

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

Apr 15, 2025 • 29min
Debate Night Eve – April 15, 2025
Éric Grenier, pollster and author of The Writ talks about the latest numbers and how the parties are fairing regionally.
The campaign managers panel, Michele Cadario, Jordan Paquet and George Soule talk about debate prep and what they expect to see in the upcoming French and English debates tomorrow and Thursday.
Richard Norcross, mayor of New Tecumseh, ON talks about reports that Honda is considering moving some of their Canadian operations to the U.S., a move that would have a significant impact on his community which is home to a Honda assembly plant.

Apr 14, 2025 • 27min
Hot Button Issues – April 14, 2025
Abacus Data CEO David Coletto breaks down the latest numbers from his firm which show the Liberals maintaining their lead over the Conservatives.
Edelman Montreal General Manager Martine St-Victor and National Post Reporter Chris Nardi talk about the impact of Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre's appearance on the show Tout le monde en parle.
BMO Senior Economist Robert Kavcic talks about the economic impact of the 'Buy Canada' movement.

Apr 11, 2025 • 28min
Another Auto Plant Shuts Down – April 11, 2025
Unifor President Lana Payne talks about the impact of the GM plant closure in Ingersoll, ON on her members.
Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association President Brian Kingston discusses the future of the Canadian auto industry after two temporary plant closures.
The bureau chiefs panel, Bob Fife (Globe and Mail), Tonda MacCharles (Toronto Star) and Joël-Denis Bellavance (LaPresse) talk about Liberal Leader Mark Carney leaving the campaign trail to host a cabinet meeting and touch on some of the key moments of the campaign so far.

Apr 10, 2025 • 28min
Liberals Maintain Lead Over Conservatives – April 10, 2025
Angus Reid Institute's Shachi Kurl talks about the latest numbers from her firm on the national and regional races.
The strategists panel, Susan Smith, Cole Hogan and George Soule talk about missteps on the campaign trail and the latest polling numbers.
Former Justice Minister Irwin Cotler talks about his endorsement of a Bloc candidate and Liberal incumbent Anthony Housefather.

Apr 10, 2025 • 27min
Trump Backs Down on Global Tariffs – April 9, 2025
Canada's former Ambassador to China, Guy Saint-Jacques talks about the escalating U.S.-China trade war and Canada's changing relationship with China.
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown discusses the impact of auto tariffs on his community, a hub for auto parts manufacturing and shipping.
Hal Anderson, host of Connecting Winnipeg on 680 CJOB talks about the state of play in Winnipeg and Manitoba for the federal parties.

Apr 8, 2025 • 26min
Rallying the Base – April 8, 2025
The campaign managers panel, Michele Cadario, Jordan Paquet and Cheryl Oates discuss the impact of large rallies and the state of the race as the election nears the halfway mark.
Pollster and author of The Writ, Éric Grenier talks about the latest numbers and seat projections.

Apr 7, 2025 • 28min
Markets React to Trump Tariffs – April 7, 2025
Economist Don Drummond reacts to the market turmoil following the global tariffs announced last week by the U.S. and what can be done in Canada to safeguard our economy.
Abacus Data CEO David Coletto discusses the latest polling numbers from his firm.
AFN Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak speaks about Indigenous voters and priorites in the federal election.

Apr 4, 2025 • 29min
The Election Race Continues Amid Trade War – April 4, 2025
The bureau chiefs panel, Bob Fife (Globe and Mail), Tonda MacCharles (Toronto Star) and Joël-Denis Bellavance (LaPresse) discuss the latest news from the campaign and how the leaders are performing as the second week of the race wraps up.
Minister of Jobs and Families Steven MacKinnon explains the supports his government is rolling out to help workers impacted by tariff layoffs.
Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter talks about the impact of auto tariffs on his city and why he still feels optimistic.

Apr 3, 2025 • 29min
The Fallout from Trump's Tariffs – April 3, 2025
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens talks about the impact of auto tariffs on his city as plants begin to shutdown.
Canadian Labour Congress President Bea Bruske discusses the impact of tariffs and plant closures on Canadian workers.
Business Council of Canada President Goldy Hyder gives his thoughts on what Canada needs to do to respond to tariffs and grow the economy.

Apr 2, 2025 • 31min
U.S. Moves Ahead on Reciprocal Tariffs: Canada Gets Exemptions – April 2, 2025
Senator Hassan Yussuff and Brian Kingston, CEO Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association give their thoughts on President Trump's tariff action today and the exemptions Canada received.
Ohio Democratic Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur talks about the importance of the Canada-U.S. trade relationship.
Pascal Chan, Vice President, Strategic Policy & Supply Chains at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce talks about the impact of tariffs on Canada's economy.