The Vassy Kapelos Show

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Jul 30, 2025 • 1h 18min

Bank of Canada holds key interest rate at 2.75%

The Bank of Canada has chosen not to move on interest rates until at least September, with Governor Tiff Macklem citing ongoing uncertainty around U.S. trade. Guest host Tim Powers speaks with Concordia University economist Moshe Lander. On today's show: The federal cabinet is meeting later today to discuss possible recognition of Palestinian statehood. A group of Ontario Mayors, notably from cities and towns with connections to the Auto sector, are calling on the feds to scrap a planned EV sales mandate. Dr. Ravi Menon from Western University tackles this week's Explainer question: Can CTE cause violent acts? The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Jeff Rutledge and Susan Smith. What happens to safer supply programs now that federal funding has ended?
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Jul 29, 2025 • 1h 18min

Counting down to the August 1st trade deal deadline

The deadline for a trade deal with Trump is just days away, as Canada continues to chat with their U.S. counterparts. Guest host Tim Powers chats with Vic Fedeli, Ontario's Minister of Economic Development and Trade. He is in D.C. this week ahead of the August 1st final buzzer. On today's show: Did the E.U. strike a good trade deal with America? Paul Waldie, the Globe and Mail's European Correspondent, offers his two cents. Automakers have issued a stern warning to Canadian officials, as recent trade deals with Japan and the E.U. could mean bad things for Canada's car industry. David Adams, the CEO of Global Automakers Canada, pays us a visit. Tech analyst Carmi Levy puts a wrap on this week's biggest Tech stories. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Neil Brodie and Sabrina Grover. Daniel Bernhard, the CEO of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, reacts to the Canadian Premiers who've been recently pushing for more control over Canada's immigration policy. The Royal St. John's Regatta, North America's oldest sporting event, is taking place tomorrow. Tim, a Newfoundlander himself, speaks with organizer Keith White about this year's festivities.
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Jul 28, 2025 • 1h 18min

U.S. President Trump signs trade agreement with E.U.

U.S. President Donald Trump has inked a new trade agreement with the European Union, as Canadians continue to wait for news ahead of this week's August 1st deadline. CTV National News correspondent Colton Praill joins guest host Tim Powers with the latest. On today's show: Instant analysis on the E.U. trade deal, and what it means for Canada-USA negotiations, with CTV U.S. political analyst Eric Ham. Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown discusses the federal government's decision to stop funding hotel rooms for asylum seekers. Political scientist Lori Turnbull analyzes the war of words between Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre and The Longest Ballot Committee. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Sharan Kaur and Deirdra Tindale. Andrew Siegwart, the CEO of the Ontario Tourism Industry Association, discusses the impact of the Canada-U.S. trade war on the Summer travel season.
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Jul 25, 2025 • 1h 18min

Free For All Friday

Free For All Friday - Hour 1 Guest host Scott Reid breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers. On today's show: U.S. President Donald Trump says Canada might not get a negotiated trade deal ahead of the August 1st deadline. That is next Friday, by the way. Brian Clow, who worked in the PMO during the last round of trade negotiations with Trump, joins the show with his take on the President’s recent comments. Scott takes your calls on the trade situation, and the see-saw of emotions at play. Free For All Friday - Hour 2 Hosts from all over the country join The Roundtable to discuss the five biggest stories of the week. Today's edition features Spark Advocacy senior advisor Sabrina Grover and Summa Strategies chairman Tim Powers. Topic 1: President Trump’s latest comments on the U.S. trade chatter with Canada. Topic 2: The Hockey Canada trial verdict, and what lessons must be learned. Topic 3: Should Canada lower its voting age? Topic 4: Remembering two entertainment legends: Ozzy Osbourne and Hulk Hogan have entered the afterlife.
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Jul 24, 2025 • 1h 18min

What does a 'good' trade deal look like?

It's looking increasingly unlikely that Canada will secure a new trade deal with America by August 1st. The message from the Carney Liberals has shifted to getting the best deal, rather than any deal, by next week's deadline. Vassy Kapelos chats with former U.S. Ambassador Gary Doer about the state of the current negotiations. On today's show: The verdict in the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial will be delivered sometime this afternoon. CTV's Kamil Karamali has the latest developments. CTV Science and Technology specialist Dan Riskin joins the party to talk some science! The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Robert Benzie and Laura Stone. What's wrong with the Canada Disability Benefit? Krista Carr from Inclusion Canada chimes in on that subject. What are U.S. officials saying this week about the ongoing trade negotiations? Huw Williams from the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association has more on that, as he makes his way back from Washington.
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Jul 23, 2025 • 1h 17min

Trade deal by August 1st 'unlikely': Former Canadian Ambassador to the U.S.

The odds of Canada securing a new trade deal with the United States by August 1st is highly unlikely, according to David MacNaughton. He served as Canada's Ambassador to the United States during President Trump's first term in office. MacNaughton explains where the negotiation process is at. On today's show: Heavy metal legend and Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne has died at the age of 76, leaving behind a historic musical legacy and inspiring generations of artists. Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng, a palliative care physician at The Ottawa Hospital, tackles this week's Explainer question: How do you assess which Summer activities are worth the risk? The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Laura D'Angelo, Jeff Rutledge, and Stephanie Levitz. The U.K. government has announced plans to lower its voting age to 16 years old. Should Canada do the same? We go 1-on-1 with Manitoba Senator Marilou McPhedran, who has introduced a bill in the Canadian Senate that would do just that.
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Jul 22, 2025 • 1h 18min

Premiers, Prime Minister mull over Canada-U.S. trade at First Ministers Meeting

Prime Minister Carney has joined Canada's Premiers in Ontario's Cottage Country. CTV's Rachel Aiello drops by with the latest developments from Huntsville. On today's show: Jim Gallant, a Negotiator for the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, chimes in on the ongoing voting process, as Canada Post delivers their latest offer to CUPW employees. Gallant explains why he's calling for members to reject it. Tech journalist Carmi Levy outlines his concerns surrounding digital privacy, as the Fitify backlash and a Coldplay concert dominate the entertainment news cycle. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring CTV News political commentator Scott Reid and Oyster Group founder Amanda Galbraith. Lana Payne, the National President of UNIFOR, explores what a Canada-U.S. trade deal might look like, and how various Trump tariffs are impacting our country's auto workers.
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Jul 21, 2025 • 1h 18min

Canada's Premiers meet in Muskoka to discuss tariffs, trade

Canada's Premiers are gathering in Muskoka for a series of meetings. The Council of the Federation kicked off 3 days of brainstorming - all ahead of the August 1st tariff deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump. Vassy Kapelos speaks with New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt about what she's hoping to achieve this week. On today's show: A Montreal man has been charged by New York State police for murdering his own daughter. CTV's Colton Praill has the latest. Starting August 1st, U.S. President Donald Trump will be increasing tariffs on Canadian goods to 35 percent. Frank McKenna, a former Canadian Ambassador to the United States, talks about where the negotiation process is at. After a 32-day strike wrapped up 2024, and over 18 months of negotiations, CUPW members are voting on the latest offer from Canada Post. Jon Hamilton, the Vice-President of Communications for Canada Post, chats about the continuous disagreements. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Tim Powers and Genevieve Tomney. The long-awaited verdict in the Hockey Canada sex assault trial is coming down this Thursday. Journalist and author Laura Robinson summarizes the case, as well as the ripple effect that comes with each verdict.
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Jul 18, 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: Prime Minister Carney’s new message on trade: Don’t expect a tariff-free trade deal by August 1st. We've got another depressing report on housing starts and homebuilder sentiments. We check in on Canada's housing crisis with Mike Moffatt. How important is Indigenous buy-in for major infrastructure projects? Karen Restoule, the Director of Indigenous Affairs and a Senior Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, weighs in. The viral Coldplay couple: A PR nightmare for a CEO and his Head of HR, as an alleged affair meets the Internet. Free For All Friday - Hour 2 Hosts from all over the country join The Roundtable to discuss the five biggest stories of the week. Today's edition features Laura D’Angelo from Enterprise Canada and Jeff Rutledge from McMillian Vantage. Topic 1: Prime Minister Carney’s new message on trade Topic 2: Pierre Poilievre's leadership problems continue to burn, not fade away Topic 3: What happened to Canada's housing crisis? Topic 4: Should we save the ostriches, or send them to Dr. Oz's house?
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Jul 17, 2025 • 1h 18min

Government intervention necessary for Canadian Steel industry's survival: Joly

If Canadian suppliers are shut out of U.S. markets, Industry Minister Melanie Joly says the country's Steel industry will need government support to survive. She joins Vassy Kapelos for an in-depth conversation. On today's show: First Nations leaders meet with Prime Minister Mark Carney over recent pushback of Bill C-5. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe talks trade negotiations ahead of next week's First Ministers meeting. Talk Science To Me with CTV Science and Technology specialist Dan Riskin. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Mike Le Couteur, Laura Stone, and Rob Benzie.

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