Power & Politics

An Alberta judge has thrown out a separatist petition, ruling in favour of First Nations. Plus, sources say the province is set to announce a finalized energy deal with Ottawa this week. That's as Elections Alberta says a massive data breach could be far bigger than initially reported. Power & Politics has all the details, and the Power Panel weighs in.🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, who's expected to run for the Ontario Liberal Party leadership, is appealing the results of a nomination race in the province after losing by just 19 votes. Power & Politics hears from Erskine-Smith, who alleges multiple 'serious irregularities.' Plus, the separatist leader accused of publishing Albertans' personal data is refusing to co-operate with investigators. P&P has the latest.🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

The federal government is pushing to speed up the approval timeline for major projects to one year. The proposed legislative changes to make that happen are facing pushback from environmental activists including former Liberal environment minister Steven Guilbeault. Plus, leadership races in B.C. and Ontario spark surprise and controversy. Power & Politics has the latest.🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is in Ottawa where she says she’s feeling ‘much more confident’ about reaching an energy agreement after what she calls a ‘meeting of the minds’ with the prime minister. The Weekly Wrap panel breaks down another busy week in Ottawa.🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

As the Carney government makes moves to speed up project approvals, it's also propping up struggling industries hit hard by U.S. tariffs with new funding. Globe and Mail Ottawa bureau chief Robert Fife, Canadian Press deputy parliamentary bureau chief Mia Rabson and La Presse parliamentary bureau chief Joël-Denis Bellavance bring you inside the biggest stories on Parliament Hill.🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

Nearly three million Albertans had their personal information uploaded to a publicly accessible database last month. As new details emerge about how an Alberta separatist group used the data, Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi questions how much Premier Danielle Smith knew about the leak — considering one of her caucus staff attended the meeting where the database was presented. Plus, Honda is reportedly suspending plans to build a $15-billion electric vehicle plant in Ontario — indefinitely. P&P hears from Karim Bardeesy, parliamentary secretary for Industry Minister Mélanie Joly.🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

Prime Minister Mark Carney has chosen former Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour to serve as the King's representative and commander-in-chief of Canada's Armed Forces. Power & Politics dives into the significance of this choice. Plus, another province considers limiting social media for young people. P&P hears from Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe.🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

In the face of U.S. President Donald Trump's Section 232 tariffs, the federal government has introduced an additional $1.5B in funding to support steel, aluminum and copper industries. Power & Politics hears from Industry Minister Mélanie Joly. Plus, Prime Minister Mark Carney's talking about a new world order — one that he says will be 'rebuilt out of Europe.' The Power Panel weighs in.🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

Laura D'Angelo, Zain Velji and Michael Solberg break down how the Liberals are trying to sell their economic update to Canadians, and whether controversies over an Iranian official who was given a visa to Canada, plus four committees that the Liberals pushed out of public view, could overshadow that message. 🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

After a former Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander had a visa for Canada granted and revoked, Globe and Mail Ottawa bureau chief Robert Fife, Canadian Press deputy parliamentary bureau chief Mia Rabson and La Presse parliamentary bureau chief Joël-Denis Bellavance argue that the Carney government's sparse explanations amount to another communications failure — particularly after what Fife calls a 'pathetic performance' by the immigration minister at committee. 🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

Canada granted a former Iranian military commander and current soccer official permission to come to Canada, then revoked his permit and turned him away once he arrived. As ministers cite privacy concerns and a lack of awareness for giving few details, Power & Poltiics asks Secretary of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden about the timeline. Plus, Trudeau-era cabinet mainstay Jonathan Wilkinson explains why he's leaving the Carney government to take a diplomatic post in Brussels. 🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

The federal government says it's looking into potentially privatizing Canada's airports to unlock capital. Power & Politics hears from Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon. Plus, the spring economic update promises more investment in the skilled trades. Sean Strickland, executive director of Canada's Building Trades Union, reacts.🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government tables its spring economic update, showing the economy on more stable footing — but also with a warning: Canada’s economy still risks stumbling as the world grows more dangerous and unpredictable. Power & Politics asks Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne about Canada’s plan to weather that uncertainty, and gets reaction from Conservative international trade critic Adam Chambers. 🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

In an exclusive interview with CBC News: The National, Prime Minister Mark Carney tells Adrienne Arsenault that he's not interested in quickly achieving a ‘small deal’ to get U.S. tariff relief. The Power Panel weighs in on what Canadians can take away from Carney’s sit-down with CBC News. Plus, the NDP's last MP from Quebec, Alexandre Boulerice, is leaving federal politics to run for a provincial seat. Boulerice joins Power & Politics to discuss what went into that decision. 🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

Radio-Canada has confirmed NDP MP Alexandre Boulerice will resign to run provincially for Québec Solidaire. The Weekly Wrap panel discusses the fate and fortunes of the New Democratic movement as the federal caucus shrinks in size. Laura D'Angelo, Zain Velji and Michael Solberg.🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

As Carney pushes back on pressure from the U.S. to make concessions before trade talks between the two countries begin, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says the prime minister is 'losing, losing, losing' in his efforts to negotiate a deal. Globe and Mail Ottawa bureau chief Robert Fife, Canadian Press deputy parliamentary bureau chief Mia Rabson and La Presse parliamentary bureau chief Joël-Denis Bellavance bring you inside the biggest stories on Parliament Hill.🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

Prime Minister Carney takes aim at trade irritants with the U.S. as American officials hint they could take action over provincial bans on U.S. alcohol. Former Conservative leader and new member of Carney’s team of economic advisers Erin O'Toole joins Power & Politics. Plus, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says Israel has agreed to investigate the death of a Canadian in southern Lebanon. 🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

Formal trade talks with the U.S. are at risk of derailing before they've even begun, as Radio-Canada learns the U.S. is demanding an 'entry fee' for Canada to even sit at the negotiating table. Power & Politics hears from Jean Charest, former Quebec premier and a member of the prime minister's new advisory committee on Canada-U.S. economic relations. Plus, the Liberals make a move to seize control of key House of Commons committees, and opposition parties are not impressed. P&P speaks with three party House leaders.🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

Prime Minister Mark Carney has named a new committee for Canada-U.S. relations ahead of the upcoming CUSMA review. Power & Politics hears from the man in charge: Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc, and the Power Panel weighs in. Plus, Power & Politics hears from two premiers looking to diversify trade ties beyond the U.S.🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

In a video posted to YouTube, Prime Minister Mark Carney tells Canadians that Canada's close ties to the U.S. have become 'weaknesses that we must correct.' Power & Politics hears from Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson and the Power Panel weighs in. Plus, former Bank of Canada governor David Dodge discusses the impacts of war in Iran on Canadians, as inflation ticks up.🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

In the first days since securing a majority government, what signals is Prime Minister Mark Carney sending about how he'll change the way he governs? Laura D'Angelo, Zain Velji and Michael Solberg weigh in.🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

Globe and Mail Ottawa bureau chief Robert Fife, Canadian Press deputy parliamentary bureau chief Mia Rabson and La Presse parliamentary bureau chief Joël-Denis Bellavance bring you inside the biggest stories on Parliament Hill. This week: how Prime Minister Mark Carney can meet expectations that have been majorly raised by his majority government, and what Conservatives stuck in opposition can do to turn the page from leadership questions and make a serious push to govern in the future. 🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

In the first moments of an Israel–Lebanon ceasefire announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday, Power & Politics speaks to former Canadian ambassador to Israel Jon Allen about why uncertainties about the agreement and Hezbollah are still threatening a lasting peace. Plus, Michael Kovrig, a former Canadian diplomat who spent over 1,000 days in a Chinese prison, argues that Ottawa's deal to lower tariffs on thousands of Chinese EVs hurts more than the auto industry — it hurts Canada's national security. 🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

Parties unanimously locked in a House committee structure that gave the opposition the advantage last year, allowing them to hold up legislation. Today, Liberal House leader Steven MacKinnon said his government is assessing what it would look like to change that: 'I think there's a generally accepted principle that committees reflect the composition of Parliament.' Conservative ethics critic Michael Barrett and Liberal whip Mark Gerretsen weigh in. Plus, NDP Leader Avi Lewis says the Liberals' 'floor-crossing majority' has legitimacy, but says he's worried about the implications for faith in democracy.🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

Prime Minister Mark Carney said he welcomes the byelection victories that clinched his majority government with 'humility' and 'determination,' but also took aim at the opposition for 'performative' debates that he says have delayed Parliament. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne defends against Conservative attacks on the legitimacy of the majority, saying that accepting floor-crossers is 'how our system works.' Plus, Conservative MP Adam Chambers lays out how his party will adjust to the Liberals' majority control.🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

One election, five defections and a night of byelections have awarded Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberals with a majority government. Here's how it happened.🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

A single victory in today's three byelections would be enough to give the Liberals a majority, but they'll need at least two if they want to avoid leaning on the Speaker to break ties. The Power Panel discusses how the outcome will change the face of the Carney government and its approach to the House. Plus, former House of Commons senior parliamentary counsel Steven Chaplin says he hasn't found any Canadian or Commonwealth precedent for assembling a majority this way, and explains why the Liberals will still need rules changes if they want their majority control to extend to House of Commons committees.🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

The Liberals only need to win one of Monday's three federal byelections to clinch a majority in the House of Commons, but Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed one NDP and four Conservative floor-crossers to get here. Laura D'Angelo, Zain Velji and Michael Solberg debate whether managing a slim majority and a patchwork caucus could become Carney's nightmare.🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

Globe and Mail Ottawa bureau chief Robert Fife, The Canadian Press deputy parliamentary bureau chief Mia Rabson and La Presse parliamentary bureau chief Joël-Denis Bellavance debate whether the crossing of a deeper-blue Conservative to the Liberals could be a headache for both parties, with Fife saying MP Marilyn Gladu is plainly going against what she previously said she believes in.🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

Prime Minister Mark Carney defends accepting former Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu into his caucus despite her past opposition to a host of Liberal policies and positions, saying crossers bring 'a series of perspectives and expertise that is aiding the country.' Liberal House leader Steven MacKinnon tells Power & Politics that the party has values that Gladu 'has to adhere to.' Plus, Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley says he wants Carney to call a byelection in Gladu's riding so voters can confirm they really want a Liberal MP.🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

Former Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu became the latest to cross the floor to the Liberals on Thursday, putting the Carney government in position to secure a majority with just one of three byelection wins next week. Liberal Party caucus chair James Maloney responds to Gladu's socially Conservative views and past controversies like downplaying the COVID-19 pandemic, and says 'the bigger the tent the better.' Plus, former Canadian top soldier Tom Lawson accuses the U.S. president of 'gaslighting' with his threats to destroy Iran, and saying the U.S. is presenting the ceasefire terms differently than they were negotiated because 'the Americans see this as their way out.'🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

U.S. President Donald Trump stuck to his threat to end Iran's 'whole civilization' and bomb bridges and power plants until less than two hours before his Tuesday deadline, when he suddenly posted that there would be a 'a double-sided ceasefire' for two weeks. Experience the night and the news as it unfolded live on Power & Politics, beginning with former Canadian UN ambassador Bob Rae, who says Trump's threat was 'genocidal,' the administration is corrupt and the U.S. is behaving immorally and illegally. Plus, Canada's last head of mission in Saudi Arabia, Dennis Horak, brings instant analysis of Trump's announcement.🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

U.S. President Donald Trump says Iran has until 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday to open the Strait of Hormuz — or else he'll destroy civilian infrastructure. Power & Politics hears from former Middle East peace negotiator Aaron David Miller. Plus, three federal byelections could push the government over the edge of a majority. The Power Panel weighs in.🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

It's a pivotal time for all three main federal political parties. Greg MacEachern, Mélanie Richer and Fred DeLorey check Canada's political pulse as the Liberals inch closer to a majority government.🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

We're changing things up on Fridays. To get you the Power & Politics podcast before your weekend starts, each Friday we're making an earlier drop with one of our favourite panels: The Reporter Roundtable, where some of Ottawa's smartest journalists take you behind the Hill's biggest stories. This week, La Presse's Joël-Denis Bellavance, The Economist's Rob Russo and CBC's Aaron Wherry discuss the start of voting in byelections that could complete a Liberal majority, and whether the results could still surprise us all. 🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

The price of oil surged again following U.S. President Donald Trump's Wednesday night address on the Iran war. Conservative transportation critic Dan Albas explains his party's call to cut taxes on gas for the rest of the year, arguing the over $5-billion price tag can be covered by cutting wasteful spending. Plus, Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association president Flavio Volpe argues that assembling Chinese EVs at the idle Stellantis plant in Brampton, Ont., would be a 'devolution' of the 'whole automotive ecosystem' in the region.🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

In an annual report on international trade grievances released on Tuesday, the Office of the United States Trade Representative named a number of new Canadian 'barriers,' including Ottawa's 'Buy Canadian' rules, drug pricing, and accusations Canada isn't doing enough to stop goods made with forced labour. Plus, Unifor president Lana Payne reacts to a Bloomberg report that says automaker Stellantis is discussing making Chinese electric vehicles at its idle plant in Brampton, Ont.🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

Former Ontario NDP leader, Canadian UN ambassador and humanitarian Stephen Lewis died at the age of 88 on Tuesday. Environmentalist David Suzuki tells Power & Politics about the time he spent with his friend less than two days before his death, and about his hope that Lewis's model will endure for Canadian youth: 'That you can stand up for your principals, you don't have to compromise them in order to gain electoral power.' Plus, Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin says Ottawa is 'categorically' not lowering emissions requirements for Alberta despite failing to deliver two deals the day before their pipeline MOU's deadline. 🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

The federal NDP selected Avi Lewis as its new leader on Sunday, drawing immediate criticism from the Alberta and Saskatchewan NDP as they attacked Lewis for past comments and his stance on fossil fuels. Lewis joins Power & Politics to defend his policies and his vision for restoring a caucus reduced to six seats. Plus, Housing Minister Gregor Robertson defends his nationwide progress on housing despite what he calls a 'challenged' Ontario market. 🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

Canada finally hits NATO's two per cent GDP spending target, but how much does it actually change for the armed forces? Zain Velji, Rachael Segal and Laura D'Angelo debate if this achievement makes Canada safer. 🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

With the federal NDP's next leader set to be chosen this weekend, Power & Politics hears from front-runner Avi Lewis. Plus, NDPers weigh in on the future of their party after a devastating 2025 election loss.🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

For the first time since the 1980s, the NATO military alliance confirms that Canada has met its two per cent of GDP target for defence spending. Defence Minister David McGuinty tells Power & Politics how Canada will reach the next target of five per cent spending, and reveals the different ways Canada could offer military support after a ceasefire in the Strait of Hormuz. Plus, B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma calls on Ottawa to legislate age restrictions on social media, saying a full ban on certain ages 'has a lot of benefits.'🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

Ottawa and Ontario say they're teaming up to temporarily — but completely — remove the HST on new home purchases under $1 million, and give back up to $130,000 on new homes up to $1.5 million. Power & Politics talks to Ontario Housing Minister Robert Flack about how much it can turn around a slumping market. Plus, ahead of the party's leadership convention this weekend, MP and candidate Heather McPherson lays out her vision for reversing the party's 2025 electoral fortunes.🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

As the Iran war drives global energy shocks, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her province and Ottawa may miss at least one of their MOU's April 1 deadlines aimed at setting the stage for an oil pipeline. Parliamentary secretary to the minister of energy Corey Hogan tells Power & Politics that Ottawa and Alberta are 'ahead of schedule on a few things' and are really working on the 'nuts and bolts' on policies like a carbon price. Plus, the Power Panel reacts to renewed Conservative calls to fire Immigration Minister Lena Diab.🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

An Air Canada Express runway collision at LaGuardia Airport has killed two pilots and brought to light concerns about air traffic control safety in the U.S. and Canada. Power & Politics has the latest details from New York, and hears from a former investigator with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada on what the ongoing investigation could entail.🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

Ottawa continues to say it will stay out of any offensive action in the Iran war, but a joint statement with allies says Canada is ready for 'appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage' in the Strait of Hormuz. Zain Velji, Michael Solberg and Supriya Dwivedi debate how much political room there is for Ottawa to get involved in the region. 🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

U.S. President Donald Trump continued to attack his NATO allies for not sending ships to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, posting on Truth Social that they are 'COWARDS, and we will REMEMBER!' Former Conservative leader Erin O'Toole reacts. Plus, Prime Minister’s Council on Canada-U.S. Relations member Jean Charest discusses the next steps toward a CUSMA review after the top U.S. trade official accused Canada of lagging behind Mexico.  🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

Controversial podcaster Joe Rogan released a two-hour interview with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre on Thursday, where political philosophy and mutual condemnation of COVID-19 mandates interwove with talk of mixed martial arts and Poilievre's denial of a conspiracy theory about former prime minister Justin Trudeau. CBC's Kate McKenna breaks down the biggest moments, including when Poilievre said he wished the U.S. president would 'knock that s--t off' on 51st state comments. Plus, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says the conversation on energy projects has changed under Prime Minister Mark Carney, but approval and development 'does need to be quicker.'🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

The Bank of Canada held its key interest rate steady on Wednesday, as Governor Tiff Macklem described an uncertain economic future caught between the potential for higher oil revenues and the threat of damage from inflation. CBC's Peter Armstrong explains why inflation risks are a 'dual crisis' with the continuing damage from U.S. trade uncertainty, and RBC senior economist Claire Fan reacts to the central bank's warning that the risk of price hikes spreading increases as the war stretches on. Plus, Abacus Data's David Coletto and Leger's Sébastien Dallaire dissect the numbers underlying the Liberals' big lead in recent polling.🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏

After the U.S. president threatened NATO allies for not sending ships to the Strait of Hormuz, Canada's Defence Minister David McGuinty reiterates that 'we were not consulted, we have not been active and we're not going to be active' in the Iran war offensive, saying Canada also isn't currently considering any military options to protect states in the region from Iranian attacks. Plus, The Writ's Éric Grenier breaks down how the Liberals reached a polling high a year after Prime Minister Mark Carney was sworn in, and what it could mean for majority-deciding byelections next month.🎙️ Behind every headline is a decision-maker. Behind this show is you.🙏 [Support Power & Politics] 🙏