Power & Politics

Peter McKay, a former Conservative cabinet minister and political commentator, joins Shachi Kurl, president of the Angus Reid Institute, along with David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence. They delve into the resignation of MP Matt Jeneroux and its implications for Pierre Poilievre's leadership. The panel explores the political dynamics of floor crossings and public polling on accountability. McGuinty discusses Canada's defense budget, striving for NATO targets, new procurement strategies, and how the government aims to do more with fewer civil servants.

Join Sean Fraser, Federal Justice Minister from Nova Scotia, as he discusses the recent budget, highlighting investments in jobs, infrastructure, and the need for strategic deficit spending. He also addresses Chris d'Entremont's surprising switch to the Liberals and its impact on parliamentary dynamics. Scott Aitchison, the Conservative housing critic, critiques the budget's housing measures, arguing they fall short and emphasizing the burdens faced by young Canadians. Sparks fly as they dive into the implications of floor-crossing and party unity.

Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne defends his budget that promises to spend another $141 billion in over five years, to shrink the public service by 40,000 jobs and to enable $1 trillion in total investment. Power & Politics brings you the story of a Conservative MP crossing the floor to the Liberals in response to the budget as it broke on Tuesday, including live reaction from Conservative deputy leader Melissa Lantsman. Plus, the NDP interim leader and Bloc Québécois finance critic weigh in on whether they can support this budget to avoid an election. 

On the eve of the Carney government's first federal budget, CBC's Peter Armstrong and Catherine Cullen break down everything we know about what's coming in the document — with one senior Canadian official saying it will include tax changes and tens of billions in cuts. Then, Desjardins Group deputy chief economist Randall Bartlett explains what he'll look for to decide if the sizable deficit the Liberals have signalled will be an investment that pays off. 

Julie Dabrusin, Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, discusses the nation’s ambitious 2030 climate targets and the new climate competitiveness strategy. She emphasizes the importance of coordination on low-carbon energy goals. Veena Najibullah, Vice President of Research and Strategy at the Asia-Pacific Foundation, analyzes Prime Minister Carney's recent meeting with China's President Xi, noting a strategic shift but no major breakthroughs. They explore the diplomatic challenges of balancing U.S. relations while managing a cautious approach towards China.

Join Andrew Scheer, Conservative House leader; Peter McKay, former cabinet minister; Emily Nicola, political columnist; and Andrew Thompson, ex-Saskatchewan NDP minister, as they dissect the precarious political landscape ahead of the upcoming budget vote. Scheer outlines Conservative demands, emphasizing deficits and cost-of-living concerns. McKay discusses trade dynamics and parliamentary strategies. Nicola analyzes the potential public reactions to budget cuts, while Thompson warns of flashpoints in coalition negotiations. Will another election loom?

Former U.S. ambassador Gordon Giffin provides insight into the diplomatic fallout after Ambassador Pete Hoekstra's explosive comments directed at an Ontario trade representative. Hae-Jing Kim discusses the potential for strengthening Canada-Korea trade, focusing on key sectors like energy and defense. They also explore the implications of Hoekstra's behavior on U.S.-Canada relations and Canada’s strategy for diversifying trade amid tensions. The conversation sheds light on how diplomatic decorum impacts international negotiations.

A senior provincial source says Prime Minister Mark Carney saw Ontario's ad 'well in advance' of when it aired in the U.S., but after U.S. President Donald Trump halted trade talks, Carney called Ontario Premier Doug Ford to ask him to take it down. Alberta Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides defends the province's use of the Charter's notwithstanding clause to force striking teachers back to work. Plus, interim NDP Leader Don Davies responds to the Liberal House leader's assertion that they 'don’t have the votes’ to pass next week's federal budget yet. 

U.S. President Donald Trump was unable to say when his threat of a 10 per cent increase to tariffs on Canadian goods would become a reality on Monday, but said he wouldn't meet with Prime Minister Mark Carney 'for a long time.' Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu responds, and details a new set of budget announcements aimed at increasing tradespeople and bolstering the economy against U.S. turmoil. Plus, David Frum, who was a speechwriter for former president George W. Bush, evaluates why Trump has had such a strong reaction to the Ontario ad that the president claims is 'fake.'

The Weekly Wrap panel breaks down the biggest moments in Canadian politics this week. With Laura D’Angelo, Michael Solberg and Zain Velji.