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We Have The Receipts
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1 Love Is Blind S8: Pods & Sober High Thoughts w/ Courtney Revolution & Meg 1:06:00
1:06:00
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Happy Valentine’s Day! You know what that means: We have a brand new season of Love Is Blind to devour. Courtney Revolution (The Circle) joins host Chris Burns to delight in all of the pod romances and love triangles. Plus, Meg joins the podcast to debrief the Madison-Mason-Meg love triangle. Leave us a voice message at www.speakpipe.com/WeHaveTheReceipts Text us at (929) 487-3621 DM Chris @FatCarrieBradshaw on Instagram Follow We Have The Receipts wherever you listen, so you never miss an episode. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.…
It's Political with Althia Raj
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Indhold leveret af Toronto Star. Alt podcastindhold inklusive episoder, grafik og podcastbeskrivelser uploades og leveres direkte af Toronto Star eller deres podcastplatformspartner. Hvis du mener, at nogen bruger dit ophavsretligt beskyttede værk uden din tilladelse, kan du følge processen beskrevet her https://da.player.fm/legal.
Probing and insightful conversations with Canada's top political insiders, hosted by Althia Raj. A bi-monthly political podcast from the Toronto Star.
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54 episoder
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Manage series 3345676
Indhold leveret af Toronto Star. Alt podcastindhold inklusive episoder, grafik og podcastbeskrivelser uploades og leveres direkte af Toronto Star eller deres podcastplatformspartner. Hvis du mener, at nogen bruger dit ophavsretligt beskyttede værk uden din tilladelse, kan du følge processen beskrevet her https://da.player.fm/legal.
Probing and insightful conversations with Canada's top political insiders, hosted by Althia Raj. A bi-monthly political podcast from the Toronto Star.
…
continue reading
54 episoder
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1 The Conservatives attempt to rewrite their playbook 42:17
42:17
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For the past two years, the Conservatives drove home the message that things were “broken” in Canada and that the governing Liberals, specifically Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, was to blame. Whether it was branding the rising cost of living ‘Justinflation’ or blaming those costs on the Liberals’ carbon price and urging Canadians to ‘Axe the Tax,’ the Tories’ messaging was working perfectly fine. Then U.S. President Donald Trump returned to the White House and, with that, a new obstacle blocked Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's path to power. Trump says he's serious about annexing Canada through economic means. His threats to impose across-the-board tariffs have already caused panic in this country, and it's led to a bounce in the polls for the federal Liberals. Though the Conservatives had enjoyed a 27-point lead over the Liberals for a while, a Leger poll this week seemed to confirm a new trend: a single-digit gap between both parties — and if Mark Carney led the Liberals, the possibility the Grits could win. With Trudeau’s resignation, and Liberal leadership candidates pledging to axe-the-tax, those issues are now off the table. Is it Trump's return that changes the ballot question for the next Federal election? Does winning now depend on whether the Conservatives can be seen as the best defenders of Canada against an unpredictable threat coming from our southern border? In this episode of “It’s Political,” Pollara Chief Strategy Officer Dan Arnold and 338canada.com’s editor-in-chief Philippe J. Fournier join us for a deep dive on what the numbers really signal. Then, we’ll explore the current challenges facing Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative party with Toronto Star Ottawa reporters Raisa Patel and Ryan Tumilty, along with Radio-Canada’s Christian Noël. In this episode: Pollara Strategic Insight’s Chief Strategy Officer Dan Arnold, 338canada.com Editor-in-Chief and Politico Contributor Philippe J. Fournier; Toronto Star Ottawa Bureau reporter Raisa Patel; Toronto Star Ottawa Bureau reporter Ryan Tumilty; and Radio-Canada parliamentary bureau journalist Christian Noël. Hosted by Althia Raj. Some of the clips this week were sourced from CPAC, Fox News, CBC, CTV, Radio-Canada, Global News, CP24, Toronto Sun, the X accounts of Pierre Poilievre, Chrystia Freeland, and Mark Carney, and Poilievre’s YouTube account. This episode of “It’s Political” was produced by Althia Raj and Julia De Laurentiis Johnston. Matt Hearn is our sound engineer. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.…
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1 No traitors but many concerns: Foreign Interference Commission wraps up 41:47
41:47
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Two years ago bombshell allegations emerged suggesting foreign actors were succeeding in influencing Canadian electoral contests and Canadian parliamentarians. Media reports suggested the Liberal government hadn’t done enough to warn the public or even MPs about the matter, and a political debate emerged about how best to get to the bottom of it. After a series of false starts, it was Quebec Court of Appeal Justice Marie-Josée Hogue who was appointed to investigate and weigh in with findings and recommendations. Tuesday, Hogue issued her final report . While Hogue left some questions answered, she came to a very different finding on a key matter involving foreign interference and parliamentarians. This week on “It’s Political,” we unpack what we learned from Hogue’s report and what it says about where foreign interference threats now lie. Then NDP MP Charlie Angus joins us to discuss what he see as the next and most concerning phase of foreign interference . Hint: it’s at your fingertips. In this episode: The Center for International Governance Innovation’s senior fellow Wesley Wark, Timmins—James Bay NDP MP Charlie Angus, Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and Public Safety Minister David McGuinty. Hosted by Althia Raj. Some of the clips this week were sourced from CPAC, CBC, Global, ABC and CTV. This episode of “It’s Political” was produced by Althia Raj and Kevin Sexton. Matt Hearn is our sound engineer. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.…
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1 How Trudeau’s departure and Trump’s tariffs change political calculations 39:03
39:03
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The 2025 political landscape is looking very different than it did just a few weeks ago. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s pending resignation, the prorogation of Parliament, and the sudden Liberal leadership race has offered the Grits a new lifeline. U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to hit Canada with 25 per cent tariffs on Feb. 1 also offers the political parties another chance at reframing themselves and what they want the ballot question to be at the next election, whether that’s in eight weeks or eight months. This week on “It’s Political,” former Conservative party campaign director Fred DeLorey, former Prime Minister's Office head of policy and cabinet affairs Marci Surkes and former NDP press secretary Allison Gifford join Althia to talk about the shifting landscape and what it means for the major players. But first, Future Borders Coalition’s Laura Dawson explains what Trump’s latest threats could mean for Canada, and how best to brace for the impact. In this episode: Compass Rose Group chief strategy officer and former senior advisor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Marci Surkes; NorthStar Public Affairs chair Fred DeLorey; Clear Strategy vice-president of public policy Allison Gifford; and Future Borders Coalition executive director Laura Dawson. Hosted by Althia Raj. Some of the clips this week were sourced from CPAC, CP24 and the White House. This episode of “It’s Political” was produced by Althia Raj and Kevin Sexton. Matt Hearn is our sound engineer. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.…
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1 Fielding reader questions — from Freeland’s resignation to the Trump threat 49:05
49:05
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It’s been an eventful year in Canadian politics — from Chrystia Freeland’s bombshell resignation, to allegations of foreign interference involving Parliamentarians, to U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming return to the White House. As 2024 draws to a close, the Star’s Ottawa bureau takes your questions and looks back on the year that was and what we can expect in 2025. In this episode: Ottawa bureau reporters Raisa Patel, Ryan Tumilty, and Mark Ramzy. Hosted by Althia Raj. Some of the clips this week were sourced from the House of Commons, CPAC, CP24, the Canadian Press, and CBC. This episode of “It’s Political” was produced by Althia Raj and Kevin Sexton. Matt Hearn is our sound engineer. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.…
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1 How prepared is the Canadian military for the threats we face? 59:18
59:18
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United States President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House is renewing pressure on Canada to focus more on defense spending and border security. In February, Trump warned NATO members that if they didn’t pay their fair share — spending 2 per cent of their country’s GDP on their military — they should not assume the U.S. would leap to their defence. In July, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Canada would meet the 2 per cent target, but only in 2032. The Liberals have invested billions to update the Canadian Armed Forces, but decades of underinvestment have led to serious capability gaps. This week, on “It’s Political,” we take a look at the state of the Canadian Armed Forces and ask how prepared Canada is for the threats we face. First, we’ll hear from experts: Canadian Army Commander Lieutenant-General Michael Wright, Carleton University Associate Professor Philippe Lagassé, University of Calgary Associate Professor Rob Huebert, Observatory on Politics and Security in the Arctic Director Mathieu Landriault, Canadian Global Affairs Institute President David Perry, Royal Military College of Canada Professor Jane Boulden, and retired Royal Canadian Air Force brigadier general Kevin Whale. Then, Althia will sit down with National Defence Minister Bill Blair. Some of the clips this week were sourced from the House of Commons, CPAC, the Halifax International Security Forum, the CBC, CTV, Global, NBC and ABC. This episode of “It’s Political” was produced by Althia Raj and Kevin Sexton. Matt Hearn is our sound engineer. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.…
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1 Stalemate: Why the House of Commons has ground to a halt 44:27
44:27
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The House of Commons is in gridlock. Government bills and private members’ legislation have stalled. The Senate is running out of government matters to study. Parliament is paralyzed by a Conservative filibuster that started in late September. The Bloc Québécois, the NDP and the Green Party accuse the Tories of hijacking the Commons for their own parliamentary games. The Conservatives say they are filibustering their own motion — tabling one sub-amendment after another — to pressure the Liberals to turn over documents to the RCMP. The documents were requested by parliamentarians months ago — but the Liberals have ignored the demand, refusing to hand all the records over in unredacted form. The Conservatives accuse the government of trying to hide evidence of Liberal corruption involving millions of dollars of taxpayers’ money. Who’s telling the truth? This week on “It’s Political,” we turn our attention to the Conservative filibuster and the allegations at the heart of the standoff in Parliament. First, we’ll dig into the substance of the request for documents with Toronto Star Ottawa bureau reporter Mark Ramzy. Then our panel of experts – former PMO senior director Marci Surkes, former senior Conservative communication adviser Yaroslav Baran and former NDP MP Matthew Dubé – will join Althia to discuss the political strategies at play, and what it will take to finally end the standoff. 6:08 — Mark Ramzy outlines the substance behind the filibuster 18:18 — Political panel discusses the parties’ political strategies around the filibuster. In this episode: Toronto Star reporter Mark Ramzy, Compass Rose Group chief strategy officer and former senior advisor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Marci Surkes; Pendulum Group Co-founder and former senior Conservative advisor Yaroslav Baran; and Proof Strategies vice-president and former NDP MP Matthew Dubé. Hosted by Althia Raj. Some of the clips this week were sourced from the House of Commons, CPAC, the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery, and the National Post. This episode of “It’s Political” was produced by Althia Raj and Kevin Sexton. Matt Hearn is our sound engineer. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.…
Donald Trump will be president of the United States for a second time. Trump’s decisive victory Tuesday plunges the U.S., the world and Canada into uncharted territory. The president-elect pledged to deport American residents, slap tariffs on imported goods, and renegotiate a crucial trade deal with Canada and Mexico. Not only are Canada and the U.S. each other’s largest trading partner with $3.6 billion worth of goods and services crossing the border each day, but millions of jobs also rely on that two-way trade and investment. This week on “It’s Political” we’ll take a look at the Canada-United States-Mexico-Agreement (CUSMA) or as it is called in the United States, the U.S.M.C.A., and the trade irritants that have popped up since the deal came into effect four years ago. Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association President Flavio Volpe, Ontario Independent Senator and former president of the Canadian Labour Congress Hassan Yussuff, Canadian Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Strategic Policy and Global Partnerships Catherine Fortin LeFaivre, International Trade Lawyer and McMillan Partner William Pellerin, and Future Borders Coalition Executive Director Laura Dawson will join us. But we’ll begin with the first of a two-part discussion about the impact of Trump’s election on geopolitics, lessons learned from the last round of trade negotiations, and how Canadians political parties can prepare with Canada’s former ambassador to the U.S. David MacNaughton and prime minister Justin Trudeau’s former principal secretary and Eurasia Group Vice Chairman Gerald Butts. 5:24 -- MacNaughton and Butts part 1 25:00 -- Mini-documentary on CUSMA and trade irritants 48:40 -- MacNaughton and Butts part 2 Some of the clips this week were sourced from the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery, CPAC, Global, Fox, Bloomberg, CTV, CBC, C-SPAN, and CP24. This episode of “It’s Political” was produced by Kevin Sexton and host Althia Raj. Matt Hearn is our sound engineer. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.…
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1 Internal and external interference 1:02:28
1:02:28
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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faced down more than two dozen MPs this week who suggested he should take time to contemplate his leadership and many who told him to his face that for the good of the Liberal party, and its upcoming electoral chances, he should resign. Trudeau was adamant, however, that he feels he is the best person to lead the Grits and Thursday he suggested he wasn’t going anywhere. In this episode of “It’s Political,” we’ll unpack what happened at the Liberals’ three-hour caucus meeting and what it means for Trudeau’s future and his vocal dissenters. Then, we’ll take a look at interference of another kind: foreign interference. The Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions wrapped its public hearings this week. We’ll look at what the Commission heard, and how it’s been politicized and what to make of last week’s bombshell announcement by the RCMP involving India’s top diplomats in Canada. In this episode: Toronto Star Bureau Chief Tonda MacCharles, Toronto Star National Columnist Susan Delacourt, Centre for International Governance Innovation Senior Fellow Wesley Wark, Carleton University Associate Professor Stephanie Carvin, Conservative MP Michael Chong’s Commission Counsel Fraser Harland. Hosted by Althia Raj. Some of the clips this week were sourced from the House of Commons, the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery, CPAC, as well as the CBC, CTV, and CP24. This episode of “It’s Political” was produced by Kevin Sexton and Althia Raj. Matt Hearn is our sound engineer. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel. Listen here and follow or subscribe at Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon Music , or wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.…
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1 How to fix Canada’s immigration system? 1:01:14
1:01:14
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Immigration has become a hot political issue with politicians — federally and provincially — and Canadians are telling pollsters what they’re feeling: there are just too many people coming into the country, and resources are being squeezed. In this episode of “It’s Political,” we’ll take a look at what’s happened on the immigration front, how the federal government is trying to reduce the number of temporary residents — now sitting at three million — and the challenges that lie ahead with Toronto Star immigration reporter Nicholas Keung. Then, we’ll sit down with Scotiabank vice president Rebekah Young, Waterloo University’s Mikal Skuterud, and UBC emeritus professor Dan Hiebert to get their thoughts on what policy makers need to consider, what the number of new immigrants should be, and what to watch for next month when Immigration Minister Marc Miller lays out the government’s three-year plan for permanent and temporary migration numbers. Some of the clips this week were sourced from the House of Commons, the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery, CPAC, as well as the CBC, CTV, Global, PBS, CityTV, the Western Standard, True North, the Tyee, the Globe and Mail, The Montreal Gazette, the podcast Uncommons with Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith, and the Alberta Government. In this episode: Scotia Bank Vice President and head of Inclusion and Resilience Economics Rebekah Young, University of Waterloo Economics Professor Mikal Skuterud, University of British Columbia Geography professor emeritus Daniel Hiebert, Toronto Star Immigration reporter Nicholas Keung, as well as the voices of political leaders such as Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre, Conservative MP Ryan Williams, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs, Quebec Premier François Legault, federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller, federal Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Hosted by Althia Raj. This episode of “It’s Political” was produced by Kevin Sexton. And Althia Raj. Matt Hearn is our sound engineer. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.…
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1 The Liberal government survives – for now 56:46
56:46
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The Liberal government survived its first confidence vote Wednesday, when the Bloc Québécois and the NDP decided to offer Prime Minister Justin Trudeau a lifeline. The Bloc’s demand are clear — the protection of supply management for poultry, eggs and dairy and more generous pension payments for seniors aged 65 to 74. The NDP’s less so. But, regardless, both parties concluded an election with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre leading in the polls is more dangerous to them now than cooperation with the Grits. This week on “It’s Political” we’ll unpack what the parties need to do in the next few weeks and months to accomplish their own goals, with a panel of political strategists. Then we’ll hear from pollsters about what the landscape looks like, how it has shifted and where the opportunities lie. And finally, we’ll sit down with former Bloc Québécois leader Gilles Duceppe to discuss the party’s new position as the Liberals’ dance partner, what it could mean for sovereignty and what more the Bloc hopes to extract. Some of the clips you heard on this week were sourced from the Canadian Press Gallery, CPAC, the House of Commons, and the CBC. In this episode: Crestview Strategy Partner Ginny Roth, Syntax Strategic Principal George Soule, Canada 2020 President and CEO Braeden Caley, Abacus Data founder and CEO David Coletto, Leger Marketing Executive Vice President for Eastern Canada Sébastien Dallaire, Former Bloc Québécois leader Gilles Duceppe, and Toronto Star Ottawa Bureau Reporter Mark Ramzy. This episode of “It’s Political” was produced by Althia Raj and Kevin Sexton. Matt Hearn is our sound engineer. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.…
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1 Can Justin Trudeau’s Liberals Hang On? 51:01
51:01
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Parliament is back with a bang! In a slick social media video, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh announced he couldn’t stomach working with the minority Liberals anymore and he was shifting his focus to the next election and taking the fight to Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. That was music to the ears of Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet who’s been sidelined for most of the Liberals’ third mandate.With Singh walking away, Blanchet would be able to put the squeeze on the Liberals and try to extract as much as he could for Quebecers — and for his own party.The new chess moves didn’t phase Poilievre who's tried to tie both the NDP and the Bloc to the unpopular Grits. In a news conference this week, Poilievre said he would move a non-confidence vote at the earliest opportunity and dared the other opposition parties to say how they would vote ahead of two crucial by-elections Monday. Those races could help determine whether the NDP has any momentum and whether Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s brand is as toxic as Liberal MPs report hearing it is.This week, at the party’s national caucus meetings in Nanaimo, there was a show of unity behind closed doors but not in public… Interesting times. This week on “It’s Political,” we’ll hear from the lone MP still calling for Justin Trudeau to go. New Brunswick’s Wayne Long is voicing what most of his colleagues say behind closed doors. We’ll hear from Vancouver Island residents on their prime minister’s decision to stay and what they think of the Liberal government’s record so far. Of course, we’ll also hear from some Liberal MPs on this — and on the Grits’ new economic advisor, likely Liberal leadership candidate Mark Carney. Then, we’ll unpack it all with Toronto Star Ottawa Bureau chief Tonda MacCharles, Toronto Star Ottawa reporter Alex Ballingall, and former Liberal pollster Dan Arnold, the chief strategy officer at Pollara. In this episode: Saint John—Rothesay MP Wayne Long, Brossard—Saint-Lambert MP Alexandra Mandès, Glengarry—Prescott—Russell MP Francis Drouin, Kings—Hants MP Kody Blois, Brampton North MP Ruby Sahota, Vancouver Island residents Baz Baz, Montah McGee and David Smith, and Toronto Star Ottawa Bureau chief Tonda MacCharles, Toronto Star Ottawa reporter Alex Ballingall, former Liberal pollster Dan Arnold, the chief strategy officer at Pollara. Hosted by Althia Raj. Some of the clips this week were sourced from CPAC, CBC, and CTV. This episode of “It’s Political” was produced by Althia Raj and Kevin Sexton. Matt Hearn is our sound engineer. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.…
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1 Listener questions on the year’s biggest politics stories 52:57
52:57
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The spring sitting on Parliament Hill is coming to a close. There’s been a lot to keep track of — the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, the introduction of a pharmacare bill, a federal budget that brought big changes to taxes on capital gains — not to mention intelligence reports of foreign interference. On June 3, a report from the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) revealed that some elected officials were either unwitting or witting participants in foreign interference. Naturally, all this left listeners with a lot of questions. In the season finale of “ It’s Political ,” Toronto Star journalists and David Coletto of Abacus Data join to break down questions from listeners and readers. In this episode: CEO of Abacus Data David Coletto, Toronto Star Deputy Ottawa Bureau Chief Stephanie Levitz , Toronto Star Ottawa Bureau Chief Tonda MacCharles . Hosted by Althia Raj. Clips this week were sourced from the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery, CPAC, BNN, CBC, CTV, BBC, Sky News, and City News, Nate Erskine-Smith’s Uncommons podcast. This episode of “It’s Political” was produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Kevin Sexton mixed the program. Joy SpearChief-Morris assisted with production. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.…
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1 How do we solve the opioid crisis? 1:19:40
1:19:40
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If 22 people were being shot each day on Canadian streets, you might expect a federal state of emergency to be called, a co-ordinated federal-provincial-territorial response, billions of dollars flowing out of government coffers to stop the violence. The opioid crisis hasn’t received the same kind of all-hands-on-deck approach. Instead, there has been immense politicization of the issue, with different sides arguing different approaches while accusing political opponents of making the crisis worse and literally killing people. In this episode of “ It’s Political ,” we tackle the question of how to deal with the opioid crisis through different lenses. First, we’ll look at the move behind decriminalization of personal possession for small amounts of illegal drugs. We’ll hear about the experience in British Columbia with its three-year decriminalization pilot, the reforms its brought and the impact in Ontario. We’ll look at the impact of safe injection sites, and the experience so far with “safe supply.” What is working, what is not working as well as it could be and what’s behind the lack of progress? Then, we’ll sit down with Alberta’s Minister of Mental Health and Addiction Dan Williams and discuss his province’s focus on treatment and why he believes “safe supply” isn’t the answer. Finally, Federal Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu joins us to provide the federal government’s perspective. Some of the clips this week were sourced from the House of Commons, CPAC, CTV, and BreakTheNeedle’s X account. This episode of “It’s Political” was produced by Michal Stein and Althia Raj . Joy SpearChief-Morris assisted with production. Kevin Sexton mixed the show. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel. In this episode: Alberta Minister of Mental Health and Addiction Dan Williams, Federal Minister of Indigenous Services Patty Hajdu, Moms Stop the Harm co-founder Leslie McBain, Akosua (last name withheld), who has been sober from drugs for six years, Dorian Clough, a person living with addiction, Memorial University Assistant Professor Gillian Kolla, Sudbury’s safe consumption site’s former manager Amber Fritz, McMaster University Assistant Clinical Professor Dr. Lori Regenstreif, Peterborough Deputy Chief of Police Jamie Hartnett, Vancouver City Councillor Rebecca Bligh, Richmond City Councillor Alexa Loo, Surrey City Councillor Linda Annis, University of Alberta Associate Professor Elaine Hyshka, and Liberal MP for Beaches-East York Nathaniel Erskine Smith. Hosted by Althia Raj.…
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1 Party money: Is it time to change how we finance politics? 58:48
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Hours after Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre was expelled from the House of Commons for calling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau “a wacko” and refusing to withdraw his comments, both leaders’ parties had issued fundraising emails pointing to the incident on Parliament Hill and asking for donors for more cash. Fundraising is a huge part of what political parties do, it keeps their operations going and builds their war chest for the next election campaign. It also helps to buy them votes. The more money they have, the more they can spend on advertising and organization, and the more votes they can get. Since the end of the per-vote subsidy, parties are now dependent on public donations and those who donate tend to be more partisan and more ideologically extreme. So what does that mean for our politics? On this episode of “ It’s Political ,” we take a look at party financing. First, we’ll take a look at the current rules, how they evolved and who they give voice to. Then, we’ll head up to the Hill to get some MPs' views on the topic, before finally sitting down with three former party operatives to break down the perceived challenges of our current system and how it could be reformed to reduce the influence of those with deeper pockets. Some of the clips this week were sourced from the House of Commons, CPAC, the CBC, the Liberal Party of Canada, the NDP, the Conservative Party of Canada, the National Citizens Coalition’s YouTube channel, CNBC, WTOL, and PBS, This episode of “It’s Political” was produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Joy SpearChief-Morris assisted with production. Kevin Sexton mixed the show. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel. In this episode: Former Conservative Party of Canada national campaign manager and former director of operations Fred DeLorey, former Liberal Party of Canada national director Sheila Gervais, former NDP director of operations David Hare, former Conservative Party of Canada director of fundraising Jaime Girard, co-founder of Democracy Watch Duff Conacher, Canada 2020 CEO and former senior director of communications for the Liberal Party of Canada Braeden Caley, McMaster University political science associate professor Andrea Lawlor, Royal Military College political science associate professor Holly Ann Garnett, Acadia University Politics Professor Alex Marland, Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, Calgary Conservative MP Greg McLean, Ajax Liberal MP and Health Minister Mark Holland, Langley—Aldergrove MP Tako Van Popta, and Montreal-area Lac-Saint-Louis Liberal MP Francis Scarpaleggia.…
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1 Is the NDP winning the fight for working people? 1:15:05
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We started “ It’s Political ” two years ago with an episode on the NDP’s supply and confidence agreement. Back then, we wondered, would the party get any credit for what they accomplished? Two years on, public opinion polls suggest the answer is “no.” The NDP believes the answer is really “maybe,” and one they hope to turn into a resounding “yes.” This week, we look at the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the NDP. First, Toronto Star reporter Raisa Patel, Abacus Data CEO David Coletto, Singh’s chief of staff Jennifer Howard, will lay out the challenges, internally and externally for the NDP. Then, our panel of NDP strategists will discuss what the party should do and can do to unite progressives against the possibility of a majority Conservative government. Finally, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh will join us to discuss the supply and confidence agreement with the Liberals and the path ahead. Some of the clips this week were sourced from the House of Commons, CPAC, CBC, CTV, and Global. This episode of “It’s Political” was produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Joy SpearChief-Morris assisted with production. Matt Hearn helped Kevin Sexton mix the show. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel. In this episode: NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, Toronto Star reporter Raisa Patel , Abacus Data CEO David Coletto, Singh’s chief of staff Jennifer Howard, NDP strategist and GT & Co. partner Brian Topp, former NDP MP David Christopherson, former director of communications to Alberta NDP leader Rachel Notley and Wellington Advocacy vice president Leah Ward, and taxi driver Kirby Pittman. Hosted by Althia Raj.…
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland tabled her latest budget Tuesday, with big spending plans to increase the housing supply, deliver on commitments to Indigenous people, boost funding to the Canadian military and finally deliver on a promise to create a Canada Disability Benefit. But there is more to the budget’s $39.3 billion in new spending than just those big ticket items. There is a little bit of money in there for nearly everyone. It is an election budget, with lots of promises, most of which start to kick in next year. And to pay for it all, without sinking further into deficit and blowing past Freeland’s debt-to-GDP ratio, the federal government is increasing the inclusion rate on capital gains, affecting business investments and, with some exceptions, those Canadians earning more than $250,000 from capital gains annually. This week on “ It’s Political ,” we’ll look at the government’s 2024 spending plan and its decision to target capital gains as a way of raising taxes with economists Armine Yalnizyan and Christopher Ragan. But before that discussion, we’ll unpack the budget process and look at the last budget, the 2023 budget, and review its forecasts, its promises and what it actually delivered on. Some of the clips this week were sourced from CPAC, WhiteHouse.gov and Right Side Broadcasting. This episode of “ It’s Political ” was produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein, and mixed by Kevin Sexton. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel. In this episode: Armine Yalnizyan, an economist and Atkinson Fellow on the Future of Workers, Christopher Ragan, the director of McGill University’s Max Bell School of Public Policy, Heather Scoffield, senior vice president of strategy at the Business Council of Canada, Yves Giroux, the Parliamentary Budget officer, Tyler Meredith, a senior fellow at the Munk School and former budget crafter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Kevin Page, the president and CEO of the Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy at the University of Ottawa, and Evert Lindquist, a University of Victoria School of Public Administration professor. Hosted by Althia Raj.…
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1 Does the Online Harms Act go too far? 1:07:46
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The federal government’s latest effort to regulate speech on the internet was met with relief from parents who’ve long advocated for a safer space online for their children, but with alarm from free speech advocates who believe the government’s bill goes too far. This week on “ It’s Political ,” we dig into the Online Harms Act with a number of experts, discussing what it contains and what the controversies are about. Then we sit down with Justice Minister Arif Virani. In this episode: Federal Justice Minister Arif Virani, as well as the Center for Media, Technology and Democracy founding director and McGill University associate professor Taylor Owen, the Canadian Constitution Foundation litigation director Christine Van Geyn, University of Calgary associate professor and Canada research chair in cybersecurity law Emily Laidlaw, the Canadian Center for Child Protection’s executive director Lianna McDonald, University of Ottawa professor and Canada research chair in internet and e-commerce law Michael Geist, former Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission vice chair and Macdonald-Laurier Institute senior fellow Peter Menzies, University of Windsor law professor Richard Moon, the Canadian Race Relations Foundation’s CEO Mohammed Hashim, B.C. Civil Liberties Association staff counsel Safiyya Ahmad, and NDP House leader Peter Julian. Hosted by Althia Raj. Some of the clips this week were sourced from CPAC, CTV, Global, The Canadian Press Gallery, CBC, City, The Rebel’s YouTube and Privacy Lawyer David Fraser’s YouTube. This episode of “It’s Political” was produced by Michal Stein and Althia Raj, and mixed by Kevin Sexton. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.…
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1 What would Prime Minister Pierre Poilievre do? 57:04
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Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre attempted to topple the Liberal government this week by introducing a motion calling for a non-confidence vote on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s plan to increase the carbon price on April 1. With all the other parties supporting a price on carbon — the Bloc Québécois, the NDP and the Greens — Poilievre’s motion was more about partisan communication strategy than a legitimate attempt to defeat the government, but it raises important questions. With the Conservatives leading in the polls, what would a Poilievre agenda look like? What policies would he and his party pursue? What tone would a government led by him take? This week on “ It’s Political ,” we dig into what we know and don’t know about the Conservatives’ agenda. The Toronto Star’s deputy bureau chief Stephanie Levitz , Le Devoir’s parliamentary correspondent Boris Proulx, and Poilievre’s former director of communications during his leadership bid Ginny Roth join us. We’ll also break down the latest polling figures with Abacus Data CEO David Coletto, and hear from Queer Momentum’s executive director Fae Johnstone about her airport run in with Poilievre. Some of the clips this week were sourced from CPAC, Poilievre’s Facebook Page, Poilievre’s YouTube channel and CTV. Listen here and follow or subscribe at Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon Music , Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. This episode of “It’s Political” was produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein, and mixed by Kevin Sexton. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.…
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1 The reality of the Liberals’ pharmacare bill 1:00:38
1:00:38
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On Feb. 29, Canada’s Health Minister Mark Holland introduced a pharmacare bill in Parliament, seemingly laying down the foundation for a new national universal single payer pharmacare plan. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh declared victory. After fifty years of efforts, he boasted that a first big step had been taken toward giving all Canadians equal access to medicines regardless of employment status or financial means. The deal starts small, just two classes of drugs — diabetes medication and contraception — are covered free of charge, and only if the provinces who will administer the program sign on. But already a fight is brewing between public-system advocates who want a single-payer public program established and expanded to include a vast list of medicines, and the pharmaceutical industry, health insurance firms, pharmacists and the business community who fear a multibillion-dollar change to their bottom lines, and the impact on patients and government deficits. Navigating between the two sides is the Liberal government, which succumbed to NDP pressure in order to stave off a federal election. In this week’s episode of “ It’s Political ,” just how committed is the Liberal government to public pharmacare? Federal Health Minister Mark Holland joins us. But first we dig deep into the debate over drug coverage in Canada with Dalhousie University Political Science Professor Katherine Fierlbeck, Canada Research Chair in Health Justice Dr. Nav Persaud, former Ontario health minister and former chair of the Federal Advisory Council on Pharmacare Dr. Eric Hoskins, Pharmacist Kristen Watt, Ontario Pharmacists Association CEO Justin Bates, Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association President Stephen Frank, Canada Canada Research Chair in Access to Medicines at the University of British Columbia Michael Law, Queen’s University Assistant Professor Dr. Samantha Buttemer and Canadian Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Policy and Government Relations Matthew Holmes. Some of the clips this week were sourced from the CBC, CPAC, Global, and the Canadian Press Gallery. This episode of “It’s Political” was produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein, and mixed by Sean Pattendon. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.…
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau managed one chaotic term under U.S. President Donald Trump, and he’s made it clear he’d prefer to continue working with current President Joe Biden. But with the Republican primaries favouring Trump, a divided electorate and a U.S. election this fall, Trudeau faces the possibility of another Trump White House. One that’s likely much more unpredictable and isolationist than the first Trump administration. Earlier this month, at a campaign rally, Trump suggested NATO countries that don’t spend enough on defence would be left to defend themselves if Russia were to attack. His comments sent shock waves throughout Europe and North America, with experts and politicians warning that undermining NATO undermines the security of all member countries. On today’s show, we talk to experts with first-hand knowledge on what a second Trump presidency could mean for Canada and what we should do to prepare. In this episode: Canada’s former ambassador to the United States David MacNaughton, Canada’s former ambassador to NATO Kerry Buck, Queen’s University professor emeritus of political science and author of "Canada Alone" Kim Richard Nossal, and retired Lieutenant-General and former Liberal MP and parliamentary secretary for Canada-U.S. relations Andrew Leslie. Hosted by Althia Raj. Some of the clips this week were sourced from: CTV, CBC, Global, CPAC, CNBC, PBS, Fox, CP24, and the Associated Press. This episode of “It’s Political” was produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein and mixed by Kevin Sexton. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel. Suggested Readings: What a Donald Trump victory would mean for Canada's economy Donald Trump's dangerous agenda: Editorial NATO chief hails record defence spending while warning that Donald Trump's remarks undermine security Joe Biden says Donald Trump sowing doubts about U.S. commitment to NATO is 'un-American' Donald Trump stands by remarks about not defending NATO members after backlash…
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1 Is Canada’s consensus on immigration fracturing? 1:03:07
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For decades, there was solid political and social consensus on immigration in Canada. But recently, cracks in that consensus have emerged. In 2023, Canada’s population hit 40 million, after growing by more than a million people in one year. Most of that growth was in temporary residents, such as international students and temporary foreign workers. Unlike with permanent residents, Canada doesn’t set targets or caps on how many people enter the country on a temporary status. Amidst a housing crisis and a health care system buckling under the weight of demand, a growing number of Canadians appear to be pointing the finger at policies that allowed for a surge in unplanned growth. Last month, in response, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced a two-year cap on international students and a promise to crack down on so-called “puppy mill” private colleges. On today’s show, experts discuss what contributed to the breakdown in Canada’s long-held consensus, and Miller sits down for an interview with Althia. In this episode: Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller, Toronto Star immigration reporter Nicholas Keung , Place Centre founding director Mike Moffat, Abacus Data CEO David Coletto, Statistics Canada demographer Patrick Charbonneau, Canadian Chamber of Commerce senior vice president Matthew Holmes, Dalhousie University assistant professor of social work Raluca Bejan, Centre for Newcomers chief program officer Kelly Ernst, University of British Columbia post-doctoral research fellow Lisa Brunner and One Voice Canada’s Balraj Kahlon. Hosted by Althia Raj . Some of the clips this week were sourced from: Kellie Leitch for Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, YouTube, CBC, CTV, CBC Radio, The Montreal Gazette, CPAC and Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery. This episode of “It’s Political” was produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein and mixed by Kevin Sexton. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel. • 4:20 — Mini documentary on public opinion, the rise of unplanned migration and some of its consequences • 26:44 — Interview with Federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller…
Public opinion polls suggest Canadians have had enough of Justin Trudeau’s government, and yet the prime minister vows to stay on. As 2024 began, Toronto Star columnist Susan Delacourt sat down with the prime minister for her yearly chat, and she allowed our microphones to listen in. This conversation was recorded on Jan. 12 in Guelph, Ont. In this episode: Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau and Toronto Star National Columnist Susan Delacourt Some of the clips this week were sourced from the CBC, ABC, CTV, CPAC, and The Guardian. This episode of “It’s Political” was packaged by Althia Raj and mixed by Kevin Sexton. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.…
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1 Year-end listener questions on Trudeau, Poilievre, dental subsidy, foreign interference and more 43:20
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It’s been quite a tumultuous year in federal politics, from allegations of foreign interference involving China and India, to the expansion of industrial and dental subsidies, and a rejigging of public support for Canada’s two main parties. We asked Toronto Star readers and “ It’s Political ” podcast listeners for their questions — and received many probing queries about themes from the last year, especially about the influence of Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre on Canadian politics and the future of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. We gathered a few of our parliamentary journalists to answer them. In this episode: National Columnist Susan Delacourt, Ottawa deputy bureau chief Stephanie Levitz and reporter Mark Ramzy join host Althia Raj. Some of the clips this week were sourced from CPAC, CBC, CTV, Global, the NDP’s Instagram account, Rex Murphy’s Full Comment podcast and Pierre Poilievre’s Facebook page. This episode of “It’s Political” was produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Kevin Sexton mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel .…
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1 Chasing views: How social media is changing Canadian politics 1:03:06
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Alberta Conservative MP Damien Kurek was kicked out of the House of Commons this week for using unparliamentary language. Within minutes of his expulsion, Kurek had the video of his outburst up on social media proudly showcasing his outrage at the Liberal government. Last week, another Alberta Conservative, Rachel Thomas, was forced to apologize after requesting Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge stop answering her questions in French and instead use English. Thomas wanted a social media clip her audience could understand. Social media is changing the way MPs are behaving on Parliament Hill and it’s increasingly changing the way political parties court support. In this week’s episode of “It’s Political” we take a look at his issue from a number of different angles. First, Toronto Star columnist Susan Delacourt gives us an overview of how political communications has changed during her time in Ottawa. Then, MPs Kevin Waugh, Rob Oliphant and Stéphane Bergeron reflect on the demise of local media, where their constituents get their news, and how the new media landscape is changing the way MPs engage with one other. Later, I sit down with Canada Proud founder Jeff Ballingall, who worked with both Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and former leader Erin O’Toole, as well as Mélanie Richer, the former director of communications for NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, and with Cameron Ahmad, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s former director of communications. And finally, we’ll hear about the impact an MP’s social media campaign recently had on a member of the upper house, Senator Bernadette Clement. In this episode: Toronto Star national columnist Susan Delacourt, Saskatchewan Conservative MP Kevin Waugh, Ontario Liberal MP Rob Oliphant, Bloc Québecois MP Stéphane Bergeron, former Conservative media strategist and Mobilize Media president Jeff Ballingall, former director of communications for NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and Earnscliffe senior consultant Mélanie Richer, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s former director of communications Cameron Ahmad, and Ontario Independent Senator Bernadette Clement. Hosted by Althia Raj. Some of the clips this week were sourced from CPAC, The Senate, The House of Commons, CBC, Pierre Poilievre’s Facebook page and Damien Kurek’s X/Twitter account. This episode of “It’s Political” was produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Kevin Sexton mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.…
It’s been described as a signature blow to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s signature policy. Last month, the Liberals announced a three-year pause to the application of the carbon price on home heating oil to help ease the costs, especially in Atlantic Canada where it’s used in about a third of all households. Climate and energy experts decried it as a weakening of Trudeau’s policy, former environment minister Catherine McKenna condemned the move, and potential leadership candidate Mark Carney said publicly that he wouldn’t have done things that way. Provincial premiers, such as Alberta’s Danielle Smith, Ontario’s Doug Ford, British Columbia’s David Ebby, Manitoba’s Wab Kinew, and Saskatchewan’s Scott Moe all called for the carbon price to be eliminated from home heating for all their residents. Moe went so far as to pledge to stop collecting and transmitting the levy on natural gas. What was expected by some rural MPs to be a popular announcement, unleashed a huge outcry putting the debate over carbon pricing right back on the front burner. This week on “It’s Political” we dig into the carbon pricing debate, with Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault, experts Andrew Leach, Dale Beugin and Katya Rhodes, and Liberal MP Kody Blois, whose persistent lobbying led to the policy change. 4:23.077 - Kody Blois 17:15.840 - The Case for Carbon Pricing 39:46.601 - Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault In this episode: Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault, Nova Scotia Liberal MP Kody Blois, University of Alberta Professor Andrew Leach, Canadian Climate Institute Executive Vice President Dale Beugin, University of Victoria Assistant Professor in climate policy Katya Rhodes. Hosted by Althia Raj. Some of the clips this week were sourced from CPAC, The Senate, The House of Commons, The Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery, CBC, Global News, CTV, Pierre Poilievre’s Facebook Page, The Conservative Party of Canada, Scott Moe’s X/Twitter account. This episode of “It’s Political” was produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Kevin Sexton mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.…
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1 Is it time for Justin Trudeau to go? 53:38
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Eight years ago, Justin Trudeau and 30 ecstatic Liberal MPs walked up to Rideau Hall, ready to be sworn in as Canada’s next government. But after three elections, the Liberal glow has faded – drastically – as more and more Liberals suggest it’s time for the prime minister to step down. This week on “It’s Political,” Abacus Data CEO David Coletto, P.E.I. Sen. Percy Downe and Toronto Star reporter Alex Ballingall join me to discuss whether Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should step down, and what the Liberals could do to address the public’s growing fatigue with their leader. But first, if Trudeau were to step down, what would he be remembered for? We ask several close observers for their thoughts on the prime minister’s legacy. Some of their answers may surprise. 2:20 Mini documentary on Justin Trudeau’s legacy 31:55 Panel discussion on Justin Trudeau’s future as Liberal leader Some of the clips this week were sourced from CBC, CPAC, Global, CTV, and The Guardian. This episode of “It’s Political” was produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Kevin Sexton mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel. In this episode: Abacus Data CEO David Coletto, Prince Edward Island Sen. Percy Downe, Toronto Star reporter Alex Ballingall, University of Calgary political science professor Lisa Young, UBC economics professor Kevin Milligan, Acadia University politics professor Alex Marland, Queen’s University adjunct professor Eugene Lang, the executive director of First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada and McGill University School of Social Work professor Cindy Blackstock, Canadian Climate Institute executive vice-president Dale Beugin, and York University public administration professor Thomas Klassen. Hosted by Althia Raj.…
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1 Canada and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict 1:16:33
1:16:33
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A month ago, we weren’t talking about the Israelis-Palestinian conflict. The world’s attention was elsewhere, on Ukraine and Russia, on China. But on October 7, all that changed. Hamas’ brutality — the hunting of young adults at a music festival, the burning of homes, shooting of grandmothers, allegations of rape of women and girls, and the kidnapping of more than 200 Israelis and foreigners — placed the question of Israel and the occupied territories back on the front burner. And there are many questions. How should Israel respond to an event that shocked the nation’s psyche? Can it pursue Hamas without triggering a wider conflict in the region? Is it justifiable to kill so many civilians in an attempt to neutralize a terrorism threat? This week on ‘It’s Political,’ we take a look at the war between Israel and Hamas through a Canadian lens. First, we’ll review how we got to the current conflict with the aid of Canada’s former representative in the West Bank, Douglas Scott Proudfoot. Then, we’ll hear from two families, a Israeli-Canadian man from Toronto and a Palestinian-Canadian couple from Ottawa, whose families have been deeply affected by Hamas’ attack and Israel’s bombing in response. This is a political show, and we’ll sit down with two Liberal MPs from two different communities — Mount Royal MP Anthony Housefather and Scarborough Centre MP Salma Zahid — to discuss what they want to hear from their government and what their constituents want to hear from them. Finally, we’ll have a fascinating conversation with two Middle East experts, Carleton University Political Science Professor Mira Sucharov and University of Ottawa Graduate School of Public and International Affairs Associate Professor Thomas Juneau, about Canada’s policy in the Middle East, how it’s changed over time, what impedes Canada from playing a larger role, and how diaspora politics guide Canadian foreign policy. 4:37 - Douglas Scott Proudfoot 22:36 - Aharon Brodutch 31:12 - Israa Alsaafin and Ahmed Alsaafin 42:05 - Salma Zahid and Anthony Housefather 56:07 - Mira Sucharov and Thomas Juneau Some of the clips this week were sourced from CPAC, Global News, CTV, Al Jazeera, Fox News, the BBC, CBS, the United Nations, the History Channel, France 24, CBC, CNN, Reuters, and Atlas Aware. This episode of “It’s Political” was produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Kevin Sexton mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.…
In this episode: Timmins—James Bay NDP MP Charlie Angus, South Okanagan—West Kootenay NDP MP Richard Cannings, Skeena—Bulkley Valley NDP MP Taylor Bachrach, Abacus Data CEO David Coletto, Traxxion Strategies President Karl Bélanger, Canadian Strategy Group senior manager of public affairs Sally Housser, University of Saskatchewan Political Studies Professor David McGrane,, St-John’s East riding association president Amanda Will, Jason Arnold, of the United Steelworkers Local 7619 at the Highland Valley Copper Mine, and longtime New Democrat and socialist caucus co-chair Barry Weisleder. Hosted by Althia Raj. This weekend as federal New Democrats gather in Hamilton for the party’s first in-person convention in five years, we’ll take stock of the NDP’s current challenges and review the leadership of Jagmeet Singh. Six years ago, when Singh took over the party, many hoped he’d be able to stop the bleeding of NDP votes to the Liberal party. But instead of growing the party’s caucus, Singh lost 20 seats in his first election and was only able to gain one more seat in his last campaign. Now, the NDP’s leader faces another leadership review. One that’s being held in the context of the party’s supply and confidence agreement with the Liberal party. Will New Democrats throw their support behind their leader, or will cracks emerge this weekend as some members fear a closer alignment with an unpopular federal government? But before we tackle that question, we’ll first hear from three NDP MPs, whose ridings are high on Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s target list, on why the Official Opposition leader sees opportunity in their communities and how they intend to fight back. Then we’ll sit down with Abacus Data CEO David Coletto for a look at the numbers and what they reveal about the party’s support and the popularity of the NDP pact with the Liberals. And discuss it all with Karl Bélanger, the party’s former national director and principal secretary to former NDP leader Thomas Mulcair, Sally Housser, a former NDP strategist in Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, and Ottawa, and David McGrane, a political studies professor at the University of Saskatchewan and the author of the book “The New NDP: Moderation, Modernization and Political Marketing.” We’ll also hear from three NDP convention delegates: St-John’s East riding association president Amanda Will, United Steelworker local executive Jason Arnold, and the co-chair of the party’s socialist caucus Barry Weisleder. Some of the clips this week were sourced from The House of Commons, CPAC, CTV, CBC, Charlie Angus’ YouTube page, Pierre Poilievre’s YouTube page, Pierre Poilievre’s Twitter account, CFTK-TV in Terrace, B.C., The Curse of Politics podcast. This episode of “It’s Political” was produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Kevin Sexton mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel. Althia Raj is an Ottawa-based national politics columnist for the Star. Follow her on Twitter: @althiaraj…
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1 Salvaging Bill C-18: Will the Liberals' gamble pay off? 54:11
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In this episode: Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge, Toronto Star Publisher Jordan Bitove, Ottawa University law professor Michael Geist, Toronto Star reporter Raisa Patel, Meta’s head of public policy Rachel Curran, Google Canada’s Richard Gingras, News Media Canada President Paul Deegan, Village Media CEO Jeff Elgie. La Presse President Pierre-Elliott Levasseur, Yellowknife evacuee Kelsey Worth, Conservative MP Kevin Waugh, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. Hosted by Althia Raj. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau apologized to the world and House of Commons Speaker Anthony Rota resigned after MPs honoured a man in Parliament who’d fought with a Nazi unit. This isn’t the only story that rocked Canadian politics recently. Last week, Ontario Premier Doug Ford reversed course on the development of Greenbelt land and Trudeau announced the government of India is more than likely involved in the shooting death of a Canadian citizen. These controversies may not have come to light if it wasn’t for the work of journalists. But journalism, in Canada, is facing a crisis. Declining advertising revenues have led to the shedding of thousands of jobs and the closures of hundreds of local publications. Meanwhile, Google and Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, are reaping billions of ad dollars worldwide. This week on “It’s Political,” we dig into the federal government’s response to a crisis decades in the making. The Online News Act, which became law this summer, has prompted Meta to block news links on its platforms. Is Google ready to follow suit? Is the government shooting itself in the foot or has it found the path to sustainability for newspapers and local broadcasters? Ottawa University law professor Michael Geist, the Canada research chair in internet and e-commerce law, joins Toronto Star reporter Raisa Patel in helping us break down the law, formerly known as Bill C-18. We’ll also hear from Meta, Google, and publishers affected by the bill, including Toronto Star owner Jordan Bitove. Then, we’ll sit down with Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge.…
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1 What Pierre Poilievre’s surge in the polls means for him and Justin Trudeau 1:00:26
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In this episode: Abacus Data CEO David Colettto, Toronto Star Reporter Stephanie Levitz, Conservative Party members Kevyn Nightingale, Emilie Matheson, Nancy Bangsboll and Adrian Tarcea, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s former executive director of policy and cabinet affairs Marci Surkes, former NDP MP David Christopherson, former spokesman for Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre Anthony Koch, and Toronto Star National Columnist Susan Delacourt. Hosted by Althia Raj. The political ground shifted over the summer. The Conservatives, under leader Pierre Poilievre, have steadily increased their support. Riding high now at 41 per cent in Abacus Data’s latest national survey. Meanwhile, the Grits are bleeding support, down at 26 per cent. What happened? This week on “It’s Political” we will take a look at the factors that led to change with Abacus Data CEO David Coletto, and with help from some keen observers and insiders explore the challenges now facing Poilievre and Trudeau. Toronto Star reporter Stephanie Levitz will join us to discuss the Conservative convention and what to watch for from Poilievre and his team as MPs return to Parliament next week. We’ll hear from convention delegates. And we’ll be joined by the Star’s national columnist Susan Delacourt to discuss the inner turmoil within the Liberal caucus. We’ll also sit down with Trudeau’s former executive director of policy and cabinet affairs Marci Surkes, former NDP MP David Christopherson, and Poilievre’s former spokesman Anthony Koch for their take on both Poilievre’s success and the Liberals’ struggles. Some of the clips this week were sourced from CPAC, CBC, CTV, Global News, ABC, CP24 and Anaida Poilievre’s Twitter account. This episode of “It’s Political” was produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Kevin Sexton mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.…
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1 Is Canadian politics getting nastier? 54:12
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With Parliament about to break for the summer, exchanges between MPs in the House have gotten tense. But is it just June — when the hours run long and the frustrations high — or has decorum in the chamber taken a nasty slide? This week on “It’s Political,” we survey MPs about the tone in the chamber and what it is leading to outside the House, and we sit down with three insiders, former Liberal MP for Northumberland—Peterborough South Kim Rudd, former NDP national director Karl Bélanger, and former spokesman for Pierre Poilievre, Anthony Koch, to unpack the strategies behind the aggressive, personal, and often vitriolic attacks. Finally, we’ll look forward to Monday’s byelection and survey the current political landscape with Abacus Data CEO David Coletto. In this episode: Former Liberal MP for Northumberland—Peterborough South Kim Rudd; Traxxion Strategies President Karl Bélanger; AK Strategies’ managing principal Anthony Koch; David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data; Randy Boissonnault, MP for Edmonton Centre; Adam Chambers, MP for Simcoe North; Dan Vandal, MP for Saint Boniface-Saint Vital; Kelly McCauley, MP for Edmonton West; Pierre Paul-Hus, MP for Charlesbourg–Haute-Saint-Charles; Mark Gerretsen, MP for Kingston and the Islands; Brendan Hanley, MP for Yukon; Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport; Conservative MP Rick Perkins from South Shore—St. Margarets; and John Aldag, MP for Cloverdale–Langley City. Hosted by Althia Raj. Some of the clips this week were sourced from the House of Commons, CPAC, CBC, CTV, and Global News. This episode of “It’s Political” was produced by Michal Stein and Althia Raj. Kevin Sexton mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.…
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1 What will it take to fix Canada’s housing crisis? 1:02:41
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Whether you’re trying to buy a house or struggling to find a decent and affordable place to rent, it seems Canadians across this country are experiencing the housing crisis in one form or another. This week on “It’s Political,” we look at this growing problem and what politicians have done to address it. We’ll first look at the problem from different perspectives with the help of several experts, including: Carolyn Whitzman, the expert advisor to the Housing Assessment Resource Tools Project at the University of British Columbia; Adam Vaughan, the former MP for Spadina—Fort York and one of the architects of the Liberal government’s national housing strategy; Mike Moffatt, the senior director at the Smart Prosperity Institute; Rebekah Young, a vice-president and head of Inclusion and Resilience Economics at Scotiabank; Garima Talwar Kapoor, the director of Policy and Research at Maytree; Myriam Mekni, the executive director of the Catholic Centre for Immigrants in Ottawa; Adrian Schut, the director of construction at Habitat for Humanity in greater Ottawa; and Victoria Gibson, the Toronto Star’s affordable housing reporter. Then we’ll let politicians have their say. Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath, Moncton Mayor Dawn Arnold and Calgary Coun. Courtney Walcott offer their experiences and perspectives. Then, the opposition critics for housing, Conservative MP Scott Aitchison and NDP MP Jenny Kwan, sit down to offer their solutions. Finally, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser addresses concerns the government’s ambitious immigration targets might deepen the housing crisis, and lead to more polarization. Clips this week were sourced from the House of Commons, CPAC, CBC, and TVO. This episode of “It’s Political” was produced by Michal Stein and Althia Raj. Kevin Sexton and Katie Jensen mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.…
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1 Danielle Smith vs. Rachel Notley: What's at stake in the Alberta election? 1:10:15
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This week on “It’s Political” we check in on the Alberta election. NDP Leader Rachel Notley and UCP Leader Danielle Smith are in a hotly contested race and there’s lots at stake for Albertans and all Canadians. First, Toronto Star reporter Kieran Leavitt brings us a report from Lethbridge, in a riding the NDP needs to win if it is to form government. Then, we’ll hear from Abacus Data’s David Coletto and from pollster Janet Brown about their competing polls and what they tell us about the state of the race in Alberta. Finally, we’ll sit down with experienced conservative adviser Ken Bossenkool, from Meredith Boessenkool Policy Advisors, Graham Thomson, a long-time columnist in Alberta, and Lisa Young, political science professor at the University of Calgary, to talk about Thursday’s debate and why this election is important. Clips this week were sourced from CPAC, Rachel Notley’s YouTube channel, The U.C.P.’s YouTube channel, Danielle Smith’s Twitter page, CBC, and CTV This episode of “It’s Political” was produced by Althia Raj. Kevin Sexton mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.…
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1 Where can Justin Trudeau take the Liberals now? 57:59
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As Liberals from across the country gather in Ottawa for the party’s first in-person national convention since the pandemic, “It’s Political” digs into Justin Trudeau’s record as party leader and his time as prime minister. With bleak polling numbers and an ambitious Conservative opponent, how can the Liberals correct their course? First, we sit down with Trudeau’s former principal secretary Gerald Butts. Then we’ll hear from Abacus Data’s David Coletto who has some new numbers. We’ll also bring you a conversation with longtime Liberals: Prince Edward Island Senator Percy Downe, former PMO executive director of policy and cabinet affairs Marci Surkes, and MPs Nathaniel Erskine Smith and Kody Blois. Finally, we’ll also hear from the outgoing chair of the Young Liberals of Canada Lucas Borchenko about some of the policies younger Liberals — those who pushed the party to adopt marijuana legalization and gay marriage — are championing now. Clips this week were sourced from CPAC, The House of Commons, CBC, CTV, Global, the Guardian, and Pierre Poilievre’s Facebook page. “It’s Political” is produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Kevin Sexton mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.…
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1 As the leaker requested, a conversation on foreign interference 1:06:03
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In an op-ed in the Globe and Mail last month, that newspaper’s confidential national security source explained why they decided to leak secret documents on China’s interference attempts. They wrote they had hoped to spur a much deeper discussion about foreign interference and how to combat it, but were disappointed the conversation had become “marked by ugliness and division.” So this week on “It’s Political,” we’re giving the leaker what they want: a serious conversation about foreign interference. First, national security expert Wesley Wark walks us through the controversy, the leaks, the government’s response and what we should make of it all. Then, Carleton University associate professor and former national security analyst Stephanie Carvin joins us along with former CSIS director Ward Elcock to tackle the question of whether the government really is doing enough to counter the problem. In this episode: Stephanie Carvin, associate professor of International Relations at Carleton University’s Norman Paterson School of International Affairs; Ward Elcock, former director of CSIS; Mehmet Tohti, co-founder of the World Uyghur Congress; Wesley Wark, senior fellow of the Centre for International Governance Innovation Hosted by Althia Raj. Clips were sourced from Global News, CBC, CPAC, CTV News, the House of Commons, Australian Federal Police and CBS. “It’s Political” is produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Kevin Sexton mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.…
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1 Two topics we’re not supposed to talk about: religion and politics 50:32
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They say it’s dangerous to talk about politics and religion. We’re not listening. This week on “It’s Political,” we mark April’s high religious holidays, such as Easter, Ramadan, Passover and Vaisakhi, with a conversation on faith and politics. How it influences MPs’ policy positions, where they believe the line between state and church should be drawn, and the impact of political parties using religion as a wedge. First, we’ll look at the rising numbers of religious hate crimes and a new report by Cardus that suggests Canadians have polarizing views on religion. Canada’s former ambassador for religious freedom, Andrew Bennett, will walk us through his research. Then, we’ll hear from Amira Elghawaby, the Trudeau government’s recent appointee as Canada’s special representative on combatting Islamophobia, on why she believes her role is necessary. After, we’ll sit down with Liberal MP Iqra Khalid, Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu, NDP MP Daniel Blaikie and Liberal MP Anthony Housefather for a conversation on how their faith influences their politics. In this episode: Mississauga—Erin Mills MP Iqra Khalid, Sarnia—Lambton MP Marilyn Gladu, Mount Royal MP Anthony Housefather, Elmwood—Transcona MP Daniel Blaikie, Andrew Bennet, Cardus’ program director of Faith Communities, Amira Elghawaby, Canada’s Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia of Canada. Hosted by Althia Raj. Some of the clips this week were sourced from: CPAC, the House of Commons, the Senate, CBC, CP24, BBC, CityNews, CTV, Andrew Scheer’s Facebook page, Global “It’s Political” is produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Kevin Sexton mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel. Listen here and follow or subscribe at Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon Music , Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.…
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1 Subsidizing big business: Canada’s new green industrial policy 42:28
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Last week, Volkswagen announced it will build its first overseas electric vehicle battery gigafactory in St. Thomas, Ontario. The federal and provincial governments declined to say what they’d paid to lure Volkswagen to Canada rather than the U.S. but the Financial Times reported the price was around $15 billion. That’s a lot of public money going to subsidize a private company, even one that will support thousands of jobs. So this week, on “It’s Political” we take a look at what’s driving the case for big subsidies, and how Canada is adopting a green new industrial policy with little public debate. First, we’ll hear from stakeholders and experts on the impact of the United States’ Inflation Reduction Act, and what it could mean here, north of the U.S. border. Then, we’ll sit down with the man some have dubbed Canada’s energizer bunny, Innovation, Science and Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne. In this episode: Minister Champagne, Lana Payne, the national president of Unifor, Matt Poirier, senior policy director with the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, John Lester, an executive fellow at the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary, Marisa Beck, director of Clean Growth with the Canadian Climate Institute, Jean Simard, the president and CEO of the Aluminum Association of Canada, Brian Kingston, the president and CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association, and Genevieve Dufour, a professor of trade law at the University of Sherbrooke. Hosted by Althia Raj Some of the clips this week were sourced from: CPAC, the House of Commons, The White House, CTV, CBC, The Andrew Lawton Show, Street Sport Television Car show and PBS. “It’s Political” is produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Sean Pattendon mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.…
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1 Why Jagmeet Singh still wants to prop up the Liberals 55:59
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This week on “It’s Political,” we take stock of the supply and confidence agreement the Liberals and NDP agreed to last March. In exchange for supporting the Liberal government on confidence matters until June 2025, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh received assurances Ottawa would enact a dental care program for low and middle income Canadians, as well as move ahead on a number of shared priorities, such as pharmacare, housing, climate change and reconciliation with Canada's Indigenous Peoples. One year later, how have things panned out? First, we’ll hear what the public has to say, including from Liberal and NDP voters, with exclusive polling from Abacus Data. Then, we’ll discuss the risks and benefits of Singh's decision to side so closely with the Liberals with some of the NDP’s best strategists. And finally, we’ll sit down with the NDP leader. In this episode: NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, former MP David Christopherson, former NDP director of issues management Ian Wayne, former NDP national director Karl Bélanger, Abacus Data CEO David Coletto, long-time New Democrat Dennis Van Meer, Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan. Hosted by Althia Raj. Some of the clips this week were sourced from the CPAC, the House of Commons, CBC and CTV. “It’s Political” is produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Kevin Sexton mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.…
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1 No stick and a small carrot: Can the federal government fix health care? 49:59
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This week on "It’s Political," we take a look at what’s plaguing the country's health-care system, from long wait lines in emergency rooms to the lack of family doctors. What will it take to fix health care in Canada? First, we hear directly from health professionals about the problems they've witnessed firsthand and the solutions they’d like to see. Then, host Althia Raj sits down with Canada’s Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos to discuss the federal government’s new funding arrangement with the provinces, the minister’s expectations of what the money will buy, and his stance on the increasing presence of for-profit care. In this episode: Canada’s Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos, Toronto Star health reporter Megan Ogilvie, former federal health minister Dr. Jane Philpott, a family doctor, dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and director of the School of Medicine at Queen’s University, and CEO of the Southeastern Ontario Academic Medical Organization, Dr. Taylor Lougheed, a family, emergency, sport, and cannabinoid physician and chief of emergency medicine services at the North Bay Regional Hospital, longtime registered public health nurse Maureen Cava, who now works with the Safehaven Project for Community Living in Toronto, Dr. Katharine Smart, the past president of the Canadian Medical Association and a pediatrician who works in Whitehorse, Yukon, Dr. Alika LaFontaine, the president of the Canadian Medical Association and an anesthesiologist in Grande Prairie, Alberta, registered nurse Melanie Spence, who works in primary care in a community health centre in Toronto, Dr. Tara Kiran, a family doctor at St Michael's Hospital, a scientist at the MAP Center for Urban Health Solutions, and the Fidani Chair in Improvement and Innovation at the University of Toronto. Hosted by Althia Raj. Some of the clips this week were sourced from the CBC, Global, CTV and CPAC. “It’s Political” is produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Kevin Sexton mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.…
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1 Justin Trudeau's next moves: A sit down with the Prime Minister 40:35
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This week on “It’s Political,” we bring you Toronto Star’s columnist Susan Delacourt’s interview with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The two sat down together on Jan. 17 in Windsor, Ont., for a candid conversation on his future and the future of his government. In this episode: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Toronto Star columnist Susan Delacourt. Hosted by Althia Raj. 08:10 - On what’s shaping his views right now 10:56 - On the so-called “Freedom Convoy” hatred towards him 12:47 - On the criticism he’s ashamed of Canada’s past 16:05 - On Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre 20:14 - On why he plans to stick around for the next election 23:36 - On NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and the agreement with the NDP 25:27 - On the timing of the next election 25:55 - On U.S. President Joe Biden and the North American economy 30:42 - On being a “disruptor” 32:46 - On getting government to move faster 34:21 - On Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s health care reforms 36:17 - On the need for better data 38:30 - On what keeps him up at night. “It’s Political” is produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Kevin Sexton mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.…
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1 Standing down to stand up: Is ministerial accountability dead? 38:45
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This week on “It’s Political,” we dive into ministerial accountability. Mistakes and ethical lapses happen all the time. Whether it’s allowing tins of tainted tuna to hit the market or leaving secure documents where they shouldn’t be, Canadian parliamentarians have a long history of resigning when they mess up. Today, we ask the question: Why does it seem like ministers don’t step down anymore? First, political science professors Alex Marland, Jonathan Malloy, and Donald Savoie give us a civics lesson on why ministerial accountability is such an important part of our system of government. Then, we’ll sit down with Conservative MP Michael Chong, former Liberal MP Scott Simms, and Lori Turnbull, the director of the School of Public Administration at Dalhousie University, to discuss what role ministerial accountability plays today and how MPs can do a better job of holding ministers to account. Thanks this week to Alison Pier at Library and Archives Canada, Jacqueline Lee and Michel Gagnon at CPAC, Toronto Star Halifax reporter Steve McKinley, as well as the House of Commons, CBC Archives, CPAC, CTV, and Global for footage. “It’s Political” is produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Sean Pattendon mixes the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.…
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1 Emergencies Act: The inquiry's most shocking revelations 47:46
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This week on “It’s Political,” we dig into the government’s rationale for invoking the Emergencies Act to end last winter's "Freedom Convoy" protests. First, Toronto Star reporters Tonda MacCharles and Alex Ballingall will walk us through all of the drama and pivot points exposed during the Public Order Emergency Commission’s hearings. The parade of high-profile witnesses and thousands of internal documents, including private correspondence, offered an unprecedented look inside government decision-making, and some of the stresses within federal-provincial relations. Then, we’ll sit down with national security law expert Leah West and national security expert Stephanie Carvin, both from the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University, to discuss that critical question: did Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government meet the legal threshold required to use the Emergencies Act? Their answers may surprise you. Thanks this week to CPAC, the Public Order Emergency Commission, CBC and Global for some of the clips used during this episode. “It’s Political” is produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Sean Pattendon mixes the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.…
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1 Is Canada expanding Medical Assistance in Dying too quickly? 46:24
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This week on "It’s Political," we tackle some of the issues around the expansion of medical assistance in dying (MAID) in Canada. A word of caution. Today’s program discusses death and suicide. Please take care while listening. If you are having suicidal thoughts, there is help. The Canada Suicide Prevention Service can be reached at 1-833-456-4566 24-hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year or online at www.crisisservicescanada.ca . If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. First, we’ll bring you the story of a Toronto man named Michael Fraser who died using MAID this summer. Toronto Star investigative reporter Rob Cribb and Fraser’s doctor Nav Persaud bring us some of the complicated and intertwined issues Fraser’s choice brings to light. This audio documentary includes footage of Fraser. Next, we’ll check in with two MPs who sit on the joint Senate and House of Commons committee that has been charged with reviewing provisions of the Criminal Code relating to medical assistance in dying. Then, we’ll sit down with Justice Minister David Lametti for his thoughts on MAID’s expansion and some of the cracks we’re seeing develop in the system. Thanks this week to Investigative Journalism Bureau’s Charlie Buckley, Thea Gribilas and Declan Keogh for collecting the footage of Michael Fraser. Some of the footage also comes from ParlVu, CityNews and CTV. “It’s Political” is produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Sean Pattendon masterfully mixes the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.…
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1 Chrystia Freeland’s Balancing Act: The fall economic update and what it signals 38:52
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This week on "It’s Political," we focus on the inflation crisis and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s fall economic update. First, we’ll look back on what policies, decisions and events contributed to the current inflation numbers that are putting the squeeze on many Canadian households with Toronto Star Ottawa bureau chief and economics columnist Heather Scoffield; Kevin Page, the president and CEO of the Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy at the University of Ottawa; and Rebekah Young, Scotiabank’s vice-president and head of inclusion and resilience economics. Some of the clips this week were sourced from the CBC, CPAC, CTV, the House of Commons, Policy Speaking, NBC, the BBC, Sky News, BNN Bloomberg, and Omar Alghabra’s Twitter feed. “It’s Political” is produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Sean Pattendon makes our show sound great. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.…
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1 Programming note: To respond to the news agenda, today's episode will be released early this evening 0:45
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“It’s Political" will be coming to you a little bit later today because of yesterday’s Fiscal update. We’ll have a round table discussion on Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s latest numbers, and look back on what’s led to these rising interest rates and the possible recession around the corner.
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1 An attack on free speech or a lifeline for Canadian culture? 40:32
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This week on "It’s Political," we take a deep dive into the controversial Bill C-11, the Online Streaming Act. Is it really about censorship and government control over what you see and listen to on the internet? Or is it about safeguarding and promoting Canadian culture and the French language in Quebec on new streaming platforms? In this episode: Toronto Star reporter Raisa Patel, Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez, Saskatchewan Senator Pamela Wallin, Alberta Senator Paula Simons, Quebec Senator Julie Miville-Dechêne, Canadian Association of Broadcaster President Kevin Desjardins, University of Ottawa Professor Michael Geist, YouTuber J. J. McCullough, Carleton University Professor Dwayne Winseck, YouTube’s Director of Product Todd Beaupré, YouTuber ClydeDoSomethin, former heritage minister Steven Guilbeault, Independent Ontario Sen. Donna Dasko, Anthony Furey formerly of the Toronto Sun, Conservative MP Tim Uppal, TikTok Canada’s Steve de Eyre, and Canadian Association of Film Distributors and Exporters President Noah Segal. Hosted by Althia Raj. Some of the clips this week were taken from Facebook, YouTube, the CBC, the House of Commons and the Senate’s Standing Committee on Transport and Communications. “It’s Political” is produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Sean Pattendon mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.…
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1 What if we’re having a constitutional crisis and no one is noticing? 40:11
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This week on “It’s Political,” we focus on the threads connecting François Legault’s big win in Monday’s election in Quebec and the United Conservative Party leadership race in Alberta — culminating in Danielle Smith's victory — and ask what if we are having a constitutional crisis and no one is noticing? In this episode: Constitutional lawyer Marion Sandilands from Conway Litigation, former journalist and independent senator André Pratte, University of Calgary political science professor Lisa Young, and Business Council of Canada vice-president of policy Robert Asselin. Hosted by Althia Raj. Some of the clips this week were sourced from the Montreal Gazette, CBC, CPAC, CTV, CityTV, Radio-Canada, Global News, TVA, The Big Story podcast and the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada. “It’s Political” is produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Sean Pattendon mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.…
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1 Pierre Poilievre’s Big Tent: How Pierre Poilievre won the battle for the soul of the Conservative party 34:53
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This week on "It’s Political," we focus on Pierre Poilievre’s leadership. First, we’ll take a look back at the divisive leadership race and Poilievre’s big win. Then we’ll sit down with Yan Plante, the former chief of staff to transport minister Denis Lebel in Stephen Harper’s government, and Melanie Paradis, a long-time advisor and deputy campaign manager to Erin O’Toole during his successful leadership bid, to discuss Poilievre’s first few days as Official Opposition leader, his messaging and voter coalition and what to watch for as he puts his mark on the party. In this episode: Toronto Star reporter Stephanie Levitz, Hamish Marshall from Pierre Poilievre’s leadership campaign, former Conservative staffer Rudy Husny and Philippe J. Fournier of 338Canada.com, as well as TACT vice-president Yan Plante and Texture Communications’ president Melanie Paradis, both former senior Conservative advisors. Hosted by Althia Raj. Thanks this week to Toronto Star reporter Kieran Leavitt, as well as CBC, CPAC, CTV, and Pierre Poilievre’s Facebook page. “It’s Political” is produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Sean Pattendon mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.…
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1 We'll be back with a new episode Friday, September 23 0:16
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Now that the House is back in session, Althia Raj will be returning every other Friday, with Canada's top political insiders. Keep an eye on your feed this Friday, September 23.
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1 Fact or Fiction: Weaponizing political division for partisan gain 52:50
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This week on It’s Political, we focus on political polarization and the political advantages and drawbacks of sowing division, and whether Canadians are really that divided. Guests: Transport Minister Omar Alghabra, Abacus Data CEO David Coletto, Marci Surkes, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s former executive director of policy and cabinet affairs, Karl Bélanger, former NDP principal to Jack Layton, Melanie Paradis, the former communications director to Erin O’Toole, as well as True North broadcaster Andrew Lawton and Riwi’s Rikki Sargent.…
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1 Useful — but necessary? Unpacking the use of the Emergencies Act 1:00:47
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Guests: Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino, Ottawa City Councillor Diane Deans, the former chair of the Ottawa Police Services Board. This week on It’s Political, we unpack the federal government’s use of the Emergencies Act, the never-before-used legislation that was invoked to bring an end to the so-called Freedom Convoy’s occupation of Ottawa. First, we’ll look at the occupation through the eyes of longtime Ottawa City Councillor Diane Deans. Deans was chair of the Ottawa Police Services Board while the force struggled to get resources and restore order, a crisis that eventually led to the departures of chief of police, Peter Sloly, and Deans herself. Then, we sit down with Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino to discuss the act's use, whether or not it was necessary, and if it was a political answer to a policing problem.…
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1 Growing the Tories' Vote: Inside the Conservative Leadership Race 53:38
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This week on It’s Political, we focus on the Conservative leadership race. First, we take a look at the strengths and weaknesses of each of the six candidates and their strategies. Then, we go behind the scenes at campaign events to hear directly from members and potential party members about what they want to see from a new Conservative leader. And then, we sit down with leadership contestant and former Quebec premier Jean Charest…
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1 Playing for keeps: Inside the Liberal-NDP Deal 34:56
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Guests: NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, along with Jennifer Howard, Singh’s chief of staff, NDP National Director Anne McGrath, Star columnist Susan Delacourt, former NDP staffer Brad Lavigne, Liberal Government House Leader Mark Holland and Abacus Data CEO David Coletto. Hosted by Althia Raj This week on "It’s Political," we take stock of the NDP-Liberal supply and confidence agreement. First, with a behind-the-scenes look at how the deal came together, with the voices of those who did the negotiating. And then, we sit down with NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. He accuses the Liberals of already breaking the spirit of the agreement, but hear why he’s not ready to pull the plug.…
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1 Introducing 'It's Political with Althia Raj,' a new Canadian politics podcast 1:35
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‘It's Political with Althia Raj’ is the Toronto Star’s new Canadian politics podcast. Every two weeks, Raj brings listeners behind the scenes on Parliament Hill with exclusive interviews, in-depth reporting and thoughtful analysis. Join us as we explore the ins and the outs of the drama unfolding in Ottawa with humour and intelligence.The first episode drops Thursday, May 5. Listen and follow or subscribe here.…
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