
Gerald Butts
Former top aide to Justin Trudeau in the Prime Minister's Office. Offers observations on political strategy and governance.
Top 10 podcasts with Gerald Butts
Ranked by the Snipd community

10 snips
Apr 8, 2025 • 46min
Moore Butts #20 - Does Canada Need a Majority Government To Deal With Trump?
James Moore, a former Conservative MP, and Gerald Butts, ex-Principal Secretary to Justin Trudeau, engage in a lively discussion on whether Canada needs a majority government to tackle challenges posed by Donald Trump. They dive into the intricacies of political campaigning in a fluctuating environment, emphasizing strategies for success and public trust. The episode also touches on the emotional toll of campaigns and the behind-the-scenes prep for political debates, showcasing the blend of humor and seriousness that defines electoral dynamics.

6 snips
Dec 12, 2023 • 49min
THE MOORE BUTTS CONVERSATION #12 -- THE IMPACT OF POLLS
James Moore and Gerald Butts discuss the impact of polls on politicians, including demoralizing effects and discrepancies between internal and public polls. They also talk about the significance of focus groups and the impact of polling on fundraising and candidate recruitment. They share advice on running for office and making a successful exit from politics. The speakers discuss the benefits and drawbacks of imposing term limits for politicians and express their excitement for future episodes of the podcast.

Jun 26, 2024 • 20min
“Too big to govern”: Assessing the geopolitical risks around tech
Former adviser to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Gerald Butts, discusses geopolitical risks in the tech industry, including challenges with tech giants, US-China relations, Canada's AI strategy, digital services tax, and the impact of technological advancement on society and politics.

Sep 24, 2024 • 44min
Moore Butts #17. How Can You Tell When A Parliament Is Off The Rails?
Join former Conservative Cabinet Minister James Moore and former Liberal insider Gerald Butts as they dive into the current turmoil of Canadian politics. They discuss the instability of minority governments and the intricate relationships among political parties. The duo explores the pressing challenges in Parliament, the impact of public sentiment on leadership, and the need for improved safety for politicians. With insights from their extensive backgrounds, they dissect the evolving political landscape, hinting at a turbulent future for Canada.

Apr 30, 2025 • 51min
Butts, Bevan, Aitchison: what next?
Join Andrew Bevan, former national campaign director for the Liberal Party, Gerald Butts, senior advisor to the Carney campaign, and Conservative MP Scott Aitchison as they dissect the recent Canadian election. They share insights on leadership challenges within the Liberal Party and the importance of strategic collaboration in addressing economic pressures. Aitchison reflects on the need for the Conservative Party to prioritize affordability, while all three discuss the urgent call for diverse representation in politics, blending serious topics with a touch of humor.

Apr 23, 2024 • 48min
Moore Butts Conversation #15. Democracy versus Autocracy
Former Conservative cabinet minister James Moore and former Trudeau principal secretary Gerald Butts discuss the differences between democracy and autocracy, exploring the erosion of trust in democracy, the power of misinformation in the digital age, and the challenges faced by democracies in maintaining freedom and citizen participation against authoritarian tendencies.

May 28, 2025 • 45min
Moore Butts #21 -- How New MP's Can Hit The Ground Running - Encore
James Moore, a former Harper cabinet minister, and Gerald Butts, a key aide to Justin Trudeau, dive into the challenges newly elected Members of Parliament face. They discuss the shift from campaigning to governance, emphasizing the psychological toll and the need for robust support systems. The duo also highlights the importance of strong relationships between politicians and public servants for effective governance. Additionally, they share strategies for staying grounded and maintaining connections with constituents while navigating the complexities of political life.

May 27, 2025 • 45min
Moore Butts #21 -- How New MP's Can Hit The Ground Running
Join former Canadian cabinet minister James Moore and former principal secretary Gerald Butts as they discuss the hurdles newly elected MPs face in transitioning to public service. They emphasize the importance of mental readiness and support networks, highlighting the rigorous vetting processes. The duo dives into the complexities of relationships within Canadian politics, from ministerial dynamics to community commitments. With insights and reflections, they offer invaluable guidance for those stepping into the political arena.

Jan 2, 2025 • 42min
Moore Butts #17. How Can You Tell When A Parliament Is Off The Rails? - Encore
Former Conservative cabinet minister James Moore and Gerald Butts, a key figure in Justin Trudeau's administration, delve into Canada's intricate political climate. They discuss the implications of the NDP's pullback from their agreement with the Liberals and the challenges of minority governance. The conversation highlights strategic coalition-building, potential referendums in Quebec, and rising political tensions. They also touch on the influences of U.S. politics, safety for politicians amid unrest, and predictions for future leadership changes.

Nov 4, 2024 • 24min
Will Quebec sovereignty rise again?
Gerald Butts, Vice Chair of the Eurasia Group and former Principal Secretary to Canadian Prime Ministers, discusses the potential resurgence of Quebec's sovereignty movement as the 30th anniversary of the 1995 referendum approaches. He draws intriguing parallels between past and present political climates and examines the impact of a likely Conservative majority on Quebec's future. The conversation also touches on the dangers of foreign interference and the importance of unity among Canadians amidst rising divisiveness.