

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
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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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sep 25, 2025 • 1h 18min
Prime Minister Carney goes to England
As a trade war with the United States drags on, Prime Minister Mark Carney continues his global push to diversify exports and trading partners. CTV National News correspondent Jeremie Charon joins Vassy Kapelos with a preview of Carney's trip to the United Kingdom. On today's show: Former diplomat Michael Kovrig has a warning for the federal government about cozying up to China. Ret. Vice-Admiral Mark Norman on U.S. President Trump's 180 on Ukraine. Talk Science To Me with CTV Science and Technology specialist Dan Riskin. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Graham Richardson, Robert Benzie, and Laura Stone. The Canadian National Women's Rugby Team will try to make history this weekend at the World Cup, and who better to talk about it than Newfoundland die-hard Tim Powers. CUPW negotiator Jim Gallant reacts to newly-announced changes to Canada Post operations.

Sep 24, 2025 • 1h 18min
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree won't resign
Canada's Public Safety Minister says he has no plans to resign. This comes after a leaked recording of Gary Anandasangaree recently surfaced, in which he said the federal gun buy-back program is only going forward because of political pressure in Quebec. On today's show Vassy's full interview with Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree. TV critic Bill Brioux delivers his take on Jimmy Kimmel's return to the late-night airwaves, less than a week after his show was suspended indefinitely by ABC. Sports economist Moshe Lander from Concordia University helps us answer this week's Explainer question: How is the CFL still in business? The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Nick McRoberts, Jeff Rutledge, and Brian Platt. Vassy's conversation with New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt, whose province was recently left off the federal government's 'major projects' list. CTV National News correspondent Colton Praill has the latest from the U.N. General Assembly in New York City.

Sep 23, 2025 • 1h 18min
U.S. President Trump bashes world leaders with U.N. General Assembly address
This morning in New York, U.S. President Donald Trump chastised world leaders and the United Nations for their handling of a variety of global issues, ranging from global security and immigration to climate change. On today's show: CTV National News correspondent Colton Praill has the latest from the U.N. General Assembly. Vassy's interview with Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand following Canada's recognition of Palestinian statehood. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada says Tylenol is safe for use during pregnancy, and does not cause autism. Tech analyst Carmi Levy examines this week's top Tech stories. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Laryssa Waler, Sabrina Grover, and Nojoud Al Mallees. Vassy speaks with Vina Nadjibulla, the Vice-President of Research and Strategy at the Asia Pacific Foundation, about Mark Carney's meeting with the Premier of China.

Sep 22, 2025 • 1h 18min
Canada shouldn’t settle for sectoral tariffs: Poilievre
Amid a protracted trade war with the United States, Pierre Poilievre says Canada shouldn’t settle for a deal that includes sectoral tariffs. Listen to the full interview with Poilievre discussing the trade war, the Canadian economy, the 2025 federal budget, and his upcoming leadership review. On today's show: Prime Minister Mark Carney is at the U.N. General Assembly this week after announcing Canada will officially recognize Palestinian statehood. Financial consultant John Klotz shares tips for creating a personal budget in the face of Canada's rising cost of living. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Tom Mulcair, Zain Velji, and Tim Powers. Vassy's interview with Canadian Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu. CTV National News correspondent Colton Praill has the latest from the U.N. General Assembly, as he joins us from New York City.

Sep 19, 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: Canada's Justice Minister is tabling a bill to beef up the country's criminal offenses, with new charges aimed at fighting against the rise of antisemitism and Islamophobia in Canada. We dig deeper with Chris Lewis, CTV's Public Safety Analyst and a former OPP Commissioner. The feds are requesting limitations for future usage of the Notwithstanding Clause, a move that the Quebec government describes as a 'direct attack' on Bill 21. CTV political commentator Scott Reid chimes in with his two cents, as work officially resumes at the House of Commons. A 1-on-1 conversation with Ana Poilievre, as she launches a brand-new seasonal magazine. Today's discussion focuses on women in business, as well as the shifting political landscape. 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 Northstar Public Affairs senior advisor Sabrina Grover. Topic 1: The House of Commons is back in session. So is the leader of Canada's Conservatives. And now, we have a date for the Fall Budget. We deliver the key takeaways from Week 1, and the narratives to keep in mind as the Fall Session carries on. Topic 2: The United States has officially triggered a review of CUSMA. What happens next? Topic 3: A few days ago, ABC took Jimmy Kimmel Live off the airwaves indefinitely, as the late-night host got into some hot water. But according to reports, they might have a change of heart if he promises to 'turn the temperature down'. This comes months after Stephen Colbert's late-night program was scheduled for the guillotine. What does this tell us about the future of late-night comedy? Topic 4: Living in a world with A.I. friends - Yay or Nay? Topic 5: As more and more Beer Stores become obsolete, we need new places to bring our unwanted empties. Should beer always be sold in a bottle?


