PrimeTime Politics with Michael Serapio
Cable Public Affairs Channel (CPAC)
PrimeTime Politics is a comprehensive round-up of the day in Canadian politics, from breaking stories to developments on longstanding issues. Key moments, feature interviews, panels, in-depth analysis and more. It’s the day in half an hour.
Michael Serapio is a renowned television anchor and reporter, whose broadcasting career has spanned more than two decades of covering some of the most challenging news stories in real time. In addition to being the face of CPAC's live programming, he hosts the channel's nightly political round-up, PrimeTime Politics, and is the first Filipino-Canadian male to anchor a national newscast in Canada. In 2023, Michael was recognized with a Canadian Screen Award for his work anchoring a breaking news special on the Ottawa occupation in February 2022.
Prior to joining CPAC in 2022, Michael spent 12 years as a host and anchor with CBC News Network. Before that, he was a reporter with CTV British Columbia and CityNews Toronto.
Michael Serapio is a renowned television anchor and reporter, whose broadcasting career has spanned more than two decades of covering some of the most challenging news stories in real time. In addition to being the face of CPAC's live programming, he hosts the channel's nightly political round-up, PrimeTime Politics, and is the first Filipino-Canadian male to anchor a national newscast in Canada. In 2023, Michael was recognized with a Canadian Screen Award for his work anchoring a breaking news special on the Ottawa occupation in February 2022.
Prior to joining CPAC in 2022, Michael spent 12 years as a host and anchor with CBC News Network. Before that, he was a reporter with CTV British Columbia and CityNews Toronto.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 26, 2025 • 29min
PM Across the Pond – September 25, 2025
Janice Charette, Canada's former high commissioner to the United Kingdom, talks about the importance of international trips to the Carney government's agenda.
The strategists panel—Susan Smith, Cole Hogan and George Soule—weigh in on the controversy over the Public Safety Minister’s leaked comments on the gun buyback program, how the government is responding, and where the parties stand on Canadians’ priorities like affordability.
Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families, sits down with CPAC’s Michael Serapio to discuss how the government plans to support businesses struggling with trade barriers and help workers adapt to a changing economy.
Sep 25, 2025 • 29min
Assessing the National Projects – September 24, 2025
Stephen Thomas, manager of clean energy at the David Suzuki Foundation talks about his organization's call for an east to west electricity grid.
Anne McLellan and Lisa Raitt grade Mark Carney's list of national projects and progress on economic growth.
Former cabinet minister Catherine McKenna promotes her new book Run Like a Girl and discusses the Carney government's actions on climate change so far.
Sep 24, 2025 • 29min
Buyback Blowback – September 23, 2025
The Government of Canada launches a pilot of the buyback program for individuals who own banned assault weapons. But Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree and the program are being criticized following leaked remarks that the minister made calling the effectiveness and intention of the firearms program into question.
Justice Minister Sean Fraser outlines his government's new law combatting hate crimes. CPAC’s Michael Serapio speaks with the minister to learn more.
Louis Blais, former Canadian Ambassador and deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, discusses this week at the United Nations with Prime Minister Carney and President Trump delivering statements and the relations between Canada and the U.S. with host Michael Serapio.
Sep 23, 2025 • 29min
Canada Recognizes State of Palestine – September 22, 2025
Canada's outgoing UN Ambassador Bob rae discusses the reasons behind Canada's recognition of Palestine.
Former Canadian ambassador to Israel Jon Allen, talks about how the situation in the Middle East could be impacted by recognition of Palestine by western democracies.
Informed Perspectives’ Shari Graydon spoke with CPAC’s Michael Serapio about Canada falling to 71st place globally for women’s political representation, their organization’s new research with Abacus Data, and measures that can improve gender parity in politics.
Sep 20, 2025 • 27min
Combatting Hate Crimes – September 19, 2025
The bureau chief's panel, Robert Fife (Globe and Mail), Tonda MacCharles (Toronto Star) and Joël-Denis Bellavance (LaPresse) address the first week back of Parliament and the government's proposed bill targeting hate crime.
Polls analysts Philippe J. Fournier (338 Canada) and Éric Grenier (The Writ) talk about what the latest poll numbers are saying about Prime Minister Mark Carney and his primary opposition Pierre Poilievre.
Sep 19, 2025 • 29min
Carney in Mexico as Trade Talks Heat Up – September 18, 2025
Former Canadian ambassador to Mexico Graeme Clark discusses the Prime Minister's visit to Mexico and what it means for the North American trading relationship.
The strategists panel, Marci Surkes, Cole Hogan and geprge Soule discuss the government's communications strategy and Pierre Poilievre's return to the House of Commons.
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May discusses attempts within her party to oust her as leader.
Sep 18, 2025 • 28min
Building National Projects – September 17, 2025
Conference Board of Canada Chief Economist Pedro Antunes discusses the Bank of Canada's interest rate cut and what it means for the economy.
Northwest Territories Premier RJ Simpson talks about what major projects he would like to see pursued in his territory.
Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce talks about his province's proposals for nuclear energy expansion.
Sep 17, 2025 • 26min
Freeland Resigns from Cabinet Again – September 16, 2025
Liberal strategist Michele Cadario discusses Chrystia Freeland's resignation from cabinet and her legacy in government.
Saskatchewan premier Scott Moe talks about his trade mission to China and his discussions with the PM on canola tariffs punishing his province.
B.C. Minister for Jobs and Growth Ravi Kahlon talks about the two major projects from B.C. set to be fast-tracked by Ottawa.
Sep 16, 2025 • 30min
Parliament Returns as Liberals Pursue Ambitious Agenda – September 15, 2025
Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon joins the show to outline the Liberal government's agenda for the fall session.
Conservative House Leader Andrew Scheer talks about how his party might collaborate with the government to pass legislation of mutual interest.
Journalists Christopher Nardi (National Post) and Mia Rabson (Canadian Press) tee-up what to expect this fall in Ottawa.
Jun 21, 2025 • 30min
Bill C-5 Passes – June 20, 2025
Prime Minister Carney continues to enjoy favourable polls. But what does he need to pay attention to in order to maintain these positive opinions?
We discuss with polls analysts Eric Grenier & Philippe J. Fournier.
Mark Carney has been on the rush to get Bill C-5, commonly known as “One Canadian Economy” bill, through the House of Commons before the weekend, and make it law by Canada Day. However, there have been concerns throughout the country, particularly among Indigenous and environmental groups. Is there a long-term risk in doing so? CPAC’s Michael Serapio discusses it with bureau chiefs Robert Fife (The Globe and Mail), Tonda MacCharles (Toronto Star) and Joël-Denis Bellavance (La Presse).
