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Alberta premier Danielle Smith is calling a court ruling “antidemocratic” after judge struck down the petition which hoped to trigger a separatist referendum this fall. The ruling came in part because it found that the province failed to consult with First Nations whose treaty rights would be affected by a vote to separate. Still, separatist groups and the province are appealing the decision and looking to forge ahead.But how does Alberta's separatist movement stack up against other secessionist causes and how should Ottawa handle it? The Globe and Mail's Andrew Coyne joins us.For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts
The Liberals announce their plans to double Canada's electricity grid by 2050 and build on changes to project approvals with progress on pipeline and an industrial price on carbon - but is the caucus behind him? Plus, the UCP government says it will appeal a court decision to quash a separatist petition. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
As the Strait of Hormuz grinds to a halt, gas prices soar, and inflation threatens to spike, Trump arrives at his meeting with Xi Jinping looking wounded and weak. He will be looking for help from China’s dictator, but help never comes for free. What will he concede to Xi? In the second half of the show, Rudyard and Janice turn to a major new government appointment in Canada: Louise Arbour as our new Governor General. Andrew argues that despite widespread criticism, she is highly qualified for the position, with a long record of achievement and a deep understanding of the country’s history. Serious jobs require serious people with real experience. Rudyard, however, is concerned that Ottawa keeps recycling and reappointing Boomers to important government positions, and argues it is high time for a generational transition and the passing of the baton to the next generation. Become a Munk Donor ($50 annually) to get 72-hour advanced access to full episodes of Munk Dialogues with Andrew Coyne. Go to www.munkdebates.com to sign up.
Will Carney's move to speed up natural resource project approvals — including pipelines — soothe separatist sentiment in Alberta? Plus, reports Honda might abandon its EV battery plant plans and the growing push for a youth social media ban in Canada. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
The U.S. edges back toward war with Iran just as food and gas prices are poised to surge. Could there be a role for China to play in getting Iran and the U.S. back to the negotiating table? Meanwhile Ukraine is quickly becoming a formidable military power due to battlefield resolve and technological innovation. Is it time for Ukraine to be admitted to NATO? Andrew argues that here the gains are bigger than the risks. In the second half of the show Rudyard and Andrew turn to Mark Carney's meeting in Armenia with European leaders to discuss security concerns and partnerships. Big changes are afoot in Europe which is hedging against U.S. instability by pursuing trade deals with other countries. Canada needs to follow their lead and look for other trade partners while not angering our most important trade ally, the United States. Is moving closer to Europe the answer? Become a Munk Donor ($50 annually) to get 72-hour advanced access to full episodes of Munk Dialogues with Andrew Coyne. Go to www.munkdebates.com to sign up.
What Mark Carney's spending goals outlined in the spring economic update mean for the deficit. Conservatives battle Liberal efforts to move committees behind closed doors. And how will Carney's new sovereign wealth fund help Canadians? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
Mark Carney has proposed a “Canada Strong Fund” which will launch with a C$25 billion endowment focused on domestic infrastructure, part of a broader effort to reduce Canada’s reliance on the United States after tariffs have strained the economy. Canadians would also be able to invest their own savings in the fund. But with productivity declining for decades, it’s unclear how this initiative meaningfully addresses the country’s deeper growth challenges. At a moment of real urgency, the question remains whether this represents a serious step toward fixing Canada’s underlying economic problems.
Globe columnist Andrew Coyne interviews former U.S. ambassador and national security adviser John Bolton at The Globe and Mail's INTERSECT/26 forum of government officials, industry leaders and policymakers. Coyne and Bolton discuss the spectre of Trump as a threat to Canada's sovereignty, the tense relationship between the two countries and what Canada needs to do to bolster its defence in a time of potential conflict. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Breaking news in Canada this week, Prime Minister Mark Carney called out Trump's fake trade war narratives and trade deal violations, as Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre constantly insults Carney's economic savvy and international trade policies with CUSMA-USMCA trade deal negotiations approaching. To shed light on the reality of US-Canada trade news, let's read excerpts from Andrew Coyne's recent article in The Globe and Mail.Tune into Episode 436 of The Bill Kelly Podcast for daily politics news updates.This politics news update was recorded on April 24, 2026.WATCH THIS EPISODE and subscribe to our channel: https://youtu.be/6uVABzJ32J0?si=sJ_Dwk1G4VIrAsmpJoin Bill's LIVESTREAM every Thursday at 7 pm ET/4 pm PT! Watch last week's Livecast here: https://youtube.com/live/7TaJRwOv44Y?feature=shareWATCH A RELATED EPISODE:PM Mark Carney is FED UP with Trump's Tariffs, Calls Out Fake Canada-US Trade News Talking Pointshttps://youtu.be/uefrq9y0oAY?si=SI3H9CSMihb4rU8sLet's Talk Trump's Latest INSANE Trade Deal Threat, PM Mark Carney's Strategy and Poilievre's Lieshttps://youtu.be/-DO3pcCXE3c?si=cY7Fokn847g1GnGiFURTHER READINGTrump may be temporary. The damage he is doing isn'thttps://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-trump-may-be-temporary-the-damage-he-is-doing-isnt/‘It takes two sides': Canadian, U.S. officials trade remarks as CUSMA review approacheshttps://www.ctvnews.ca/world/trumps-tariffs/article/it-takes-two-sides-canadian-us-officials-trade-remarks-as-cusma-review-approaches/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit billkelly.substack.com/subscribe
Ottawa responds to the Trump administration demands for trade concessions, including lifting the U.S. liquor ban. Mark Carney and Pierre Poilivre release dueling social media videos. And the Liberals move to control House committees with their newly-secured majority. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
Prime Minister Mark Carney returns to the House of Commons with his newly-minted majority government. The Conservatives try to chart a new path forward with Pierre Poilievre as leader. And, could Canada really join the EU? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
Thanks to recent floor crossings and last night's by-election, the Liberal Party now has a majority government and a 15 point favourability lead that has unnerved and divided the Conservatives. Should MPs be able to cross the floor at their will? Andrew argues that public officials crossing over from the opposition to the governing body should seek permission from their constituents. What is the fate and future of the NDP and Conservatives in this new political environment? Meanwhile the Liberals now have time to rebuild the party and Mark Carney, with the confidence of the country, has the latitude to decide what direction he wants to go in. Will the PM use this new majority and political capital to finally address Canada's major crises - productivity, overregulation, lack of competition - that past leaders chose to ignore?
As former Conservative MP Marliyn Gladu's move to the Liberals further widens the views within caucus, could it impact upcoming byelections? What does another defection mean for Pierre Poilievre's leadership? And, will Mark Carney address concerns around the independence of Senators? Rosemary Barton hosts Andrew Coyne, Althia Raj and Rob Shaw.
Can the fragile ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran hold? In the span of twenty-four hours Trump went from threatening to end their civilization to considering a joint venture to toll the Strait of Hormuz. America's inability to open the strait without a ceasefire is a confession of weakness, one that China will take advantage of. This war is a strategic defeat for the U.S., and Andrew believes we may look back at this affair as the beginning of the end for Pax Americana. In the second half of the show Rudyard and Andrew turn to domestic Canadian politics where longtime conservative MP Marilyn Gladu crossed the floor to the Liberals, bringing Mark Carney one seat closer to a majority government. Gladu is widely considered one of the most right-leaning of conservative MPs. How wide can this Liberal tent stretch before it collapses? And should voters have a say in whether their MPs leave the parties under which they were elected? Become a Munk Donor ($50 annually) to get 72-hour advanced access to full episodes of Munk Dialogues with Andrew Coyne. Go to www.munkdebates.com to sign up.
Mark Carney juggles risk and reward as the Liberals chase closer China trade ties despite blowback over his human rights comments. Pierre Poilievre's push to derail Alto's high-speed train plan. Plus, Avi Lewis's uphill battle to convince Canadians they still need the NDP. Rosemary Barton hosts Andrew Coyne, Althia Raj and Aaron Wherry.
Rudyard and Andrew reflect on Trump's mixed messaging about the war with Iran. Troop deployment to the region would suggest he is escalating this conflict which could throw the world economy into a recession. What happens when Trump leaves office? Does America snap back to normalcy or does another Trump-like leader take his place? In the second half of the show Rudyard and Andrew turn to the NDP and their newly elected leader, Avi Lewis. Lewis's election signals the federal NDP has become a party that values identity politics over the working class and is uninterested in pragmatism or trying to reach power by gradual steps. Could Avi Lewis surprise us all and energize young people like Zohran Mamdani has done in New York City? And if so, what is the galvanizing issue on the left? Become a Munk Donor ($50 annually) to get 72-hour advanced access to full episodes of Munk Dialogues with Andrew Coyne. Go to www.munkdebates.com to sign up.
Donald Trump could be getting US foreign policy ideas from a new, mysterious far-right 'defense think tank' that features secret identities and celebrity opinions. Join Bill as he reads excerpts from a recent Globe and Mail article by Andrew Coyne, linked in the further reading materials below.Tune into Episode 412 of The Bill Kelly Podcast for daily politics news updates.This Canadian politics news update was recorded on March 28, 2026.WATCH THIS EPISODE and subscribe to our channel: https://youtu.be/77f17rAcax4?si=g7Sy9CC_jEM3wV2QJoin Bill's LIVESTREAM every Thursday at 6 pm ET/3 pm PT! Watch last week's Livecast here: https://youtube.com/live/KVsYv1aaK5g?feature=shareWATCH A RELATED EPISODE: PM Carney Calls Out Danielle Smith, Western Separatists for SABOTAGING Alberta's Pipeline Plans https://youtu.be/pF5N1SAezaU?si=ENQdzK65j4VVPsXJFURTHER READINGMAGA's plan for Canada: not annexation, but dismembermenthttps://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-maga-plan-canada-dismemberment-darc-trump/Alberta referendum ‘can have an effect' on investor confidence, Carney sayshttps://globalnews.ca/news/11748636/alberta-referendum-investor-confidence-carney/Alberta premier's constitutional affairs lead supports separatist petitionhttps://nationalnewswatch.com/2026/03/27/alberta-premiers-constitutional-affairs-lead-supports-separatist-petition This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit billkelly.substack.com/subscribe
The benefits, and challenges, of Canada finally meeting its two per cent NATO spending target. The uphill political battle facing the next NDP Leader. And, the growing provincial divide over how judges are appointed in Canada. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
The Trump administration finds itself in a trap. They can't declare victory and go home unless the Iranians agree to conclude this war, and the Iranians at this point have no incentive to strike a deal. Trump and the American public don't have the stomach for a long war, and thus Iran can win by not losing. How should Canada respond to Trump's provocations? Andrew believes there is a madman in the White House who wants to impose his will on us in various ways. The government in Ottawa needs to be planning for the various ways we will be facing highly unconventional tactics from this U.S. government. And if things really break down after the midterms, and America descends further down the path to dictatorship, there will be knockoff effects to neighbouring countries that Canada would be wise to prepare for.
Will Pierre Poilievre's Joe Rogan's podcast appearance help him politically, and what will it do for Canada? How Mark Carney has reshaped the Liberals, one year into his leadership. And Avi Lewis emerges as the NDP frontrunner. Catherine Cullen hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
Witness to Yesterday (The Champlain Society Podcast on Canadian History)
James Stewart (J.D.M.) speaks with Andrew Coyne about his book, The Crisis of Canadian Democracy. With characteristic wit, insight, and rigor, Coyne dismantles the comforting myths Canadians tell themselves about their political system, revealing a parliamentary structure eroded by unaccountable leaders, disempowered MPs, manipulated elections, and systemic dysfunction. The Crisis of Canadian Democracy is both a wake-up call and a call to action, offering compelling solutions to restore genuine self-government to Canadian politics. Essential reading for leaders, citizens, and anyone who cares about the future of democracy in Canada—or anywhere else. Andrew Coyne is a columnist for The Globe and Mail. Raised in Winnipeg, Mr. Coyne holds degrees from the University of Toronto and the London School of Economics. He was written previously for The National Post, Maclean's and Southam News, contributing as well to a wide range of other publications in Canada and abroad, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The National Review, and The Walrus. He is also a weekly panelist on CBC's The National. Image Credit: Sutherland House If you like our work, please consider supporting it: bit.ly/support_WTY. Your support contributes to the Champlain Society's mission of opening new windows to directly explore and experience Canada's past.
Prime Minister Mark Carney rides the line between keeping Canada back from the Iran war and supporting the U.S. mission, but won't 'categorically' rule out involvement. Pierre Poilievre tours Europe. And, what's behind the Liberals' growing lead in polls? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
Rudyard and Andrew try to make sense of Trump's decision to start a war with Iran so contrary to the premise that created the MAGA movement and opposition to America's wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. How did we end up at this point? And how will this war affect the upcoming midterm elections? Andrew thinks Trump persuaded himself that strike would be easy - just like Venezuela - and thus he has no clear strategy. What is the long term goal here? In the second half of the show Rudyard and Andrew turn to Canada's response to this unfolding conflict, specifically Carney signalling support of the US offensive. What is the calculation going on in the background? How are his goals domestically for bolstering trade informing his foreign policy? And finally, what role should Canada have - if any - in this region-altering conflict? Become a Munk Donor ($50 annually) to get 72-hour advanced access to full episodes of Munk Dialogues with Andrew Coyne. Go to www.munkdebates.com to sign up.
Prime Minister Mark Carney goes to India to strengthen trade, but concerns about transnational repression follow him. Polievre lays out how he would deal with Trump. And, a meeting with OpenAI leaves federal ministers ‘disappointed.' Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
They're booing “The Star-Spangled Banner” in Toronto. At hockey games. In Canada.Not because Canadians have suddenly turned anti-American, but because for the first time in 150 years, they're genuinely afraid of us. And that fear, says Andrew Coyne, is reshaping everything — their politics, their economy, their identity, their future.Coyne is a long time Canadian political observer and columnist for Toronto's Globe and Mail, and my guest on this recent WhoWhatWhy podcast.When Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stood at Davos and declared “the old order is not coming back,” Coyne heard something most people missed. Not a speech — a death notice.The assumption that had anchored Canada's international strategy for 150 years — a stable, democratic United States to the south — was gone. Get full access to Talk Cocktail Podcast at jeffschechtman.substack.com/subscribe
For 72-hour advanced access to the full-length editions of Munk Dialogues with Andrew Coyne consider becoming a donor to the Munk Debates for as little as $50 annually, or $1.00 per episode. Go to www.munkdebates.com to sign up. Rudyard and Andrew react to the fallout from the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling against Trump's tariffs and the President's angry response. How will Trump being denied this authority affect upcoming CUSMA negotiations? Andrew suggests we should expect to see demands from the Trump administration that go far beyond the traditional trade grievances. In the second half of the show Rudyard and Andrew turn to AI and how this new technology will displace white collar jobs. What kind of policy response should we expect from the government in Ottawa? Andrew is more optimistic that this will not be as upending as some are predicting; the history of technological change suggests it will take longer than people suspect for AI to be adopted. There will be jobs lost, but will there be new jobs created? And finally, given that this is a global action program, and we cannot silo ourselves off from the United States and China, what can the Canadian government do to reduce the risk to our economy?
Conservative MP Matt Jeneroux walks back his decision to leave politics, but decides to join the other team. The NDP gets closer to choosing its next leader. And Dominic LeBlanc goes on a trade mission to Mexico. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
Canada's political leaders put aside their differences in the wake of the Tumbler Ridge tragedy. Carney tries to clear up Trump's misconceptions about the Gordie Howe Bridge. And, a Conservative MP refuses to take a pay raise. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
For 72-hour advanced access to the full-length editions of Munk Dialogues with Andrew Coyne consider becoming a donor to the Munk Debates for as little as $50 annually, or $1.00 per episode. Go to www.munkdebates.com to sign up. Donald Trump is trying to claim that the new $6.4-billion bridge built between Windsor and Detroit - fully funded by Canada - should belong in part to the US. This is not just about a bridge, it's a commentary on the decline in US-Canada relations. Trump's bizarre Truth Social post also tries to delegitimize Canada as a vassal state of China and a threat to the United States. Trump is trying to destabilize Canada and all signs suggest he will attempt to use the leverage of CUSMA to impose all kinds of conditions on us as we enter into new trade negotiations. Andrew believes he is overstating his leverage and destroying the American trade position such that every traditional US trade partner is looking elsewhere to make deals. In the second half of the show Rudyard and Andrew turn to Canadian domestic politics and rumours that Mark Carney will call a spring election to shore up a majority government. Why would the Liberals want an election sooner than later? And can Carney get his majority without forcing Canadians to head to the polls?
Prime Minister Mark Carney drops Canada's EV mandate as part of a plan to strengthen the auto sector in the face of U.S. trade threats. Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives strike a new collaborative tone. And Stephen Harper's calls for unity. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
The full length edition of this Munk Dialogue with Andrew Coyne is being made available to all paying and non-paying subscribers Members of the Alberta separatist movement have been travelling regularly to meet with members of the Trump administration. Should this be considered treasonous? Does the province of Alberta have legitimate grievances? Equalization is not a good program but it is not a plot against Alberta. How can we pull together and rediscover what we have in common in the face of American hostility? Andrew argues that we must channel this crisis into a positive direction and protect what is good and great in this country. In the back half of the show Andrew proposes a security agenda for Canada to strengthen our democracy and our borders. Where is the urgency and creativity of a policy agenda to match the diagnosis of rupture? And do any of Canada's political parties have the vision and fortitude to rise to this unique challenge?
Andrew Coyne, columnist for The Globe and Mail, discusses Canada's national identity crisis amid growing threats from President Trump. He explores Canada's weakened national symbols and story, the decline of unifying narratives since the British Empire, and whether anti-Americanism is a unifying force. He argues Canada must strengthen internally through democratic reform, the removal of interprovincial trade barriers, and ambitious immigration to become a great power capable of defending itself in an increasingly hostile world. The Hub is Canada's fastest growing independent digital news outlet. Subscribe to The Hub's podcast feed to get our best content when you are on the go: https://tinyurl.com/3a7zpd7e (Apple) https://tinyurl.com/y8akmfn7 (Spotify) Follow The Hub on X: https://x.com/thehubcanada?lang=en CREDITS: Amal Attar-Guzman - Producer and Editor Rudyard Griffiths - Host Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press - Photo Credit To contact us, sign up for updates, and access transcripts email support@thehub.ca
The prime minister and premiers grapple with growing separatist sentiment while trying to pull together for U.S. trade talks. Poilievre makes his case to keep his job after a string of defeats. And Carney swings back at U.S. criticism of his Davos speech. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
For 72-hour advanced access to the full-length editions of Munk Dialogues with Andrew Coyne consider becoming a donor to the Munk Debates for as little as $50 annually, or $1.00 per episode. Go to www.munkdebates.com to sign up. Rudyard and Andrew react to the explosion of anger in the U.S. over the killings in Minnesota by ICE agents. Is this the first time the U.S. President has had to respond to a public outcry and recalibrate his position? Andrew believes that the point of these ICE exercises has nothing to do with immigration reform. They are looking to provoke fear, anger, and terror in the population. Ultimately the responsibility rests with Trump: this is his policy, these are his people. In the back half of the show Rudyard and Andrew break down some of the big domestic developments from last week, specifically Mark Carney's Davos speech. Carney recognizes that Canada is at the centre of a geopolitical crisis. And while this has given him a boost in his personal approval ratings, he hasn't been able to convert that into support for the Liberal Party. Does Carney's Davos speech give us insight into how he will approach CUSMA negotiations? Andrew believes we should not invest too heavily in the success of these talks, and it's time to develop policies to reduce the cost of walking away from trade with the U.S.
Prime Minister Mark Carney outlines a new era of global politics in an address to the World Economic Forum, but can he deliver on his vision? And Ontario Premier Doug Ford fires back at the Canada-China EV deal. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
To listen to the full episode consider becoming a donor to the Munk Debates for as little as $50 annually, or $1.00 per episode. Go to www.munkdebates.com to sign up. President Trump refuses to rule out invading Greenland following revelations that his aggression towards the self-governing territory is a response to being denied the Nobel Peace Prize by Norway. We are now facing the very real possibility that the US will attack a NATO ally, putting everyone in a unique and untenable situation. Should the EU send troops to Greenland? As both a NATO member and a US neighbour Canada is faced with a serious dilemma. Andrew argues that we have to be an ally, and that means drawing a land in the snow and showing up for Greenland. It is now clear that NATO is hanging by a thread. What will be its successor? And what should we make of Trump's new 'Board of Peace' which critics believe is his attempt to undermine the United Nations?
Become a Munk Donor ($50 annually) to watch and listen to full episodes of Friday Focus with Janice Stein. Your donor membership comes with other great perks like access to the videos of our main stage debates and full length episodes of our weekly podcasts with Globe and Mail columnist Andrew Coyne. Rudyard and Janice react to Mark Carney's trip to China this week and a dramatic shift away from Trudeau's hawkish doctrine which viewed China as an adversary. Carney understands that we are moving into a world where we will not be able to trade only with countries that share our values. Janice says this reset will allow Western Canada to resume their exports - mainly lobster, canola, and pork - to the Chinese market. But after years of being treated badly by China, should Canadians welcome this about face? In the second half of the show Rudyard and Janice turn to the U.S. and internal unrest over the killing of an American citizen by an ICE agent this week in Minnesota. Trump is threatening to enact the Insurrection Act which will give the government emergency powers and allow them to deploy the military to crush the protests without the consent of the governor or local police. This has been both a terrible week for the President and a frightening one for Americans who are concerned about their fundamental rights. What happens next will have huge implications for this fall's U.S. midterm elections.
Prime Minister Mark Carney goes to China to try and reset the relationship. Quebec Premier François Legault resigns after plummeting polls and mounting pressure. Plus, how concerned should Canada be about Trump's Greenland ambitions? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
To listen to the full episode consider becoming a donor to the Munk Debates for as little as $50 annually, or $1.00 per episode. Go to www.munkdebates.com to sign up. Rudyard and Andrew react to the U.S. Justice Department's criminal investigation into Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell alleging he lied to congress about renovation construction costs. This administration is using trumped up charges and the instruments of the state to go after people they can't otherwise control. What makes Jerome Powell a more formidable opponent to Trump compared to others who have tried to stand up to the U.S. President in the past? In the second half of the show Rudyard and Andrew turn to Iran and the regime's brutal response to countrywide protests. What should we think of Trump's musings about intervening in this conflict? It has become fashionable to oppose any type of regime change following America's forever wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, but if the West does not intervene, what will be the cost of human life in Iran and the region?
Become a Munk Donor ($50 annually) to watch and listen to full episodes of Friday Focus with Janice Stein. Your donor membership comes with other great perks like access to the videos of our main stage debates and full length episodes of our weekly podcasts with Globe and Mail columnist Andrew Coyne. Rudyard and Janice begin today’s show discussing the ongoing protests in Iran and whether they pose more of a threat to the regime than previous demonstrations. They also discuss the controversial killing of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minnesota, the Trump administration's gaslighting response, and the subsequent backlash from the American public. Will this tragic incident have an impact on immigration policy more broadly? In the second half of the show, Rudyard and Janice turn to Venezuela and the fallout from the U.S. attack and capture of President Nicolas Maduro. How seriously should we take Trump's imperialist rhetoric regarding Cuba, Colombia, and Greenland? Does this signal a new age of rank colonialism? And is this the end of the international rules-based world order as we know it?
To listen to the full episode consider becoming a donor to the Munk Debates for as little as $50 annually, or $1.00 per episode. Go to www.munkdebates.com to sign up. Rudyard and Andrew react to Trump's 2025 national security doctrine being put into action this past weekend with the US military operation in Venezuela and the abduction of its president Nicolas Maduro. Both hosts agree this was not about restoring democracy. Trump's use of hard power while dismantling the country's soft power and sources of genuine American strength is a backward, simplistic and adolescent view of American power. It is a foreign policy that supposes the 19th century great power competition model is most conducive to American interests. Rudyard and Andrew unpack different public reactions to this military raid - specifically from the leaders of Mexico and Denmark - and explain why it is in Canada's interest to draw a line in the sand and stand firmly against our southern neighbour. In the final moments of the show they discuss Pierre Poilievre's political future as he continues to trail in the polls behind Mark Carney. Will his lack of discipline and vocal support of Trump's military raid hurt his leadership aspirations?
Become a Munk Donor ($50 annually) to watch and listen to full episodes of Friday Focus with Janice Stein. Your donor membership comes with other great perks like access to the videos of our main stage debates and full length episodes of our weekly podcasts with Globe and Mail columnist Andrew Coyne. Rudyard and Janice open today's Friday Focus with Russia's allegation of a Ukraine drone attack on Putin which took momentum away from Zelensky's attempts to negotiate an end to the war. Why does Putin have a hold over Trump? Does this have anything to do with Jeffrey Epstein? In the second half of the show Rudyard and Janice turn to Iran and growing domestic unrest that has spread beyond the streets of Tehran. In a surprising move the President of Iran has said he wants to speak with the protesters and suggested that the government has failed to meet the needs of its citizens. In the long history of this regime, no president has talked this way so openly. Their currency is in free fall, there is a weakened supreme leader and deepening divisions among the political elite. Will the Revolutionary Guards be ordered to take to the streets and brutally suppress these protests like they have done in the past? Or will this time prove different? This podcast is a project of the Munk Debates, a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to fostering civil and substantive public dialogue. More information at www.munkdebates.com.
CBC chief political correspondent Rosemary Barton asks The National's At Issue panel to look ahead to 2026 and what might be the biggest stories in Canadian politics. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
CBC chief political correspondent Rosemary Barton asks The National's At Issue panel to look back on a jam-packed year politically. From an election, to tariffs, to pipelines, the At Issue panel breaks it all down in a special Holiday At Issue. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
How much did Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberals actually accomplish this sitting? What ambassador Hillman's resignation means for U.S. trade negotiations. And cabinet ministers quietly get sweeping new powers in Parliament. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
U.S. President Donald Trump dials up trade uncertainty, suggesting he could pull out of CUSMA/USMCA early. Mark Miller returns to cabinet and quickly rubs Quebec's premier the wrong way with his French language comments. Plus, B.C. Conservatives boot leader John Rustad. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith forge a partnership for a new pipeline out of Alberta, but it quickly sparked a resignation and pushback from B.C. And, more support from the federal government to help industries being battered by U.S. tariffs. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne, Althia Raj and Jason Markusoff.
To listen to the full episode consider becoming a donor to the Munk Debates for as little as $50 annually, or $1.00 per episode. Canadian donors receive a charitable tax receipt. Go to www.munkdebates.com to sign up. Rudyard and Andrew talk about this week's memorandum of understanding between Ottawa and Alberta that would provide premiere Danielle Smith with the approval to build a pipeline from Alberta, through BC, to western shores. Are more pipelines needed right now? And what about the country's commitment to lowering carbon emissions? Rudyard and Andrew engage in a debate on climate change and carbon taxes. In the second half of the show they turn to a leaked memo about the Alberta government's plan to allow physicians to practise in a mixed system and provide private care to patients willing to pay more. Will this help reform health care in Canada? Andrew argues that while there is room for private care, governments need to address the real problem here and move doctors away from fee for service.
The Liberals get their budget passed, but will there be fallout from the vote? Alberta's push for a pipeline and exemptions to B.C.'s oil tanker ban. And U.S. ambassador Pete Hoekstra says restarting trade talks ‘won't be easy.' Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
At Issue this week: Prime Minister Mark Carney unveils the next round of nation-building projects he says will transform Canada's economy. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre tries to move past party struggles. And François Legault's fight with Quebec doctors. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.