PrimeTime Politics with Michael Serapio

Canada's Ambassador to the United Nations, Bob Rae, and Israel's Ambassador to Canada, Iddo Moed, respond to Iran's weekend air strikes against Israel. Former U.S. federal prosecutor for the Southern District of New York Jessica Roth discusses the significance of former U.S. president Donald Trump's first criminal trial, which began today in New York.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith discusses her new bill, the Provincial Priorities Act, requiring municipalities to seek provincial approval before receiving funding from Ottawa. Journalists Robert Fife (The Globe and Mail), Tonda MacCharles (The Toronto Star) and Joël-Denis Bellavance (La Presse) weigh in on the week's top political headlines, including the fallout from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's testimony before the foreign interference inquiry.

Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson discusses the government's push to pass Bill C-50, its sustainable jobs legislation. Economists Pedro Antunes (Conference Board of Canada) and Mostafa Askari (Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy) weigh in on what to expect in next week's federal budget. And B.C. Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon reacts to recent federal housing announcements, including one inspired by his province's "BC Builds" program.

It was Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's turn today to testify at the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions. Steven Chase, senior parliamentary reporter for the Globe and Mail, reports from the Commission to CPAC’s Michael Serapio. Our panellists Susan Smith (Liberal), Josie Sabatino (Conservative) & Anne McGrath (NDP) share their impressions of this week's testimony at the Foreign Interference Inquiry. We also discuss with our political panel the latest pre-budget announcements by Ottawa. Canada’s new multi-billion-dollar plan to strengthen the Canadian Armed Forces still falls short of the two per cent of GDP target set out by NATO. The U.S. to Canada Ambassador David Cohen shares his country’s point of view regarding Ottawa’s latest defence policy update.

Senior officials from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's office testify at the inquiry into foreign interference in the 2019 and 2021 elections. Health Minister Mark Holland discusses a $500 million federal investment in a new fund to support organizations offering mental health services to young people. Former Liberal health minister Dr. Jane Philpott speaks about her new book, "Health for All, A Doctor's Prescription for a Healthier Canada."

National Defence Minister Bill Blair elaborates on the federal government's multi-billion dollar plan to strengthen the Canadian Armed Forces. NDP MP Charlie Angus discusses his decision not to run in the next federal election. Philippe Fournier, editor-in-chief of 338 Canada, weighs in on a recent poll showing the governing Liberals are closing the gap on the Opposition Conservatives.

CPAC’s Michael Serapio reports from Montreal ahead of the state funeral for former prime minister Brian Mulroney on Saturday. John Parisella, former chief of staff to former Quebec premier Robert Bourassa, reflects on Mulroney's legacy in Quebec. Journalists Robert Fife (The Globe and Mail), Laura Osman (The Canadian Press) and Joël-Denis Bellavance (La Presse) discuss the opposition's failed non-confidence motion over the carbon tax.

Canada's ambassador in Port-au-Prince, André François Giroux, discusses the response to the humanitarian crisis in Haiti. Political observers Stevie O'Brien (Liberal), Sean Murphy (Conservative), and Anne McGrath (NDP) weigh in on the ongoing carbon tax debate as Conservatives failed to pass a non-confidence motion in the government.

Brian Mulroney's eldest son, Ben, shares his memories of his dad, Canada's 18th prime minister. Former Liberal cabinet minister Anne McLellan and former Conservative cabinet minister Lisa Raitt, co-chairs of the Coalition for a Better Future, share the findings of their annual scorecard. Pembina Institute executive director Chris Severson-Baker weighs in on the debate over the federal carbon tax.

Bonnie Brownlee, a former executive assistant to the Mulroney family, shares her thoughts on the public tributes for former prime minister Brian Mulroney. MPs Heather MacPherson and Anthony Housefather weigh in on a contentious vote on an NDP motion which initially called on the government to recognize Palestine as a state.