West of Centre

Alberta is facing the prospect of its largest coordinated public-sector labour disruption in decades, with tens of thousands of workers poised to strike. Teachers, health-care professionals and government employees have voiced growing frustration with stalled negotiations — including 95 per cent of Alberta Teachers' Association members voting in favour of strike action. On this episode of West of Centre Short, host Rob Brown speaks with Jason Foster, a professor of human resources and labour relations at Athabasca University, about what's driving the unrest.Foster says many public-sector workers have endured nearly a decade of stagnant pay, followed by surging inflation and the emotional toll of the COVID-19 pandemic. Alberta's teachers were once the highest paid in Canada, but have since fallen behind their counterparts in other provinces. Class sizes are also a growing concern as the province's population continues to rise.What's different this time, Foster says, is that union members — not leadership — are driving the push for better deals. Workers are rejecting mediated agreements they see as inadequate and demanding more from the bargaining table.

Alberta's economy looks strong on paper, but many residents don't feel better off. Despite record oil production, rising exports and the highest GDP per capita in the country, wage stagnation and uneven wealth distribution have left many Albertans frustrated. In this episode of West of Centre, host Kathleen Petty speaks with economists Alicia Planincic of the Business Council of Alberta and Jim Stanford of the Centre for Future Work to unpack the province's economic paradox: how can a place so rich feel like it's falling behind?The conversation explores deeper structural issues, including weak capital investment, declining real wages across multiple sectors and whether job growth is keeping pace with population gains. The panel questions whether producing more oil would actually ease Alberta's economic challenges and examines the role of provincial and federal policy in shaping the province's fortunes.Looking beyond the oilpatch, the episode also considers Canada's broader economic strategy — from global trade risks to competition in AI — and what it will take to strengthen long-term growth.

Alberta's energy debate has long stretched beyond oil and gas, but in recent years, a wave of policy shocks has shaken investor confidence in the province's renewable sector. And while Premier Danielle Smith is sprinkling in “clean power” in her public messaging, the surprise moratorium on new wind and solar approvals in 2022 — followed by a series of restrictive regulations — continues to cast a long shadow over the future of renewables in Alberta.The government, meanwhile, says it has set out a sensible, balanced plan to grow renewables without compromising reliability or affordability. Last year, the Alberta Utilities Commission approved 24 new nenewable projects — outpacing the 12 approvals in 2023 but comparable to the 23 in 2022. The province's emphasis on natural gas as a baseload electricity source remains at odds with what some clean-energy advocates are calling for.In this episode of West of Centre Short, host Rob Brown speaks with Chris Severson-Baker, executive director of the Pembina Institute, about the fallout from Alberta's shifting regulations — and the challenges facing the renewable sector as political leaders try to chart a path forward for Canada's energy future.

Prime Minister Mark Carney is saying all the right things when it comes to building a new pipeline. He's invoking “nation-building,” touting Canada's potential as an “energy superpower,” and emphasizing the need for infrastructure to unlock economic growth. But squint at the details and contradictions emerge — most notably, the federal government's insistence that any such project would require consensus from all provinces and Indigenous communities along the route.This week on West of Centre, host Kathleen Petty tries to pick apart the Liberal government's murky pipeline messaging with former Canadian Energy Regulator CEO Gitane De Silva, infrastructure economist Kent Fellows and Financial Post reporter Meghan Potkins. It's not lost on the panel that even in Alberta — ground zero for pipeline advocacy — no private-sector player has stepped up with a new proposal.Companies remain scarred by a decade of regulatory reversals, legal battles and shifting economic realities, making them hesitant to take the first step without clear political backing or financial incentives. And the hurdles don't end there. From provincial resistance to port capacity to a cautious investment climate, the conversation lays bare just how far Canada may be from building another major pipeline.

The Carney era has officially begun. In his first week in the House of Commons, Prime Minister Mark Carney signalled a break from the performative theatrics that have defined federal politics in recent years. His new Liberal government is moving swiftly — scrapping the consumer carbon tax from law, cutting income taxes, and — more ambitiously — planning legislation to fast-track major national infrastructure projects.But skepticism is already mounting. Some Indigenous and environmental groups are voicing early concerns about whether promised consultations will be meaningful. Carney may be extending an olive branch to Alberta, but whether it results in a new pipeline remains to be seen.Meanwhile, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is grappling with growing separatist sentiment from within her own United Conservative Party. With party insiders pushing for a referendum on independence, Smith is walking a political tightrope. And she may not be the only one. As Pierre Poilievre campaigns to return to Parliament via a byelection in rural Alberta, could he face similar pressures?This week on West of Centre, host Kathleen Petty speaks with Laura Osman of The Logic, Dave Cournoyer of the Daveberta podcast, and University of Calgary political scientist Lisa Young.

Danielle Smith's extended political honeymoon, Naheed Nenshi's lukewarm debut, and Alberta's identity crisis — all captured in a fresh batch of polling data commissioned by CBC Calgary. On this episode of West of Centre Short, host Rob Brown speaks with pollster Janet Brown and data scientist John Santos to explore where Alberta's political winds are blowing at the halfway mark of the current UCP government's mandate.From voter impressions of the Alberta premier and her NDP challenger to shifting seat projections and separatist sentiment, the numbers tell a compelling story — one of “stick it to Ottawa” politics, polarization, and a province still wrestling with its feelings about Canada. *Note: This survey was conducted between May 7 and 21 with a representative sample of 1,200 Albertans. Margin of error is ±2.8 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. Fore more details, go to cbc.ca/calgary

When Tim Hodgson stepped up to the podium at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, he struck a tone rarely met with optimism in Alberta — especially from a Liberal cabinet minister.In this episode of West of Centre, guest host Jim Brown breaks down the early signals from Canada's new Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, as Hodgson attempts to reset Ottawa's rocky relationship with Western Canada's energy sector. A former chair of Hydro One and board member at MEG Energy, Hodgson brings both Bay Street credentials and oilpatch familiarity. He's leaning into both.Panelists Grant Sprague, former Alberta deputy energy minister; Globe and Mail energy reporter Emma Graney; and Bill Whitelaw, chair of the Canadian Society for Evolving Energy, weigh in on whether Hodgson's mix of financial savvy and prairie roots can translate into real results.

Canada's measles elimination status is at risk for the first time in decades, with Alberta among the hardest-hit provinces. This week on West of Centre Short, host Rob Brown speaks with University of Calgary health law expert Lorian Hardcastle about why Alberta is seeing a significant resurgence in cases — and the political forces that may be influencing the response.Hardcastle says Alberta's delayed reaction and initial silence from key leaders point to a deeper shift in how public health is communicated post-COVID. She traces the province's rising vaccine hesitancy to pandemic-era rhetoric about personal freedom and medical coercion, which she says has now extended to routine immunizations like the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) shot.With vaccination rates below 30 per cent among school-aged children in some Alberta communities, the province remains especially vulnerable. And while awareness campaigns and extended clinic hours have now ramped up, Hardcastle warns the damage may already be done.

Will the Liberal government — somewhat refreshed with a few new faces — help reset Ottawa's strained relationship with the West? That's the central question in this episode of West of Centre, as host Kathleen Petty is joined by former Liberal MP and leadership contender Martha Hall Findlay, Saskatchewan political columnist Murray Mandryk, and Calgary Sun writer Ricky Leong for a wide-ranging conversation about federal-provincial fault lines, cabinet signals and the spectre of separatism.The panel unpacks early reaction to Prime Minister Mark Carney's new cabinet — particularly the appointment of Tim Hodgson as energy minister, a move broadly welcomed by industry insiders. Hodgson's background suggests a more pragmatic approach, but skepticism lingers, especially with former environment minister Steven Guilbeault still at the cabinet table, now overseeing culture and identity. The bigger mystery may be whether he'll join Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe for an ATV ride.The deeper tension, though, lies in Alberta's newly lowered threshold for citizen-led referendums — widely seen as paving the way for a non-binding vote on independence. The panel explores how the strategy may allow Premier Danielle Smith to deflect accountability while channeling public anger. Still, there's broad consensus that most Albertans and Saskatchewanians aren't angry at Canada — they're frustrated with the last federal government. Whether this becomes a moment for renewal or rupture will depend on what kind of leadership emerges on both sides of the divide.

Edmonton MP Heather McPherson says the federal NDP must reconnect with its working-class roots as it looks to rebuild after a historic election loss. In an interview with CBC host Rob Brown on West of Centre Short, McPherson acknowledged the sting of losing all but seven seats — five of them west of Ontario — but said the party can rebuild from its western strongholds. She pointed to Edmonton Strathcona's long-standing legacy of NDP leadership, both federally and provincially, as a foundation for growth.McPherson called for a pragmatic approach to energy and climate policy, stressing the need to reduce emissions while protecting jobs. While she didn't rule out supporting future infrastructure such as an east-west pipeline, she said any such project would require consultation with Indigenous communities and other provinces.The conversation also touched on leadership speculation. McPherson didn't rule out a bid to replace Jagmeet Singh, saying she's “getting asked a lot” and remains open to the idea. She dismissed suggestions that the Alberta NDP's move to decouple provincial and federal memberships signals a deeper rift, describing the party as a “big tent” with shared values across the country. As for whether the next leader should come from the West, she said prairie pragmatism could help ground the party — but added the tone must also reflect the voices of grassroots members coast to coast.

Is Alberta inching closer to the exit door? Premier Danielle Smith insists she's a federalist — but her government's latest moves are making it easier for citizens to trigger a referendum on independence. With fresh polling from the Angus Reid Institute showing a majority of UCP voters in favour of holding a secession vote, the big question is: is this a tactical play to reset Alberta's relationship with Ottawa, or a strategy to keep her party's restless base onside?This week, West of Centre host Kathleen Petty unpacks Smith's political high-wire act: is she turning up the heat, or genuinely trying to cool things down? We also dive into growing speculation that the premier is laying the groundwork for an early provincial election.Joining the conversation: former UCP executive director Brad Tennant, former Alberta NDP cabinet minister Shannon Phillips, and editorial writer Doug Firby. Plus, a look ahead to key byelections and whether Mark Carney's new Liberal government might try to smooth things over with Alberta by handing one (or both) of its newly elected Liberal MPs a cabinet post.

Two-in-five Canadians think Alberta separation is a real possibility — even though most would reject the idea, new polling shows.In the wake of the 2025 federal election, exit polling from Research Co. reveals that 40 per cent of Canadian voters believe Alberta separation could actually happen. That number jumps to 58 per cent within Alberta — though only a minority would welcome it. Speaking with host Rob Brown on West of Centre Short, pollster Mario Canseco says it's the highest level of perceived plausibility his firm has ever recorded. He notes the framing of the question — posed in the context of a Liberal victory in provinces that overwhelmingly vote Conservative — may have nudged some respondents toward seeing separation as more likely. But with Donald Trump repeatedly invoking the idea of a 51st state and Premier Danielle Smith lowering the bar for referendums, Canseco defends the framing as realistic for a region where discontent runs deep.Canseco says the broader trend is clear: younger voters and conservatives are more open to separation, and that aligns with other national data. This isn't just post-election chatter, he argues — it's a growing feeling of estrangement that Ottawa can't afford to ignore. Note: No poll is absolute, especially one conducted amid the unique and evolving circumstances of a developing story. This online survey was conducted with 1,201 voters between April 27 and 29, 2025, and carries a margin of error of ±2.8 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

Mark Carney's steady economic message resonated with voters, helping the Liberals secure a fourth consecutive term — though still a minority. But the results have stirred fresh tensions with Alberta, where Premier Danielle Smith is moving ahead to lower the bar for referendums as talk of separatism re-emerges. In this episode of West of Centre, host Kathleen Petty explores what the outcome means for Canada's future — and Alberta's increasingly restless role within Confederation.Three Calgary voters — Darryl, Sunil and Chelsea — offer raw, personal reflections. While Chelsea calls the election a rejection of Trumpism, Sunil, a disappointed Conservative supporter, questions whether his party can ever win under the current political setup. The panel debates Carney's appeal to centrists, the collapse of the NDP, and whether Alberta's political class is rallying voters or fanning division.Later, former Conservative cabinet minister Monte Solberg and political strategist Stephen Carter join for a spirited post-mortem. Carter jokes about his Strategists podcast partner Corey Hogan's surprise win in Calgary Confederation, while both guests assess Carney's leadership, Pierre Poilievre's limits and Smith's political calculations. Despite their differences, they agree: if the Liberals want to ease Western alienation, Alberta needs a real voice in cabinet — and Smith has a window to show she can build bridges, not just burn them.

In the wake of a federal election that saw the Conservatives defeated once again, despite a notable increase in support, political columnist and author John Ibbitson joins West of Centre Short to argue a deeper political realignment is underway.In conversation with host Rob Brown, Ibbitson revisits the central thesis of The Big Shift — the 2013 book he co-wrote with pollster Darrell Bricker — which outlines how political power in Canada has been shifting away from the traditional “Laurentian elite” of central Canada toward a growing Conservative coalition rooted in the West and among suburban immigrant voters.While the 2025 vote produced another Liberal minority, Ibbitson argues the result was less about domestic dynamics than about external disruption. He points to U.S. president Donald Trump's threats of tariffs and annexation, which he says triggered a voter stampede — particularly among older suburban Canadians — toward Liberal leader Mark Carney, whom Ibbitson firmly places within the Laurentian tradition, despite his Edmonton roots.Still, Ibbitson believes the demographic and cultural trends outlined in The Big Shift remain intact. In this episode, he explores the rising influence of Western Canada, evolving immigrant voter patterns in key regions like the 905, the weakening of the NDP, and the potential for a realigned progressive coalition. He argues these shifts could contribute to a growing instability in the country — marked by both horizontal divisions (regional discontent in Alberta and Quebec) and vertical ones (a widening generational split in political values).

Canadians have re-elected a Liberal government — proof that a few months, a new leader, and a dose of Trump panic can shift the political winds. On this special late-night edition of West of Centre: After Dark, host Rob Brown convenes Liberal strategist Sabrina Grover, conservative strategist Sarah Biggs and NDP strategist Cheryl Oates for hot takes, hard truths and a touch of political therapy.Running on election night pizza and too much caffeine, the panel unpacks how the Liberals pulled off a surprise comeback, why the Conservatives might be in turmoil despite a historic share of the vote, and what's left for the NDP after a crushing collapse. From Pierre Poilievre potentially losing his seat, to who might be plotting to replace party leaders, to Danielle Smith preparing for another round with Ottawa — this episode has it all, except the final results. (Note: This conversation was recorded at 11 p.m. MT on election night, with several key ridings still undecided.)

As the 2025 federal election barrels toward the finish line, three generations of Prairie political minds sit down for a lively conversation about the campaign's final stretch. West of Centre guest host Jim Brown is joined by Shannon Greer, a Calgary-based strategist and proud millennial; Malcolm Bird, a Gen X political science professor from Winnipeg; and Douglas Richardson, a Saskatoon lawyer, grandfather and former chief of staff to John Turner. Together, they hand out "report cards" to the major party leaders, assessing everything from campaign vibes to how effectively they've targeted different generations of voters. From young voters swinging Conservative to baby boomers sticking with the Liberals, the panel debates whether these shifting allegiances are rooted in hope, anger or economic anxiety.

The Conservative Party has dubbed the past nine years of Liberal rule a “lost decade” — a period defined by stagnating wages, soaring debt and declining productivity. But Alberta Central's chief economist Charles St-Arnaud says the story is more complicated — and more alarming. In this wide-ranging and insightful interview with host Rob Brown on West of Centre Short, St-Arnaud traces Canada's economic malaise back not just to 2015, but to structural problems that have been festering for 25 to 30 years. He argues that the oil and gas boom of the early 2000s papered over deep weaknesses in manufacturing and exports. Since the 2014 oil crash, Canada has seen a collapse in investment, rising household debt and a disturbing lag in productivity. With GDP per capita now lagging behind that of peer nations, he says the country faces a pivotal moment: one that calls for renewed investment in infrastructure and productive capital, a rethink of immigration and regulatory frameworks, and a broad effort to strengthen non-energy sectors — or risk a future defined by economic stagnation.

West of Centre hits the road for a special live show from Medicine Hat — Canada's sunniest city and the backdrop for big questions about energy, identity and the future of the West. Host Kathleen Petty is joined by a panel featuring former Alberta Party leader Barry Morishita, former UCP MLA Michaela Frey and pollster Janet Brown for a wide-ranging conversation on Western alienation, interprovincial trade and the role of mid-sized cities in provincial and national politics. Rochelle Pancoast, the City of Medicine Hat's managing director of energy, land and environment, also joins the discussion. The event wraps with a lively Q&A with the audience.This episode of West of Centre was made possible through a partnership with the Medicine Hat Public Library, and marks a preview of CBC's future expansion into the "Gas City" with the launch of a new local bureau.

From method acting to music stands doubling as podiums, debate prep is part serious business, part political theatre. Ahead of the highly anticipated federal debates — the first major showdown between Liberal Leader Mark Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre — CBC's Rob Brown gets the inside story from two political strategists with firsthand experience. Shannon Andrews helped Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe prepare his talking points against NDP leader Carla Beck, while Jean-Marc Prevost channelled his inner B.C. Conservative leader John Rustad to help Premier David Eby get debate-ready. In this episode of West of Centre Short, the two self-described political nerds pull back the curtain on what really goes on behind the scenes — and offer some candid advice for the federal party leaders.

Crowd sizes have suddenly become a talking point in the federal election, with many comparing Pierre Poilievre's massive rally in Edmonton to Mark Carney's smaller, but still maxed-out, event in Calgary. Meanwhile, polls suggest the Liberals are holding a steady lead over the Conservatives. Are the Tories in serious trouble? And how many gaffes can Carney make before one finally sticks? Past midway through the campaign, is it too soon to call him a ‘Teflon' candidate? West of Centre host Kathleen Petty explores these questions with political strategists Michael Solberg and Zain Velji, and freelance journalist Kathy Kerr from Edmonton. They also discuss how much weight should be placed on reports of half a dozen or so ridings in play across Alberta.*Please note this episode contains explicit language.

Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman spearheaded the Chicago School, popularizing free-market ideas that reshaped American conservatism. But Canada has its own counterpart: the so-called “Calgary School,” a loose group of University of Calgary academics whose ideas helped shape this country's right-of-centre movement. Their influence can be seen in the policies and perspectives of conservative leaders ranging from Stephen Harper and Danielle Smith to Pierre Poilievre. In this episode of West of Centre Short, host Rob Brown speaks with Barry Cooper — the last active, original member of the Calgary School — about how this informal group challenged Canada's traditional, "Laurentian" political and cultural mindset.

Everything we know about “the West” seems to be shifting this week. On a global scale, the U.S. has upended the post-war international order by slapping tariffs on dozens of countries, effectively shredding free trade. Closer to home, former Reform Party leader Preston Manning warns of a potential “West wants out” scenario if the Liberals form government again. How real are these threats? West of Centre host Kathleen Petty talks with three everyday Albertans about navigating this highly unusual election. Journalists Rob Breakenridge and Lisa Johnson then weigh in on whether these pressures could redefine the upcoming election — and Canada's political landscape at large.

West of Centre is hitting the road to Medicine Hat for a special live show at the Esplanade centre on April 16! Join host Kathleen Petty and producer Falice Chin, along with a lineup of insightful guests, as they delve into the city's “Gas City” reputation and the challenges of transitioning away from local natural gas. The conversation will also tackle issues like Western alienation in Premier Danielle Smith's home riding — and we want you to be part of it. Presented in partnership with the Medicine Hat Public Library, this event is free to attend: reserve your tickets now at cbc.ca/mycalgary. For VIP tickets, email westofcentre@cbc.ca. We hope to see you there!

For the first time in months, U.S. President Donald Trump isn't calling Canada's prime minister the “governor of the 51st state.” But Prime Minister Mark Carney insists the “old relationship” between Canada and the United States — anchored by deep economic, security and military ties — has come to an end. Meanwhile, the first week of the election campaign has been consumed by tariff tensions, eclipsing tax-cut promises and prompting concern among conservative stalwarts that Pierre Poilievre's CPC could be losing focus. An apparent collapse in NDP support and a last-minute scramble to confirm candidates add to the drama of an already unpredictable race. Join Kathleen Petty on West of Centre as she delves into these shifting dynamics with Rob Russo from The Economist, Shannon Waters from The Narwhal, and the CBC's Jason Markusoff. *Note this episode contains explicit language

After what feels like the longest federal election buildup in recent memory, the race is finally about to begin. New Liberal leader Mark Carney is barely out of the gate and already showing signs of impatience — and inexperience — under media scrutiny. With a compressed timeline and an unpredictable political climate, parties are scrambling to sharpen their messages and connect with voters. Just days before the expected election call, West of Centre host Kathleen Petty speaks with pollster Janet Brown, conservative strategist Colin Aitchison, and former Alberta NDP staffer Jean-Marc Prevost about the stakes, the strategies, and how to read this moment in public opinion polling.

The border between Canada and the United States may seem fixed today, but more than a century ago, it was anything but. In this episode of West of Centre Short, host Rob Brown explores the political storms of the 19th century — when Canadians feared American annexation, tariffs fueled tensions, and the idea of manifest destiny shaped expansionist ambitions. Historian Elizabeth Jameson explains how those forces continue to influence politics — and Donald Trump — today.

Canada has a new prime minister and a smaller cabinet with several familiar faces. As Mark Carney takes charge amid a trade war with the U.S., his first diplomatic stop isn't Washington but France and the UK. Meanwhile, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Ontario Premier Doug Ford clash over whether to use oil exports as leverage. With an election looming, tensions rise between Carney and Pierre Poilievre, setting the stage for a heated campaign. Host Kathleen Petty returns to break it all down with former Conservative MP Monte Solberg, Liberal strategist Sabrina Grover, and economist Kent Fellows, exploring the new cabinet, Canada's trade and energy challenges, and what "standing up to Trump" really means.

Donald Trump's tariffs have triggered a political earthquake in Canada, rattling markets and forging a rare alignment among leaders from Doug Ford to Danielle Smith to Justin Trudeau. In response, Canada is pushing back with counter-tariffs, boycotts, and sharp rhetoric aimed south of the border. With public sentiment shifting and emotions running high, what opportunities and risks do these tensions create for politicians? And as the federal race heats up, who do Canadians trust most to steer the country through turmoil? Pollster Shachi Kurl, economist Todd Hirsch and editorial writer Doug Firby join host Jim Brown to break it all down — with a dose of much-needed humour.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Donald Trump remain at odds over tariffs in what The Wall Street Journal labels the “dumbest trade war in history.” While automakers have secured a temporary reprieve, other sectors face an uncertain future. Federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller responds to Trump's accusation that Canada's border-security and fentanyl efforts are “not good enough,” and speaks with host Jim Brown about operating under the new world (dis)order.

Political leaders across the spectrum are promising major infrastructure projects to strengthen Canada's economy and sovereignty. In this West of Centre Short, host Rob Brown speaks with Zach Parston, a major projects advisor lead with KPMG Canada, about what it would take to modernize the country's infrastructure. His plan includes a national corridor, preapproved industrial zones, expanded ports, Northern development and the removal of interprovincial trade barriers.

Alberta is back in the red, with the government forecasting a $5.2-billion deficit for Budget 2025 — its first in years. Finance Minister Nate Horner warns the financial picture could worsen, especially if Donald Trump's proposed tariffs take effect. Despite the bleak outlook, the UCP government is introducing a personal income tax cut. Critics argue the budget lacks focus — or a real plan for the worst-case scenario. Host Jim Brown breaks down the numbers with political scientist Lisa Young, former NDP cabinet minister Deron Bilous, and conservative strategist Amber Ruddy. Later, economist Trevor Tombe weighs in on the province's decision to run a deficit rather than balance the budget or reconsider its plans for the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith moves to regain control of the narrative after weeks of distancing herself from allegations of political interference — now at the center of a series of Globe and Mail reports and a wrongful dismissal lawsuit filed by a former Alberta Health Services CEO. While the NDP brands the controversy "CorruptCare," Smith pushes back, arguing AHS resisted change and acted too slowly. With her health minister under fire, a top bureaucrat shuffled aside, and an internal review process underway, Smith manoeuvres to steady the UCP ship. Meanwhile, new polling shows rising support for the federal Liberals under Mark Carney among young voters. This week on West of Centre, host Jim Brown breaks it all down with conservative insiders Erika Barootes and Sarah Biggs, along with health policy expert Lorian Hardcastle.

This week, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is juggling two battles—diplomatic in Washington and defensive at home. As she joins Canada's premiers in efforts to counter looming U.S. tariffs, a political storm brews in Alberta. Former Alberta Health Services CEO Athana Mentzelopoulos has filed a wrongful dismissal lawsuit, alleging she was fired for investigating what she believed were questionable private health-care contracts. The allegations have not been tested in court, but the case has prompted calls from both the NDP opposition and a cabinet minister for Health Minister Adriana LaGrange's removal. How much political fallout could this controversy create for Smith and LaGrange? And how is the NDP responding? Meanwhile, a new Leger poll suggests a Mark Carney-led Liberal Party could erase recent Conservative gains, shaking up the federal race. Host Jason Markusoff speaks with political strategists Cheryl Oates and Andrew Sennyah, with longtime journalist Graham Thomson providing historical perspective.

Across Canada, more young people are ditching progressive politics and embracing conservatism. In this West of Centre Short, host Anis Heydari explores why Gen Z is swiping right — politically. Calgarians Sally Zhou, 24, and Chase Zaba, 18, share what drew them to the Conservative Party of Canada.

For years, Canadians have listened to Trump supporters boasting: “Make America great again.” And most have sat quietly and done nothing. Not anymore. Threats of U.S. tariffs and annexation have sparked a wave of patriotism across Canada. Former Alberta premier and federal cabinet minister Jason Kenney joins West of Centre to reflect on this moment, discussing with host Jason Markusoff what it reveals about nation-building, national security, Canada's economic strengths, and the steps needed to make the country more resilient and independent.Later, a panel featuring journalist Alex Boyd, conservative strategist Evan Menzies, and former NDP aide Shannon Greer unpacks the ongoing shakeup at Alberta Health Services and the Alberta auditor general's investigation into procurement and contracting practices related to the dismissal of former CEO Athana Mentzelopoulos.

Tariffs today, tariffs tomorrow, or tariffs on April 1? As Donald Trump keeps Canada guessing, Ottawa scrambles to prepare a response. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is spotlighting border security, while federal leaders hint at a bailout package for businesses and workers — echoing pandemic-era relief. Speaking of pandemic flashbacks, Alberta's COVID response task force report is stirring old debates on masking, vaccines and government overreach. This week, conservative policy advisor Ken Boessenkool and former NDP cabinet minister Shannon Phillips join host Jason Markusoff to unpack the political manoeuvring behind the tariff standoff and a pandemic reckoning five years in the making. Later, energy expert Jackie Forrest of the ARC Energy Research Institute challenges Trump's claim that the U.S. doesn't need Canadian oil — and explains why it's not that simple.

What might a federal relief package for industries and workers look like if Ottawa is preparing for devastating U.S. tariffs? Federal Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc visited Calgary to meet with business leaders and Premier Danielle Smith. In this new supplemental segment called West of Centre Short, host Rob Brown asks LeBlanc how a federal plan might take shape, whether the Liberals are rethinking regulatory hurdles for oil and gas infrastructure, and sneaks in a question about Donald Trump's musings about annexation.

Political and business leaders are expressing caution about Canada's potential use of retaliatory tariffs in response to Donald Trump's renewed trade threats. Critics warn that Canada's economic leverage may fall short, risking significant harm to key industries. The premiers appear divided on the issue, despite Ontario Premier Doug Ford's insistence that “country comes first.” In Trump's first week as the 47th president of the United States, West of Centre host Kathleen Petty explores the implications of his aggressive trade stance. Joining the conversation are Deborah Yedlin, president and CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce; Adam Legge, president of the Business Council of Alberta; and Gitane De Silva, Alberta's former senior representative to the U.S. during Trump's first term. 

Danielle Smith charts her own path through choppy waters. Ahead of the first ministers' meeting in Ottawa, the Alberta premier heads to Mar-a-Lago to meet Donald Trump, then refuses to back a united Canadian response to a potential trade war. While Ontario Premier Doug Ford calls for the country to use “every tool in our toolbox" against the proposed American tariffs on Canadian goods, Smith draws a hard line — Alberta won't agree to restrict energy exports. With national unity on the brink, West of Centre host Kathleen Petty dives into the fallout with Heather Exner-Pirot of the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, Zain Velji of The Strategists podcast, and Gary Mar of the Canada West Foundation.

The Liberal Party of Canada is under immense pressure to select a new leader in record time — two months. Parliament is prorogued while Trump's threats over tariffs and Canadian sovereignty ramp up. Who will actually want to lead a party in turmoil into what could be a massive defeat in the next federal election? Host Kathleen Petty is joined by Ian Brodie, former chief of staff to Prime Minister Stephen Harper; Martha Hall Findlay, who ran against Justin Trudeau in the last Liberal party leadership race; and Corey Hogan from the Strategists podcast.

A UCP leadership review. A shifting conversation on the border, brought on by Donald Trump's tariff threats. Naheed Nenshi taking the reins of the NDP, and the new fight ticket heading into the next provincial election. And that's just to name a few of the big Alberta political stories this year. Host Kathleen Petty is joined by Zain Velji from Northweather, Alex Boyd from the Toronto Star and the CBC's Jason Markusoff to reflect on the dizzying pace of politics in 2024. Plus, conversation around the rapidly developing situation in Ottawa after Chrystia Freeland's abrupt resignation on Monday, and a look at the results in the Lethbridge-West byelection.

When Donald Trump refers to the “great state “of Canada and threatens 25 percent tariffs, there's bound to be a strong reaction. Ontario wants to retaliate. Alberta wants to negotiate. Also on the pod, Rachel Notley resigns her Edmonton seat and several bizarre references to “horse hands”.Panelists include Keith McLaughlin, Lisa Young and Erika Barootes.