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At Issue this week: Canada Post workers go back on strike after the Liberals unveil a plan to save it from its ‘existential crisis.' The Conservatives call for the public safety minister to be fired over leaked gun buyback comments. And Prime Minister Mark Carney tries to find more trade allies. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
There are more than two dozen members of Mark Carney's cabinet, but who, aside from Carney himself, is the most powerful, the most influential? That's one of the questions up for discussion this week on Reporter's Notebook with Althia Raj and Rob Russo. The upcoming budget and the PM's trip to the United Nations are also on the agenda. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
At Issue this week: Prime Minister Mark Carney goes to Mexico to try and shore up a new trade partnership. Chrystia Freeland and David Lametti leave the Liberal team. And the federal government asks the Supreme Court to limit how provinces use the notwithstanding clause. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
Newly minted Liberal Leader Mark Carney ran on an ambitious platform. He promised quick and bold action. But six months into his tenure as prime minister, what have Canadians witnessed? This week on “It's Political” we'll get a variety of viewpoints on how Carney is dealing with Trump, the economy, the environment, among other issues. Then, the Toronto Star's Ottawa bureau will discuss the challenges this government faces in passing its agenda. Who will be Carney's dance partner? And how does the NDP's search for a new leader, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's review play into those considerations? Host Althia Raj is joined by politics reporters Ryan Tumilty and Raisa Patel, and the Star's deputy Ottawa Bureau Chief Alex Ballingall. Also featured on this episode: Mark Warner, Principal at MAAW Law; economist Don Drummond, the Stauffer-Dunning fellow at Queen's University and a fellow-in-residence at C.D. Howe; and Anna Johnston, a staff lawyer at West Coast Environmental Law. This episode of “It's Political” was produced by Kevin Sexton and Althia Raj. Matt Hearn is our sound engineer. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel. Some of the audio clips this week were sourced from CPAC, CBC, CTV and BBC.
At Issue special edition: Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre returns to the House of Commons after winning his Alberta by-election, facing off with Prime Minister Mark Carney for the first time in Parliament. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
At Issue this week: What the first projects on Prime Minister Mark Carney's approval fast track signal about the government's direction. MPs prepare to return to Parliament , but have the dynamics shifted? And Conservatives target the Temporary Foreign Workers program. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
Althia Raj and Rob Russo work the halls and corridors of Parliament Hill every day that the House of Commons is in session. Althia is a senior columnist with the Toronto Star, Rob is the Canadian correspondent for The Economist. They'll alternate Tuesdays with the Moore-Butts Conversations.
At Issue this week: The Liberal government pushes to expedite Prime Minister Mark Carney's contentious major projects bill, despite objections from Indigenous communities. Canada commits to a new relationship with India. And Pierre Poilievre starts a podcast. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
In this politics roundup, we first check in with the CBC's Aaron Wherry in the Alberta Rockies about the main takeaways from the G7 summit, which wrapped without Donald Trump after he left to deal with the escalating Israel-Iran conflict. Then, we speak to Toronto Star national columnist Althia Raj about C-5, an omnibus bill which is moving through parliament at breakneck speed. The bill's intent is to speed up approval for resource projects, but it's been panned by critics as dangerous and undemocratic.For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts
At Issue this week: Minister Mark Carney invites Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the G7 summit. Canada gets a defence spending boost. And how close are we to a trade deal with the U.S.? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
Canada's Minister of National Defence David McGuinty joins Althia to discuss increases to the country's defense budget and what the relationship looks like with the U.S. going forward. Their conversation follows Prime Minister Mark Carney's announcement this week that Canada will greatly increase military spending to 2 per cent of GDP just as NATO allies get together later this month to discuss raising the bar to 5 per cent. We also speak to industry experts about just how integrated the Canadian and American militaries are, and what it would mean to become less reliant on the U.S. In this episode: Minister of National Defence David McGuinty; Centre for International Governance Innovation's visiting executive and former National Defence director general Raquel Garbers, University of Ottawa associate professor and former bureaucrat Peter Jones; Canadian Global Affairs Institute President and CEO David Perry. Hosted by Althia Raj. This episode of “It's Political” was produced by Kevin Sexton and Althia Raj. Matt Hearn is our sound engineer. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel. Some of the audio clips this week were sourced from CPAC, CBC, Canadian Press Gallery, C-SPAN, CNN, CTV, CBS, BBC and NATO News.
At Issue this week: Sources tell CBC/Radio-Canada that Carney and Trump have shared private calls and texts about tariffs. Premiers pitch their infrastructure projects to the prime minister. And does a new border security bill go too far? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
The Liberals have tabled new legislation that would significantly expand law enforcement powers and tighten immigration of all kinds, including refugee claims, in a move to appease the Trump White House — but critics say it raises major concerns for Canadians' civil liberties.Meanwhile, Mark Carney met with Canada's provincial and territorial premiers this week in his first ever first ministers' meeting, and the post-meeting vibes have been extremely positive. There seems to be a general agreement on the idea of building a new east-west pipeline — but almost nothing else about it is clear, including who would actually build it. How long will the honeymoon last?The Toronto Star's Althia Raj and CBC Ottawa's Aaron Wherry are on the show to tackle this political doubleheader.For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts
At Issue this week: How will another week of back-and-forth on tariffs from the U.S. change Canada's negotiating position? The changing dynamics in the House under a new government. Plus, the prime minister looks to sell his plans to the premiers. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
MPs returned to the House of Commons this week with three leaders missing from the chamber: Justin Trudeau, Pierre Poilievre and Jagmeet Singh. But that wasn't the only difference on Parliament Hill. His Majesty, King Charles III, came to Canada to read Prime Minister Mark Carney's first throne speech — widely seen as a message to U.S. President Donald Trump and to Canadians about this country's unflinching sovereignty. On today's episode of “It's Political,” the Star's Ottawa bureau breaks down the latest news from the start of Carney's first term as an elected prime minister. In this episode: Toronto Star deputy Ottawa bureau chief Alex Ballingall, Ottawa bureau reporter Raisa Patel, Ottawa bureau reporter Mark Ramzy. Hosted by Althia Raj. “It's Political” is produced by Althia Raj and Kevin. Matt Hearn is our sound engineer. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel. Some of the audio clips this week were sourced from CPAC and CBC.
King Charles delivers a historic speech from the throne in Parliament. The National's At Issue panel breaks down the message and what it tells Canadians about the federal government's priorities under Prime Minister Mark Carney. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
At Issue this week: Prime Minister Mark Carney sets the stage for a throne speech with a mandate letter outlining tasks and priorities for his cabinet. Canada looks beyond the U.S. for allies. And, Liberal MPs will soon decide whether to give themselves the powers to order leadership reviews. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
At Issue this week: Prime Minister Mark Carney has assembled a new cabinet, but what do his choices say about his priorities? The government comes under fire for delaying its first budget. And, a Quebec riding at the centre of a recount and mail-in ballot fight. Rosemary Barton hosts Althia Raj, Aaron Wherry and Rob Russo
Will Prime Minister Mark Carney's meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump change anything with for the Canada-U.S. relationship? Andrew Scheer steps up for the Conservatives as interim Opposition leader in the House. And, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith re-ignites the sovereignty debate. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Althia Raj and Aaron Wherry
What are Conservative MPs and candidates thinking as the party regroups after their election loss and charts a path forward? On this week's show, we ask some of them. But first, Toronto Star reporter Raisa Patel gets us caught up on what happened at the Conservatives' caucus meeting Tuesday. In this episode: Toronto Star politics reporter Raisa Patel; Greg McLean, MP for Calgary Centre; Bernard Généreux, MP for Côte-du-Sud-Rivière-du-Loup-Kataskomiq-Témiscouata;and Garry Keller, former Conservative candidate for Nipissing-Timiskaming, and vice-president at StrategyCorps. Hosted by Althia Raj. This episode of “It's Political” was produced by Kevin Sexton and Althia Raj. Matt Hearn is our sound engineer. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel. Some of the audio clips this week were sourced from CTV, CPAC, CBC and Michelle Ferriri's Instagram Account.
At Issue this week: Prime Minister Mark Carney's new minority government faces multiple challenges, but where should he start? What's next for the Conservatives and Pierre Poilievre? Plus, can the Green Party find a role on Parliament Hill? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
The federal election results are in. The Liberals have won a fourth term with Mark Carney at the helm, besting Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives but falling just shy of a majority government. While the Tories have much to celebrate, Poilievre's seat loss in Carleton is a major wrinkle that will impact his party for the next few months and possibly years. The NDP also saw its leader Jagmeet Singh lose his seat. Singh said he would resign on election night after leading the party to the worst electoral result in its history. This week, our panel of recovering partisans weighs in on both of those storylines, as well as the challenge Carney faces and how long this 169-seat minority government can survive. In this episode: Karen Vecchio, the outgoing Conservative MP for Elgin—Middlesex—London; David Christopherson, the former NDP MP for Hamilton Centre; and Rodger Cuzner, the former Liberal MP for Cape Breton—Canso, and now an independent Senator. Hosted by Althia Raj. This episode of “It's Political” was produced by Althia Raj and Kevin Sexton. Kevin also mixed this episode. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel. Some of the audio clips this week were sourced from CPAC, CBC and CTV. Note: At the time of the panel recording, latest figures showed the Liberals at 169 seats. After a validation process, Elections Canada has reported that one of those seats has flipped to the Bloc Québecois. There will be a judicial recount for that seat
At Issue: Canada Votes edition | A tight race leaves the Liberals with a minority, the Conservatives with a seatless leader and a country divided. Can Prime Minister Mark Carney build unity in the face of unprecedented threats, and what comes next for the House of Commons? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
In this episode: Toronto Star Ottawa deputy bureau chief Alex Ballingall and Ottawa bureau reporters Ryan Tumilty, Raisa Patel and Mark Ramzy. Hosted by Althia Raj. Mark Carney will remain prime minister. On Monday, he led the Liberals to a fourth consecutive term. It was a close two-way race that saw the Liberals underperform their own expectations. The NDP lost official party status and their leader, Jagmeet Singh, announced his intention to resign. The Conservatives made gains in Ontario, with one big exception — their leader, Pierre Poilievre, lost his seat in Carleton. Poilievre signalled on Monday that he had no plans to resign. But can he stay on? Toronto Star Ottawa bureau reporters join host Althia Raj to discuss the 2025 federal election campaign, Monday's surprising result and what the next weeks and months may look like. This episode of “It's Political” was produced by Althia Raj and Kevin Sexton. This episode was also mixed by Kevin. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel. Some of the audio clips this week were sourced from CPAC and CBC.
CNN chief data analyst Harry Enten joins to discuss recent polling and why Trump’s honeymoon period didn’t last long. NPR reports that 114 immigrants were arrested in a raid at a Colorado nightclub on Sunday. Meanwhile, a judge in Milwaukee was arrested for allegedly helping a man evade immigration authorities at a courthouse. Toronto Star columnist Althia Raj breaks down what’s at stake as Canadians head to the polls for federal elections today. Plus, an SUV rammed into crowds at a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, Trump and Zelenskyy met at the Vatican before Pope Francis’s funeral, and Wrexham AFC moved one step closer to the Premier League. Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.
At Issue this week: All the major federal parties have finally released their costed platforms, but will they sway voters? What does the path to victory look like for each party on election night? And could some leaders lose their own seats? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
The federal election campaign is in the final stretch with just a few days to go. The party leaders are crisscrossing the country, trying to shore up support in new ridings and protect turf they've long considered their own. With the platforms finally released — most with large deficits and some creative accounting — what is really on the voters' mind? Our panel of recovering partisans will offer their thoughts. We've also hit the campaign trail asking electors across the country, what's behind their vote and what they are looking for. In this episode: Karen Vecchio, the outgoing Conservative MP for Elgin—Middlesex—London; David Christopherson, the former NDP MP for Hamilton Centre; Kristina Michaud, and Rodger Cuzner, the former Liberal MP for Cape Breton—Canso, and now an independent Senator. Hosted by Althia Raj. This episode of “It's Political” was produced by Althia Raj and Kevin Sexton. Matt Hearn is our sound engineer. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel. Some of the audio clips this week were sourced from CPAC and CBC.
Canada's political parties have now released their election platforms and put a price tag on their plans. Some of their costing is a little suspect, some uses creative accounting, it all fails to go far enough to address the problem economists say political leaders should be grappling with: increasing the country's productivity. This week, on “It's Political,” we look at productivity. What is it, and what should Canada be doing to increase it. Then, we'll sit down and dissect the party's platforms: their math and what they are really doing to increase economic growth in the country. Does any party go far enough? In this episode: Don Drummond, fellow-in-residence at the CD Howe Institute and former TD chief economist, and Tim Sargent, a senior fellow and director of the domestic policy program at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. Hosted by Althia Raj. This episode of “It's Political” was produced by Althia Raj and Kevin Sexton. Kevin also mixed this program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel. Some of the audio clips this week were sourced from CPAC and CBC.
With less than two weeks left until election day, the leaders' debates were a crucial time for the parties to make a pitch to voters and take their opponents down a peg. Our panel of ‘recovering partisans' weighs in on the highlights of the debates and the Leaders' Debate Commission's decision to exclude the Green Party and accredit right-wing “media” to the debates. In this episode: Karen Vecchio, outgoing Conservative MP for Elgin—Middlesex—London; David Christopherson, the former NDP MP for Hamilton Centre; Kristina Michaud, the outgoing Bloc Quebecois MP for Avignon—La Mitis—Matane—Matapédia; and Rodger Cuzner, the former Liberal MP for Cape Breton—Canso, and now an independent Senator. Hosted by Althia Raj. “It's Political” is produced by Althia Raj and Kevin Sexton. Kevin also mixed this episode. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel. Some of the audio clips this week were sourced from CPAC and CBC.
Major party leaders meet in Montreal for the English-language leaders' debate with less than two weeks until Canada votes. And event organizers are forced to cancel the post-debate news conferences over security concerns. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
In a special Canada Votes edition of At Issue, Rosemary Barton and the panel discuss who came off best and worst in the French-language leaders' debate, whether Mark Carney's French passed muster, and whether Pierre Poilievre succeeded in appearing more prime ministerial. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
Rosemary Barton and The National's At Issue panel bring the political discussion to Halifax, answering questions from Canadians about the biggest issues on the federal campaign trail. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
In this special Canada Votes edition live from Halifax, The National's At Issue panel breaks down the latest from the federal election campaign trail, including rally stops in Alberta and an appearance by former Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper. Plus, how party leaders are dealing with the media. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
At Issue this week: Canada dodges Trump's latest wave of global tariffs, but with some sectors already reeling, can it be considered a win? How the U.S. president's moves are shifting the federal election campaign. And controversial candidates get booted off the ballot. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
At Issue this week: Federal campaigns are forced to pivot as U.S. President Donald Trump drops new tariff threats. Party leaders defend their political vulnerabilities. And a number of Liberals change their minds about not running again. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
At Issue this week: How U.S. President Donald Trump's policies and threats against Canada have reshaped the election race. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
At Issue this week: Mark Carney uses his first week as prime minister to try to strengthen Canada's ties with Europe. The federal parties gear up for Sunday's election call. And Poilievre takes Trump's jabs as a compliment. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Althia Raj and Aaron Wherry.
In a special edition of At Issue: Prime Minister Mark Carney unveils his lean new cabinet but what do his picks reveal about his priorities? Plus, how does Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre adjust his campaign for the Carney era? Rosemary Barton hosts Andrew Coyne, Althia Raj and Aaron Wherry.
At Issue this week: With U.S. President Donald Trump refusing to bend on tariffs, is there any point in Canadian politicians travelling to Washington for further talks? As Mark Carney gets ready to take over as Prime Minister, who will fill his cabinet? Plus, can 24 Sussex Drive be saved? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
Mark Carney, the former Bank of Canada governor, trounced the competition Sunday winning the Liberal leadership with nearly 86 per cent support. Carney will become prime minister in the days ahead. He will appoint a new cabinet. And is widely expected to call a federal election campaign next week. In this bonus episode of “It's Political,” the Toronto Star's national columnist Susan Delacourt joins Althia Raj to discuss Sunday's leadership event, from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's speech to Carney's big introduction to the country, whether former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland should be in cabinet and what to watch for in the days ahead. The clips this week were sourced from CPAC and CBC. This episode of “It's Political” was produced by Althia Raj and Kevin Sexton, who also served as sound engineer. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.
At Issue this week: Mark Carney handily won the Liberal leadership, how his victory could shape the next government and the looming federal election. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
At Issue this week: Canada and the U.S. trade shots in a bitter trade war, but is Ottawa's strategy working? Liberal leadership hopefuls gear up for the convention that will decide Canada's next Prime Minister. And, how will Canadians remember Justin Trudeau? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
Liberal leadership contenders square off in two debates, and questions emerge about Carney's conflicts of interest. Canada braces as the U.S. tariff deadline comes back around. And, Jagmeet Singh wants Donald Trump banned from the G7 meeting in Alberta. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
Trump disrupts the world order when he calls Ukraine's democratically-elected president a ‘dictator' and seemingly sides with Russia on the war. Canada's political leaders pitch themselves as the right response to U.S. aggression. And Trudeau unveils plans for high-speed rail. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
At Issue this week: The premiers go to Washington to push back against tariffs, but was getting a meeting at the White House enough? How Trump's threat of annexation is changing Canada's political landscape. And political parties capitalize on a surge in Canadian patriotism. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
At Issue this week: U.S. President Donald Trump gives Canada a 30-day break from punishing tariffs in exchange for more border security and a ‘fentanyl czar.' Pierre Poilievre shifts parts of his pitch to Canadians. And the opposition pushes to recall Parliament. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
At Issue this week: With just two days to go until Trump's tariff deadline, are Canada's retaliation threats getting through to the U.S. president? A final report into foreign interference finds no traitors in Parliament. And another candidate drops out of the Liberal leadership race. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
At Issue this week: Donald Trump continues to lob tariff threats at Canada, now as president of the United States. Deadline day arrives for the Liberal leadership race. And will Ontario Premier Doug Ford call an early election? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
At Issue this week: Alberta Premier Danielle Smith bails on the ‘Team Canada' approach to Donald Trump's tariff threats. Mark Carney officially enters the Liberal leadership race. And what's Kevin O'Leary doing at Mar-a-Lago? Rosemary Barton hosts Andrew Coyne, Althia Raj and Jason Markusoff.
At Issue this week: With federal politics in turmoil, who's going to manage U.S. president-elect Donald intensifying threats against Canada? Liberals jockey to take Justin Trudeau's spot as leader. And growing concerns about foreign interference. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.