The Vassy Kapelos Show

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Nov 14, 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 has unveiled a new list of major infrastructure projects that will be referred to the new Major Projects Office. The federal government has spent the bulk of this week promoting the Canada Strong Budget, but are Canadians buying what the Liberals are selling? CSIS warns that Canada's youth are getting more and more involved in domestic terrorism investigations. 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 Summa Strategies chair Tim Powers and former Justin Trudeau senior advisor Supriya Dwivedi. Topic 1: The Carney government has unveiled a second list of so-called nation-building projects. Topic 2: Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre lost two members of his caucus in less than a week. He has since spoken publicly about those departures. On a scale of 1 to 10, how worried should he be right now? Topic 3: New research shows that younger Canadians are getting their political news from online influencers. Bad news for the news media heavyweights? Topic 4: Grey Cup Weekend is in full force, as the Canadian Super Bowl heads to Winnipeg! Do the majority of Canadians still care about Canada's pastime, or is the CFL fanbase turning into a dying breed?
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Nov 13, 2025 • 1h 18min

Carney government unveils more 'nation-building' projects

The Carney government has unveiled the next series of nation-building projects - a plan that includes LNG, hydroelectric, and critical minerals. On today's show: Vassy chats with author and former Washington Post columnist Philip Bump about the Epstein Files. Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada's former Energy Minister, says he's not unhappy with his place in the Liberal caucus, despite accusations from Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. Talk Science To Me with CTV Science and Technology specialist Dan Riskin: Why those who don't vote might have shorter lifespans, the science behind Rock-Paper-Scissors. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Mike LeCouteur, Laura Stone, and Rob Benzie. The Director of CSIS says extremism, foreign influence, and espionage are all increasing threats to Canada's national security.
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Nov 12, 2025 • 1h 18min

Second list of major projects to be announced on Thursday

The Carney government will unveil its second list of 'nation-building' infrastructure projects tomorrow in British Columbia. The list will include mining, energy, and LNG projects, according to government sources. On today's show: Vassy speaks with New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt about the Sisson Mine, which is expected to be included on the new list of major projects. CTV U.S. political analyst Eric Ham dissects the internal caucus divisions within the Democratic Party. Immunology expert Dr. Dawn Bowdish joins Vassy for The Explainer: What do vaccines do? The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Nick McRoberts, Jeff Rutledge, and Stephanie Levitz. Vassy speaks with Community Living Toronto CEO Brad Saunders and former Toronto Mayor John Tory about a new innovative housing project in Canada's biggest city. Pierre Poilievre is taking exception to the media's constant questions about the Tories' former MPs.
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Nov 11, 2025 • 1h 18min

Carney government sells 2025 Federal Budget on a cross-country tour

Prime Minister Mark Carney, along with his Cabinet members, are touring Canada to promote the 2025 Federal Budget. Are Canadians buying what they're selling? You'll hear Vassy's conversation with Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu. On today's show: 19-year CAF veteran Major Jean-Michel Gidlow joins Vassy Kapelos to discuss Remembrance Day and the Canadian military. Tech Check with Carmi Levy: You'll never guess what the Louvre's CCTV password is! The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Nojoud Al Mallees, Laryssa Waler, and Sharan Kaur. Canada has lost its Measles Elimination Status for the first time in 3 decades. Dr. Isaac Bogoch joins Vassy with his reaction.
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Nov 10, 2025 • 1h 18min

Budget ‘squarely in the middle of Canadian politics’: Government House Leader

The Carney government will face a final confidence vote on the 2025 Federal Budget later today, and whether or not it will pass is still up in the air. On today's show: The U.S. Senate has passed a bill aimed at ending the weeks-long government shutdown, with 8 Democrats breaking party ranks to move the plan forward. Vassy's interview with Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon about the upcoming budget vote. Vassy speaks with former White House National Security Advisor John Bolton on what's at stake for Trump's tariff agenda, particularly if the Supreme Court rules against IEEPA tariffs. Money Talk with John Klotz: Do you need an emergency fund? The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Zain Velji, Tom Mulcair, and Tim Powers. CTV National News Quebec Bureau Chief Genevieve Beauchemin explains why thousands of doctors packed Montreal's Bell Centre on Sunday to protest Quebec's healthcare reform.
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Nov 7, 2025 • 1h 16min

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: Tom Mulcair, a former NDP leader and present-day political analyst for CTV News, weighs in on the latest string of Tory floor-crossings and resignations, and what it all means for Canada's political landscape. The U.S. Supreme Court is mulling over what to do with some of Trump's tariffs, as their legality is closely examined. Carlo Dade, the Director of International Policy at the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy, explains how their decision will impact Canada. Emma Goldberg, a New York Times reporter focused on political subcultures, examines how New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's campaign connected with Gen-Z, both politically and socially. Free For All Friday - Hour 2 Contributors from all over the country join The Roundtable to discuss the top stories of the week. Attending today's session are Toronto Star reporter Robert Benzie and Crestview Strategies vice-president Deirdra Tindale. Topic 1: Floor-crossings, resignations, high stakes for political parties, and the Canada Strong Budget. What's your take on what we've seen this week? Are you surprised at the amount of sudden movement? And what does it all mean moving forward? Topic 2: As the feds unleash a massive budget document, coupled with other legislative amendments, the Ontario government has released its own Fall Economic Statement. It seems like a lot of people aren't engaged, at least when it comes to the policies and numbers. Are we ancient dinosaurs for caring about these things? How do we make it more relevant to the younger generations? Topic 3: As the U.S. Supreme Court debates the validity of the Trump tariffs, Ontario is taking shots at the federal budget, while Alberta and the feds explore an MOU. As the trade turmoil continues, are the relationships between the feds and provinces in a good place? Topic 4: Prince Harry says he wore an L.A. Dodgers hat to the World Series under duress. Do you accept his apology to Canada's Team? Topic 5: Is it too early to roll out the Christmas vibes? What day is acceptable to you?
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Nov 6, 2025 • 1h 18min

New polling suggests Carney government has 'a lot of work to do' in selling its budget to Canadians

Vassy Kapelos speaks with Abacus Data CEO David Coletto about their latest polling results, and gets a temperature check on how Canadians are feeling towards the Canada Strong Budget. On today's show: Sean Fraser, Canada's Attorney General and Justice Minister, weighs in on the new budget and the introduction of now-Liberal MP Chris D'Entremont. Talk Science To Me with CTV Science and Technology specialist Dan Riskin: Why you should seek unpleasant experiences, and why you think better while walking. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Robert Benzie, Laura Stone, and Mike LeCouteur. Eric Ham, CTV U.S. Political Analyst and former Congressional Staffer, on the Democrats' key victories and the Supreme Court case that could strike down some of Trump's tariffs. Judy Trinh, CTV National News Correspondent, on the CFIA confirming a full ostrich cull in British Columbia.
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Nov 5, 2025 • 1h 18min

As the Liberals introduce a new Federal Budget, a Conservative MP crosses the floor

Vassy Kapelos speaks with Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne on the details surrounding the 2025 'Canada Strong' Budget. On today's show: Andrew Scheer, the House Leader of Canada's Conservatives, on his party's response to the federal budget and why one Conservative MP is crossing the floor to the Red Team. Reaction to the details in this year's federal budget from Canadian Construction Association president Rodrigue Gilbert and PSAC national president Sharon DeSousa. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Jeff Rutledge, Stephanie Levitz, and Laura D'Angelo. Don Davies, the interim leader for Canada's NDP, shares his thoughts on the budget and how his party might vote on it.
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Nov 4, 2025 • 1h 18min

Setting the scene for the Carney government's first Federal Budget

Vassy Kapelos chats with CTV Chief Financial Correspondent Amanda Lang with her thoughts on the landscape that today's budget exists in, and what is likely to be featured this afternoon. On today's show: Dr. Trevor Hennessey, Chief of the Department of Anesthesiology for the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de l’Outaouais (CISSSO), on his decision to leave practicing in Quebec following the introduction of Bill 2. Tech Check with tech analyst Carmi Levy: Tesla's A.I. chatbot gets in hot water, the ineffectiveness of cybersecurity training, and more. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Laryssa Waler, Sharan Kaur, and George Soule. CTV's Royal Commentator Afua Hagan: Harry and Meghan's baseball allegiances, Prince Harry's upcoming visit to Toronto, and Andrew's cancellation from the Royal Family.
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Nov 3, 2025 • 1h 18min

‘What are we going to do to grow our economy?’ - Business Council of Canada CEO on tomorrow's Federal Budget

Vassy Kapelos speaks with Goldy Hyder, the President and CEO of the Business Council of Canada, about the upcoming federal budget and the recent trip he took to Asia that coincided with Prime Minister Carney's visit. On today's show: Tim Hodgson, Canada's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, on critical mineral supply chains and cooperating with other countries. John Klotz, a Certified Financial Planner with Investment Planning Counsel, joins us for his weekly Money Talk segment. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Zain Velji, Tom Mulcair, and Rudy Husny. Bill Morneau, Canada's former Finance Minister, tees up his expectations for tomorrow's federal budget. Andrew Kiguel, the CEO of Realbotix, on his company's involvement in building an 'AI Twin' of Suzanne Somers.

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