Power & Politics Weekly Wrap: Will a soccer meeting bring Trump back to the table?
Dec 6, 2025
Carleen Varion, a former chief of staff and political commentator, Ginny Roth, an ex-Conservative campaign strategist, and Zain Velji, a former NDP strategist, unpack pivotal moments in Canadian politics. They dissect Stephen Gilbeau's resignation and Liberal caucus dynamics, explore climate-related tensions within the party, and debate the impact of pipeline politics on voter sentiment. The discussion also touches on Mark Carney’s meeting with Donald Trump and its implications for US-Canada trade talks. Expect insights on electoral math and regional challenges!
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Resignation As A Pressure Valve
- Stephen Gilbeau resigned because he could not publicly defend a cabinet decision he opposed.
- Carleen Varion and panelists say his departure releases pressure and lets differing Liberal views surface publicly.
Cabinet United, Caucus Fractured
- The cabinet now appears more unified while the wider Liberal caucus shows deep divisions on resource policy.
- Panelists warn the discord risks demotivating progressive Liberal activists and voters ahead of future elections.
Polls Favor Ideas, Not Realities
- Polling shows abstract support for a pipeline but opinions will shift once plans become real.
- Zain Velji warns that enthusiasm for an idea often falls when costs and trade-offs materialize.