Cut through the spin with Canada’s top political journalists. Host Rosemary Barton and columnists Althia Raj, Chantal Hébert and Andrew Coyne break down the week’s biggest political stories shaping the country. Brought to you by CBC News: The National. New episodes drop every Friday.
What this show covers
Canadian politicsMark CarneyCanada-U.S. tradeU.S.-Canada relationsTariffsLiberal governmentParti QuébécoisQuebec politicsSeparatismConservative PartyPipeline policyAlberta referendumQuebec electionproject approvalsB.C. election
What listeners will find here
PQ’s return adds new pressure on Carney, Ottawa and Quebec politics
The Parti Québécois’s win raises fresh questions about separatist pressure, federal politics and Quebec’s place in Canada. This episode looks at what it could mean for Mark Carney’s government, the pushback facing the Liberals’ major projects bill, and the PQ’s bid to remove the monarchy from Quebec politics.
Pipeline politics, Quebec momentum, and another Tory exit
A West Coast pipeline fast-tracked by Mark Carney leads this episode, alongside the Alberta referendum, the Parti Québécois’ rise as an election frontrunner, and another Conservative MP departure. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne, and Althia Raj for a wide-angle look at the political stakes.
Fast-tracked projects, a snap B.C. vote, and Carney’s U.S. messaging
Major project approvals take center stage as the Liberals push to speed them up and unions warn about workers’ rights. The episode also weighs B.C.’s snap election call and the possible strategy behind the prime minister’s comments about a potential U.S. invasion.
Carney’s G7 trip brings oil interest, Trump friction, and fresh questions at home
Mark Carney’s G7 trip is framed as a mix of diplomatic gains and political setbacks, including heightened interest in Canadian oil and another snub from Donald Trump. The episode also looks ahead to the Liberals’ fall challenges and Conservative attacks over Carney skipping Question Period.
Canada-U.S. trade talks break down as tariff threats rise
Canada-U.S. trade talks collapse as Donald Trump threatens more tariffs, putting Mark Carney’s decision to walk away under scrutiny. The episode examines whether stepping back was the right move and whether any path to a deal still remains.
