The Vassy Kapelos Show

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Oct 10, 2025 • 1h 17min

Free For All Friday

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: Prime Minister Carney went to Washington earlier this week, looking for economic peace. But after hearing the latest comments from U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick about the Auto sector, it's apparent that the waters are still rocky. We sift through the tea leaves with David McLaughlin, a former Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. Israel and Hamas have agreed to the primary phases of a peace deal, which would end the war in Gaza. Does this mean the bloodshed is finally over? We dig deeper with Iddo Moed, who is Israel’s Ambassador to Canada. Catherine McKenna, a former Liberal MP and Canada's Energy Minister during the Justin Trudeau era, has released a new memoir. She talks about women in politics, and her days in one of Canada's biggest boardrooms. 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 Hill and Knowlton senior vice-president Chris Day and Wright Strategies founder Kim Wright. Topic 1: Prime Minister Carney went to Washington, but didn't come home with a trade deal. Was this week's trek to D.C. a failure for Canada? Topic 2: As the NDP leadership race heats up, could a worker-focused voice for the Orange Crush serve as a threat to Poilievre's union voter coalition? Topic 3: Today is World Mental Health Day, and young Canadians are less happy than ever. Topic 4: Should today’s banks be required to put more safety features around e-transfers? Or should people just pay attention and be responsible? Topic 5: Your favourite Canadian Thanksgiving traditions.
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Oct 9, 2025 • 1h 18min

B.C. Premier fears that oil pipeline would jeopardize LNG Phase 2, as well as other key projects

B.C. Premier David Eby joined Vassy Kapelos to outline his concerns with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's proposed pipeline, fearing it might jeopardize LNG Phase 2 and other critical projects. You'll hear the full conversation right off the top. Andrew Scheer, the House Leader for Canada's Conservatives, also chimes in. On today's show: CUPW representatives have met with Minister Joel Lightbound, as the Canada Post labour disruption approaches two full weeks. We check in with CUPW negotiator Jim Gallant. How toenails could help researchers identify tell-tale signs of cancer. Yes, we're serious. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Brian Platt, Mike LeCouteur, and Rachel Aiello. For the first time since 2016, the Toronto Blue Jays are headed to the ALCS after outlasting the New York Yankees. Only 8 more wins to go before they achieve baseball immortality!
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Oct 8, 2025 • 1h 18min

Mark Carney returns from Washington without a trade deal

Prime Minister Mark Carney has returned from Washington without a deal on tariffs. Throughout the show, we outline what could happen next, as North America's biggest neighbours try to find a resolution. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith talks about her proposal for a new oil pipeline, which would stretch into the B.C. coast. The Globe And Mail's Europe Correspondent helps answer this week's Explainer question: What's going on with France's government? The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Jeff Rutledge, Laura D'Angelo, and Stephanie Levitz. Vassy speaks with Canadian Olympian Andre De Grasse and Paralympian Cindy Ouellet, who are part of a delegation that is lobbying the federal government for national sport funding. Ontario Premier Doug Ford says the Auto sector is under threat after U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick appeared to reject the idea of a deal to exempt Canadian-made autos from tariffs.
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Oct 7, 2025 • 1h 18min

Trump says Canada will leave 'very happy' after White House meeting

Prime Minister Mark Carney met with U.S. President Donald Trump in D.C. today, with Trump hinting that Canada won't leave negotiations empty-handed. On today's show: We go live from the Oval Office, as Trump and Carney meet to talk trade and tariffs. Then, we get the latest developments from CTV National News correspondent Colton Praill. Vassy speaks with Middle East expert Thomas Juneau on the 2nd anniversary of the October 7th attacks. Tech Check with Carmi Levy: A breakdown of the top Tech stories of the week. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Garry Keller, Sharan Kaur, and Nojoud Al Mallees. CTV Toronto video journalist Jon Woodward breaks down the corruption allegations surrounding Ontario's Skills Development Fund. The Toronto Blue Jays head to the Bronx, looking for a sweep against the Yankees and a ticket to the 2025 ALCS. Freedom Convoy leaders Tamara Lich and Chris Barber have received conditional sentences, and will avoid jail time.
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Oct 6, 2025 • 1h 18min

Prime Minister Carney to meet with Trump in D.C. for trade talks

Prime Minister Mark Carney is headed to Washington, as he prepares for his second face-to-face meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. The feds are holding out hope for a tariff relief deal, but will they get one? On today's show: CTV Senior Political Correspondent Mike LeCouteur outlines everything you need to know about Carney's trip to Washington. Vassy chats with Brian Clow, a former Deputy Chief of Staff and NAFTA Negotiations Advisor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Vassy's conversation with Stephen Fuhr, the Secretary of State for Defense Procurement. Money Talk with John Klotz: An Ontario woman is on the hook for more than $600K in taxes on her late parents' estate. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Tom Mulcair, Tim Powers, and Zain Velji. Vassy tackles the European security landscape with Estonia's Prime Minister.
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Oct 3, 2025 • 1h 17min

Free For All Friday

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: Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is preparing to submit a proposal for a heavy-oil pipeline, which would stretch into British Columbia's northern coast. However, no private company at this time is willing to join the party. We describe the sticky situation to former B.C. Premier Christy Clark. Prime Minister Carney will be travelling to Washington on Monday, then meeting with U.S. President Trump on Tuesday. We outline what's at stake with CTV News political commentator Scott Reid. Marineland's proposed agreement to sell 30 Beluga Whales to a Chinese aquarium has been squashed by the feds. So what happens to them now? We pick the brain of Phil Demers, a former Marineland trainer who spent 12 years with the company. 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 Jeff Rutledge from McMillan Vantage and Sabrina Grover from NorthStar Public Affairs. Topic 1: Prime Minister Carney goes to Washington next week to meet with U.S. President Trump. What's at stake during this visit? Should we expect any significant announcements from either side? Topic 2: Alberta's Premier proposes a heavy-oil pipeline, with no private company backing it. Is a battle slowly brewing, and between whom? Topic 3: The U.S. Defense Secretary and his anti-woke military overhaul. Topic 4: Minimum wage goes up in Ontario, as well as 4 other provinces. What could you buy with an hour's work back in the day? What about now? Topic 5: As the battle over Daylight Savings Time persists, is one side about to blink first?
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Oct 2, 2025 • 1h 18min

Danielle Smith's pipeline pitch

Guest host Stefan Keyes fills in for Vassy Kapelos, as Alberta Premier Danielle Smith launches a bid to get a new oil pipeline approved, even without a private sector partner. On today's show: Economist Andrew Leach weighs in on the Government of Alberta's decision to advance a pipeline proposal without a private sector partner. Retired Major-General David Fraser shares his thoughts on the Carney government's new military procurement agency. Talk Science To Me with CTV Science and Technology specialist Dan Riskin. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Rob Benzie, Laura Stone, and Mike LeCouteur. The latest on a terror attack in the United Kingdom, with a synagogue in Manchester listed as the target. Remembering the life and legacy of Jane Goodall.
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Oct 1, 2025 • 1h 18min

Trump talks '51st State' as new tariffs take effect

With no new trade deal in place with Canada, U.S. President Donald Trump has revived the '51st State' tagline after imposing new tariffs on key industries. On today's show: Political reaction to the latest developments in the Canada-USA trade war. CTV Washington Bureau Chief Joy Malbon explains the U.S. government shutdown. Marion Sandilands, a constitutional lawyer and partner with Conway LLP, helps us answer this week's Explainer question: What is the Notwithstanding Clause? The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Jeff Rutledge, Laura D'Angelo, and Stephanie Levitz. The Business Council of Canada is warning of an 'investment crisis' ahead of the 2025 Federal Budget, which is scheduled for release on November 4th.
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Sep 29, 2025 • 1h 18min

Parliamentary Budget Officer issues dire warning over public finances

Jason Jacques, the interim Parliamentary Budget Officer, says federal government spending is becoming unsustainable, as the deficit is projected to increase by nearly $17 billion for 2025-2026. On today's show: Ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Vassy speaks with Algonquin Elder Claudette Commanda, and delves into her personal journey. Money Talk with Allan Small: How does Bitcoin investing work? The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Tim Powers, George Soule, and Sabrina Grover. A group of 50 environmental organizations is calling on Prime Minister Carney to do more on climate finance. This follows the 10th anniversary of his 'Tragedy of the Horizon' speech.
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Sep 26, 2025 • 1h 18min

Free For All Friday

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: We have another country-wide Canada Post strike on our hands, and the second one in less than a year. The news dropped hours after the feds directed Canada's biggest courier to significantly change how it delivers mail to Canadians. We dig deeper with Carleton University associate professor Ian Lee, who was a financial policy analyst for Canada Post in the 1980's. America's President claims that using Tylenol during pregnancy could lead to an Autism diagnosis. Would an untreated fever during a pregnancy cause more damage? We tackle that subject with Dr. Christopher Labos, an epidemiologist and cardiologist at McGill University. A flock of B.C. ostriches will be spared - for now - as the Supreme Court of Canada has granted a last-minute stay in court proceedings. However, their long-term fate remains up in the air. We get the details from Vjosa Isai, a Toronto-based reporter and researcher who writes for the New York Times. 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 Henley Strategies founder Laryssa Waller. Topic 1: Yet another country-wide strike at Canada Post, and so many unanswered questions as to how the corporation will operate moving forward. What are the main sticking points for both sides this time around? Topic 2: Canada's Public Safety Minister says he has full confidence in the government's gun buyback program, even though previous recordings beg to disagree. Topic 3: U.S. President Trump says there could be a link between Tylenol and Autism. Health professionals profusely dispute his findings. Topic 4: The B.C. ostriches live to see another day, but they still don't know what tomorrow brings. Topic 5: According to the U.S. Ambassador to Canada, Washington might need to reassess pre-airport clearance. We explain what that means for Canadian-American travel.

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