Power & Politics

Alberta will develop and submit an application to the federal Major Projects Office for a bitumen pipeline to the northwest coast of British Columbia, Alberta Premier Daniella Smith announced on Wednesday. Smith joins Power & Politics to discuss how far Alberta is willing to take the project before a private proponent must take over, and how its possible for a pipeline to proceed amid objections in B.C. Plus, Minister of Artificial Intelligence Evan Solomon denies that Canada is falling behind on AI as he begins a '30-day sprint' to generate ideas for an updated national strategy, asking: 'How do we stay in front?' 

Ten years since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its final report laying out 94 calls to action, is the federal government any further ahead on healing its relationship with Indigenous Peoples? Governor General Mary Simon reflects in a sit-down interview. Plus, Power & Politics asks Crown Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty if she thinks the government's major projects agenda collides with its path to reconciliation. 

U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled his 20-point plan to end the Israel-Hamas war on Monday, and following their White House meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to the terms. Former Canadian ambassador to Israel Jon Allen tells Power & Politics how Trump could have pressured Netanyahu to take a deal that provides amnesty for Hamas members who lay down their weapons, and what could motivate Hamas to accept the plan. Plus, NDP MP Heather McPherson makes her case for the party's leadership after launching her bid on Sunday. 

DESCRIPTION: The Weekly Wrap panel breaks down the biggest moments in Canadian politics this week. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree is in hot water after the leak of secretly recorded audio, where he cast some doubt on his government's gun buyback program. Canada Post workers launched a countrywide strike. The U.S. ambassador to Canada says Washington may need to reassess airport pre-clearance for Canadian travellers. 

After Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the recognition of a Palestinian state by Canada and several allies sent the message that 'murdering Jews pays off,' Canada's UN Ambassador Bob Rae says he 'couldn't disagree more strongly.' Canada did not take part in the mass walkout of delegates as Netanyahu was speaking. Plus, postal workers are on strike in response to proposed reforms by the federal government. Power & Politics speaks to Canada Post spokesperson Jon Hamilton.

The Liberals laid out a number of changes to Canada Post on Thursday, including a phasing out door-to-door delivery, reducing the frequency of letter mail and lifting a moratorium on closing rural post offices. Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement Joël Lightbound justifies the changes as 'the foundation to having Canada Post reach a break-even point' as the Crown corporation loses $10 million a day, saying 'Canadians can be footing the bill forever' unless Ottawa takes action. Plus, in an exclusive broadcast interview, Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin tells Power & Politics that U.S. tariffs have created a 'significant urgency' to expand trade with Canada, and that Ireland will be ratifying Canada's trade deal with the EU this year. 

Prime Minister Mark Carney defended both the Liberal gun buyback plan and Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree on Wednesday, as Conservatives continued to call for the minister's firing following the leak of an audio recording where he questioned the program's value. Alberta Justice Minister Mickey Amery joins Power & Politics to voice his own objections to the program, saying his government will not enforce the 'confiscation scheme.' Plus, CBC's Raffy Boudjikanian reports the latest on an RBC employee charged for allegedly accessing Carney's banking information.

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree kickstarts the Liberals' gun buyback program for individuals — one day after leaked audio revealed he has concerns about its effectiveness. Anandasangaree tells Power & Politics he's 'resolved' to do his job. Plus, federal Privacy Commissioner Philippe Dufresne discusses his investigation that found TikTok collected sensitive data from Canadian children.

Canada has officially recognized the state of Palestine — a significant departure from the position of Israel and the United States. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand joins Power & Politics from the United Nations. Plus, former Canadian deputy permanent representative to the United Nations Louise Blais weighs in on what this means for Canada's position on the world stage.

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