The Vassy Kapelos Show

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 met with the President of China on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in South Korea. And while he didn't say whether the meeting produced any changes in trade policies, he did describe it as a ‘turning point’ in the Canada-China relationship. We dig deeper with Guy Saint-Jacques, Canada’s Ambassador to China from 2012 to 2016. In just a matter of hours, the Toronto Blue Jays could be celebrating a World Series title, and their first since 1993. All they need is one more win against the defending champions. TSN’s Aaron Korolnek joins us with a preview of tonight's Game 6 at Rogers Centre. Why do people love scary movies so much? Plus, is the early-November time change really bad for our health? We pose those burning questions to CTV Science and Technology specialist Dan Riskin. Free For All Friday - Hour 2 Contributors from all over the country join The Roundtable to discuss the top stories of the week. Sebastian Skamski, a former Director of Media Relations for Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, joins today's spooky setting. So does Laura D’Angelo, the Vice-President of National Strategy at Enterprise Canada. Topic 1: Next week's budget vote could bring down the Carney government, but what are the odds of that? Topic 2: Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre says today's youth have 'sacrificed enough', as he solidifies his messaging around Budget 2025. Is that a good deck of cards to play? Topic 3: Earlier this week, the Alberta government invoked the Notwithstanding Clause to end a weeks-old teachers strike. Will this move come back to bite Premier Danielle Smith? Topic 4: What is the best Halloween candy, and why? There is only one right answer. Topic 5: For the first time since 1993, the World Series is within reach for Canada's Team. All the Blue Jays need is one more win at Rogers Centre. And as the Canada-U.S. trade war drags on, how much would it mean for a Canadian squad to claim an American-dominated trophy?

Tim Powers guests hosts for Vassy Kapelos this afternoon. Vassy will be back on Monday. On today's show: CTV's Jeremie Charon unveils the latest developments in the Canada-U.S. trade war. Vina Nadjibulla, the Vice-President of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, breaks down what to expect from Prime Minister Carney's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.  PSAC National President Sharon DeSousa reacts to the Finance Minister's comments on public sector job cuts. Talk Science To Me with CTV Science and Technology specialist Dan Riskin. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Mike LeCouteur, Rob Benzie, and Laura Stone. Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Tony Wakeham on his new P.C. government's agenda. Canadian Olympic Committee CEO David Shoemaker on the ongoing preparations for the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics.

The Bank of Canada has cut its key interest rate by another 25 basis points, while signaling this will be the last cut for now as the economy falters under U.S. tariffs. On today's show: Vassy speaks with CIBC Chief Economist Avery Shenfeld. Alberta Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides defends the Smith government's use of the Notwithstanding Clause in back-to-work legislation to end a provincial teachers strike. The Explainer: What do you need to know about the new Alzheimer's drug that was recently approved in Canada. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Laura D'Angelo, Jeff Rutledge, and Stephanie Levitz. Vassy speaks with former national security analyst Dennis Molinaro about his new book on China's foreign influence operations in Canada. Vassy chats with former Quebec Premier Jean Charest, as he leads a Canadian trade mission to Washington this week.

Pete Hoekstra, the U.S. Ambassador to Canada, says the odds of a tariff-relief deal by the end of 2025 are unlikely after talks broke down last week. On today's show: Vassy's interview with Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu. Shamira Madhany, the Managing Director of World Education Services, explains how the feds are falling short in recognizing the credentials of Canada's foreign-trained workers. Tech Check with Carmi Levy - The U.S. TikTok deal could be signed by Thursday. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Laryssa Waler, Nojoud Al Mallees, and Sharan Kaur. Vassy speaks with Alberta NDP leader Naheed Nenshi about the Danielle Smith government's move to table back-to-work legislation, as the weeks-old Alberta teachers strike continues. Meteorologist Chris Vagasky has the latest on Hurricane Melissa, which is expected to make landfall in Jamaica.

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.