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.