
Power & Politics: Election Daily
Power and Politics is your daily guide to Canadian politics and the latest on the election campaign trail. David Cochrane follows the leaders as they make their case for votes, checks in with the country’s best political journalists and analysts, and guides Canadians through the quickly-evolving drama of politics in election time.
Latest episodes

Feb 28, 2025 • 1h 2min
Trump berates Zelenskyy in Oval Office confrontation
Seth Moulton, a U.S. Representative, offers sharp insights into the fallout from Trump and Zelenskyy's tense Oval Office meeting, emphasizing U.S. reliability in global diplomacy. Gordon Giffen, a former U.S. ambassador, highlights the implications for NATO and Europe, while Kevin Brosseau, Canada's fentanyl czar, discusses collaborative efforts against the fentanyl crisis and border security. The episode captures community outrage over the political dynamics affecting Ukraine and the urgent need for accountability in leadership.

Feb 27, 2025 • 52min
Tariff threats reshape federal polls, Ontario election
Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller joins the discussion from Washington D.C., tackling the looming threat of 25% tariffs on Canadian imports. He underscores the potential impact on trade relations and border security, emphasizing the complexities of negotiating with the U.S. Amidst this, the conversation shifts to the Ontario election landscape, highlighting the competitive dynamics and public sentiment as parties gear up to face off. Miller's insights reflect how foreign policy intricacies deeply intertwine with local politics, shaping strategies and voter perceptions.

Feb 26, 2025 • 60min
Conservatives accuse Carney of lying about work at investment firm
Mark Carney, former Governor of the Bank of Canada and candidate for Liberal leadership, faces accusations from Conservatives about misleading claims regarding Brookfield Asset Management's relocation to the U.S. Meanwhile, fellow candidate Karina Gould sharpens her critique of opponents adopting Conservative ideologies. They discuss challenges in addressing Canada's housing crisis and the importance of effective leadership communication. Both candidates navigate the complexities of their political futures amid a shifting landscape and ongoing controversies.

Feb 25, 2025 • 13min
SPECIAL: Who won the English Liberal debate?
In a thrilling breakdown of the recent Liberal leadership debate, panelists dissect standout performances and notable flops. Karina Gould shines with her relatable connection to rural voters, while Mark Carney faces scrutiny over his debate strategy. The discussion touches on the nuances of candidates' communication skills and their ability to resonate with everyday citizens. As the race heats up, experts analyze the evolving dynamics and the impact of strategies and funding leading up to the crucial leadership vote.

Feb 25, 2025 • 60min
Will the final Liberal debate change the leadership race?
Three Liberal MPs supporting different leadership candidates break down the French-language errors and overall lack of fight in Monday's debate, and discuss how the candidates can set themselves apart in the English finale tonight. Plus, CBC and Radio-Canada reporters have the latest on the Trump administration's '51st state' threats, Newfoundland & Labrador Premier Andrew Furey's sudden announcement that he will resign and Quebec's reaction to the Liberals' French debate.

Feb 24, 2025 • 1h 1min
Can Canada and Europe replace U.S. support for Ukraine?
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and a dozen other Western leaders gathered in Kyiv on the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine — but the U.S. president was not in attendance. Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly discusses what the path to peace looks like as the U.S. steps back, and former NATO secretary general Anders Fogh Rasmussen calls for a realignment of European security because 'we are on our own.' Plus, what's at stake for all four candidates at the official French-language Liberal leadership debate on Monday night.

Feb 21, 2025 • 53min
Liberal Party kicks Ruby Dhalla out of leadership race
A Liberal Party committee voted unanimously to disqualify former MP Ruby Dhalla from the party's leadership race, citing 10 rules violations including 'alleged violations of the Canada Elections Act, certain other election finance matters, non-disclosure of material facts and inaccurate financial reporting.' Dhalla joins Power & Politics to respond to the allegations, saying the party didn't want her challenging Mark Carney.

Feb 20, 2025 • 46min
Why is Canada listing Mexican cartels as terrorists?
Public Safety Minister David McGuinty defends listing seven criminal organizations — including Mexican cartels — as terrorist entities, arguing their actions qualify as terrorism because 'they're terrorizing our communities.' Plus, Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge pitches her plan to overhaul CBC/Radio-Canada.

Feb 19, 2025 • 1h 3min
Trump triples down on threat of auto tariffs
Canada's Ambassador to the U.S. Kirsten Hillman responds to President Donald Trump's latest threat of auto tarifs 'in the neighbourhood of 25 per cent.' Transport Minister Anita Anand defends the timing and cost of the development of a high-speed rail line between Quebec City and Toronto. Plus, how Canada is responding to Trump labelling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy 'a dictator.'

Feb 18, 2025 • 58min
Do Liberal fundraising numbers show it’s Carney’s race to lose?
With $1.9 million in donations, Liberal leadership candidate Mark Carney is pulling in more money from more people than any of his competitors in the race to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau — and it's not even close, according to Elections Canada. The CBC's J.P. Tasker lays out the numbers. Plus, the Power Panel weighs in on how Conservatives are responding to Carney's lead.
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