The Strategists

In a moment when Prairie politics feels increasingly untethered from reality, what happens when governments start making generational decisions while chasing internal political pressure?This week on Balance of Power, Leah Ward and Shannon Phillips are joined by Saskatchewan NDP MLA Aleana Young to unpack Saskatchewan's stunning $26 billion coal gamble, the politics driving it, and why the fight over energy policy is becoming a proxy for something much bigger across Western Canada.First: the coal bombshell. Aleana Young walks through the leaked SaskPower documents showing the true cost of rebuilding and operating Saskatchewan's coal plants, why the government's numbers kept changing, and how a plan sold as affordability could end up doubling power bills.Then: governing for the base. From separatism to immigration rhetoric to attacks on institutions, the panel digs into what happens when premiers stop trying to persuade the broader public and start managing internal party pressure instead.Plus, for Patreon Subscribers: Danielle Smith's looming referendum speech. What arguments will she make, who will she blame, and how do governments chip away at trust in courts, institutions, and democratic norms while claiming to defend democracy itself?Coal, courts, separatism, healthcare collapse, Prairie politics, and the risks of governments that seem increasingly adrift.Welcome to Balance of Power.Have a comment or idea? Email us at suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.caJoin the Strategists Podcast Network Patreon for extended ad-free episodes and access to our exclusive Discord:https://patreon.com/strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a moment when Prairie politics feels increasingly untethered from reality, what happens when governments start making generational decisions while chasing internal political pressure?This week on Balance of Power, Leah Ward and Shannon Phillips are joined by Saskatchewan NDP MLA Aleana Young to unpack Saskatchewan's stunning $26 billion coal gamble, the politics driving it, and why the fight over energy policy is becoming a proxy for something much bigger across Western Canada.First: the coal bombshell. Aleana Young walks through the leaked SaskPower documents showing the true cost of rebuilding and operating Saskatchewan's coal plants, why the government's numbers kept changing, and how a plan sold as affordability could end up doubling power bills.Then: governing for the base. From separatism to immigration rhetoric to attacks on institutions, the panel digs into what happens when premiers stop trying to persuade the broader public and start managing internal party pressure instead.Plus, for Patreon Subscribers: Danielle Smith's looming referendum speech. What arguments will she make, who will she blame, and how do governments chip away at trust in courts, institutions, and democratic norms while claiming to defend democracy itself?Coal, courts, separatism, healthcare collapse, Prairie politics, and the risks of governments that seem increasingly adrift.Welcome to Balance of Power.Have a comment or idea? Email us at suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.caJoin the Strategists Podcast Network Patreon for extended ad-free episodes and access to our exclusive Discord:https://patreon.com/strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips remain at St. Andrew's United Church for the second coming of their Edmonton live show, joined by Senator Paula Simons and a crowd that absolutely refuses to go home. They dig into the Alberta voter list leak, foreign interference, AI slopaganda, separatism, constitutional fights, and whether the province is sleepwalking into something much bigger than a referendum campaign.Zain Velji, as always, lets YOU pick the questions and keeps everybody in line during the audience Q&A.Originally recorded on May 9th, 2026Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch our episodes on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a province where politics increasingly feels like performance, what happens when the people who understand the stage best start talking openly about persuasion, authenticity, and fear?This week on Balance of Power, Annalise Klingbeil, Leah Ward, and Shannon Phillips unpack the politics of communication, the growing international fascination with Alberta separatism, and why the fight over Canada's future may already be underway.First: the Wab Kinew factor. Leah reports from the Canadian Labour Congress convention in Winnipeg, where both Naheed Nenshi and Wab Kinew delivered very different kinds of speeches, sparking a conversation about charisma, media training, authenticity, and whether great political communication can actually be taught.Then: Alberta as spectacle. The panel digs into recent coverage from The Guardian, Toronto Star, and other international outlets examining Alberta separatism, voter data controversies, and the rise of grievance politics. Is this necessary scrutiny, dangerous mainstreaming, or another example of Alberta being flattened into caricature for outside audiences?Plus: Jason Kenney's return to the federalist fight. After a Calgary event on Canadian unity featuring Kenney and MP Cory Hogan, the hosts debate whether conservatives who helped fuel western alienation can now successfully contain it, what responsibility they carry for this moment, and whether fear itself might be necessary to motivate Albertans to act.Media training, separatism, grievance politics, posture discourse, and the uncomfortable question of who still has the power to persuade.Welcome to Balance of Power.Have a comment or idea? Email us at suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.caJoin the Strategists Podcast Network Patreon for ad-free episodes and access to our exclusive Discord:https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips take the stage live in Edmonton for Carter's accountability episode on the Edmonton Accelerants, the million-dollar mayoral campaign that wasn't, and what actually went wrong. Then they dig into Alberta's coming referendum fights, the scramble to build campaigns against separatism and anti-immigration questions, and whether progressives are overthinking themselves into paralysis. What happens when nobody can reach an audience anymore? Is “just go do things” actually the strategy? And how many times can Carter publicly step on his own dick before it gets pitched as a political strategy?Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch our episodes on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a week where Alberta politics somehow got even messier, what happens when the process itself becomes the problem?This week on Balance of Power, Annalise Klingbeil and Shannon Phillips dig into the escalating fallout from the alleged misuse of Alberta's voters list, the separatist petition, and why a data leak involving nearly three million Albertans is about much more than privacy.First: the list. Elections Alberta has sent hundreds of cease and desist letters, political names are being searched, and people with real safety concerns are left wondering who has their information and what they might do with it.Then: the referendum question. If the petition process was built on allegedly unlawful access to voter data, can any referendum that follows be trusted? And who needs to step up to restore confidence before Albertans are asked to vote?Plus: blame, agency, and the politics of “not my fault.” From Danielle Smith's response to Arlene Dickinson's viral post, Annalise and Shannon look at how responsibility gets shifted, how stories break through, and what ordinary Albertans can actually do next.Voters lists, cease and desist letters, separatists, public trust, and what it means when the democratic process gets polluted.Welcome to Balance of Power.Have a comment or idea? Email us at suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.caJoin the Strategists Podcast Network Patreon for ad-free episodes and access to our exclusive Discord:https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodMentioned in this episode:Arlene Dickinson's Instagram Carouselhttps://www.instagram.com/p/DYAgKmqEpo0/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips talk about the Alberta Liberal Party rejecting Carter's referendum campaign plan, and what that means for the fight against Alberta's separatist and immigration questions. They also dig into the alleged leak and misuse of Alberta's electors list, why voter data is so valuable, and why the story is about much more than a spreadsheet. What happens when a clever political workaround runs into a wall? How serious is it when the machinery of campaigns gets handed to people who were never supposed to have it? And can Zain get enough protein before Christ returns at the Edmonton live show?Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Get your Live Show tickets at: http://www.strategistslive.com/Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch our episodes on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Strategists are live in Edmonton on Saturday, May 9, and this is your reminder to get tickets before they're gone.Stephen Carter, Zain Velji, and Shannon Phillips will be at St. Andrews United Church for a two-act podcasting extravaganza.Act One: The Strategists Live, with no special guests because apparently we like Calgary better.Act Two: the accountability episode for Stephen Carter and Better Edmonton.Doors open at 7:00Get your tickets at strategistslive.com, strategistslive.ca, or thestrategistslive.com.And if you need to book a flight, why not use thestrategistslive.ca to book through our non-consensual partner, Flair Airlines.It's not like you have playoff hockey to watch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a moment when trust in democracy feels fragile, what happens when the basic machinery of politics becomes the story?This week on Balance of Power, Annalise Klingbeil, Leah Ward, and Shannon Phillips dig into the Elections Alberta investigation, the alleged misuse of the list of electors, and why a story about voter data is not just procedural, but deeply personal.First: the list. Who is supposed to have access to voter information, what is it meant to be used for, and why does alleged misuse by separatist organizers raise such serious questions about privacy, safety, and democratic trust?Then: sport as politics. The federal government is making a major investment in sport, but the conversation quickly turns to something bigger: community, belonging, national identity, and why a playoff crowd might tell us more about unity than another press conference.Plus, for Patreon subscribers: the Alberta NDP's difficult moment. New polling shows the UCP still riding high and Naheed Nenshi struggling to break through. Is this a leadership problem, a message problem, a Calgary problem, or just the brutal work of opposition in a fractured media environment?Privacy, trust, sports, sovereignty, polling, and what it takes to rebuild political attention when everyone is looking somewhere else.Welcome to Balance of Power.Have a comment or idea? Email us at suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.caJoin the Strategists Podcast Network Patreon for ad-free episodes and access to our exclusive Discord:https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodMentioned in this episode:Alberta Referendumbhttps://albertareferendumb2026.ca/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Be it resolved that the Minister of Podcasts, Stephen Carter, together with the Chair of Oral Questions, Zain Velji, do hereby call this sitting of The Ministry of Podcasts to order, despite the late hour, the early votes, and the growing evidence that Corey Hogan now lives primarily in committee rooms.Be it further resolved that The Strategists Podcast shall be granted the honour of first money in on the Canada Strong Fund,Be it further further resolved that the House shall receive first-year reflections from the duly elected Member of Parliament for Calgary Confederation, Corey Hogan, on matters including but not limited to:What it feels like to realize you are now one of 343 people helping make laws for the country,The personal cost of the job: missed dinners, Ottawa apartments, FaceTime goodnights, and friendships managed mostly by text,And what happens when you stop watching politics from the outside and realize you are now inside the machine, responsible for steering it.Therefore be it finally resolved that this episode shall be entered into the record as both parliamentary testimony and a caution that governing the country is much harder than yelling about it from the outside. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Carter, Shannon Phillips, and Producer Haxim talk about what happens when a weekend joke turns into a national political story. After Producer Haxim launches his satirical Alberta referendum site and “becomes a podcaster,” the crew breaks down why the government's referendum campaign feels more like a persuasion machine than public education. They also dig into Carter's Alberta Liberal Party referendum plan, and whether the rules were quietly changed to shut it down. Shannon Phillips discusses her article for Forward Weekly on how the Alberta NDP lost its advantage and how it might win it back. Is Alberta's referendum fight really about the questions on the ballot? Can a political party raise money around an idea instead of a candidate? And how many headlines before Haxim starts asking for his own comms team?Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Get your tickets for the May 9th live show at https://strategistslive.ca/Mentioned in this episode:Producer Haxim's Referendumb Sitehttps://albertareferendumb2026.caShannon's Forward Weekly Articlehttps://archive.forwardweekly.ca/?issue=05Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch our episodes on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If the problems keep getting worse, are we even solving the right one?This week on Balance of Power, Annalise Klingbeil and Leah Ward take on a set of decisions that feel increasingly out of step with how people actually live. From time changes to family planning to public consultation, they walk through what happens when policy targets miss the mark.First: daylight saving time. Alberta is moving toward making it permanent—but what does that actually mean for winter mornings, daily routines, and how people function? Is this about convenience, or are we ignoring what the research says?Then: fertility in Alberta. A new report lays out the cost, access, and emotional toll of treatment, raising bigger questions about population growth, affordability, and what actually drives people's decisions to have kids.And finally: the Alberta Next survey. After a long fight to release the data, what do the responses actually show? And what's the point of consultation if the outcome is already decided?Policy, incentives, and what happens when we keep solving the wrong problem.Welcome to Balance of Power.Have a comment or idea? Email us at suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.caJoin the Strategists Podcast Network Patreon for ad-free episodes and access to our exclusive Discord:https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Carter and Zain Velji try to figure out who is actually going to do something as Alberta's political fights pile up. From referendum questions to separatism to electoral boundaries, they break down what's happening, why it matters, and why the same small group of people seems to be carrying all of it. Is this a coordination problem or an activation problem? What role should the NDP actually play in the boundaries fight? And are we spending as much time fighting each other as the actual fight?Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.You can email The Strategists at suggestionSbox@balanceofpowerpod.caJoin our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch our episodes on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shannon Phillips is joined by producer Haxim to finally answer a critical question: what the hell is going on in the Strategists Discord? From “bread fridge” memes to full-on policy fights, they unpack how the community actually works and why it's worth checking out.Then Shannon and Zain turn to Alberta's electoral boundary shakeup and the unprecedented move to hand map-drawing power to politicians themselves. What's actually happening with this new process, and what game is being played underneath it? Does this change the outcome before a vote is even cast? And how long before Discord daddy Zain logs off for cigarettes and never comes back?Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch our episodes on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a moment where things feel like they're slipping, what does control even look like?This week on Balance of Power, Shannon Phillips, Leah Ward, and Annalise Klingbeil step into a rough stretch for the Conservatives and unpack what happens when a party starts to wobble. From by-election losses to internal pressure, they walk through how instability takes hold and what it really takes to stop it.First: stopping the bleeding. What actually works when things start to slip? Is this about discipline, tone, or something deeper inside the operation?Then: the reset question. What does a real reset look like and who has to change for it to land? Can you adjust the message without changing the messenger?And finally: the long game. What does opposition look like when there's no quick path back? How do you rebuild credibility, keep a team together, and plan for three years instead of three months?Strategy, tone, internal pressure, and what it means to lead when things aren't going your way.Welcome to Balance of Power.Have a comment or idea? Email us at suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.caJoin the Strategists Podcast Network Patreon for ad-free episodes and access to our exclusive Discord:https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodMentioned in this episode:Stand Up for Alberta's Public Librarieshttps://www.caplibraries.ca/stand-up-for-albertas-public-libraries Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips dive into Carter's plan to use the Alberta Liberal Party as a campaign vehicle to fight the province's referendum questions. What problem is this actually solving, and why does the rulebook point here? When does “following the rules” start to look like breaking them? And how many non-consensual partnerships is this actually going to take?Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Get your tickets for the May 9th live show at https://strategistslive.ca/Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch our episodes on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a political moment where lines are blurring and power is shifting, what actually matters anymore?This week on Balance of Power, Shannon Phillips, Leah Ward, and Annalise Klingbeil dig into the growing trend of floor crossing. They talk about what it says about political values and whether consistency still counts in modern politics. From party loyalty to power plays, they unpack how decisions are really being made and who they're serving.Then: a rapid-fire round on housing, space exploration, and the moments shaping the conversation right now.Plus: our new segment, Quarterly Report, where the hosts share the small things keeping them grounded in chaotic times.Welcome to Balance of Power.Have a comment or idea? Email us at suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.caJoin the Strategists Podcast Network Patreon for ad-free episodes and access to our exclusive Discord:https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips talk about who should be Canada's next Governor General and what that choice is really about. What does the job actually require in this moment? What does any of this tell us about the state of the country right now? And did Strategists Media Corp really arrange a retreat in Mexico and just not tell Carter?Then for Patrons: Alberta, and what it means to actually meet the moment. When one side is willing to push, escalate, and set the terms, what is the opposition supposed to do in response? What does “finding the nerve” actually look like, and what happens when your instinct is to manage rather than confront?Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch our episodes on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when a leadership win sparks tension inside the party?This week on Balance of Power, Shannon Phillips, Leah Ward and Shannon Greer reflect on the legacy of Stephen Lewis, unpack the implications of Avi Lewis's decisive leadership win, and dig into what it all means for New Democrats across the country.First: legacy and loss. The panel reflects on Stephen Lewis' impact on Canadian politics, the NDP movement, and the organizing culture that still shapes campaigns today.Then: the new leader. What does Avi Lewis' win signal about where the federal NDP is headed? From shifts in labour relationships to a more populist policy approach, the hosts break down the opportunities, and risks, of this moment.Plus: Saskatchewan NDP leader Carla Beck joins the show to talk about affordability, energy policy, and the realities of building a government-in-waiting. From a healthcare system pushed to the brink, to rising costs and soaring power bills, and the challenge of connecting policy to people's day-to-day lives on the Prairies.“Legacy, Leadership, and What It Means to Be an Effective Opposition”Welcome to Balance of Power.Have a comment or idea? email us: suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.caGuestMLA Carla Beck, Leader of the Saskatchewan NDPhttps://www.ndpcaucus.sk.ca/carlabeckGuest HostShannon Greerhttps://www.newwestpublicaffairs.ca/shannon-greerMentioned in this episodeStephen Lewis' Eulogy for Jack Laytonhttps://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/1.1715421The Stephen Lewis Foundationhttps://stephenlewisfoundation.org/Stephen Lewis GOTV Speechhttps://www.facebook.com/reel/2076947419829035 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zain Velji, Shannon Phillips, and Stephen Carter talk about Avi Lewis's leadership win and the immediate political shockwaves across the country. They dive into how provincial NDP leaders are reacting, what this means for party unity, and whether this is a reset or a rupture. They also revisit Alberta gerrymandering from last week's Patreon exclusive episode and the strategy behind it. Who handled Avi Lewis's moment the best? What's actually going on with Alberta's boundaries fight, and who benefits? And how does Wab Kinew keep getting away with it?Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodWatch full episodes and clips on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is this about rights or strategy?This week on Balance of Power, Annalise Klingbeil, Leah Ward and Shannon Phillips talk kettlebells (kettleballs?) before digging into the politics behind the latest waves of anti-trans policy in Canada and what it reveals about how governments choose to fight.First: the framing. How “parental rights” moved from the margins to the centre of the debate and who it is actually for. Is this persuasion? Base mobilization? Or something else entirely?Then: the shift from clinical care to political conflict. What happens when decisions that used to sit with doctors, patients, and families get pulled into legislatures, and why that shift matters.Plus: the limits of the Charter. If governments are willing to test or override legal protections, what does that mean for how these fights play out going forward?And finally: if the courts are not enough, what options are left and what does an effective political response actually look like?Strategy, framing, legal limits, and what happens when politics moves faster than institutions.Welcome to Balance of Power.Have a comment or idea? email us: suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.ca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips dive into the most important poll in Canadian political history. They break down what name ID actually means and what this poll is really measuring. Then they pivot to the real game: golden cats, free Saudi planes, and how political scandals actually get built and stick. What does this poll actually tell us about polling, attention, and political relevance? Why do some stories take off while others need a push to build momentum? And how many defamation suits is producer Haxim quietly preventing?Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch our episodes on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Big news.Serious business.No press conference.Just a leak.This week on Balance of Power, Annalise Klingbeil, Leah Ward and Shannon Phillips dig into how this actually works.Government wants something out there.Not a scrum. Not a pile of questions.Their version. First.So it shows up in a column.A scoop.Headline already pointed where they want it.Why do it this way?What do they get out of it?And why does it still work?Then it gets into the weeds.Carbon pricing.Credits. Markets.How it's supposed to work.How it actually works.Shannon Phillips walks through it.Why some companies are sitting on credits.Why the price isn't what people think it is.And why this is heading for a fight with Ottawa.Policy is one thing.The story is another.Have a comment or idea? email us: suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.caJoin our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus Strategists episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shannon Phillips and Stephen Carter dive into the latest NDP leadership drama after Avi Lewis finds himself at the centre of a resurfaced clip mocking Shannon's time as Alberta's environment minister. What started as an old video quickly turns into a conversation about factional politics inside the NDP, leadership style, and what happens when activists try to run political parties. Is Avi Lewis trying to build a movement—or just impersonate one? Why does the “Zohran model” work in New York but struggle to translate to Canadian politics? And at what point does Carter's haircut become a national unity issue?Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch our episodes on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do political campaigns actually win once the voting starts?This week on Balance of Power, Annalise Klingbeil, Leah Ward and Shannon Phillips unpack the strategy behind the federal NDP leadership race as voting begins, check in on the budget fight unfolding in Nova Scotia, and talk about the rarely discussed cost of maintaining a political image in the age of constant cameras.First: the mechanics of a ranked-ballot leadership race. What do campaigns actually do once voting begins? How do second-choice alliances form behind the scenes, and why do turnout and member mobilization matter more than anything else in the final weeks?Then: Nova Scotia politics. Nova Scotia NDP leader Claudia Chender joins the show to explain how public protests forced Premier Tim Houston's government to partially reverse controversial budget cuts, and why telling human stories can still change political outcomes.Plus: the cost of a political face. From wardrobe budgets to cosmetic procedures to the constant scrutiny of cameras and social media, the panel discusses the financial and personal pressures women and gender-diverse politicians face that most voters never see.Leadership race strategy, opposition politics, and the realities of modern political image.Welcome to Balance of Power.Have a comment or idea? email us: suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.caGuestMLA Claudia Chenderhttps://www.claudiachender.ca/Mentioned in this episodeLeft East to West Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/5GLYrK3yElLMVYAML7W1gtShannon's Substackhttps://shannonphillips.substack.com/p/a-middle-power-but-actually Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips talk about a floor crossing that's shaking up the political landscape and what it says about where things are heading. They also talk about how the move cost Avi Lewis an endorsement in the federal NDP leadership race and what it might mean for the campaign heading into the final stretch. And will Zain finally solve the growing crisis surrounding his basketball team?Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.If you're female and would like to play basketball with Zain Velji for Leader, email playwithzain@zainforleader.caJoin our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch our episodes on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 4016: Is the Alberta NDP's Message Landing?Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips dive into the growing conversation around the Alberta NDP's strategy and whether Naheed Nenshi is breaking through with voters. They talk about polling, leader favourables, opposition tactics, and how an opposition actually builds momentum between elections. Is the NDP stuck in the mid-cycle doldrums or facing a real strategic problem? Should the party focus on energizing the base or targeting swing voters in Calgary? And at what point does Carter start invoicing the NDP?Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch our episodes on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips dive into Danielle Smith's referendum gambit and the fight over Alberta's immigration questions. What's the smartest way to run a No campaign? Should the NDP lead the fight or stay in the background? And will Carter ever forgive Shannon for ranking Honeycrisp apples number one?Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch our episodes on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are Alberta's immigration referendum questions actually about immigration, or about politics?This week on Balance of Power, Annalise Klingbeil and Leah Ward are joined by Dr. Bronwyn Bragg, a human geographer at the University of Lethbridge who studies labour migration and precarious work.First, the politics behind Alberta's proposed immigration referendum. The panel breaks down what the questions actually say and what they imply. How do complicated policy issues become simple political narratives? And what happens when those narratives start shaping public opinion?Then, the economics beneath the rhetoric. Using Brooks, Alberta and the meatpacking industry as a case study, Bronwyn explains how temporary foreign workers fit into the province's labour market and why industries that depend on migrant labour are often missing from the political conversation.Finally, facts, feelings, and the politics of immigration. When economic anxiety and housing pressure collide with political messaging, why do facts often fail to change minds? And what responsibility do political leaders have when public debate moves from policy into identity?Immigration policy, labour markets, referendum strategy, and a reminder that behind every political talking point are real communities and real people.Welcome to Balance of Power.Guest:Bronwyn Bragg, PhDhttps://bronwynbragg.caHave a comment or idea? email us: suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.ca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are we governing for the moment? Or reacting to it?This week on Balance of Power, Annalise Klingbeil, Leah Ward and Shannon Phillips break down three political pressure points, and what they reveal about leadership in high-stakes moments.First: The fallout from the Tumbler Ridge tragedy in B.C. After reporting revealed OpenAI had flagged violent content from the alleged shooter but did not alert authorities, the panel digs into AI regulation, public safety, and the politics of crisis response. How fast can governments realistically move? And when international media drives the story, does that change the pressure on Ottawa?Then: Alberta's referendum fight. With multiple groups organizing against separatism, and others pushing citizen initiatives of their own, is decentralized activism a strength or a liability? What does effective organizing actually look like before the writ drops?Plus: a new segment, The Opinionati. When progressive columnists publicly question Naheed Nenshi's leadership, what happens inside caucus? Is this a real warning sign — or just the hyper-engaged political class talking to itself? And if there is a pivot coming, what would it look like?AI, organizing, narrative control, and a reminder that sometimes the most strategic move is to touch grass and calm down.Welcome to Balance of Power. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips talk about whether Mark Carney should go early, how opposition parties actually win a legislative session, and why Danielle Smith's referendum fight might be exactly the battlefield the ANDP has to choose. Should Carney pull the trigger now? Is floor crossing “fine” when Pierre says it is? And how different would the trajectory of the nation be if Shannon had paid attention in those Olympic bid meetings?Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch our episodes on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Patreon teaser, Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips dive into Danielle Smith's nine question referendum gambit and the politics of putting Alberta on the ballot. Is this a distraction, or the agenda? How are the questions framed to win? And will Carter ever see his daughter again?Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch our episodes on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips dive into Jeneroux's decision to spend less time with his family by crossing the floor to the Liberals, rogue MP Jamil Jivani, and Danielle Smith's looming televised address. Is Mark Carney quietly outplaying everyone? Is Poilievre losing control of his caucus? And what exactly is a banana plus one?Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch our episodes on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Strategists Media Corporation, in association with The Strategists Podcast Network, presents Balance of Power, a new series offering a fresh lens on the forces shaping Canada's future.Are we misreading the political moment?This week, Annalise is away and Shannon Phillips and Leah Ward are joined by pollster and data scientist Kyla Ronellenfitsch, President of Relay Strategies, to cut through three dominant narratives: Alberta separatism, immigration backlash, and the supposed rightward shift among young voters.First: new reporting reveals Alberta separatist organizers meeting with officials at the U.S. State Department. How seriously should we take the movement? And what happens if it collides with Trump-era trade politics?Then: immigration. Is public concern rooted in xenophobia, the pace and direction of recent policy, economic anxiety, or all three? The panel examines what the data shows, why “out of control” has become such a powerful frame, and whether progressives may be reinforcing the very fears they're trying to counter.Plus: are Gen Z voters really drifting right? Kyla shares research challenging the “young men gone conservative” narrative and introduces a revealing contrast in Canadian politics: TV Dad vs YouTube Bro.Finally: Pierre Poilievre's rough week, polarizing favourables, and what happens when a campaign narrative flips.Welcome to Balance of Power.Guest:Kyla Ronellenfitsch, President of Relay StrategiesSubstack: relaywithkyla.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Patreon teaser, Stephen Carter and Zain Velji dive into whether looks still shape political destiny, unpack the machinery of campaign makeovers, and debate what “electable” means in 2026. They also turn to the quieter question of who really runs campaigns, and who gets paid to do it. Do voters want someone who looks like them, or someone just a notch better? Has the definition of electability changed? And did Shannon just seize the means of podcast production?Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps Carter in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch our episodes on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Strategists Media Corporation, in association with The Strategists Podcast Network, presents Balance of Power, a new series offering a fresh lens on the forces shaping Canada's future.Is Alberta separation gaining ground, and can it be stopped?In the debut episode of Balance of Power, Annalise Klingbeil, Leah Ward and Shannon Phillips unpack new polling showing 29% of Albertans would vote to leave Canada, and why that number could shift quickly in a referendum. They debate the messaging war behind separatism, the silence from business leaders, and what a Brexit-style shock could mean for the province.Plus: what an Edmonton community league on the brink of closure reveals about volunteer burnout, third spaces, and the state of democratic participation.And finally, Mark Carney's new national auto strategy — billions in public money, shifting EV rules, and a fundamental question: if companies want to sell cars in Canada, should they be required to build them here?Welcome to Balance of Power. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shannon Phillips and Stephen Carter do a weekly separatist checkup and debate what responsibility political commentators, operatives, and public figures have in moments like this. From there the conversation turns south, literally, as they examine Jamil Jivani's trip to Washington. Will there be a separation referendum regardless of how the signature drive ends? What did Jamil hope to accomplish by going rogue? And which halftime show did Carter actually watch?Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch our episodes on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ministry of Podcasts: Episode 5Be it resolved that the Minister of Podcasts, Stephen Carter, together with the Chair of Oral Questions, Zain Velji, do hereby call this sitting of The Ministry of Podcasts to order, notwithstanding heckling from the floor or ambient jackhammering.Be it further resolved that the House shall receive evidence from the duly sworn Member of Parliament and Parliamentary Secretary, Corey Hogan, on matters including but not limited to:The structural failure of Question Period and why 35 seconds is enough time for a slogan but not an answer,The strange experience of attending a Conservative convention as a Liberal observer,The risks of pretending separatism is just another wedge issue that will go away,And the difference between winning the moment and accidentally torching the country.And be it further noted that testimony was provided without central messaging, written talking points, or permission from anyone in authority, and was instead governed by lived experience, and a dangerous amount of strategic clarity.Therefore be it finally resolved that this episode, while lacking a formal agenda, shall be entered into the record as a cautionary tale, a media briefing, and a reminder that short-term tactics age quickly, but constitutional consequences do not. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shannon Phillips and Stephen Carter discuss a Conservative movement that has decided it will not pivot, will not moderate, and absolutely does not care who hates it for that choice. What does it mean when a party re-ups the leader voters say they don't like, even after winning the argument on the issues? Is wrapping yourself in the flag a real political move or just vibes? And did Stephen Carter get something right even with his brain frozen? Stick around to the end to find out.Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch our episodes on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips discuss Alberta separatism going international after reporting reveals meetings with U.S. officials, and what the different levels of government can, and shouldn't, do in response. How does a fringe movement become a foreign policy problem? What's the right move when separatist politics go too far? And does a producer organizing events without asking the hosts count as treason?Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch our episodes on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips discuss a federal stress test unfolding on two fronts: The killing of a Minneapolis man by federal immigration agents and open U.S. interference in Alberta's separatism debate. What happens when American political actors start shaping domestic politics? Why isn't there a more serious political pushback in the US after another fatal federal law enforcement shooting? And is anyone even pretending this is normal anymore?Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch our episodes on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspodAudio excerpt from "Unless You Are Free" by Ani DiFranco & Utah Phillips (Fellow Workers, Righteous Babe Records) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips dive into Canada's new world order as Mark Carney cuts a landmark trade deal with China and openly acknowledges that Washington is no longer a reliable partner. Stephen and Shannon break down what all of this means for Alberta separatism, NATO, and the future of Canadian sovereignty. Can Canada expand trade without selling out workers and Ontario auto jobs? Are Chinese EVs actually "spy cars," or is America now the bigger security risk? And if Carter is convinced he'll need his bug-out plan, is that the strongest argument that we won't? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch our episodes on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips dig into Alberta's latest separatist referendum push and ask the two questions that actually matter: is it inevitable, and is it likely? They break down the math behind the new 177,000-signature threshold, the organizational reality facing separatist groups, and why last summer's "Forever Canadian" petition may have been lightning in a bottle rather than a new normal.What political price does the UCP pay for flirting with separatism? Do pro-Canada forces need to organize again, or is ignoring the petition the smartest strategy? And if this thing somehow makes it to a referendum, which of the three hosts is least emotionally prepared to live through the campaign without yelling at strangers on the internet? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch our episodes on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Check the Orthodox Boxing Day deals, lower your expectations accordingly, and get ready as The Strategists unpack the year that was in the Flair Airlines* Better Late Than Never Holiday Spectacular. Stephen Carter, Shannon Phillips, and Annalise Klingbeil try to make sense of the last year in politics. From delayed responses and rare perfect landings to middle-seat nightmares, political rebirths and obituaries, Zain Velji keeps everybody in line.*not our sponsorJoin our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch our episodes on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips talk about Rebecca Schulz's sudden resignation from cabinet and what it signals about unity inside the UCP, and the country. They dive into the subtext of the resignation letter, whether this is about an oncoming referendum or possibly even an early election. Is this actually a problem for Danielle Smith or just another data point in a noisy political moment? What should we actually take from the Alberta Next panel? Signal? Noise? Or a roadmap to bigger trouble? And will Carter's MP return his calls about getting his toilet to flush? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch our episodes on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Be it resolved that the Minister of Podcasts, Stephen Carter, together with the Chair of Oral Questions, Zain Velji, do convene this sitting of The Ministry of Podcasts.Be it further resolved that the House shall hear testimony from the sworn Member of Parliament and Parliamentary Secretary, Corey Hogan, on matters pertaining to:The unintended lifecycle of political content in the outrage economy,The perils of attempting a pipeline gotcha with a motion that solves nothing,The difficulty of separating fact from fiction in a town that runs almost entirely on rumour,And the strategic advantage of naming the opposition play instead of reacting to it.Therefore be it finally resolved that this episode, having no formal agenda but much informal candour, stands as both a record of proceedings and an acknowledgement that a win is a win, even when it arrives with just 7.8% of the vote. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips dig into the Conservatives' pipeline motion, the Liberal response, and why Ottawa is spending its time debating make-believe infrastructure. What's the real strategy behind a motion about a pipeline that doesn't exist? How should the Liberals handle a fight built entirely on hypotheticals? And is Manitoba ready for the unique brand of chaos that follows Carter everywhere? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch our episodes on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zain Velji and Shannon Phillips dive into the weird, wonderful world of press-gallery comedy, from Don Davies' viral self-roast to Pierre Poilievre's carefully staged moment. How does the Press Gallery dinner work and does it still matter? What does "joyful negativity" look like in practice? And does the lack of "white noise" make the podcast any easier to listen to? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch this episode on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips dive into the generational, transformative MOU between the Canada and Alberta. They explain what it actually means, what it definitely doesn't, and why everyone involved is already gaming out the best and worst case scenarios. Is everyone suddenly buying pipelines? Who actually gained (and who got played)? And how up to date is Carter on the latest trends? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch this episode on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Strategists go live with His Worship, Jeromy Farkas, Mayor of Calgary, for a chaotic, surprisingly earnest, and occasionally ill-advised deep dive into how he won, what his plans are and how heavy the chains of office really are. Then the gang breaks into a mini-episode of Ministry of Podcasts with MP Corey Hogan to talk all things budget and floor crossing. Finally, Zain Velji, as always lets YOU pick the questions and keeps everybody in line in our audience questions segment.Originally recorded on November 12th, 2025Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch this episode on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips sort another chaotic week of Canadian politics into Take, Tweak or Trash. Are backbench politicians now influencers? What's the difference between economic and electoral politics? And how well can Zain host the show with half of his mouth frozen from the dentist? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch this episode on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.