PrimeTime Politics is a comprehensive round-up of the day in Canadian politics, from breaking stories to developments on longstanding issues. Key moments, feature interviews, panels, in-depth analysis and more. It’s the day in half an hour. Michael Serapio is a renowned television anchor and reporter, whose broadcasting career has spanned more than two decades of covering some of the most challenging news stories in real time. In addition to being the face of CPAC's live programming, he host ...
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Cable Public Affairs Channel (CPAC Podcasts
Hosted by veteran political journalist Julie Van Dusen, CPAC Today in Politics quickly gives you the information you need to understand what’s driving public policy and political decision-making. Over her 30 years with the CBC covering Parliament Hill, Julie Van Dusen has reported on every major political convention, election, leadership race, and First Ministers’ conference. Fluently bilingual, she has been featured in several documentaries about scrums on Parliament Hill and was nominated ...
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One of Canada’s best political analysts, Paul Wells, sits down with leading political figures and social influencers for a conversation on the most compelling issues and news of the day. The monthly series is produced by CPAC in partnership with Maclean’s and the National Arts Centre. Maclean’s magazine senior writer Paul Wells is one of Canada’s leading political journalists. In nearly a quarter century on Parliament Hill he has covered four prime ministers and seven federal elections. His ...
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Perspective on CPAC examines world events that matter to Canadians. With dispatches from the field and expert analysis, our guests break down complex global issues and shed light on Canada’s role on the international stage. Alison Smith is one of Canada’s best known and respected broadcast journalists. As an anchor and reporter for more than three decades, she was a senior award-winning member of the CBC News team. She has reported from every Canadian province and territory and across the gl ...
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Political science professor Lori Turnbull and our strategists panel, Michele Cadario, Jordan Paquet and George Soule breakdown the aftermath of the budget passing and what it means for the government and opposition.Green Party Leader Elizabeth May explains why she decided to vote for the budget after initially vowing to oppose it.Northwest Territor…
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Trouble in Conservative Caucus – November 7, 2025
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28:56The bureau chiefs panel, Robert Fife (Globe and Mail), Tonda MacCharles (Toronto Star) and Joël-Denis Bellavance (LaPresse) discuss the fractures appearing in Pierre Poilievre's Conservative caucus and about how Mark Carney might pass his first budget.Kody Blois, a Liberal MP and parliamentary secretary to the prime minister discusses how his party…
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Minister of Defence David McGuinty explains how the Canadian Armed Forces will put to use billions in new spending allocated to them in the federal budget.Green Party Leader Elizabeth May expresses her disappointment in the federal budget's environmental policies and talks about what she'd like to see if the government wants to negotiate with her.N…
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Chris d'Entremont Crosses the Floor – November 5, 2025
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29:41A federal budget and a floor crossing. Strategists Susan Smith (Liberal), Cole Hogan (Conservative) and George Soule (NDP), talk about former Conservative MP Chris d’Entremont’s move to join the Liberal caucus and whether other MPs will consider changing parties.Sean O’Reilly, president of the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada,…
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Minister of Finance François-Philippe Champagne unveiled his first budget today with a deficit of more than 78 billion dollars. In an interview with CPAC host Michael Serapio, Champagne defends the spending in his budget, saying it will make Canada more competitive than the United States.The Liberal government announced its budget today, with a def…
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The Night Before the Budget – November 3, 2025
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29:10Polls analyst and author of The Writ Éric Grenier stops by to talk about what the polls are showing going into Prime Minister Carney's first budget.Sharon DeSousa, National President of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, speaks with CPAC's Michael Serapio about the forecasted austerity in the federal budget and their union’s concerns about thou…
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Carney Meets Xi - Canada and China Attempt a Reset – October 31, 2025
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29:26Foreign affairs expert Vina Nadjibulla talks about the historic meeting between Prime Minister Carney and Chinese President Xi Jinping and what the future of Canada-China relations could hold.The bureau chief panel, Robert Fife (Globe and Mail), Tonda MacCharles (Toronto Star) and Joël-Denis Bellavance (LaPresse) talk about U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoe…
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The strategists panel, Cole Hogan and Susan Smith discuss the fallout from the Ontario government's anti-tariff ad and debate if the prime minister shares some responsibility for it.John Parisella, a longtime political adviser in Quebec and strategist for the 'NO' side in the 1995 referendum recalls the campaign to keep Quebec in Canada and discuss…
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Flavio Volpe, president of the Canadian Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association discusses the future of the Canadian auto industry amid several plant closures and demands from the U.S. to build cars state-side.Charles Burton, a former Canadian diplomat and expert on Canada-China relations talks about the risks of getting closer to China as the …
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Fallout Continues from Ontario Tariff Ad – October 28, 2025
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28:50CPAC's Andrew Thomson briefs host Michael Serapio on the latest fallout from Ontario's anti-tariff ad campaign in the U.S. as negotiations with that country remain on hold.Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown discusses his recent visit to Ottawa and meetings with key ministers as his city is hit hard by auto tariffs.Michael Serapio sits down with authors D…
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Ford Makes no Apologies for Reagan Ad – October 27, 2025
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28:36Toronto Star Queen's Park bureua chief Robert Benzie talks about the fall out from Ontario's anti-tariff ad as the Premier defends it.Former Republican strategist and podcast host Steve Schmidt talks about the deteriorating relationship between Canada and the U.S.Foreign affairs expert Vina Nadjibulla talks about what Canada can do to be more compe…
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Ad Issue - Trump Terminates Trade Talks – October 24, 2025
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28:01Louise Blais, Canada's former ambassador to the UN talks about Canada's strategy for dealing with the U.S. now that trade talks have been terminated by Donald Trump.David Jacboson, the former U.S. ambassador to Canada from 2009-2013 discusses the fallout from Ontario's ad campaign and how Canada and the U.S. might go forward.The Bureau Chiefs panel…
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Liberals Tackle Bail Reform – October 23, 2025
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29:15CPAC’s Michael Serapio sits down with Justice Minister Sean Fraser as the federal government introduces Bill C-14, the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act.Strategists Susan Smith and Cole Hogan speaks with CPAC’s Michael Serapio about the government’s bail reform legislation and Pierre Poilievre’s leadership as the leader faces criticisms following cont…
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Carney Pitches His Budget Plan – October 22, 2025
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24:10Political strategist Marci Surkes and National Post reporter Stephanie Taylor react to the Prime Minister's address to the nation on his budget plan.The Carney government is worried that the opposition parties will vote against the upcoming federal budget, triggering an election. CPAC's Michael Serapio speaks with polls analyst Éric Grenier about t…
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Ingersoll Mayor Brian Petrie talks about the impact to his community from the cancellation of the GM Bright Drop EV truck.Unifor President Lana Payne speaks out about what Canada needs to do to prevent more auto industry jobs from leaving Canada.Auditor General Karen Hogan answers questions about her recent reports into cyber security in the federa…
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The Conservative Shadow Minister for Industry Raquel Dancho talks about her party's call for the government to release the contract it signed with Stellantis as the car maker moves jobs to Illinois at the expense of Brampton.Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown discusses the impact of the Stellantis move and what the future holds for the company in his cit…
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A Constitution for Quebec – October 10, 2025
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29:06The bureau chiefs panel, Robert Fife (Globe and Mail), Tonda MacCharles (Toronto Star) and Joël-Denis Bellavance (LaPresse) talk about the political implications of Quebec tabling a draft constitution in the name of greater autnomy.Poliitcal commentator Tim Powers and polls analyst Éric Grenier discuss the state of play in Newfoundland and Labrador…
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Former Canadian Ambassador to Israel Jon Allen discusses the first phase of the ceasefire deal reached between Israel and Gaza with CPAC’s Michael Serapio.Prime Minister Carney returned from the White House this week to criticisms in another House. Conservatives criticized the Carney government for a lack of progress on tariff relief and trade nego…
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Parliamentary journalists Steven Chase (Globe and Mail) and Stephanie Taylor (National Post) talk about what was accomplished during the Prime Minister's trip to Washington and meeting with President Trump.Canada's former UN ambassador Louise Blais discusses the diplomatic strategy behind dealing with the United States.International trade lawyer Wi…
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By Cable Public Affairs Channel (CPAC)
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Mr. Carney Goes to Washington – October 6, 2025
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29:00By Cable Public Affairs Channel (CPAC)
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The bureau chiefs panel, Robert Fife (Globe and Mail), Joël-Denis Bellavance (LaPresse) and Mia Rabson (Canadian Press) discuss the prime minister's trip to Washington and meeting with President Trump next Tuesday.Ret. Lt. -Gen. and former MP Andrew Leslie gives his thoughts on the government's new defence investment agency, aimed at improving mili…
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Liberals Tackle Military Procurement – October 2, 2025
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28:35Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr discusses the government's new defence investment agency and how it's supposed to fix a file mirred by issues.B.C. Energy and Climate Solutions Minister Adrian Dix talks about his province's opposition to Alberta's oil pipeline proposal.The strategists panel, Susan Smith, Cole Hogan and George…
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Alberta Premier Danielle Smith talks about the pipeline to the B.C. coast that her province is proposing today.AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak discusses reconcialiation and about Indigenous consultation on national projects.And the gun buyback program is discussed with Conservative Public Safety Critic Frank Caputo and Liberal Secretary …
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Former Canadian Ambassador to Israel, Jon Allen talks about the detailed peace plan for Gaza unveiled by the U.S. and Israel today.Jon Hamilton, spokesperson for Canada Post, speaks with CPAC’s Michael Serapio about the ongoing strike with the Canadian Postal Workers’ Union (CUPW) and the measures the federal government announced to help move the c…
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The United Kingdom's High Commissioner in Canada Robert Tinline talks about Canada-UK relations as Prime Minister Carney's second trip to London gets underway.The bureau chiefs, Robert Fife (Globe and Mail). Tonda MacCharles (Toronto Star) and Joël-Denis Bellavance (LaPresse) discuss the rhetoric coming from U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra …
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Janice Charette, Canada's former high commissioner to the United Kingdom, talks about the importance of international trips to the Carney government's agenda.The strategists panel—Susan Smith, Cole Hogan and George Soule—weigh in on the controversy over the Public Safety Minister’s leaked comments on the gun buyback program, how the government is r…
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Assessing the National Projects – September 24, 2025
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28:35Stephen Thomas, manager of clean energy at the David Suzuki Foundation talks about his organization's call for an east to west electricity grid.Anne McLellan and Lisa Raitt grade Mark Carney's list of national projects and progress on economic growth.Former cabinet minister Catherine McKenna promotes her new book Run Like a Girl and discusses the C…
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The Government of Canada launches a pilot of the buyback program for individuals who own banned assault weapons. But Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree and the program are being criticized following leaked remarks that the minister made calling the effectiveness and intention of the firearms program into question.Justice Minister Sean Fr…
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Canada Recognizes State of Palestine – September 22, 2025
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28:45Canada's outgoing UN Ambassador Bob rae discusses the reasons behind Canada's recognition of Palestine.Former Canadian ambassador to Israel Jon Allen, talks about how the situation in the Middle East could be impacted by recognition of Palestine by western democracies.Informed Perspectives’ Shari Graydon spoke with CPAC’s Michael Serapio about Cana…
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Combatting Hate Crimes – September 19, 2025
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27:10The bureau chief's panel, Robert Fife (Globe and Mail), Tonda MacCharles (Toronto Star) and Joël-Denis Bellavance (LaPresse) address the first week back of Parliament and the government's proposed bill targeting hate crime.Polls analysts Philippe J. Fournier (338 Canada) and Éric Grenier (The Writ) talk about what the latest poll numbers are saying…
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Carney in Mexico as Trade Talks Heat Up – September 18, 2025
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29:12Former Canadian ambassador to Mexico Graeme Clark discusses the Prime Minister's visit to Mexico and what it means for the North American trading relationship.The strategists panel, Marci Surkes, Cole Hogan and geprge Soule discuss the government's communications strategy and Pierre Poilievre's return to the House of Commons.Green Party Leader Eliz…
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Building National Projects – September 17, 2025
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28:05Conference Board of Canada Chief Economist Pedro Antunes discusses the Bank of Canada's interest rate cut and what it means for the economy.Northwest Territories Premier RJ Simpson talks about what major projects he would like to see pursued in his territory.Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce talks about his province's proposals for…
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Freeland Resigns from Cabinet Again – September 16, 2025
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26:24Liberal strategist Michele Cadario discusses Chrystia Freeland's resignation from cabinet and her legacy in government.Saskatchewan premier Scott Moe talks about his trade mission to China and his discussions with the PM on canola tariffs punishing his province.B.C. Minister for Jobs and Growth Ravi Kahlon talks about the two major projects from B.…
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Parliament Returns as Liberals Pursue Ambitious Agenda – September 15, 2025
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29:30Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon joins the show to outline the Liberal government's agenda for the fall session.Conservative House Leader Andrew Scheer talks about how his party might collaborate with the government to pass legislation of mutual interest.Journalists Christopher Nardi (National Post) and Mia Rabson (Canadian Press) tee-up wh…
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Prime Minister Carney continues to enjoy favourable polls. But what does he need to pay attention to in order to maintain these positive opinions?We discuss with polls analysts Eric Grenier & Philippe J. Fournier.Mark Carney has been on the rush to get Bill C-5, commonly known as “One Canadian Economy” bill, through the House of Commons before the …
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Bill C-5 Sails Through Parliament – June 19, 2025
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26:10The strategists panel, Susan Smith, Jordan Paquet and George Soule discuss the government's efforts to quickly pass Bill C-5 amid concerns from First Nations and environmental groups.Toronto Star Queen's Park Bureau Chief Robert Benzie talks about Premier Doug Ford's controversial comments about Indigenous people at a press conference yesterday and…
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Carney's Agenda Faces Headwinds – June 18, 2025
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29:10Indigenous leaders and communities are raising concerns with Bill C-5’s rapid legislative progression and what they see as a lack of consultation on the One Canadian Economy Act. AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak speaks with Michael Serapio.Former Canadian Ambassador to Israel Jon Allen discusses the escalating conflict between Iran and Is…
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Senator and former G7 sherpa Peter Harder talks about the level of success for Canada at the G7 as the summit wraps up today.Lloyd Axworthy, Canada's foreign affairs minister from 1996-2000 discusses Canada's international relationships as the country seeks to strengthen international ties and rely less on the United States.…
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The World Comes to Kananaskis – June 16, 2025
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29:20Former foreign affairs minister Peter MacKay talks about what's at stake for Canada as it hosts the G7 summit today and tomorrow amid global and domestic turmoil.Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Jennie Carignan talks about Canada's recent military spending commitments and international ties as the G7 convenes and the NATO summit approaches.Roland Paris …
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Israel and Iran Trade Strikes – June 13, 2025
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28:25Security expert and RMC Professor Christian Leuprecht explains what brought about Israeli strikes on Iran's military and nuclear leadership and how the conflict may play out in the days and weeks to come.The bureau chiefs panel, Robert Fife (Globe and Mail), Tonda MacCharles (Toronto Star) and Joël-Denis Bellavance (LaPresse) discuss the upcoming G…
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Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski discusses federal government efforts to contain fires burning across Western Canada and aid evacuees.The strategists panel, Susan Smith, Cole Hogan and George Soule discuss the Liberal government's defence spending promises as well as the controversy around inviting the Prime Minister of India to the …
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Inviting the World to Canada – June 11, 2025
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30:00As the G7 in Kananaskis approaches, former Canadian ambassador to Venezuela Ben Rowswell talks about how the list of invited countries (India, Saudi Arabia) shows that the “stakes” of the global meeting are now higher with the shifting of alliances between liberal democracies. Charlie Angus, former NDP MP, held a news conference at parliament Wedne…
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F-35 Program Under Scrutiny – June 10, 2025
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29:06Auditor General of Canada Karen Hogan breaks down her latest reports into government programs including the F-35 program and issues relating to the ArriveCAN application.Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Richard Wagner gives his thoughts on the state of the court and the justice system.Retired Lt.-Gen. Yvan Blondin talks about the state of the F-3…
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Canada to Reach 2% NATO Target Within a Year – June 9, 2025
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28:05Conservative Shadow Minister for National Defence James Bezan gives his party's perspective on the government's defence spending plan as well as their desire to see a budget tabled before the summer break.David Perry, President of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute provides insight on the government's plan to hit NATO's target of 2% of GDP spend…
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Pascal Chan, Vice President, Strategic Policy & Supply Chains at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce provides insight into how business is feeling and will react to the government's "One Canadian Economy" bill.The bureau chiefs panel, Tonda MacCharles (Toronto Star), Joël-Denis Bellavance (LaPresse) and Mia Rabson (Canadian Press) discuss Mark Carney'…
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NATO Calls for Defence Spending Hike – June 5, 2025
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30:00Retired general and former chief of defence staff Rick Hillier talks about how Canada might meet NATO's new five per cent of GDP on defence spending target.The strategists panel, Susan Smith, Cole Hogan and George Soule discuss the first ministers' meeting earlier this week and how the PM is handling new tariffs against Canadian industry.Liberal MP…
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Industry in Trouble as Tariffs Double – June 4, 2025
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28:05Canadian Labour Congress President Bea Bruske talks about her organizations call for the government to do more for workers as the threat of massive tariff-related layoffs loom.Federation of Canadian Municipalities CEO Carole Saab discusses what towns and cities bring to the table in the trade war.Pollster Janet Brown gives insight into where the nu…
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Liberals Present Border Security Plan – June 3, 2025
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28:35Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson speaks about the government's agenda to build-up Canada's energy infrastructure and start projects faster.RMC professor and security expert Christian Leuprecht reacts to the federal government's new border security bill. Michael Serapio speaks with the three territorial premiers at the first ministe…
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Nation-building in Saskatoon – June 2, 2025
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26:40Alberta Premier Danielle Smith discusses her conversations with the prime minister and other premiers at the first ministers meeting in Saskatoon.Prince Edward Island Premier Rob Lantz discusses his province's priorities at the FMM and how premiers will work with Ottawa to bring down trade barriers.Senator Michèle Audette talks about progress on th…
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