albertans even care about the government's own investigation now that the RCMP is involved? Rolling Crisis – No matter what happens, this is a PR nightmare that will keep dragging the UCP into the headlines. Statement of Defense Incoming – What will the government argue, and who else might submit one? Will Cheryl Finally Get an Answer on the 12%? – The most pressing question of our time. Segment 3: Are We Heading to the Polls? Mark Carney Takes the Liberal Leadership – A landslide 86% victory makes him Trudeau's successor. How Will This Play in Alberta? – Can Carney win over Western Canada, or is he just Trudeau 2.0? Election Timing – Will the Liberals pull the trigger before the Conservatives define Carney? What Will This Election Be About? – Carbon taxes? Economic management? Who do Canadians trust more? What's Next for the NDP? – Can Jagmeet Singh hold off an election, or is his party stuck in limbo? We're back to weekly episodes, so make sure you subscribe on YouTube, Apple, and Spotify to stay up to date. Follow us on X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest takes. See you next Thursday at 5 AM!

Cheryl Oates and Erika Barootes break down Alberta's 2025-26 budget, tackling its $5.2B deficit, tax cut, healthcare, and education spending. Is this truly a conservative budget (Erika says no!), and what does it mean for Albertans? Subscribe & Share: Follow The Discourse on social media, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. 

Erika and Cheryl break down the latest developments in the UCP procurement scandal. Former Infrastructure Minister Pete Guthrie has resigned, citing concerns about government transparency. A lucrative land deal and more details about private surgical contracts are raising more questions.  Plus, questions are swirling about UCP influence over the Edmonton Police Commission, and the Premier's handling of the controversy (or lack thereof).

It's been a rough week for the Alberta government. The former CEO of Alberta Health Services, Athana Mentzelopoulos, has filed a $1.7 million lawsuit against the province, setting off a chain reaction that now includes cabinet ministers breaking ranks and a major press conference from Premier Danielle Smith. In this episode, Erika and Cheryl break down: ✅ What the lawsuit means for the government's credibility ✅ Health Minister Adriana LaGrange's future – is she on the chopping block? ✅ Pete Guthrie's bold cabinet confidentiality leak – calculated or accidental? ✅ The political fallout: villains, victims, and strategic missteps

The AHS bombshell that could bring down Alberta's Premier. Plus, US tariffs are coming for your wallet: Hidden costs in your grocery cart and a hit to Alberta businesses. Join us as we expose the explosive AHS scandal threatening the government, and get expert insights from Alberta Food Producers Association Executive Director, Bianca Parsons, on how tariffs will affect you and local industries.   Want to support local businesses?    Go to madeinalberta.co and localizeyourfood.com to learn how.

In a surprising twist, this episode explores how Premier Danielle Smith's diplomatic dance intersects with Justin Trudeau's unexpected moment of diplomatic finesse. Our hosts reveal a rare moment of cross-party solidarity, where even New Democratic and Conservative voices grudgingly acknowledge Trudeau's strategic tariff negotiations. 

Dive into the chaos of Alberta politics as we unpack the controversial COVID-19 report and explore Alberta's uneasy ties with the Trump era. Plus, we dig deep into coal mining drama and the UCP's policy flip-flops.

We dive into Premier Danielle Smith's US strategy, her approach to President Trump's tariff threat and what it reveals about her political calculus and end goals. Tune in for sharp analysis, a few laughs, and some unexpected common ground.   

What's making Cheryl unexpectedly admire the UCP? And why can't Erika stop longing for Rachel Notley's return? Alberta politics takes a personal turn in this fiery 2024 recap—don't miss the revelations and hot takes!

On this episode of The Discourse we take you on a journey through history on the one thing Alberta political parties have agreed on for over 100 years, and it's not Taylor Swift! In a world where rats thrive almost everywhere, Alberta -on brand- stands as a defiant outlier. We talk to Alberta's rat control expert, Karen Wickerson about how and why.

In this episode of The Discourse, we take a hard look at the UCP's controversial restructuring of Alberta Health Services (AHS). What's driving these changes, and are they delivering results—or creating more problems? Tune in as we unpack the motives, the impact, and what it all means for health care in Alberta.

In this episode of The Discourse, we get honest about our own parties: what bugs us and what we wish they would do differently. Plus- how the two sides campaign and who is doing it better in 2024. The consensus may surprise you!

In this episode of The Discourse, we talk about what the Alberta UCP has been up to lately- things that seem boring but could have significant consequences for Albertans -- including firing the AIMCo board and CEO, interfering in professional bodies and messing with riding boundaries.

In this episode of The Discourse Podcast, Cheryl Oates and Erika Barootes talk about the US election and what it means for Canada, Premier Danielle Smith's leadership review, Naheed Nenshi's leadership strategy and the shifting tides in Saskatchewan's political scene.

Don't miss a minute of this episode, as Danielle Smith holds nothing back: answering her critics, assessing her biggest wins, and plotting out her next three years as premier. Thank you for subscribing to our YouTube channel and telling your friends and family to do the same!   We're proud to partner and be members of Pocket Lobbyist, an online, membership-based platform to anticipate, interpret, and mitigate political risk. Visit www.pocketlobbyist.com to learn more.

Cheryl's still wrapping her mind around Erika's argument re: the UCP getting banned from Pride. Don't miss that exchange midway through this episode. But first, we take a look at renowned pollster Janet Brown's latest numbers. Stick around as Erika and Cheryl analyze the "new look" Alberta NDP. Thanks for liking and sharing this episode, and subscribing to The Discourse on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts!   Don't forget to follow us on X @TheDiscourse__ and on Instagram @thediscoursepod   We're proud to partner and be members of Pocket Lobbyist, an online, membership-based platform to anticipate, interpret, and mitigate political risk. Visit www.pocketlobbyist.com to learn more.

The UCP introduces yet another contentious bill aimed at municipalities. Jodi Calahoo Stonehouse joins Erika and Cheryl post-leadership debate…or was it the “hugging town hall”?

What and how you approach a policy or legislative rollout that's gone sideways can not only make you look stupid, it can have huge impacts on the voter confidence in your leadership. We discuss current BIll 20, the NDPs contentious Bill 6, and how capital gains increase will play out federally.   We're proud to partner and be members of Pocket Lobbyist, an online, membership-based platform to anticipate, interpret, and mitigate political risk. Visit www.pocketlobbyist.com to learn more.

Political parties will be players in Alberta's next municipal election for the very first time. The change, ushered in by the Danielle Smith government's Bill 20, is definitely controversial. But is it undemocratic? Has the UCP gone too far? We dig into what Bill 20 means for political parties...and what it means for you. We're proud to partner and be members of Pocket Lobbyist, an online, membership-based platform to anticipate, interpret, and mitigate political risk. Visit www.pocketlobbyist.com to learn more.   FOLLOW THE DISCOURSE ON INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thediscoursepod FOLLOW THE DISCOURSE ON TWITTER: twitter.com/TheDiscourse__

With the growing concerns of fires and drought across the province, Erika and Cheryl discuss what's causing this, what are the impacts, and what government's role is to protect Albertans from natural disasters. We also cover the NDP leadership as they lead up to their first debate. We're proud to partner and be members of Pocket Lobbyist, an online, membership-based platform to anticipate, interpret, and mitigate political risk. Visit www.pocketlobbyist.com to learn more.

The UCP government has introduced some pretty contentious policies recently. On this episode we explore the reason why Bill 17 and 18 are making their way onto the legislature agenda and what it means for many groups and individuals impacted by these Acts. We're proud to partner and be members of Pocket Lobbyist, an online, membership-based platform to anticipate, interpret, and mitigate political risk. Visit www.pocketlobbyist.com to learn more.

Is the Alberta NDP leadership race a foregone conclusion? Or, can Sarah Hoffman prove the pollsters and pundits wrong, and defeat Naheed Nenshi? She joins us to discuss her campaign, her strategy and what she will do on Day One if she becomes premier.

Rakhi Pancholi pulls the chute on her NDP leadership bid…and Justin Trudeau doubles down on his carbon tax. We're proud to partner and be members of Pocket Lobbyist, an online, membership-based platform to anticipate, interpret, and mitigate political risk. Visit www.pocketlobbyist.com to learn more.

Alberta's government is equipping the province's Sheriffs with more comprehensive training and expanded powers. Is a divorce from the RCMP imminent? We get into it in this episode of The Discourse. Plus, how much should we read into Premier Danielle Smith's most recent approval ratings? And what's next in the Alberta NDP leadership race?

 Former Mayor of Calgary and newest NDP leadership candidate Naheed Nenshi joins us to discuss why now, what he's running on, and if he thinks he's the one to beat.

A deep dive into Alberta healthcare, including the reorganization and the politics involved with AMA President Dr. Paul Parks who gives insight on compensation negotiations and what Alberta can do to recruit/retain family physicians. We're proud to partner and be members of Pocket Lobbyist, an online, membership-based platform to anticipate, interpret, and mitigate political risk. Visit www.pocketlobbyist.com to learn more.

Economist Dr. Andrew Leach brings his take on Budget 2024, how the Heritage Savings Trust Fund works now and in the future, what electric vehicle tax will do, and more. Erika and Cheryl shockingly find more middle ground than on most episodes but they still bring the banter. We're proud to partner and be members of Pocket Lobbyist, an online, membership-based platform to anticipate, interpret, and mitigate political risk. Visit www.pocketlobbyist.com to learn more.

Longtime political communicator and Senior Strategist with Crestview Strategies, Evan Menzies, joins us to talk about media now and their role in the future or politics.   We're proud to partner and be members of Pocket Lobbyist, an online, membership-based platform to anticipate, interpret, and mitigate political risk.   Visit www.pocketlobbyist.com to learn mor  

We tackle the NDP leadership and grill Ganley on why she's running to be the next leader. We're proud to partner and be members of Pocket Lobbyist, an online, membership-based platform to anticipate, interpret, and mitigate political risk.   Visit www.pocketlobbyist.com to learn more.

Joined by Psychiatrist Dr. Joe Raiche, MD, we discuss Premier Smith's and the UCP government's transgender policies and their potential impacts.

W. Brett Wilson was instrumental in bringing Tucker Carlson to Alberta. He joins us to share the goal, how it went, and his thoughts on Premier Smith attending.

Plug-in to learn all things electricity and who or what is to blame for last week's Emergency Alert. We get the low down with Blake Shaffer, Associate Professor at the University of Calgary.

Kicking off 2024 of The Discourse with Rachel Notley's resignation. We're joined by special guest former Premier Alison Redford who offers her take on the political landscape and takes us down memory lane.

Our show kicks off with a question from Opposition Leader Rachel Notley on why Danielle Smith and the UCP are still exploring an APP, we breakdown the methane quarrel between AB and the feds, and debrief on the legislative session.

Premier Smith calls in with a question for us, we look at the politics behind net zero, 2035, and talk value of COP28 and what Albertan is hoping to achieve.

From dueling CPP consultations to questions being raised about the UCP's COVID-19 Panel and new information on the UCP's attempt to import children's medication- there's a lot to talk about this week.

Cheryl & Erika both take vacation, but are still checking in for another show! In episode 3 they discuss the findings of the Public Health Emergencies Governance Review Panel Report and wonder if Alberta and Ottawa will ever figure out how to work together.

Action packed week in Alberta politics. From contentious speaking engagements to new AHS board. We will unpack it all in 30ish minutes so sit back and grab the popcorn.

Welcome to The Discourse, a new, weekly Alberta politics show hosted by veteran senior staffers Cheryl Oates and Erika Barootes. In episode one, you'll find out how these longtime political rivals came together on this project, and what they make of the top stories at the Alberta Legislature, including the Throne Speech, an Alberta Pension Plan, and the future of the federal carbon tax. Follow us! Instagram: @thediscoursepod X: @thediscourse__ @barootes @cherylanne

The Discourse takes a look at the "who, what, when, why, and how" of Alberta politics, hosted by longtime senior staffers Cheryl Oates and Erika Barootes.