PODCAST · news
Political Traction
by Political Traction
Political Traction takes you behind the scenes for an insider’s look at what’s really going on when it comes to the country’s biggest political stories. Each Friday, host Adam Owen sits down with an insider – from politicians to journalists, diplomats to political strategists – to guide listeners through the backroom machinations shaping the news cycle. Political Traction is powered by Navigator, Canada’s leading high-stakes public affairs firm.
Episodes
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Federal Budget Business (w/ Alex Ballingall and Daniele Medlej)
Faced with volatile economic circumstances, the federal government presented its 2023 budget, which Prime Minister Trudeau and Minister Freeland argue will help Canada and Canadians respond to global trends like friendshoring and the shift to green energy. Billed as a plan to build a stronger…
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Budget Day (w/ Laura Stone, Colin D’Mello and Brayden Akers)
On Thursday, Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy presented his third provincial budget – signalling a shift in focus from COVID-19 to weathering the coming economic headwinds. On this week’s episode of Political Traction, Adam is joined by Laura Stone, Queen’s Park reporter for the Globe and…
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Is TikTok’s time up? (w/ Chris Nardi)
Last month, the federal government banned TikTok from being installed on all government-issued devices, citing security concerns related to the app’s ownership by a company with close ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This week, Adam Owen is joined by Chris Nardi, parliamentary reporter...
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Sousa’s Second Act (w/ MP Charles Sousa)
Following more than a decade in some of the highest-ranking positions in the previous Ontario government, Charles Sousa has returned to public service as a Member of Parliament in Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government. This week, Adam Owen is joined by Charles to explore his decision to come out of...
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Silly Season (w/ Tasha Kheiriddin and Catherine Moar)
With Chinese weather balloons, an American news anchor threatening war against Canada, and public broadcasters getting political, silly season has officially begun. This week, Adam is joined by Tasha Kheiriddin, a principal in Navigator’s Toronto office, and Catherine Moar, an associate principal...
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Canada’s Healthcare Crisis (w/ Kevin Smith)
Last week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premiers from across Canada unveiled the federal government’s plan for healthcare funding over the next 10 years. Despite high expectations, some experts consider the plan to have fallen short and believe that much more funding and innovation is needed...
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Like Mike (w/ Kate Graham and Sharan Kaur)
Following two historic electoral losses, the Ontario Liberal Party is facing an existential crisis as it prepares to pick its next leader. Some veteran members and former cabinet ministers made headlines recently by releasing a letter asking Ontario Green Party leader Mike Schreiner to ditch his...
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The Generational Divide (w/ Sean Speer)
We have seen successive governments purposefully cater policy to the oldest among us, and ask the younger generations to pick up the tab. What kind of impact will this have on the opportunities and optimism our youth have for their futures? This week, Adam is joined by Sean Speer, who has sat on...
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Canada’s Crime Disconnect (w/ Tristin Hopper)
Rising incidents of crime are causing anxiety amongst Canadians. With all parties pointing fingers, the Trudeau Liberals have been silent on the issue. What will it take to finally see decisive action? This week, Adam is joined by Tristin Hopper, a columnist for the National Post, to discuss the...
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Taking Stock of 2022 (w/ Michael Cooke, Rosa Ellithorpe and Tasha Kheiriddin)
In our final episode of 2022, host Adam Owen is joined by Navigator colleagues Michael Cooke, Rosa Ellithorpe and Tasha Kheiriddin. The panel unpacks this year’s top events and highlights what 2023 may bring from foreign affairs and healthcare to grocery prices and the possibility of a federal...
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Fixing Toronto’s Housing Crisis (w/ Councillor Brad Bradford)
Toronto, among many cities across Canada, is facing a generational housing crisis. With soaring costs, those looking to buy in the city are being shut out of the market and renters are faced with limited options for an affordable place to call home. This week, Adam sits down with Brad Bradford,...
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The Parents are Mad (w/ Melanie Paradis and Jen Gerson)
Parents are feeling left behind as children’s hospitals fill up and local medicine shelves remain empty. This week, Adam is joined by Melanie Paradis, the president of Texture Communications and a veteran political communicator, and Jen Gerson, a freelance writer and co-founder of “The Line”, a...
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On the Docket (w/ Tasha Kheiriddin, Colin MacDonald, and Danielle Parr)
This week, host Adam Owen is joined by a panel of Navigator’s public affairs experts – principals Tasha Kheiriddin, Colin MacDonald and Danielle Parr – to unpack two issues causing major controversy around the globe: Elon Musk’s shaky takeover of Twitter and the excitement, problems and perils of...
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How do you solve a problem like Xi’s China? (w/ Vina Nadjibulla)
Tension between Canada and China is on the rise, with the two countries’ dissension taking centre stage at this year’s recent G20 summit. On this episode of Political Traction, Adam is joined by Vina Nadjibulla, Adjunct Professor at UBC’s School of Public Policy and Global Affairs to contemplate...
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Labour Showdown (w/Vanmala Subramaniam)
Seeking to short circuit negotiations with CUPE, the Ontario Government invoked the notwithstanding clause to declare strike action illegal and impose a new contract, but big labour fought back, and Premier Ford backed down. This week, host Adam Owen speaks with The Globe and Mail’s future of…
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Tackling affordability (w/Brett House and André Turcotte)
From grocery stores to gas stations, prices are up and the cost of living is top of mind for Canadians with the highest inflation in 40 years. This week, Adam is joined by Brett House, former Deputy Chief Economist at Scotiabank, and André Turcotte, a principal at Discover, Navigator’s public...
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Understanding the Freeland Doctrine (w/ Heather Scoffield)
In a speech at the Brookings Institution in Washington, DC, Deputy PM Chrystia Freeland set out her views on “friend-shoring” and how liberal democracies should address the issue of trade in a global economy. This week, Adam is joined by Heather Scoffield, Ottawa Bureau Chief and Economics...
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Reporting on the front lines (w/ Adam Zivo)
Reporting on the front lines (w/ Adam Zivo) This week, Adam is joined by Adam Zivo, a political columnist with The National Post. Joining the episode from Kyiv, Adam provides a firsthand glimpse of current events and political dynamics in Ukraine. The duo discuss what more Canada can be doing to...
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Political Traction x Western Edge | Road to 2023 (w/ Lauren Armstrong, Kelly Cryderman, and Deborah Yedlin)
In a special edition of the podcast, host Adam Owen is joined by Jason Hatcher, Managing Principal of Navigator’s western operations and host of the Western Edge, a Navigator Podcast. Adam and Jason discuss new polling conducted by Navigator’s in-house research division, Discover, on the mindset…
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Passing the baton (w/ Adam Owen)
This week, Amanda introduces the new host of Political Traction, Adam Owen, as Amanda signs off for her maternity leave. The duo reflects on Poilievre’s first month as CPC leader and the changing political dynamics in Alberta and Quebec.
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Now What? (W/ Jeff Costen and Kim Wright)
This week, host Amanda Galbraith speaks with Navigator Associate Principal and Liberal strategist Jeff Costen and NDP strategist Kim Wright on what’s next for the Ontario Liberal and NDP parties after a disappointing performance in the Provincial Election. With both of their leaders resigned, and...
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The Battle For Second Place (w/Mike Van Soelen, Colin MacDonald & André Turcotte)
On June 3, Ontarians will cast their vote in the provincial election. While all polls point to another four years of Doug Ford, the real debate taking place is about who will take second. This week, host Amanda Galbraith is joined by colleagues Mike Van Soelen, Colin MacDonald and André Turcotte…
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Refugee Roadblocks (w/Senator Ratna Omidva)
This week, host Amanda Galbraith speaks with Canadian Senator and member of the World Refugee and Migration Council Ratna Omidva on the growing refugee crisis facing Afghanistan and Ukraine. The two unpack the current debate around resettlement, and share important ways we can help support those…
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The Scrum (w/ Caroline Harvey, Michael Cooke and André Pratte)
This week, host Amanda Galbraith reunites with our Scrum panel – former heads of newsrooms and Navigator colleagues – Caroline Harvey, Michael Cooke and André Pratte. The panel unpacks the growing divide in the Conservative Party leadership race, NYT’s retreat from Twitter and the way media cover...
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Not a Coalition (w/ Sally Housser and Colin MacDonald)
This week host Amanda Galbraith speaks with former Navigator colleague and NDP strategist Sally Housser and Navigator Principal and Liberal commentator Colin MacDonald about the supply and confidence agreement and what it means for the next three years of government. The three also catch up on…
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On the Front Lines (w/ Laryssa Waler)
This week, host Amanda Galbraith speaks with Ukrainian-Canadian Laryssa Waler about the conflict with Russia, and how it’s resonating with the Ukrainian community here in Canada. The two discuss the history of the Russian relationship, and point to specific ways to help support Ukraine during…
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Employee Owned (w/Jon Shell)
This week host Amanda Galbraith speaks with Jon Shell, the Managing Director of Social Capital Partners. SCP is making waves in Canada’s existing financial system by pushing employee ownership and wealth equality models similar to those seen in the US and the UK.
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Who’s Next? (w/ Mike Van Soelen, Clare Michaels and Brayden Akers)
This week, guest host Mike Van Soelen sits down with colleagues Clare Michaels and Brayden Akers to unpack the Conservative Party of Canada’s leadership race.
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The Rookie (w/ Melissa Lantsman)
This week, host Amanda Galbraith sits down with former political staffer and current Member of Parliament for Thornhill, Melissa Lantsman. The pair discuss a day in the life on the floor of the House of Commons, the pressures of managing a social media presence, and the surprises she might face…
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The Scrum (w/ Caroline Harvey, André Pratte and Michael Cooke)
This week, host Amanda Galbraith is joined by our Scrum panel – former heads of newsrooms and Navigator colleagues – Caroline Harvey, André Pratte and Michael Cooke. The group discusses everything from the Olympics, Quebec’s controversial vax tax, the ‘modernization’ of CBC and Premier Doug Ford.
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Dish it out (w/Michael Cooke, Danielle Parr and Mike Van Soelen)
On this special year end edition of Political Traction host Amanda Galbraith sits down with colleagues Michael Cooke, Danielle Parr and Mike Van Soelen to discuss the highs, the lows, the wins, and the losses of 2021.
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Royal Ties (w/J.J. McCullough)
In the wake of news from Barbados and a ceremony with Prince Charles, Rihanna and a newly minted President, all eyes are on the royal family and its reign over the shrinking commonwealth. This week, host Amanda Galbraith debates Canada’s relationship with the monarchy with outspoken Canadian...
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The Scrum (w/ Caroline Harvey and Michael Cooke)
This week, host Amanda Galbraith reunites with our Scrum panel – former heads of newsrooms and Navigator colleagues – Caroline Harvey and Michael Cooke. The trio discusses everything from the 2021 Speech from the Throne to the recent flooding in BC and all things Justin Bieber.
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Throwing Shade (w/ Jen Gerson)
This week, host Amanda Galbraith sits down with Jen Gerson, resident Albertian, political commentator and co-founder of the online newsletter, The Line, to unpack a tumultuous week in Alberta and federal politics.
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Parlez-vous français? (w/ Philippe Gervais and André Pratte)
This week, host Amanda Galbraith sits down with Navigator colleagues Philippe Gervais and André Pratte to unpack the French language failures of some of Canada’s most important CEOs. The trio unpacks the heated debate and what it might mean for the future of Bill 96.
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Build, Build, Build (w/ Robert Benzie)
This week, host Amanda Galbraith sits down with the Toronto Star’s Queen’s Park Bureau Chief, Robert Benzie, to unpack the 2021 Ontario Fall Economic Statement and what’s going on behind the scenes as Queen’s Park gets back to business in an almost post-COVID world. The pair weigh in on the...
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Back to School (w/ Alex Ballingall)
This week, host Amanda Galbraith sits down with Alex Ballingall, a Reporter from the Toronto Star’s Ottawa Bureau, to unpack the momentous week that was in Canadian politics with a significant cabinet reshuffling. With only 8 ministers staying in their portfolios among 38 appointments, it’s time...
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Save the World (w/ Sharan Kaur)
This week, host Amanda Galbraith sits down with Sharan Kaur, the Former Deputy Chief of Staff to Finance Minister Bill Morneau and current Director of Strategic Initiatives and Public Affairs at Clearco. The pair discuss the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) and detail the trials and...
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Walk in the Sand (w/ Clare Michaels, Cathy Moar and Matthew Barnes)
This week, host Amanda Galbraith is joined by Navigator colleagues Clare Michaels, Cathy Moar and Matthew Barnes to discuss what is going on with the federal party leaders, the most under-reported election story from the campaign trail, and which federal party leaders are likely to last until the...
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Beyond the Vote: Post-Election Analysis (w/ Jaime Watt, Tasha Kheiriddin, Althia Raj, Brian Gallant, Jason Hatcher, André Pratte, Graham Fox and Clare Michaels)
The Toronto Star’s Ottawa columnist Althia Raj joined Navigator’s live videocast as seasoned experts from across the country looked beyond the vote to explore what motivated Canadians to vote the way they did and exactly what this government will mean for you.
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Unlikely Underdogs (w/ Jenni Byrne)
This week, host Amanda Galbraith sits down with political advisor and commentator Jenni Byrne to discuss the rise in popularity of the Peoples Party of Canada, the English leader’s debate and much more.
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Trudeau Mania Troubles (w/ Susan Delacourt)
This week, host Amanda Galbraith sits down with Toronto Star Columnist Susan Delacourt to discuss what goes down behind the scenes on a Liberal Party campaign tour bus during the 2021 Election campaign.
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Campaign Overboard (w/Bob Richardson)
This week host Amanda Galbraith sits down with political insider and campaign strategist Bob Richardson to discuss reports of the Liberal’s slipping polls and how the campaign may (or may not) need to shift in the next few weeks.
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Sharpening the Wedge (w/Marieke Walsh)
This week, host Amanda Galbraith is joined by Globe and Mail reporter and friend of the podcast Marieke Walsh, who joins us from Winnipeg, where she is on tour with the Liberal campaign. The two talk about the highs and lows of tour, and share potential names for the campaign bus.
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Ready, Set, Writ (w/ Philippe Gervais, Clare Michaels, and Matthew Barnes)
This week, host Amanda Galbraith is back with a special Season 8 premiere with Navigator colleagues and political insiders Philippe Gervais, Clare Michaels and Matthew Barnes to get the inside scoop on what you need to know leading into the federal election.
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Western Edge | Pathways (w/ Derek Evans)
This week, host Jason Hatcher sits down with the President & CEO of MEG Energy – Derek Evans to chat about the Oil Sands Pathways to Net Zero initiative which was launched by five energy companies representing 90 per cent of oil sands operations. They have a plan to work collectively to tackle...
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Western Edge | Getting into the Game (w/ Scott Nye & Nick Facey)
This week, host Jason Hatcher sits down with two guests – Scott Nye & Nick Facey from Digital Alberta to chat about the tech sector and why Alberta could be the go-to province for start-ups and big companies alike. Three of them go head-to-head in our rapid-fire round to discuss everything from...
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Western Edge | The Next Chapter (w/ Deborah Yedlin)
This week, Jason Hatcher sits down with Deborah Yedlin, CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce and Chancellor of the University of Calgary, to discuss the state of the economy in Alberta and some initiatives that are leading the West out of the pandemic. The pair go head to head in our rapid-fire...
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Western Edge | Rockin’ the Platform (w/Dr. Terry Rock)
This week host Jason Hatcher sits down with Dr. Terry Rock from Platform Calgary to discuss the future of innovation and the tech sector, followed by our rapid fire round debating the best in beer and music. And as a special treat, to kick of the Calgary Stampede we will end the show with a hit...
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Western Edge | A Just Transition (w/Mikaela McQuade)
This week host Jason Hatcher sits down with Mikaela McQuade from the Eurasia Group in Washington D.C. to discuss Canada/US relations and the future of energy. Then stay tuned as the two go head-to-head in our rapid-fire round to debate the great outdoors.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Political Traction takes you behind the scenes for an insider’s look at what’s really going on when it comes to the country’s biggest political stories. Each Friday, host Adam Owen sits down with an insider – from politicians to journalists, diplomats to political strategists – to guide listeners through the backroom machinations shaping the news cycle. Political Traction is powered by Navigator, Canada’s leading high-stakes public affairs firm.
HOSTED BY
Political Traction
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Political Traction have?
Political Traction currently has 242 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Political Traction about?
Political Traction takes you behind the scenes for an insider’s look at what’s really going on when it comes to the country’s biggest political stories. Each Friday, host Adam Owen sits down with an insider – from politicians to journalists, diplomats to political strategists – to guide listeners...
How often does Political Traction release new episodes?
Political Traction publishes regularly with 242 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Political Traction?
You can listen to Political Traction on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Political Traction?
Political Traction is created and hosted by Political Traction.
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