The Vassy Kapelos Show

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Jul 16, 2025 • 1h 18min

Carney says no deal with the U.S. is currently on the table

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada will be implementing new tariffs on foreign steel, as the feds pledge financial support for the Canadian steel industry. He says there is no trade deal on the table that Canada can accept right now, particularly with its closest neighbour. But as August 1st draws closer, the Carney Liberals are still talking to their American counterparts, as President Trump continues to dangle 35 percent tariffs on all Canadian goods after that date. On today's show: Reaction from the steel industry to Prime Minister Carney's latest announcement. Francois Desmarais, the V.P. of the Canadian Steel Producers Association, pays us a visit. Analysis on the latest round of U.S. trade negotiations with Brian Clow, a former Deputy Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He led the trade negotiation file for the PMO during Donald Trump's first term as American President. Washington Post columnist Philip Bump joins Vassy Kapelos to answer this week's Explainer question: Why is MAGA mad about the Epstein Files? The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Jeff Rutledge, Abigail Bimman, and Nick McRoberts. Is there a possible Royal reunion in the offing? CTV royal commentator Afua Hagan weighs in.
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Jul 15, 2025 • 1h 18min

Carney casts doubt on tariff-free trade deal with Trump

Earlier today, Prime Minister Mark Carney publicly admitted that it's unlikely Canada will get a tariff-free trade deal with the United States. Carney made those comments to reporters ahead of a Cabinet meeting to discuss trade negotiations. On today's show: Heat and wildfire smoke continues to impact large portions of Central Canada. Inflation in Canada ticked up slightly in June to 1.9 percent, as core inflation shows no signs of slowing down. That means there's little hope left of another interest rate cut before Fall. Last Winter, an ostrich farm in British Columbia lost dozens of birds following an avian flu outbreak. Today, the owners of that farm are fighting to save the remainder of the herd in a federal courtroom. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Sharan Kaur and Sebastian Skamski. In a new report, the Chief Science Advisor of Canada recommends that the feds create a new office - solely to track and research UFOs.
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Jul 14, 2025 • 1h 18min

Prime Minister Carney to meet with Cabinet Ministers following latest U.S. tariff threat

The Carney government is working towards a new deadline of August 1st to reach a trade deal with the United States, as U.S. President Trump prepares to launch 35% tariffs on that same day. CTV's Colton Praill has the latest on the trade war. On today's show: Another heatwave has made its way to Ontario, as wildfire smoke blankets Central Canada. Starting in January 2026, Canada will become the first country in the world where Ozempic is sold under generic labels - for much less than the brand name. That’s sparking concerns that patients could abuse the weight loss drug. As the trade war continues, more and more Canadians are shopping local and avoiding travel to America. That's bad news for duty-free stores on the Canada-U.S. border. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Tim Powers and Zain Velji. The CEO of TikTok has requested an urgent meeting with Industry Minister Melanie Joly, as the company continues to fight against a government order to shut down its Canadian operations.
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Jul 11, 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: New Trump tariffs: 35% by August 1st if Canada can't reach a new deal with the United States. CTV's Jeremie Charron tracks down the latest developments. CTV News political commentator Scott Reid tackles the complex politics of trade negotiations. Sun Media columnist Brain Lilley delivers insights on Pierre Poilievre's political future after a busy week at the Calgary Stampede. There is a concerning lack of high school tech teachers and courses that are relevant to youth and trades in today’s education system. It’s a problem that the Canadian Tooling and Machining Association is trying to solve. 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 public affairs advisor John Wright and Crestview Strategy Vice-President Deirdra Tindale. Topic 1: U.S. President Trump's latest trade threats. Topic 2: Pierre Poilievre's leadership with Canada's Conservatives could be in jeopardy. Topic 3: Ontario's Colleges are facing a financial crisis. Topic 4: TSA has axed the 'shoes off' rule! Are we finally returning to a state of reasonable airport security?
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Jul 10, 2025 • 1h 18min

Majority of Canadians against federal EV mandate

New polling exclusively for CTV News, courtesy of Nanos Research, shows that 67 percent of Canadians are opposed to the government's plan to ban the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035. Pollster Nik Nanos joins guest host Tim Powers to tackle the latest numbers. On today's show: Six lawmakers from Wisconsin and Minnesota have written to Canada's Ambassador to the United States, calling on Canada to do something about the wildfire smoke that drifts across the border. Half of Canadians say they would fight to defend their country, according to new data from the Angus Reid Institute. The union representing faculty at Ontario's Public Colleges fear that budget shortfalls could lead to 10,000 job losses, as hundreds of programs are being suspended or cancelled. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Sharan Kaur, Rob Benzie, and Mike Le Couteur. Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng from The Ottawa Hospital explains how you can keep your family healthy while maximizing your enjoyment of the Summer season. 17-year-old Seth Hyde has been hired as the full-time play-by-play voice of the Newfoundland Regiment. He explains how he got the gig.
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Jul 9, 2025 • 1h 18min

New report warns of possible drawbacks from Canada-Europe defence agreement

Canada’s new defence partnership with Europe may have hidden risks, according to a new analysis by the Expert Group on Canada-U.S. Relations. Guest host Tim Powers speaks with Ret. Vice-Admiral Mark Norman, who authored this report. On today's show: We’re learning more about the four men charged with terrorism and weapons offences by the RCMP in Quebec. More new tariffs are being announced by U.S. President Donald Trump. Canadian economist Moshe Lander joins the show with his reaction. CTV U.S. political commentator Eric Ham answers this week's Explainer question: Why is MAGA having a meltdown over the Epstein Files? The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Stephanie Levitz, Jeff Rutledge, and Laura D'Angelo. Advocates for psilocybin-assisted therapy are celebrating a recent court ruling in a years-long legal fight over access to the experimental new treatment. Why is Gen Z struggling with professional soft skills? Etiquette expert Julie Blais enters the chat.
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Jul 8, 2025 • 1h 18min

4 Quebecers, including members of Canadian Armed Forces, arrested on terrorism and weapons charges

The RCMP has laid terrorism charges after an 18-month investigation into the activities of four men, some of whom are active members of the Canadian Armed Forces. They are accused of organizing an anti-government militia and planning to forcibly seize land near Quebec City. Guest host Tim Powers speaks with former CSIS analyst Phil Gurski about the case. On today's show: The provinces of Alberta and Ontario have inked two Memorandums of Understanding on economic cooperation for trade and energy policies. This includes pipelines and nuclear power projects. Ontario Energy Minister Stephen Lecce joins the show to explain further. In the wake of deadly flash flooding in Texas last weekend, questions are being raised about why more people weren't evacuated from the affected areas ahead of time. Was it a failure of technology, or simply an act of God? Tech analyst Carmi Levy weighs in. Today's Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Cam Holmstrom and Chris Day. The CFIB wants to see clarity and progress on Canada's internal trade barriers, as the Committee on Internal Trade gathers for Tuesday's meeting. V.P. of Legislative Affairs Ryan Mallough breaks down what he's looking for. How 'bout them Blue Jays!? Canada's Team is on a 9-game win streak, and first-place in the AL East. TSN's Domenic Pedula outlines the factors that are fueling Toronto's recent string of success.
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Jul 7, 2025 • 1h 18min

Carney says its 'highly likely' B.C. pipeline appears on list of nation-building projects

Prime Minister Mark Carney is sounding optimistic about an Alberta-B.C. oil pipeline, and a carbon capture and storage network, as priority nation-building projects. But how feasible are they? Guest host Tim Powers speaks with energy economist Andrew Leach about the likelihood of these projects getting built. On today's show: The latest developments on the catastrophic flooding in Texas, where the death toll has surpassed 80 people. Heat-proofing Canadian cities? Caroline Metz, a Managing Director of Climate Resilience and Health at the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation at the University of Waterloo, explains if it's possible. Why is the Calgary Stampede so important for politicians? The Daily Debrief Panel with Deirdra Tindale and Sabrina Grover. A 1-on-1 chat with Bonnie Critchley, the Independent candidate who is challenging Pierre Poilievre in next month's Battle River-Crowfoot byelection.
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Jul 4, 2025 • 1h 17min

Free For All Friday

Free For All Friday - Hour 1 Host Amanda Galbraith breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers. On today's show: The Carney Government promised free trade by Canada Day. Where is it? Amanda speaks with trade expert Ryan Manucha. Diddy Trial: Amanda Is joined by lawyer and advocate Kirsten Mercer to discuss how well the criminal justice system handles cases involving sexual violence. It’s Calgary Stampede time! Amanda checks in with the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, as the Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth kicks off. Free For All Friday - Hour 2 Hosts from all over the country join the roundtable to discuss the five biggest stories of the week. This week's show features Bob Richardson, President of Hammersmith Consulting, and Karen Gordon, Principal at Gordon Strategies. Topic 1: The politics of internal trade Topic 2: Carney’s approach to Trump under the spotlight Topic 3: Gen Z is now drinking just as much as older generations Topic 4: Is Chat GPT rotting our brains?
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Jul 3, 2025 • 1h 18min

Carney's budget plan could lead to 'historic' public service cuts

The Carney government has pledged to balance federal operational spending to get a handle on the national debt and deficit. Carney says this can be done by 'capping' the public service. But a new report from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives warns there could be deep service cuts coming. Guest host Tim Powers speaks with report author David MacDonald. On todays show: The heads of Canada's big auto makers met with Prime Minister Carney on Wednesday to discuss the impacts of the trade war on the sector. Tim speaks with Brian Kingston, President and CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association, about the meeting. Duane Bratt, a Political Scientist at Mount Royal University, explains how two former UCP MLAs want to revive the old Alberta PC Party. The Honourable Lloyd Axworthy had some strong words for Canada's Prime Minister following this month's NATO summit. He explains why he's being so critical of Carney's approach to dealing with U.S. President Donald Trump. The Daily Debrief Panel with Laura Stone, Robert Benzie, and Mike Le Couteur. Jack Jedwab, President of the Association for Canadian Studies, joins the show to discuss their latest round of polling, and how Canadians are feeling about America this July 4th.

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