What To Expect In CUSMA Trade Negotiations and Canadian Politics in 2026

In today’s discussion of Canadian politics news, Bill welcomes back Dr. Lori Turnbull to talk about the challenges faced by the Conservative Party under Pierre Poilievre’s leadership, the implications of recent floor crossings, and the upcoming leadership review. They also dive into political dynamics surrounding the CUSMA trade negotiations in 2026, including the role of Prime Minister Carney’s seeming right-hand man, Dominic LeBlanc, and the impact of separation movements in Alberta and Quebec.Tune into Episode 319 of The Bill Kelly Podcast for conversations in critical times.This interview was recorded on January 2, 2025.Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe to support Bill’s work. THANK YOU!Become a podcast member for weekly public and private livestreams, and to hear Bill’s stories and life lessons from 50+ years as a broadcast journalist in his members-only series, THE WAY I SEE IT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeUbzckOLocFzNeY1D72iCA/joinListen to The Bill Kelly Podcast everywhere: https://kite.link/the-bill-kelly-podcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBillKellyPodcast/featuredBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/billkellypodcast.bsky.socialSubStack: billkelly.substack.com/*Comment ‘likes’ on behalf of this channel are an acknowledgment of your comment, not necessarily an endorsement of its contents. Thanks for joining these critical discussions in critical times!CHAPTERS00:00 Overview of Canadian Politics and Mark Carney’s Leadership02:51 The Conservative Party’s Challenges06:10 Floor Crossings in Early-202608:48 Pierre Poilievre’s Leadership Review12:01 CUSMA Negotiations and Economic Strategies20:01 Dominic LeBlanc’s Role in Prime Minister Carney’s Cabinet40:14 Separation Movements and National Unity ConcernsWATCH THIS EPISODE and subscribe to our channel: https://youtu.be/HxBnkYpAWr8FURTHER READINGJobs/the economy running away as top national issue of concern – LPC 38, CPC 35, NDP 11. (Nanos)https://nanos.co/jobs-the-economy-running-away-as-top-national-issue-of-concern-lpc-38-cpc-35-ndp-11-nanos/Precarity – the Defining Mindset of 2025 (Abacus Data)https://abacusdata.ca/precarity-the-defining-mindset-of-2025/For a Political Rookie, Carney Seems to be Getting the Hang of Thingshttps://www.policymagazine.ca/for-a-political-rookie-carney-seems-to-be-getting-the-hang-of-things/ 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