The Vassy Kapelos Show

U.S. President Donald Trump has called off trade talks with Canada after he took exception to a Ford government TV ad that aired on U.S. networks last week. This is, naturally, casting doubt on the prospect of a tariff deal between the two North American neighbours. We break down the rhetoric, and then gather reaction from Ontario Premier Doug Ford. On today's show: Vassy's interview with Derek Burney, a former Canadian Ambassador to the United States. Catherine Cobden, the President and CEO of the Canadian Steel Producers Association, joins the program to discuss today's economic uncertainty after the Trump administration raised Canadian-targeted tariffs by another 10 percent. Money Talk with John Klotz: How much do you need to retire in Canada these days? The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Tom Mulcair, Zain Velji, and Tim Powers. Brian Kingston, the President and CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association, on the grim outlook that is facing Canada's Auto sector. Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu weighs in on the breakdown of Canada-USA trade talks.

Free For All Friday - Hour 1 Amanda Galbraith breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers. On today's show: Last Friday, we got word from Parliament Hill that bail reform legislation would be forthcoming. Yesterday, the Carney Liberals delivered specifics. Chris Lewis, CTV's public safety analyst and a former OPP Commissioner himself, weighs in. Canada's Auto sector keeps taking hits, and U.S. President Trump's abrupt decision to cancel trade discussions isn't helping matters. We dig deeper with Flavio Volpe, the President of the Automotive Parts and Manufacturers Association of Canada. The 2025 World Series is kicking off tonight, as Canada's Team takes on an American juggernaut from Hollywood. CTV's Kamil Karamali dissects the official lineups and the Game 1 vibes from Rogers Centre. Free For All Friday - Hour 2 Contributors from all over the country join The Roundtable to discuss the top stories of the week. Today's edition features public affairs consultant Bob Richardson and Conaptus principal Jamie Ellerton. Topic 1: An Ontario government advertisement on American airwaves has triggered the U.S. President. And now, trade talks with Canada have been abruptly suspended by the American side. Was this a fumble by Premier Ford, and how should our country respond? Topic 2: Earlier this week at UOttawa, Prime Minister Carney delivered a tee-up of the upcoming Federal Budget. What do we make of the overall messaging, and the rebuttal from the opposing parties? Topic 3: A very challenging week for Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, from his harsh RCMP-targeted criticisms to the potential in-party divide it has caused. Topic 4: The 2025 World Series kicks off tonight and Canada's Team will be taking part! Will you be watching the Fall Classic? And if you planned on attending one of the games in Toronto, did the absurd resale prices turn you off?

Prime Minister Mark Carney has outlined his government's priorities for the upcoming Federal Budget, which is scheduled to be released November 4th. He says it will require generational investment, but also a few sacrifices. We gather reaction from Conservative House Leader Andrew Scheer and interim NDP leader Don Davies. On today's show: UNIFOR's Lana Payne warns the Auto sector is running out of time after another plant cut jobs in Quebec this week. Rob Shaw of CHEK News breaks down why B.C. Conservative leader John Rustad is facing a massive party revolt. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Laura Stone, Rob Benzie, and Mike LeCouteur. Blue Jays fans are gearing up for Friday's Game 1, but are also grinding their gears over sky-high resale prices for World Series tickets. The federal government has tabled its heavily-anticipated crime legislation.

Tim Powers fills in for Vassy Kapelos, as Prime Minister Carney plans to outline his government's vision for the 2025 Federal Budget tonight. On today's show: Karen Hogan, Canada's Auditor General, shares details of her new reports on the CRA and the Canadian Armed Forces. Ret. General Tom Lawson, Canada's former Chief of Defense Staff, discusses issues with military housing and recruitment. TSN contributor Domenic Padula joins Tim for this week's Explainer: What do the Blue Jays have to do to win the World Series? The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Sabrina Grover, Stephanie Levitz, and Jeff Rutledge. Kurt Niquidet, the President of the B.C. Lumber Trade Council, on the industry's efforts to get more assistance from Ottawa for their Forestry sector. Alex Marland, a Political Science Professor at Acadia University, discusses the tensions between Quebec and the brand-new Newfoundland and Labrador government over the Churchill Falls MOU.

Steve MacKinnon, Canada's Government House Leader, says he's worried by comments from opposition leaders about the 2025 Budget confidence vote. On today's show: For the first time since 1993, the Toronto Blue Jays are headed to the World Series. Prime Minister Carney is staying mum on rumors of a tariff deal ahead of the upcoming APEC Summit. BMO Chief Economist Doug Porter reacts to the latest inflation report, and what it means for the Canadian economy. Tech Check with Carmi Levy: A weekly deep dive into the top Tech stories. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Nojoud Al Mallees, Sharan Kaur, and Jamie Ellerton. Vassy speaks with Canadian author Louise Penny, who has canceled the U.S. leg of her new book tour because of the ongoing trade war. The Auditor General has release scathing new reports on service at the CRA, as well as military recruitment and housing.

India's new High Commissioner to Canada addresses the allegations that the state of India was involved in an assassination plot against a Canadian Sikh activist, as well as the ongoing effort to normalize diplomatic relations between Canada and India. On today's show: The federal government has announced a new agency focused on addressing fraud and financial scams. Vassy speaks with Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree about the Carney government's plan to strengthen border security. Money Talk with John Klotz: How much debt is 'safe' to carry? The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Scott Reid, Tom Mulcair, and Tim Powers. W5's Avery Haines on her investigation into how Canada became the top supplier of crystal meth to New Zealand.

Free For All Friday - Hour 1 Mark Twohey, filling in for Amanda Galbraith, breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers. On today's show: Next week, the Carney Liberals will be introducing changes to Canada’s bail reform system. Will these changes withstand a Charter challenge? Mark Mendelson, a former homicide detective, delivers his two cents. Earlier this week, Stellantis announced plans to move production of the Jeep Compass E.V. plant. It was originally planned for Brampton, but it will now be situated in Illinois, creating over 3,000 U.S. jobs and putting over 3,000 Canadian jobs in limbo. With no relief on U.S. tariffs currently in the cards, is this the beginning of the end for Canada’s Auto sector? What would it mean for the national economy if Canada didn’t make cars anymore? We chat with Christopher Worswick, a Professor of Economics at Carleton University. Canadian Tire is bringing back the HBC points blankets. All proceeds will be directed to Indigenous-led initiatives. Do you have one? Would you buy one now? Mark opens the phone lines and takes your calls. Free For All Friday - Hour 2 Contributors from all over the country join The Roundtable to discuss the top stories of the week. Today's edition features Strategy Corp senior vice-president Garry Keller and NorthStar Public Affairs senior advisor Sabrina Grover. Topic 1: Ontario's Premier wants Canada to hit back against the United States if no trade deal can be reached, but Canada's Prime Minister says it's not appropriate if both sides are talking. Should Canada revert back to the 'Elbows Up' approach? If not now, then when? Topic 2: As Doug Ford describes his run-in with a Home Depot shoplifter, the leader of the Ontario NDP wants him to spend less time calling out bandits and more time protecting Ontario jobs. Topic 3: Ontario has officially assumed control of five provincial school boards in 2025. Do we need school boards anymore? Topic 4: Canada Post workers are back on the job. Well, sort of. Is this the first signs of a death rattle from Canada's biggest courier? Topic 5: Do you have a detailed grasp of all your pre-authorized payments? How do you keep track?

Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced his Liberal government will table legislation next week that will amend Canada's Criminal Code to strengthen sentences and bail conditions for certain crimes. CTV public safety analyst and former OPP Commissioner Chris Lewis weighs in. On today's show: Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown sounds off on the Stellantis production move to Illinois. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Mike LeCouteur, Rob Benzie, and Laura Stone. Vassy chats with Tony Wakeham, the new Premier-designate of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Stellantis has announced it will move its Jeep Compass production plant as a result of the U.S. Auto tariffs. Originally slated for Brampton, it will now be based in Illinois. Vassy Kapelos chats with UNIFOR National President Lana Payne, as we examine what it means for the Canadian side of the industry. On today's show: Frédéric Aubé, the CEO of Canadian-based furniture company Cozey, discusses what the new U.S. tariffs means for his industry. The Explainer: Everything you need to know about hormone replacement therapy for menopause. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Graham Richardson, Jeff Rutledge, and Michele Cadario. Vassy speaks with Canadian economist Peter Howitt, who is part of the team that won the 2025 Nobel Price in economics. The Blue Jays attempt to start their ALCS comeback tonight against the Seattle Mariners. A loss puts them in a 3-0 series death grip. A win cuts Seattle's series lead in half.

China's Ambassador to Canada says his country would drop tariffs on Canadian agriculture. That is, if Canada dropped tariffs on Chinese EVs. We hear from the Ambassador himself on today's program. Then, we gather comments from Flavio Volpe of the Canadian Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association. On today's show: Vassy's conversation with Industry Minister Melanie Joly about the prospects of a trade deal for the Auto sector. Tech Check with Carmi Levy: A look at the top Tech stories of the week. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Sharan Kaur, Laryssa Waler, and George Soule. Vassy speaks with General Jennie Carignan, Canada's Chief of Defense Staff, about Canada's defense procurement. The Blue Jays head to Seattle in a 2-0 series hole. CTV's Scott Hurst examines what they need to do to turn the ALCS back in their favour.