

Althia Raj
National columnist for the Toronto Star, covering Canadian politics. Provides insights and analysis on current political issues and government policies.
Top 10 podcasts with Althia Raj
Ranked by the Snipd community

50 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 29min
Politics! Carney’s ’delete laws’ bill, G7 wraps
Althia Raj, a national columnist for the Toronto Star, and Aaron Wherry, a CBC journalist, dive into the aftermath of the recent G7 summit, notably shaped by the escalating Israel-Iran conflict. They discuss the contentious C-5 bill aimed at fast-tracking resource project approvals, criticized for undermining democratic processes and Indigenous rights. The conversation also touches on the complex geopolitical dynamics highlighted at the summit, emphasizing the urgency of international dialogue despite rising tensions.

18 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 30min
Politics! Border bill blowback and 'Santa' Carney
Althia Raj is a Toronto Star political columnist known for her insightful analysis, while Aaron Wherry is a senior parliamentary reporter at CBC with a keen eye on Canadian politics. They delve into the controversial new border bill, discussing its implications for civil liberties and refugee claims, likening it to U.S. policies. Additionally, the duo explores the positive vibes from a meeting between Canada's premiers and Prime Minister, centered around a potential east-west pipeline, while questioning the longevity of this collaborative spirit.

9 snips
Oct 17, 2025 • 22min
Cracks in Canada’s united front on tariffs?
Chantal Hébert, a seasoned political commentator, Andrew Coyne, a prominent columnist, and Althia Raj, a political reporter, dive into Canada's tariff turmoil. They explore how provincial interests clash and the federal government's need for better communication. Coyne warns against trading regional interests and emphasizes long-term investment strategies. They also discuss Liberal bail reforms, with concerns about civil liberties and resource limitations. Lastly, Coyne critiques Pierre Poilievre's accusations against the RCMP, highlighting the risk to public trust in justice institutions.

Sep 9, 2025 • 50min
The Debut of Raj and Russo, The Reporter's Notebook
Althia Raj, a senior columnist for the Toronto Star, and Rob Russo, a Canadian correspondent for The Economist, dive into Canadian politics with sharp insights. They discuss the connection between public crime perception and women's safety influencing voter behavior. The duo tackles infrastructure funding hurdles and reliance on private investments. They also explore minority governance challenges and the repercussions of leadership turmoil in the Conservative and NDP parties. Listeners will appreciate the thought-provoking conversations in the ever-evolving political arena.

May 23, 2025 • 23min
Carney sets up throne speech
Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne, and Althia Raj dive into Canada's political landscape, analyzing Prime Minister Mark Carney's upcoming throne speech and its implications. They discuss the evolving government priorities and the vagueness of mandate letters. The trio also explores Canada’s shift in foreign policy towards new alliances and its humanitarian stance in the Middle East. Additionally, they examine the Liberal Party's internal power dynamics and the potential for leadership changes, highlighting the mix of progressive strategies and voter expectations.

Oct 31, 2025 • 25min
Canada-U.S. trade negotiations go off the rails
Althia Raj, a savvy political reporter, joins seasoned commentator Chantal Hébert and political writer Jason Markusoff for an insightful discussion. They dive deep into the recent turmoil in Canada-U.S. trade negotiations, sparked by a controversial anti-tariff ad that upset Trump. The trio analyzes the economic fallout for Canadian sectors like auto and steel, debates the implications of the federal budget, and unpacks the contentious use of the notwithstanding clause in Alberta's labor issues, raising critical questions about political strategy and rights.

Oct 24, 2025 • 24min
Carney hints at ‘sacrifices’ in the next budget
This time, Andrew Coyne, a sharp columnist known for dissecting Canadian politics, joins Chantal Hébert, a seasoned political analyst, and Althia Raj, a keen observer of party dynamics. They dive into Prime Minister Mark Carney’s stark warnings about 'sacrifices' in the looming budget. The discussion explores how public acceptance of austerity hinges on competent execution. Plus, the panel assesses Pierre Poilievre’s controversial comments and Canada's warming trade ties with India, weighing the balance between profit and national security.

Oct 7, 2025 • 45min
Reporter's Notebook -- Can Carney and Trump Make A Deal?
This discussion features Althia Raj, a Toronto Star political reporter, and Rob Russo, an economics journalist with The Economist. They analyze Prime Minister Mark Carney's significant meeting with President Trump and the mixed expectations surrounding it. Topics include Carney’s focus on easing tariff impacts, the potential diplomatic sensitivities regarding Gaza, and how past leaders' strategies might guide current relations. They also explore how personal rapport could influence negotiations and the broader implications for Canada-U.S. ties.

Oct 3, 2025 • 23min
Alberta pushes for a West-Coast pipeline
Chantal Hébert, a veteran political columnist with expertise in federal-provincial politics, joins Althia Raj, a political commentator focusing on party dynamics. They dive into Alberta's controversial west-coast pipeline proposal, discussing its political implications and potential conflicts with British Columbia. The conversation shifts to the NDP leadership race, exploring candidates' visions for revitalization and the party's identity struggles. Additionally, they analyze the Liberal government's strategy in establishing new agencies and the impact of leadership management styles.

Sep 26, 2025 • 24min
Liberal plan to save Canada Post sparks backlash
Chantal Hébert, a seasoned political commentator, and Althia Raj, a sharp political reporter, dive into the turmoil surrounding Canada Post as workers strike following risky delivery policy changes. They discuss the government’s struggle to prop up Canada Post amidst financial woes and the backlash from unions. The duo also reflects on the implications of leaked gun buyback remarks by the public safety minister, exploring political risks and the consequences of such controversies within party dynamics.


