

The Vassy Kapelos Show
iHeartRadio
The top newsmakers, political headlines, your go-to daily debrief. Vassy loves politics and she’ll make sure you do too. The Vassy Kapelos Show will keep you informed through hard-hitting interviews with the major players, entertaining analysis and debate with your favourite pundits and all the details and context you need on breaking news as it comes into our newsroom.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 20, 2025 • 1h 18min
‘I should not be under protection in a country like this’: Indian High Commissioner
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.

Oct 17, 2025 • 1h 18min
Free For All Friday
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?

Oct 16, 2025 • 1h 18min
Carney government to table bail reform, changes to Criminal Code next week
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.

Oct 15, 2025 • 1h 18min
Stellantis to move Jeep Compass production to U.S. factory
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.

Oct 14, 2025 • 1h 18min
A quid pro quo on Chinese tariffs
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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.


