PrimeTime Politics with Michael Serapio

Political strategists Stevie O'Brien (Liberal) and Jordan Paquet (Conservative) discuss the communications strategy behind Prime Minister Carney's video remarks to Canadians on Sunday, which addressed where Canada is at with U.S. trade negotiations and laid out his vision for the country's economy. Canada's former ambassador to the UN Bob Rae delves into the foreign policy implications of the prime minister's video and for the Canada-U.S. relationship. Independent Senator Hassan Yussuff speaks about his bill aiming to recognize the service of Canadian veterans who served in the Persian Gulf and the Afghanistan conflicts.

The bureau chiefs panel, Robert Fife (Globe and Mail), Tonda MacCharles (Toronto Star) and Joël-Denis Bellavance (La Presse) discuss where Pierre Poilievre’s changing rhetoric and what it signals about his leadership of the party. Michael Serapio sits down with members of the European Parliament Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (Ireland) and Andreas Glück (Germany). They discuss how Canada is becoming one of the EUs most important trading partners and the future of EU-Canada relations.

On the strategists’ panel, Susan Smith (Liberal), Cole Hogan (Conservative) and George Soule (NDP) discuss Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s Canadian Club speech, floor crossings and Poilievre’s future strategy as party leader. Polls analyst and the writer behind The Writ Éric Grenier, looks at how the Conservatives performed in recent byelections and what the results may signal for the party’s future.

Federal NDP Leader Avi Lewis discusses his new leadership, the Liberal majority government and floor crossings. He also addresses surveillance pricing, explaining why he believes it should be banned. CPAC's Andrew Thomson talks about how prominent Conservative MPs are still backing leader Pierre Poilievre. Former Canadian ambassador to the European Union Jeremy Kinsman discusses Finnish President Alexander Stubb’s visit to Ottawa and the strategic importance of the growing relationship between Canada and the Nordic countries.

MP Rachel Bendayan, the parliamentary secretary to the prime minister comes on the show to discuss the gas tax cut and the three by-election wins that have given the Liberals a majority government. Political strategists Laura Pennell and Jordan Paquet discuss what the Liberal majority will mean for the Conservatives and the government. Janice Stein, the founder of the Munk School of Global Affairs talks about what the U.S. is trying to accomplish with its naval blockade in the Persian Gulf as it negotiates with Iran.

Polls analyst and the writer behind The Writ Éric Grenier and Quebec correspondent for The Logic Martin Patriquin break down the by-election tonight in Terrebonne and what we might expect to see out of the Montreal-area riding. Michele Cadario, a liberal strategist and former deputy chief of staff to prime minister Paul Martin discusses what the Liberals could do in Parliament if they win a majority. Current and former Liberal MPs discuss the importance of the by-elections tonight for their party from the Liberal convention in Montreal.

Former NATO assistant secretary general for defence investment Wendy Gilmour reacts to Canada hitting the two per cent military spending target and discusses what this might mean for the future of the Canadian Armed Forces. On the strategists’ panel, Marci Surkes (Liberal), Cole Hogan (Conservative) and George Soule (NDP) discuss the NDP’s polling numbers and the party’s upcoming leadership convention. Michael Serapio speaks with former Liberal deputy prime minister Anne McLellan and former Conservative cabinet minister Lisa Raitt. As co-chairs of the Coalition for a Better Future, they break down the group’s annual scorecard and discuss Canada’s economic development and trade relations.

The bureau chiefs panel, Robert Fife (Globe and Mail), Tonda MacCharles (Toronto Star) and Joël-Denis Bellavance (La Presse) discuss Pierre Poilievre’s appearance on Joe Rogan, and what it signals about his strategy, and how he may appeal to a broader audience. Renowned environmentalist and legendary television broadcaster David Suzuki joins the show a day after he turned 90 to talk about his meeting with the prime minister and to share his views on the debate around protecting the environment versus economic development happening in Canada right now.

Conservative Labour Critic Kyle Seeback joins to outline his party's plan to boost Canada’s auto manufacturing sector and secure tariff-free access for Canadian car exports. Washington bureau chief at The Christian Science Monitor, Linda Feldmann, and NOTUS senior editor and investigative reporter Dave Levinthal discuss how Americans are feeling about the war in Iran and examine whether the conflict could fracture the president's political base. Professor of Political Studies at the University of Ottawa, Geneviève Tellier, discusses the Supreme Court challenge to Quebec's Bill 21 and the arguments for and against the secularism law. CPAC reporter Rémi Authier explains the latest developments in the hearings at the Supreme Court of Canada on Quebec's Bill 21.

Auditor General Karen Hogan joins the show to break down her the latest report, highlighting key concerns around international students and compliance with study permits, the need to modernize federal pay system, and challenges with RCMP recruitment. Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr answers questions about recent defense procurement announcements on space, arms and munitions and the latest of the F-35 review. CPAC reporter Rémi Authier dives into the case before the Supreme Court of Canada challenging Quebec's bill-21 secularism law.

Former NATO assistant secretary general for defence investment Wendy Gilmour discusses the Prime Ministers visit to Norway to observe NATO drills in the Arctic and Canada’s investment in Arctic defence. She also reacts to U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to remove sanctions on Russian oil. Northwest Territories Premier RJ Simpson discusses the prime minister's investment in the north, and how the projects will affect, security and infrastructure in the province. The bureau chiefs panel, Robert Fife (Globe and Mail), Tonda MacCharles (Toronto Star) and Joël-Denis Bellavance (La Presse) discuss the Prime Ministers shifting position on the war in Iran.

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree joins the show to defend the government's new bill on lawful access, which would give increased powers to law enforcement to demand digital evidence. The strategists' panel, Susan Smith and Cole Hogan discuss and debate floor crossing of NDP MP Lori Idlout and what it means for the balance of power in Ottawa. NDP leadership candidate Rob Ashton shares his vision for the party as voting for the next federal NDP leader gets underway.

Former NDP national president Anne McGrath joins the show to discuss the impact of Nunavut MP Lori Idlout leaving the NDP to join the Liberal caucus. Secretary of State for Combatting Crime Ruby Sahota talks about the government's efforts to strengthen security at Synagogues amid several targeted shootings in the GTA. NDP leadership candidate Avi Lewis talks about his vision for the party and the country as NDP members begin voting for their next leader.

Conservative MP Shuvaloy Majumdar talks about the Conservative Party's support for strikes on Iran and their call for the government to expel Iranian regime officials reportedly living in Canada. NDP foreign affairs critic Alexandre Boulerice explains his party's position on the war in Iran and their disappointment with the prime minister's response. Lawyer and human rights activist Kaveh Shahrooz discusses the situation in Iran right now and examines Canada's positioning on the conflict. Dan Arnold, chief strategy officer at Pollara Strategic Insights, joins us to talk about strong polling numbers for the Liberals in Alberta and discusses some ridings that could be in play for them.

Former foreign affairs minister Lloyd Axworthy talks about his criticism of the Canada's position on the war in Iran and what he thinks Canada should be doing as the conflict rages on. Journalists Steven Chase (Globe and Mail) and Stephanie Taylor (National Post) discuss what was accomplished on the prime minister's indo-pacific trip last week and how the war in Iran partially overshadowed the mission.

The bureau chiefs panel, Robert Fife (Globe and Mail), Joël-Denis Bellavance (La Presse) and Mia Rabson (Canadian Press) discuss the widely criticized comments from a senior government official who told journalists that India was no longer targeting people in Canada. It comes as the Prime Minister begins a trade mission to India. Mark Romoff, chair and CEO of the Australia-Canada Economic Leadership Forum talks about the opportunities on trade and defence for the two countries with the Prime Minister visiting Sydney and Canberra next week. NDP MP and party leadership hopeful Heather McPherson drops by for a conversation about her vision for the party and the country.

CPAC's Andrew Thomson discusses with host Michael Serapio details surrounding Prime Minister Mark Carney's trip to the Indo-Pacific. Asia Pacific Foundation Vice-President Vina Nadjibulla gives her assessment of what the prime Minister needs to accomplish in India and where the two countries can cooperate after a couple years of tension. The strategists panel, Susan Smith, Cole Hogan and George Soule debate and discuss Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's speech before the Economic Club of Canada as he lays out several policy proposals to deal with Canada-U.S. relations, economic growth and security.

New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt talks about her upcoming trade mission to India with the prime minister and what she hopes to accomplish for her province while there. Political commentator Graham Thomson discusses Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's referendum questions announced last week and how it could relate to her budget, set to be released on Thursday. NDP leadership candidate Tony McQuail joins the show to talk about his campaign for NDP leader and his vision for the country.

Ukrainian Ambassador to Canada Andrii Plakhotniuk reflects on four years of war in his country and discusses what Ukraine needs from Canada and allied countries. Dana O’Born, Chief Strategy Officer at the Council of Canadian Innovators, explains the opportunities and challenges for Canadian tech firms after the release of the government's defence industrial strategy last week. Retired colonel Michel Drapeau talks about the substandard housing on Canadian Armed Force's bases and gives his assessment of the government's plan to fix the issue.

Liaison Strategies Principal David Valentin goes over the latest polling from his firm which shows a large lead for Mark Carney's Liberals. Michigan State University law professor and podcast host Matthew Leffler breaks down the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on President Trump's use of emergency tariffs. Matthew Holmes, executive vice president at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce talks about what Canada needs to do following the court decision on U.S. tariffs and the importance of bolstering ties with our other North American trading partner. Ukrainian Canadian Congress CEO Ihor Michalchyshyn reflects on the past four years of war in Ukraine and his organization's efforts to get more aid to Ukraine and help Ukrainians fleeing violence settle in Canada.

The bureau chiefs panel, Robert Fife (Globe and Mail), Tonda MacCharles (Toronto Star) and Joël-Denis Bellavance (La Presse) discuss the impact on the government after the Supreme Court voted to overturn the results of a Liberal win in the Quebec riding of Terrebonne from the 2025 general election. Rachel Bendayan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and MP for Outremont, discusses the potential of the upcoming trade mission to Mexico, and the long-term future of economic relations with that country. She also briefly reacts to the recent Supreme Court ruling that will trigger a parliamentary by-election in Terrebonne. Eric Miller, President of Rideau Potomac Strategy Group, discusses the recent bill by the U.S. House to try and end the "national emergency" that Donald Trump uses as the basis of laying many tariffs. Although the bill is likely to be vetoed, Miller discusses how Canada can try to guide the situation positively, and realistic trade goals for the future.

Liberal MP Taleeb Noormohamed talks about the impact the Tumbler Ridge school shooting has had on British Columbia and MPs of all stripes. Abacus Data CEO David Coletto goes over one of his latest surveys on how Canadians feel about the real estate market and the prospect of owning a home. The strategists panel, Laura Pennell, Cole Hogan and George Soule talk about what the government has actually accomplished and if it's been enough to live up to the lofty promises made by the prime minister.

British Columbia MP Bob Zimmer, who represents Tumbler Ridge talks about the impact of the shooting on the small community and what is being done to help the town. British Columbia MLA Larry Neufeld, who represents Tumbler Ridge in Victoria shares what residents of town are feeling as they grapple with an unimaginable loss.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Cohen talks about President Trump's threat to block permitting for the Gordie Howe Bridge unless Canada gives ownership of half the bridge to the United States, Cohen also discusses the state of Canada-U.S relations amidst consistent threats from the current president. Former Ontario finance minister Dwight Duncan gives his take on what President Trump is doing when he threatens to block the opening of the Gordie Howe Bridge. Former Attorney General Irwin Cotler urges Canada to put more pressure on China after Hong Kong pro-democracy figure Jimmy Lai was sentenced to 20 years in prison, which his family is calling a death sentence for the 78-year-old.

Conservative MP Arpan Khanna discusses his party's call for tax relief for laid off auto workers in his riding. Angus Reid Institute President Shachi Kurl explains their latest polling on Alberta separatism sentiments. Senator Peter Boehm talks about the impact of Canada's decision to open a consulate in Greenland.

The bureau chiefs panel, Tonda MacCharles (Toronto Star), Joël-Denis Bellavance (La Presse) and Mia Rabson (Canadian Press) talk about the polling lead the Liberals hold over the Conservatives and whether that could motivate the PM to call and election and they also discuss what's next for Pierre Poilievre after clearing his leadership review decisively. Polls analysts Éric Grenier (The Writ) and Philippe Fournier (338 Canada) talk about the large lead the Liberals hold in the polls over the Conservatives in a few polls and what an election could look like if one were held today.

The strategists panel, Marci Surkes, Cole Hogan and George Soule talk about the government's new strategy on vehicle emissions and EVs and about the prospect of a general election call in the near future. Canada's Secretary of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden discusses the upcoming Winter Olympic games in Italy and the role sport plays in national unity. Canada's Parliamentary Budget Officer Jason Jacques explains how much it's going to cost Canada to meet NATO's new 5% spending target.

David Macdonald, senior economist at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives talks about the practical impact of the GST rebate and top-up on Canadians. Toronto Star Queen's park Bureau Chief Robert Benzie unpacks the drama in Toronto and in Ottawa after the federal Liberals poached the deputy leader of the NDP to run in a by-election and subsequent announcement by MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith that he would run in a provincial by-election. Alberta's Chief Firearms Officer Teri Bryant talks about her province's opposition to the federal gun buyback program.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper's first chief of staff Ian Brodie talks about the legacy of his former boss and what Harper might be talking about with Prime Minister Mark Carney. David Perry, president of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute talks about the choice Canada faces in procuring submarines and the battle between a German and South Korean firm to win the contract. Conservative campaign manager Steve Outhouse talks about the road ahead for Pierre Poilievre after his decisive leadership review result and what the leader and party is focused on going into the spring session of Parliament.

Conservative Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman explains why her party is offering to fast-track the government's GST rebate measure despite criticizing it. Abacus Data CEO David Coletto discusses the challenges ahead for Pierre Poilievre after he survived his leadership review but still faces a steadily popular Mark Carney. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith faces questions about Alberta separatism and explains why she supports Pierre Poilievre in an interview at the Conservative Party convention in Calgary.

The bureau chiefs panel, Robert Fife (Globe and Mail), Tonda MacCharles (Toronto Star) and Joël-Denis Bellavance (LaPresse) discuss Mark Carney's relationship with President Trump following a rough patch after the PM's Davos speech. Dave Levinthal, a senior editor at NOTUS based in Washington breaks down the latest news following the shooting of American citizens in Minnesota at the hands of federal law enforcement. Political science professor Lori Williams talks about the upcoming Conservative convention in Calgary as Pierre Poilievre faces a leadership vote on Friday.

Government House Leader Steve MacKinnon defends his government's latest affordability measure to raise the GST rebate. Opposition House Leader Andrew Scheer responds to the government's affordability measures and talks about how Conservatives might work with the government in this session. The strategists panel, Susan Smith, Cole Hogan and George Soule discuss the government's new affordability measures and debate the sincerity of Pierre Poilievre's statement on collaborating with the government to pass certain legislation.

The bureau chiefs panel Robert Fife (Globe and Mail), Tonda MacCharles (Toronto Star) and Joël-Denis Bellavance (LaPresse) talk about Michael Ma's floor crossing to the Liberals and what it means for Pierre Poilievre's leadership when he faces a leadership review at the end of the six week holiday break from parliament.

As Parliament goes into its winter break, the party strategists' panel, Susan Smith, Cole Hogan and George Soule looks back at Carney's performance over the year and looks ahead to Pierre Poilievre's upcoming leadership review, and discusses whether both are on the right paths. U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra sits down for a year-end interview focused on the deterioration of Canada-U.S. trade talks earlier this fall, what the United States wants out of a trade deal with Canada and how talks can get started again.

Industry Minister Mélanie Joly discusses her government's attempt to recoup money given to Stellantis after the automaker canceled a vehicle line in Brampton, costing thousands of jobs. Former Canadian ambassador to the UN Louise Blais talks about the challenges ahead for Canada's next ambassador to the U.S. and reflects on Kirsten Hillman's tenure in the role. The International Monetary Fund's Mission Chief to Canada Ashvin Ahuja discusses the IMF's analysis of Canada's economic policies and outlook.

Canada's former UN ambassador Bob Rae discusses Kirsten Hillman's resigation as Canada's ambassador to the United States and the impact she has left on the relationship. Journalists Alex Ballingall (Toronto Star) and Stephanie Taylor (National Post) talk about the defeat of the Conservative motion supporting an oil pipeline from Alberta to the B.C. coast and what it means for the Liberals who voted against it. Bloc Québécois Yves-François Blanchet discusses his opposition to the Alberta-Ottawa MOU and how long he thinks this minority government can last.

Former UN ambassador Bob Rae comments on U.S. foreign policy shifts in regards to Europe and how Canada should move forward with its relationship with the U.S. Climate scientists Catherine Abreu and Simon Donner discuss their respective decisions to leave the government's Net-Zero Advisory Body after Ottawa's MOU with Alberta. Former Métis National Council president Cassidy Caron talks about the significance of the return of artifacts held in the Vatican back to Indigenous peoples in Canada and what comes next in their fight to repatriate historical items.

The bureau chiefs panel, Robert Fife (Globe and Mail), Tonda MacCharles (Toronto Star) and Joël-Denis Bellavance (La Presse) discuss Mark Carney's brief visit to Washington for the World Cup as Donald Trump threatens the CUSMA deal and they talk about Ottawa's strategy around consultation with First Nations after signing the MOU with Alberta. Alberta Justice Minister Mickey Amery talks about his province's plan to not comply with the federal gun buy-back program set to be rolled-out across the country.

The strategists panel, Susan Smith, Cole Hogan and George Soule discuss the challenges the government faces in getting First Nations' support for a pipeline to the Pacific coast and debate how realistic the proposal really is. Polls analysts Éric Grenier (The Writ) and Philippe Fournier (338 Canada) discuss what the polls say about support for the Alberta-Ottawa MOU across the country.

Former Toronto mayor and Elbows up for Climate co-chair David Miller outlines his issues with the Alberta-Ottawa MOU and details the types of projects he'd like to see pursued. Political strategists Martine St-Victor and Jonathan Kalles talk about the comments on the decline of the French language by Minister Marc Miller and the impact of Steven Guilbeault's resignation from cabinet on the PM's popularity in Quebec.

Sara Mainville, lawyer and managing partner at JFK Law talks about the Prime Minister's speech to the AFN assembly and whether any concerns over consultations were eased by his remarks. Former RCMP deputy-commissioner Pierre-Yves Bourduas talks about the logistical challenge that the government faces in enforcing its gun buy-back program as Alberta announces it will not participate. United Steelworkers Canada President Marty Warren discusses his chat with Industry Minister Melanie Joly today and what supports his union would like to see from Ottawa.

B.C. Energy Minister Adrian Dix gives his assessment of Alberta's pipeline proposal and how his province might work with Alberta in other ways to get its energy products to Asian markets. Calgary-based political science professor Lori Williams and Edmonton-based freelance columnist Graham Thomson discuss what went down at Alberta's United Conservative Party convention over the weekend and how much the MOU helps Premier Danielle Smith politically. Abacus Data CEO David Coletto provides some insight into how Canadians are feeling about the Alberta-Ottawa MOU.

The bureau chiefs panel, Robert Fife (Globe and Mail), Tonda MacCharles (Toronto Star) and Joël-Denis Bellavance (La Presse) talk about Steven Guilbeault's sudden resignation from cabinet and what it says about Mark Carney's command of his caucus. Laura Jones, president of the B.C. Business Council talks about her organization's support for the Alberta-Ottawa MOU despite the B.C. government's fervent opposition to a new pipeline going through the province. CPAC journalist Rémi Authier breaksdown the first NDP leadership debate which took place in Montreal yesterday.

Federal Energy Minister Tim Hodgson reacts to Steven Guilbeault's resignation from cabinet and responds to concerns about the MOU Ottawa signed with Alberta today. Green Party Leader Elizabeth May laments the resignation of Steven Guilbeault from cabinet and voices her disapproval of Ottawa's MOU with Alberta. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith talks about her province's MOU with Ottawa and what it means for the future of Alberta's energy-based economy. Strategists Stevie O'Brien and Cole Hogan, talk about the political hurdles Prime Minister Mark Carney must overcome to get support for his new energy policies with Alberta.

Canadian Steel Producer CEO Catherine Cobden unpacks the latest suite of measures to support the steel industry as it faces crippling U.S. tariffs. Michael Serapio sits down with Russian dissident and former prisoner Vladimir Kara-Murza to talk about the Russia proposal to end the war in Ukraine from the Halifax International Security Forum. The David Suzuki Foundation's Thomas Green discusses his organization's opposition to Alberta's pipeline proposal to the Pacific coast.

Canada's former ambassador to Russia Jeremy Kinsman weighs in on the peace talks concerning the war in Ukraine as European allies propose changes to an initial U.S. plan. U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D - Delaware) discusses the Canada-U.S. relationship and proposals to end the war in Ukraine from the Halifax International Security Forum. Mutasim Ali, a lawyer with the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights talks about the ongoing conflict and Sudan and what Canada can do to help.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe joins to talk about his support for Alberta's proposed pipeline to the B.C. coast as well as his thoughts on trade negotiations with the U.S. Ukrainian Canadian Congress CEO Ihor Michalchyshyn talks about peace plan negotiations between the U.S. Russia and Ukraine and the plan unveiled late last week that was deemed too favourable to Russia by Ukraine and its western allies. Former Canadian ambassador to the United Nations Bob Rae reflects on his time at the international body and what can be done to improve it.

B.C. Energy Minister Adrian Dix details B.C.'s opposition to Alberta's proposed pipeline to the pacific coast as a deal with Ottawa and Alberta appears imminent. CPAC host Michael Serapio interviews Halifax International Security Forum President Peter van Praagh on the themes of this year's conference. Former Canadian ambassador to the United Nations Louise Blais discusses what's at stake during the Prime Minister's trip to the G20 in South Africa this weekend.

The strategists panel, Susan Smith and Cole Hogan debate the political ramifications and potential pitfalls for the prime minister if a pipeline form Alberta to the Pacific coast is approved. Ontario Senator Marty Deacon talks about her attempts to get the government to ban all sports gambling ads. Former Liberal cabinet minister Sergio Marchi discusses his new book Pursuing a Public Life: How to Succeed in the Political Arena.

The bureau chiefs panel, Robert Fife (Globe and Mail), Tonda MacCharles (Toronto Star) and Joël-Denis Bellavance (LaPresse) discuss reports that Ottawa and Alberta are closing in on an agreement to build a pipeline to the Pacific coast. Canadian Global Affairs Institute President Dave Perry talks about the ongoing debate on the future of Canada's fighter jet fleet as Swedish officials and royalty try to woo the Canadian government into buying fighter jets from Saab. CPAC host Michael Serapio sits down with Brigadier General Brendan Cook on the Canadian military's collaboration with private industry at the SpaceBound conference in Ottawa.