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
Dec 2, 2022 • 28min
Calls Grow To Pause MAID Expansion - December 1, 2022
Calls are growing for the federal government to delay expanding access to medical assistance in dying. Martin Stringer speaks with Dr. Valerie Taylor, chair of psychiatry at the University of Calgary.
Former Quebec premier Jean Charest reflects on Canada's new Indo-Pacific Strategy and his own business experience with China.
And political commentators Muhammad Ali, Tim Powers, and Kim Wright debate the latest headlines.
Dec 1, 2022 • 28min
Reaction To Alberta Sovereignty Bill - November 30, 2022
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is moving ahead with her provincial sovereignty act that could allow the cabinet to overturn and ignore legislation. Michael Serapio discusses what comes next with MPs Arif Virani (Liberal) and Blake Desjarlais (NDP), along with political commentator Jen Gerson (The Line).
Pedro Antunes, chief economist for the Conference Board of Canada, analyzes the Bank of Canada's first reported loss in its 87-year history.
Nov 30, 2022 • 29min
Ukraine, James Smith Cree Nation, Alberta - November 29, 2022
Daniel Bilak, a Ukrainian-Canadian living in Ukraine and fighting with its Territorial Defence Forces against Russia's invasion, provides a first-hand look at frontlines of the conflict.
Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu discusses new federal funding to help James Smith Cree Nation recover from last September's stabbing attack, which killed 11 people and injured 18 in Saskatchewan.
Political columnist Graham Thomson analyzes the Alberta speech from the throne and priorities for Premier Danielle Smith.
Nov 29, 2022 • 29min
Canada Releases Indo-Pacific Strategy - November 28, 2022
Defence Minister Anita Anand joins Michael Serapio to discuss the government's new Indo-Pacific strategy. We also have reaction from MPs Arif Virani (Liberal), Garnett Genuis (Conservative) and Heather McPherson (NDP) -- and from Guy Saint-Jacques, a former Canadian ambassador to China.
Nov 26, 2022 • 27min
Trudeau Testifies On Emergencies Act - November 25, 2022
Michael Serapio has highlights and key exchanges as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau went before the Public Order Emergency Commission to defend using the Emergencies Act. Journalists Christopher Nardi (National Post) and Joanna Smith (The Canadian Press) analyze Trudeau's testimony and cross-examination. And political commentators Lisa Raitt, Susan Smith, and Kim Wright offer their thoughts.
Nov 25, 2022 • 28min
Freeland: Economic Threat Justified Emergency Measures - November 24, 2022
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and top PMO officials faced questions today at the Public Order Emergency Commission. Michael Serapio recaps the key exchanges and revelations with journalists Christopher Nardi (National Post) and Joanna Smith (The Canadian Press).
Has the federal government's use of solicitor-client privilege on invoking the Emergencies Act hampered the ability of Commissioner Paul Rouleau to reach a proper conclusion? We hear from lawyer Ewa Krajewska, who is representing the Canadian Civil Liberties Association at the inquiry.
And Sarah Miller of the Canadian Climate Institute offers reaction to the government's new climate adaptation strategy.
Nov 24, 2022 • 29min
Justice Minister Questioned On Emergencies Act - November 23, 2022
Journalists Chris Nardi (National Post) and Joanna Smith (The Canadian Press) join Michael Serapio to recap what Justice Minister David Lametti told the Eemrgencies Act inquiry..
Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley reacts to Premier Danielle Smith's plans for sovereignty legislation, the health care system, and inflation cheques to Albertans.
Borys Wrzesnewskyj of the Ukrainian World Congress talks about the effects of Russia's latest missile attack: large portions of Ukraine without water and electricity, and several deaths.
Nov 23, 2022 • 29min
Mendicino Testifies, Belarus Dissident Visits Canada - November 22, 2022
Michael Serapio has the latest details from the Public Order Emergency Commission as Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino appears -- and a Freedom Convoy leader is ejected. Journalists Tonda MacCharles (Toronto Star) and Joanna Smith (The Canadian Press) offer their analysis on today's testimony.
Nova Scotia Environment Minister Tim Halman explains his government's opposition to the federal fuel charge taking effect in that province.
And exiled Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya speaks about her hope for non-lethal military aid to those resisting the Lukashenko regime.
Nov 22, 2022 • 28min
CSIS Head, Blair Questioned On Emergencies Act - November 21, 2022
Journalists Christopher Nardi (National Post) and Joanna Smith (The Canadian Press) join Michael Serapio to analyze today's testimony at the Public Order Emergency Commission by CSIS officials and Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair.
Transport Minister Omar Alghabra discusses airport delays, the call for a return of traveller mask mandates, and the government's new legislation on supply chains.
The Green Party of Canada has turned to Elizabeth May as leader. She and proposed co-leader Jonathan Pedneault talk about their future plans.
Nov 19, 2022 • 28min
Children's Medicine, Alberta Health - November 18, 2022
Nova Scotia pharmacist Pam Kennedy joins Martin Stringer to discuss the shortage of children's fever and pain medication -- and Health Canada's pledge to import more than one million bottles by the end of next week.
Political commentator Graham Thomson analyzes this week's health care shake-ups by new Alberta premier Danielle Smith.
And journalists Bob Fife (The Globe and Mail) and Tonda MacCharles (Toronto Star) look back at this week's developments with the Emergencies Act inquiry and Canada-China relations.
