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 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).
Jun 20, 2025 • 26min
Bill C-5 Sails Through Parliament – June 19, 2025
The strategists panel, Susan Smith, Jordan Paquet and George Soule discuss the government's efforts to quickly pass Bill C-5 amid concerns from First Nations and environmental groups.
Toronto Star Queen's Park Bureau Chief Robert Benzie talks about Premier Doug Ford's controversial comments about Indigenous people at a press conference yesterday and his subsequent apology today.
Jun 19, 2025 • 29min
Carney's Agenda Faces Headwinds – June 18, 2025
Indigenous leaders and communities are raising concerns with Bill C-5’s rapid legislative progression and what they see as a lack of consultation on the One Canadian Economy Act. AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak speaks with Michael Serapio.
Former Canadian Ambassador to Israel Jon Allen discusses the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel and the now-postponed UN talks on a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.
CEO and Executive Director of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Ihor Michalchyshyn gives his thoughts on President Zelenskyy’s attendance at the G7 and Prime Minister Carney’s pledged multibillion support package for Ukraine.
Jun 18, 2025 • 28min
G7 Minus One – June 17, 2025
Senator and former G7 sherpa Peter Harder talks about the level of success for Canada at the G7 as the summit wraps up today.
Lloyd Axworthy, Canada's foreign affairs minister from 1996-2000 discusses Canada's international relationships as the country seeks to strengthen international ties and rely less on the United States.
Jun 17, 2025 • 29min
The World Comes to Kananaskis – June 16, 2025
Former foreign affairs minister Peter MacKay talks about what's at stake for Canada as it hosts the G7 summit today and tomorrow amid global and domestic turmoil.
Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Jennie Carignan talks about Canada's recent military spending commitments and international ties as the G7 convenes and the NATO summit approaches.
Roland Paris professor and former global affairs adviser to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Roland Paris discusses Canada's strategy at the G7 and what a successful outcome might look like for the PM.
Jun 14, 2025 • 28min
Israel and Iran Trade Strikes – June 13, 2025
Security expert and RMC Professor Christian Leuprecht explains what brought about Israeli strikes on Iran's military and nuclear leadership and how the conflict may play out in the days and weeks to come.
The bureau chiefs panel, Robert Fife (Globe and Mail), Tonda MacCharles (Toronto Star) and Joël-Denis Bellavance (LaPresse) discuss the upcoming G7 summit next week and how the group's agenda has changed with the second Trump presidency.
History Professor Marci Shore, an American, who now resides in Toronto discusses the state of democracy in the United States under the second Trump administration.
