

Gerald Butts
Political strategist and former principal secretary to a prime minister, known for policy advising and commentary on national unity and geopolitical risks.
Top 10 podcasts with Gerald Butts
Ranked by the Snipd community

15 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 47min
Moore Butts #25 -- Is This Any Way To Run A Country?
Join former Conservative Cabinet minister James Moore and political strategist Gerald Butts as they delve into the complexities of Canada's federal-provincial relations. They explore the historical origins of confederation, the challenges posed by pipeline disputes, and the nuances of Indigenous rights. The conversation raises vital questions about whether the current system is effective or in need of reform, while highlighting instances of successful cooperation like the health accord. Expect reflections on regionalism and the role of political timing in fostering collaboration.

13 snips
Jan 2, 2026 • 46min
Moore Butts Encore - Is Ottawa Ready For A Possible Two Front Referendum Battle?
James Moore, a former Canadian cabinet minister, and Gerald Butts, a political strategist, dive into the potential for dual referendums in Quebec and Alberta. They discuss Ottawa's preparedness, drawing parallels to the 1995 referendum and the bureaucratic anxieties that linger. The duo explores the implications of U.S. influence and foreign interference in shaping public opinion. They also emphasize the importance of strong leadership and cultural policy in maintaining national unity, while reflecting on what the past can teach Canada moving forward.

10 snips
Dec 26, 2025 • 41min
Moore-Butts Encore: Making Tough Choices
James Moore, a former Conservative cabinet minister, and Gerald Butts, a seasoned political advisor, explore the pressing challenges facing Canada Post and the necessity of tough governance choices. Moore highlights the historical delays in reform and the financial implications for the postal service. Butts advocates for bipartisan cooperation as essential for achieving lasting solutions. They dive into the complexity of cabinet decision-making, the moral dilemmas leaders face, and discuss if the public grasps the difficulties behind policy choices.

10 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 50min
Moore Butts #26 -- The Trump, Carney, Ford Mess
Gerald Butts, former advisor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and James Moore, ex-Conservative cabinet minister, dive into the complex dynamics of Trump, Carney, and Ford's political maneuvers. They discuss Doug Ford's controversial ad and its implications on U.S.-Canada relations, examining Trump's unpredictable nature. The conversation shifts to the urgent need for fiscal reform, addressing rising debt and spending concerns in Canada. Both highlight the political challenges facing bold budgetary actions while stressing the importance of balancing programs with tax levels.

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.

8 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 44min
Moore-Butts #24 -- Making Tough Choices
This discussion features James Moore, a former Conservative cabinet minister, and Gerald Butts, a senior political advisor who served in the Trudeau government. They dive into the pressing issues surrounding Canada Post's decline and the difficulty of making necessary reforms. Gerald suggests that bipartisan cooperation could facilitate effective changes, while James reflects on the political strategies and public perceptions influencing reform efforts. Together, they explore the challenges and moral weight of governmental decisions in today’s political landscape.

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.

Dec 25, 2025 • 43min
Moore Butts Encore: Disagree Better -- Is That Even Possible?
In this thought-provoking discussion, James Moore, a former Conservative cabinet minister, and Gerald Butts, a political strategist for Justin Trudeau, explore the challenges of respectful disagreement in today's polarized society. They reveal how adversarial politics serves as a release valve but risks fueling anger. Social media's outpouring of outrage is dissected, alongside the impact of figures like Charlie Kirk on young conservatives. Both guests urge a shift towards leaders who view opponents as citizens and stress the importance of broadening political bases in Canada.

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.


