The Discourse

Alberta’s healthcare system has gone through a major overhaul since 2023 — new agencies, new legislation, and a new way of thinking about care delivery. But is it actually working? In this episode of The Discourse, Erika Barootes is joined by emergency physician and former Alberta Medical Association president Dr. Paul Parks for a candid, no-spin conversation from both the frontline and the policy table. They break down what’s changed, what’s at stake with dual practice, and what real solutions could look like — without the political talking points.

The April 1st deadline on the Alberta-Ottawa MOU came and went and Ottawa delivered nothing. No announcement, no framework, no signal that the federal government is taking Alberta's concerns seriously. This week Erika is joined by Gitane De Silva, former Deputy Minister of Alberta's International and Intergovernmental Relations, former CEO of the Canadian Energy Regulator, and Founder and President of GDStrategic, to break down what that missed deadline actually means for the relationship between this province and Ottawa. They dig into what federal ministers making the rounds in Calgary are really trying to accomplish, whether any of it moves the needle, and what a trade war layered on top of rising instability in Iran means for Alberta energy producers and agricultural communities that are already navigating an incredibly uncertain environment.

In this episode of The Discourse, Erika Barootes and Shannon Greer break down a busy week in Alberta politics, where the most talked-about moment didn’t come from the budget itself, but from a private plane. They dig into the controversy around government travel and whether it’s a real issue or just political theatre, before turning to new legislation on medical assistance in dying (MAID) and the broader ethical and policy debates it’s set to ignite. The conversation also looks at Alberta’s dual practice health-care model and why it’s drawing attention across the country, raising questions about capacity, fairness, and a potential doctor drain. Finally, they zoom out to the federal stage, where the NDP leadership race is less about a new leader and more about the party’s identity heading into 2026. It’s a mix of optics, policy, and political positioning—and what actually matters to voters.

In this episode of The Discourse, Erika Barootes is joined by guest co-host Sabrina Grover for a candid, wine-in-hand conversation about what is really shaping Alberta politics right now. With the legislature back in session but little headline legislation on the table, the focus shifts to the bigger conversations happening outside the chamber. Erika and Sabrina unpack Alberta’s referendum debate, rising separation rhetoric, immigration pressures, pipeline politics, and the growing tension between provincial priorities and national unity. Drawing on their very different political journeys, they also debate the future of conservatism in Alberta, Mark Carney’s appeal to red Tories, and whether Naheed Nenshi has capitalized on his early momentum. It’s equal parts political analysis and spirited debate between friends who don’t always agree—but aren’t afraid to dig into the issues shaping Alberta’s next chapter.

In this episode, Erika Barootes and Keith McLaughlin break down Alberta’s latest budget, tackling the growing deficit, tax strategy, and what it all means for healthcare, education, and frontline services. They dig into the pressure immigration places on public systems, debate the future of the Heritage Savings Trust Fund, weigh in on minimum wage, and unpack the shifting political dynamics shaping Alberta’s next moves.

In this episode of The Discourse, Erika Barootes is joined by guest co-host Supriya Dwivedi for a sharp, no-nonsense conversation on Canada’s growing immigration and separation tensions. Together, they unpack rising separatist sentiment in Alberta, strained federal-provincial relations, and the hard questions around immigration levels, integration, and economic capacity. From Alberta to Quebec, this episode confronts the leadership vacuum, policy contradictions, and public frustration shaping Canada’s next chapter — and asks what it will take to hold the country together.

In this episode of The Discourse, Erika Barootes is joined by guest co-host Supriya Dwivedi for a sharp, no-nonsense conversation on Canada’s growing immigration and separation tensions. Together, they unpack rising separatist sentiment in Alberta, strained federal-provincial relations, and the hard questions around immigration levels, integration, and economic capacity. From Alberta to Quebec, this episode confronts the leadership vacuum, policy contradictions, and public frustration shaping Canada’s next chapter — and asks what it will take to hold the country together.

In our final episode of 2025, we’re joined by Ryan Jespersen of Real Talk for a deeper conversation about what’s really driving political division in Canada. We start with the latest floor crossing from the Conservatives to the Liberals and what it means for parliamentary math, stability, and the way political “inside baseball” often matters a lot more to partisan circles than it does to people outside them. Then we zoom out to the bigger forces underneath the headlines: the Liberal move toward the centre under Mark Carney, what that opens up for the NDP, and how labels like “conservative” and “progressive” have shifted in meaning. We also get into the real-world stakes behind ideological debates on health care and public services, then close with practical advice for navigating political conversations over the holidays.

Danielle Smith gets booed at her own victory lap. This week on The Discourse, Cheryl and Erika unpack the UCP AGM drama: the pipeline MOU that was supposed to unite the party, the organized but noisy independence faction, and what the board results actually say about Smith’s grip on her base. Erika talks about being in the room and how Mark Carney’s pipeline deal has even her backing away from independence talk. Then they dive into the resolutions and red meat: abortion and public funding in the third trimester, flag bans dressed up as “neutrality,” fights over fluoride, a revolt against the government’s own no-fault insurance plan, and the UCP’s apparent obsession with stopping the Progressive Conservative Party resurection. Cheryl rants about Smith’s new two-tier healthcare model as the beginning of the end of Canadian medicare, and the two clash over the government’s latest “stand your ground”-style gun motion under the Sovereignty Act. It’s one part governance nerd, one part convention gossip, and one part very real warning about where Alberta politics is headed next.

Alberta finally got its “grand bargain” on energy, but not the way anyone expected. In this episode, Cheryl and Erika break down the new Alberta–Ottawa MOU that scraps the federal oil and gas emissions cap, suspends clean electricity regs, speeds up project approvals to two years, and gives a potential pipeline to Asia a fast-track “national interest” stamp. They unpack how Danielle Smith turned a nine-point ultimatum into seven big-ticket concessions, what Mark Carney gets in return on industrial carbon pricing and net-zero by 2050, and why a Calgary Chamber crowd gave a Liberal prime minister a standing ovation for an energy deal. If you keep hearing “pipeline deal” but don’t really know what’s in it, this is your crib sheet. But this isn’t just about Alberta’s vibes. Cheryl walks through why coastal First Nations and BC’s NDP government still hold the real veto power, how this changes separatist politics on the Prairies, and what it means for the federal Liberals, Conservatives and NDP heading into the next election. Plus, the back half gets spicy: the UCP’s second use of the notwithstanding clause, the new two-tier health care experiment, and what all of it says about where Alberta politics is headed next.  

Winnipeg is getting ready for the Grey Cup, but the real game this week is between Mark Carney and Danielle Smith. We break down Carney’s $116 billion “national interest” project list, why it’s full of LNG, mines, and transmission lines, but still no new pipeline to the West Coast, and what that actually means for Alberta’s leverage. Is this bold economic strategy or risk-free choreography from Ottawa? We unpack the so-called grand bargain on industrial carbon pricing, emissions caps, and CCUS, and ask whether Alberta and Saskatchewan are doing the hard work they say they want from the feds. Then we shift to the home front: where the NDP is attempting to capitalize on the UCP’s brutal few weeks with a slick new ad. Plus, the UCP faces a recall campaign against its own MLAs. Cheryl explains why the NDP spot is exactly the kind of contrast piece their base has been waiting for, while Erika tears into the government’s recall communications strategy and asks why anyone thought this law was a good idea in the first place. 

Mark Carney drops his first budget and we’re split: Cheryl gives it a 7/10 for a disciplined comms rollout and “build-through-the-downturn” strategy; Erika fires back with a 4/10 over record debt, fuzzy capital/operating splits, and weak relief for real people. We unpack what the naysayers actually mean, why “we’re building houses” lands better than tax tinkering, and how this budget boxes in both the CPC and NDP on cuts, immigration, and social programs. Then: the Ottawa plot twist—Chris Dontermont crosses the floor as rumours swirl of more MPs ahead of Polievre’s leadership review. Plus a brutal week in Alberta: an education bill dropped while the Premier’s abroad, and the Auditor General won’t be renewed mid-AHS probe. We argue over Bill 6’s literacy testing, the optics of the AG timing, and why the first stab at boundary redistribution has both of us grinding our teeth.

The UCP just used the nuclear option: legislating 51,000 Alberta teachers back to work, imposing a four-year deal, and wrapping it all in the notwithstanding clause. Cheryl calls it a slippery slope for Charter rights; Erika argues the government took a high-risk hit to end a stalemate and promises a “reset” on class size and complexity... if they actually deliver. We break down what’s real, what’s rhetoric, fresh polling that shows UCP support slipping, and whether a general strike is a bluff or a live wire. Then: recall politics boomerangs on the UCP as Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides faces a petition under their own looser rules. Plus, Thomas Lukaszuk’s “Forever Canadian” petition accidentally hands separatists the referendum oxygen they craved (yikes). We close on what happens next: task forces vs. caps, data vs. delay, and how both sides can win (or torch) the post-strike moment. 

The Alberta Legislature is back, and Premier Danielle Smith is swinging at everyone in sight. This week, Cheryl and Erika debate the government’s plan to legislate teachers back to work, the unprecedented strike that led here, and what a “work-to-rule” classroom could look like for Alberta families. Plus, they dive into the province’s move toward two-tier healthcare and whether paying privately for MRIs and bloodwork will fix the system or quietly bleed it dry. And: the so-called “Wyant Report” the Premier’s office claims to be cleared of wrongdoing in Alberta’s health procurement scandal — except it wasn't. Cheryl unpacks what the report actually says, why journalists missed the story, and how the government’s spin turned into a masterclass in message control. 

Cheryl and Erika dive into Alberta’s two biggest brawls: Smith’s pipeline push and a teachers’ strike that’s testing parents’ patience (and the UCP’s polling). We unpack the real differences between TMX and the North Coast pipeline idea, what Premier Eby says is at risk in B.C., and why “fighting forever” might be the Alberta Premier’s political sweet spot. Bonus: the Grey Cup “grand bargain,” Keystone as a bargaining chip, and whether Ottawa will blink. Then we pivot to classrooms: hiring promises vs. classroom reality, what the ATA really wants (hint: more than a wage line), and why public sentiment could decide the outcome faster than any bargaining table can. We wrap with Alberta’s new license-plate pageant (Strong and Free meets shiny distraction) and a few spicy one-liners you’ll want to steal for your next dinner debate. 

Classrooms across Alberta could go quiet on October 6 as 50,000 teachers prepare to strike after rejecting a government offer of 12% over four years. We cut through the spin: pay vs. working conditions, class sizes, and what “more teachers and EAs” actually changes for kids. We also unpack the government’s stopgap—$150 per child under 12, per week—and whether that helps real families scrambling for care or just buys political cover. Then we zoom out: how big strikes reshape public opinion, what usually ends them, and why tone matters (including a viral town-hall moment where a moderator told a teen his parents should “spank him”). Finally, we check in on a slow-burning healthcare procurement controversy and why promised “interim reports” rarely see the light of day. 

Alberta wants to stamp “CAN” on your driver’s licence. Is this bold reform or a busywork boondoggle? We rip into the talking points, the "election integrity” spin, and the weird real-world places this could follow you (hotel desks, gym sign-ups, you name it), and does a digital wallet actually fix problems, and a three-letter badge doesn’t? Then we head to Ottawa, where Carney vs. Poilievre returns to center stage: has the tone shifted, is the “austerity + investment” budget a masterstroke or a trap, and is the honeymoon officially dead, or just getting interesting? We finish on Alberta’s municipal elections: parties on the ballot, polls in your feed, and a big shrug from voters. Who wins when nobody’s watching? 

Danielle Smith dropped her “Three Bad Laws” video before even sitting down with PM Mark Carney, then walked out sounding… optimistic. No heavy-oil pipeline on the major projects list, yet the tone flipped. Did she hear real movement on an emissions-cap rethink, EV timelines, or CCUS, and what does “climate competitiveness” actually signal? We unpack the strategy behind the Poilievre-style video, what it mobilizes (and what it doesn’t), and why the post-meeting vibes matter for Alberta. Then we wade into the week’s other bonfire: immigration. We separate math from memes (including that viral “15 million” claim), look at what TFWs actually account for, and ask how Alberta can match labour needs without lighting the culture war. Plus, inside the Alberta Next roadshow—consultation or content factory? If you want sharp, fact-grounded takes without the shouting, this one’s your episode.

It's been a jam-packed political week in Alberta and Ottawa. On this episode of The Discourse: The Book Ban Backlash — Alberta’s new “age-appropriate” policy sparks outrage as Edmonton Public Schools pulls 200 titles, including The Handmaid’s Tale. What’s censorship, what’s politics, and what’s really at stake? Teachers vs. the Government — With a strike looming, we break down what teachers want, what the government has offered, and how parents will be caught in the middle. Pierre Poilievre’s “Stand On Guard” Principle — Is Canada headed for Wild West politics, or is this just the latest Conservative stunt? Expect fireworks: Cheryl calls out government overreach, Erika goes deep on union politics, and the two clash over whether Alberta schools are truly in crisis. Check out Makami College's Applied Politics program here: https://makamicollege.com/programs/

Two former UCP MLAs spill the tea in an explosive conversation about why they ditched Danielle Smith’s party, and why they’re resurrecting the once-mighty Progressive Conservative brand as Alberta’s next political force. From backroom betrayals to policy blunders, they dish on everything the Premier is doing wrong, the skeletons she’d rather keep hidden, and how the Alberta Party is getting a very familiar rebrand. ⚠️ Warning: Pete Guthrie’s Wi-Fi didn’t quite survive the UCP exodus. His choppy video looks like it’s buffering straight out of 2006. (Don’t worry, the tea still pours scalding hot.)

The votes are in!- and while the UCP held ground, are there cracks showing? In this episode, we dig into Alberta’s latest by-elections and what they actually reveal about the political landscape. Nenshi’s landslide may have stolen headlines, but the real story is buried in Edmonton-Ellerslie and Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills. Is the UCP leaking support in key bases? Is the NDP losing its grip on Edmonton? And what should we make of the Republicans pulling 18% in rural Alberta? Cheryl and Erika break it down — the good, the bad, and the quietly alarming for all three major parties. Also in this episode: 🗣️ Danielle Smith’s New Panel: Listening Tour or Soft Separatism? We dive into the latest “public consultation” from the Premier. The questions are leading, the framing is loaded, and the outcomes feel predetermined. Is this a legitimate engagement — or a reheated Fair Deal fantasy? 🧬 Inside Alberta’s Biomanufacturing Playbook Andrew MacIsaac of Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation joins us to explain how Alberta’s chemistry advantage could make us a national health security leader. From Turkish Tylenol to trade tariffs, he lays out the case for why homegrown pharma is the next economic frontier.

This week on The Discourse, Cheryl Oates and Erika Barootes tackle three of the biggest political stories in Alberta, Canada — and beyond. 🎓 Segment 1: Teachers on the Edge The Alberta Teachers' Association delivers a stunning 99% strike vote. Cheryl defends their demands for classroom caps and support funding, while Erika goes off on unions and PD days. It’s heated, it's personal, and it’s the debate Alberta parents are already having. 🌍 Segment 2: G7 Summit Breakdown Kananaskis gets the world stage. From Mark Carney’s statesmanlike debut to Danielle Smith's pro-oil charm offensive, we break down who won the global optics game.  📊 Segment 3: By-Election Predictions With three Alberta ridings up for grabs, we make bold predictions on whether the UCP can gain ground in Edmonton — and whether the Republican Party of Alberta is a punchline or a potential spoiler. Spoiler alert: Erika promises to shotgun a beer if they break 20%.

Four major pipelines. Billions in lost investment. A decade of political fights. And still, Canada can’t seem to build energy infrastructure. On this episode of The Discourse, Cheryl and Erika unpack why Canada keeps losing the pipeline wars and whether the political landscape may finally be shifting. With premiers suddenly talking about "economic corridors" and Mark Carney promising to fast-track projects, is there a narrow window for national energy projects to succeed? Joining the show is Gitane De Silva — former Deputy Minister in the Alberta government, former CEO of the Canada Energy Regulator, and someone who’s been inside the rooms where these make-or-break decisions happen. She pulls back the curtain on: Why so many projects (like Northern Gateway and Energy East) failed How First Nations consultation has (and hasn't) evolved What it would take to truly approve a major project in just two years The "chicken-and-egg" problem stopping private sector proponents from stepping up Plus: The political evolution of Wab Kinew, David Eby, and Danielle Smith on energy Cheryl and Erika debate who really "got a pipeline built" Why Alberta keeps demanding pipelines — and why the rest of Canada often tunes them out The famous bitumen bubble that still lives rent-free in Erika's head Advice to premiers ahead of the G7 summit — and how Trump’s temper still looms large

This week, we delve into the scandal that has rocked Alberta politics for more than a year — and we bring in the reporter who broke the story. The Globe and Mail's Carrie Tait joins us to break down: How the AHS scandal first came to light Why new delays in the government's investigation are raising eyebrows What journalists actually do behind the scenes to get these stories published Why this story still matters, and how far it could still go PLUS: We break down this week's First Ministers meeting in Saskatoon, where Mark Carney continues to rewrite the script on federal-provincial relations. Danielle Smith has pivoted — and looks surprisingly comfortable playing national stateswoman. Can she keep it up? AND: A rare stumble for the Carney Liberals: the government loses a House vote — but does it matter? If you want to understand where Alberta politics is heading — and how Ottawa and Edmonton are suddenly getting along — you won’t want to miss this one.

This week on The Discourse, Cheryl and Erika take you inside one of the most politically packed weeks in Canada—from royal pageantry to banned books to the high-stakes First Ministers' Meeting. 🫅 The King Reads the Script. Carney Steals the Show. For the first time since 1977, the monarch delivers Canada's Speech from the Throne. Cheryl and Erika break down the symbolism, the strategy, and whether Carney’s curtain-raising moment can carry him through a budget delay. 📚 Book Bans or Political Spin? Alberta’s government announces it's pulling “sexually explicit” books from schools. Erika says it's about protecting kids. Cheryl says it’s a smokescreen for censorship. Things get spicy. 🗳️ By-Elections Are On: Nenshi, Republicans, and Riding Realities Three Alberta by-elections are set. The NDP’s new leader is running. A separatist party is gaining steam. And conservatives are quietly eyeing gains in Edmonton. We name the ridings, the players, and the stakes. 🤝 First Ministers Meeting: Can Unity Survive the Photo Op? Western premiers show surprising alignment on economic corridors—but can that consensus hold in front of the cameras in Ottawa? Cheryl reflects on what’s real, what’s spin, and who’s most likely to break ranks for a soundbite. 💸 Travel Budget Blowback A million-dollar increase in government travel—Erika wants to see ROI. Cheryl wants accountability. Both agree: this is one story that could snowball if the receipts aren’t tight.

This week on The Discourse, Erika Barootes and Cheryl unpack the two dominant themes in Alberta politics: scandal and separation—with a healthy side of political theater. We start with a deep dive into the UCP health procurement scandal. Alberta Health Services’ former CEO, Athena Mentzelopoulos, dropped a $1.7M lawsuit accusing the government of shady dealings with private surgical contracts. Now, former Chief of Staff Marshall Smith is punching back with a $12M defamation suit against Mentzelopoulos and the Globe and Mail. Is it a desperate move or a dangerous miscalculation? Then it’s on to Alberta’s separatist movement. Between the Republican Party of Alberta, the Alberta Prosperity Project, and Thomas Lukaszuk’s pro-Canada counter-petition, the province’s political fringes are making noise. But are they making sense? Erika and Cheryl discuss public sentiment, the real economic risks, and whether this movement has any legs beyond Facebook pages and town halls. We wrap with some spicy commentary on upcoming by-elections—especially the one in Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills, where Republican leader Cam Davies is running—and a questionable “MLA Dashboard” that outs politicians as separatists… according to who, exactly? 🔑 Topics Covered: UCP health procurement scandal: who’s suing whom and why Why Marshall Smith’s lawsuit might have backfired Separation anxiety: the rise of Alberta's independence movement Thomas Lukaszuk's surprising re-entry into the chat Political strategy vs. personal brand-building The most awkward "scorecard" in Alberta politics By-election battles that could change the game

This week on The Discourse, Cheryl and Erika go deeper into the wildfire of Western alienation that's setting inboxes, headlines, and political panels ablaze. With new separatist parties gaining steam and Danielle Smith refusing to pick a side, the Premier may be running out of room to maneuver—and that could be big trouble for the UCP come election time. The hosts break down: Why Alberta’s political culture is uniquely flammable—and why Danielle Smith keeps adding fuel. How a new federal cabinet and a looming by-election are turning up the heat on Premier Smith to finally pick a side. What the Saskatchewan NDP is doing right by reframing the separation debate—and why Alberta’s NDP should take notes. How government chaos inside the Alberta legislature is being buried by chaos outside it, and what consequential bills are slipping through the cracks. Plus: deputy minister shuffles, federal cabinet reactions, and a very honest trip down memory lane on the 10-year anniversary of Alberta’s NDP win. If you’re trying to keep up with the current pace of Alberta politics… good luck. But start here.

This week on The Discourse, Cheryl and Erika wade into the political firestorm Premier Danielle Smith kicked off with her live address on Alberta’s sovereignty. Cheryl opens with a scathing monologue on why Smith’s refusal to outright reject separation has real consequences — politically, economically, and reputationally. Erika counters that Smith’s move is about getting ahead of grassroots frustration, not fuelling separatism. Sparks fly as they unpack what it means to lower the referendum threshold, who’s really behind the push for independence, and whether Smith is preserving democracy or playing footsie with Take Back Alberta. From there, your hosts tackle: Whether Alberta’s “Fair Deal 2.0” will be an actual educational tool — or just more grievance theatre. Naheed Nenshi’s fiery “just do it” dare to Smith, and why Cheryl thinks it’s playing with fire. The Carney-Trump Oval Office meeting: why both hosts were (cautiously) impressed. Smith vs. Ford: two premiers, two very different tones on working with Prime Minister Carney. What the Alberta NDP’s new federal opt-out means — and whether 89% is really a strong number for Nenshi. And a preview of three coming by-elections in Alberta: what each party’s strategy might be, and whether the UCP will continue to drag out the timeline for Nenshi’s seat. Listen now for a fiery debate on democracy, discontent, and the future of Alberta.

Canada has spoken… kind of. The Liberals are back with a minority, the Conservatives won the West but lost the race, and the NDP? Well, Jagmeet Singh lost his seat and resigned. This week, Cheryl and Erika are unfiltered, exhausted, and deeply in their feels. They dig into: Why this was an election where every party lost something Poilievre’s future: is he safe from the Conservative firing squad? How the NDP holds the balance of power despite a devastating loss The East-West divide: is Canada more fractured than ever? What Danielle Smith’s post-election statement reveals about her strategy Why separatist talk in Alberta is growing louder—and riskier Plus: the subtle power moves behind leadership speculation, the role of advance votes, and what Mark Carney must do in his first 90 days to calm the country down. This is the episode where no one gets spared—except maybe Donald Trump, who might be the only person grinning at the results.

The last week of the federal campaign is anything but sleepy—Cheryl and Erika go full tilt on everything from budget bombs to Alberta bombshells. 👀 Danielle Smith is absolutely thinking about an early election. We break down the signs, the strategy, and why a 2026 Alberta vote could be coming faster than anyone’s ready for.  Also in this episode: 💰 Carney drops a banker’s budget— billions more than Trudeau. Is it bold leadership or the most expensive rebrand in Canadian politics? ✂️ Poilievre’s promises: fiscal fantasy or ruthless efficiency? 🧃 Jagmeet’s debate strategy—was he heckling or auditioning for Question Period? 💔 Alberta separatism gets airtime again—why Danielle won’t kill the idea, and how it’s all tied to her next big political move. 😶‍🌫️ Where is Naheed Nenshi? And is silence a strategy? 💥 This one’s for the politics nerds, the Alberta watchers, and anyone wondering if the next campaign is already quietly underway.

It’s federal debate week, so we’re taking you inside the room where it happens — no, not the stage — the prep room. This week, Cheryl and Erika trade war stories from decades of political debate prep, sharing what really goes into those make-or-break moments on the campaign trail. From binders and body language to one-liners and last-minute nerves, we unpack how leaders get ready, what success actually looks like, and why sometimes it’s not what you say — it’s how you look when someone else is saying it. In this episode: 🎯 What campaigns really want from a debate 🧠 Debate prep secrets: sparring partners, mantras, and muscle memory 📉 Debate disasters and the iconic “Math is hard” moment 📈 What’s at stake for Carney, Poilievre, and Singh 📸 Why the first 15 minutes matter most — and how “debate face” can make or break you 🧥 Rachel vs. Danielle: was the matching blue suit a coincidence or a psych-out? Plus: Cheryl admits to rolling her eyes at Danielle Smith’s 2023 closer (only to admit it worked), Erika confesses to smuggling Jameson into the green room, and both hosts reveal the high-pressure coaching strategies that shape how Canada’s political leaders show up on stage. 🎧 Whether you’re a debate junkie or a casual voter, this is your backstage pass to the most-watched hour in any campaign. Subscribe & follow for new episodes every Thursday (except when we break our own rules). 📱 YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Instagram | X | TikTok

What do you get when you mix a 15,000-person rally, a Boilermaker endorsement, and Mark Carney forgetting the price of strawberries? A pre-debate episode of The Discourse that does not hold back. This week, Erika and Cheryl throw down over: 🚨 The actual impact of those massive Conservative rallies—crowd size vs. door-knocking power. 🧠 The battle of brains and branding: Is Carney just Pierre with better cufflinks? 🔄 Spousal optics—are campaign kisses strategy, sincerity, or just Pierre cosplay? 🔥 The rise of strategic voting: Should Jagmeet worry? Should Trudeau be thanking him? 📉 Whether Alberta’s love affair with the CPC is officially on a break (again). 🇨🇦 And of course… the Team Canada unity tour, where everyone gets a participation ribbon—unless you're Danielle Smith or Doug Ford. The debate is coming. Voters are shifting. Stakes are spiking. And your favourite partisan pals are here to make sense of it all—with shade, sass, and semi-respectful disagreement. 🎧 Listen in and lock in your vote—or at least your talking points.

Liberation Day has come and gone, but we’re still drowning in uncertainty. Every hour brings new twists, and today’s no exception. We break down what President Trump said and what it means for the federal election. Meanwhile, Danielle Smith’s No F**s Given* Tour takes Florida by storm—she won’t be silenced, but will her trip to see Ben Shapiro shake things up back home? And speaking of silence… is this the beginning of the end for Jagmeet Singh? Could the NDP vanish from Parliament before April is over?

In this gripping episode (Erika apologizes for her lack of voice), we delve into the heart of Canada's 2025 federal election, where Mark Carney's Liberals are surging ahead but face stiff competition from Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives. The campaign is dominated by concerns over Donald Trump's tariffs and threats to Canadian sovereignty, shifting the focus to which party can best navigate these challenges. We explore the latest poll numbers and are joined by Jason Krips, CEO of the Alberta Forest Products Association, who discusses the impact of U.S. tariffs on the forestry industry. Don't worry, the "Allegations" and new statement of defense make the episode, as does Premier Smith's overtaking the airwaves this week. 

With a federal election call looming, The Discourse dives into the latest polling shake-up: the Liberals are surging, Poilievre is scrambling, and the NDP is disappearing. Cheryl and Erika debate whether Carney’s carbon tax cut is a game-changer or just clever spin, and if the Conservatives can pivot before it’s too late. Meanwhile, in Alberta, the UCP’s latest scandal heats up—lawsuits, RCMP investigations, and a very questionable government response. Is this headed for court or a quiet settlement? Plus, Cheryl dreams up Poilievre’s lost Axe the Tax photo op, and Erika takes bets on whether she’ll actually vote Conservative.

After a week off, The Discourse is back, and Alberta politics is as chaotic as ever. We break down Alberta MLA Scott Sinclair’s budget rebellion and why getting booted from the UCP was inevitable, the RCMP’s deep dive into the AHS scandal (sorry, “The Allegations”), and the looming federal election now that Mark Carney has taken the Liberal helm. With caucus drama, corruption probes, and a political reset in Ottawa, there’s no shortage of hot takes. Segment 1: The Scott Sinclair Situation An MLA Rebels – Scott Sinclair, Lesser Slave Lake MLA, was booted from the UCP caucus after saying he wouldn’t support the budget. What Went Wrong? – We dig into how caucus discipline works and why his decision was a political no-go. Optics vs. Reality – Did he have a point, and could the government have handled this differently? Comparing to Guthrie – Why did Pete Guthrie survive his controversy while Sinclair got the boot? Indigenous Representation – The UCP now has zero Indigenous MLAs. What message does that send? Segment 2: The AHS Scandal – Or Should We Call It “The Allegations”? RCMP Investigation Begins – Was this inevitable, and what does it mean for the government? What About the Internal Review? – Will Albertans even care about the government’s own investigation now that the RCMP is involved? Rolling Crisis – No matter what happens, this is a PR nightmare that will keep dragging the UCP into the headlines. Statement of Defense Incoming – What will the government argue, and who else might submit one? Will Cheryl Finally Get an Answer on the 12%? – The most pressing question of our time. Segment 3: Are We Heading to the Polls? Mark Carney Takes the Liberal Leadership – A landslide 86% victory makes him Trudeau’s successor. How Will This Play in Alberta? – Can Carney win over Western Canada, or is he just Trudeau 2.0? Election Timing – Will the Liberals pull the trigger before the Conservatives define Carney? What Will This Election Be About? – Carbon taxes? Economic management? Who do Canadians trust more? What’s Next for the NDP? – Can Jagmeet Singh hold off an election, or is his party stuck in limbo? We’re back to weekly episodes, so make sure you subscribe on YouTube, Apple, and Spotify to stay up to date. Follow us on X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest takes. See you next Thursday at 5 AM! 🚨

Cheryl Oates and Erika Barootes break down Alberta’s 2025-26 budget, tackling its $5.2B deficit, tax cut, healthcare, and education spending. Is this truly a conservative budget (Erika says no!), and what does it mean for Albertans? Subscribe & Share: Follow The Discourse on social media, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. 

Erika and Cheryl break down the latest developments in the UCP procurement scandal. Former Infrastructure Minister Pete Guthrie has resigned, citing concerns about government transparency. A lucrative land deal and more details about private surgical contracts are raising more questions.  Plus, questions are swirling about UCP influence over the Edmonton Police Commission, and the Premier’s handling of the controversy (or lack thereof). 🔹 Key topics in this episode: Pete Guthrie’s bombshell resignation—what it means and what’s next The land deal linked to the procurement scandal New data showing private surgeries costing double AHS rates UCP’s quiet moves to take control of the Edmonton Police Commission The government’s next steps—and how this scandal might shape the narrative New episodes drop every Thursday at 5 AM—follow, subscribe, and stay tuned for our Budget Special on February 28! 📢 Join the conversation: What should this scandal be called? Comment below or hit us up on X, Instagram, and TikTok. 🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts!

It’s been a rough week for the Alberta government. The former CEO of Alberta Health Services, Athana Mentzelopoulos, has filed a $1.7 million lawsuit against the province, setting off a chain reaction that now includes cabinet ministers breaking ranks and a major press conference from Premier Danielle Smith. In this episode, Erika and Cheryl break down: ✅ What the lawsuit means for the government’s credibility ✅ Health Minister Adriana LaGrange’s future – is she on the chopping block? ✅ Pete Guthrie’s bold cabinet confidentiality leak – calculated or accidental? ✅ The political fallout: villains, victims, and strategic missteps 🎧 Plus: What does this mean for the UCP’s healthcare reforms? Are they losing momentum just as they try to reshape the system? And Erika dives deep into changes the government is making to the way mental healthcare is delivered and opens up about her own struggles.   📌 Also in this episode: 📢 Smith’s last-minute decision to pull out of Washington – is it about the budget, or is she dodging bad press? 💰 Alberta’s $10M eating disorder funding – are recovery centres really the best option? 🔮 Can the government recover from this, or is the damage done? 👀 Next week: Special Pre & Post Budget Episodes! We’re doubling up with two episodes next week—before and after the budget drops. Don’t miss our analysis and hot takes! 🔔 New episodes every Thursday at 5 AM. 📲 Follow us on X, Instagram, and TikTok for updates. 👍 Like & subscribe on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts!

The AHS bombshell that could bring down Alberta's Premier. Plus, US tariffs are coming for your wallet: Hidden costs in your grocery cart and a hit to Alberta businesses. Join us as we expose the explosive AHS scandal threatening the government, and get expert insights from Alberta Food Producers Association Executive Director, Bianca Parsons, on how tariffs will affect you and local industries.   Want to support local businesses?    Go to madeinalberta.co and localizeyourfood.com to learn how.

In a surprising twist, this episode explores how Premier Danielle Smith's diplomatic dance intersects with Justin Trudeau's unexpected moment of diplomatic finesse. Our hosts reveal a rare moment of cross-party solidarity, where even New Democratic and Conservative voices grudgingly acknowledge Trudeau's strategic tariff negotiations. 

Dive into the chaos of Alberta politics as we unpack the controversial COVID-19 report and explore Alberta’s uneasy ties with the Trump era. Plus, we dig deep into coal mining drama and the UCP’s policy flip-flops.

We dive into Premier Danielle Smith's US strategy, her approach to President Trump’s tariff threat and what it reveals about her political calculus and end goals. Tune in for sharp analysis, a few laughs, and some unexpected common ground.   

What’s making Cheryl unexpectedly admire the UCP? And why can’t Erika stop longing for Rachel Notley’s return? Alberta politics takes a personal turn in this fiery 2024 recap—don’t miss the revelations and hot takes!

On this episode of The Discourse we take you on a journey through history on the one thing Alberta political parties have agreed on for over 100 years, and it's not Taylor Swift! In a world where rats thrive almost everywhere, Alberta -on brand- stands as a defiant outlier. We talk to Alberta's rat control expert, Karen Wickerson about how and why.

In this episode of The Discourse, we take a hard look at the UCP's controversial restructuring of Alberta Health Services (AHS). What's driving these changes, and are they delivering results—or creating more problems? Tune in as we unpack the motives, the impact, and what it all means for health care in Alberta.

In this episode of The Discourse, we get honest about our own parties: what bugs us and what we wish they would do differently. Plus- how the two sides campaign and who is doing it better in 2024. The consensus may surprise you!

In this episode of The Discourse, we talk about what the Alberta UCP has been up to lately- things that seem boring but could have significant consequences for Albertans -- including firing the AIMCo board and CEO, interfering in professional bodies and messing with riding boundaries.

In this episode of The Discourse Podcast, Cheryl Oates and Erika Barootes talk about the US election and what it means for Canada, Premier Danielle Smith's leadership review, Naheed Nenshi's leadership strategy and the shifting tides in Saskatchewan’s political scene.

Don’t miss a minute of this episode, as Danielle Smith holds nothing back: answering her critics, assessing her biggest wins, and plotting out her next three years as premier. Thank you for subscribing to our YouTube channel and telling your friends and family to do the same!   We're proud to partner and be members of Pocket Lobbyist, an online, membership-based platform to anticipate, interpret, and mitigate political risk. Visit www.pocketlobbyist.com to learn more.