Power & Politics: Election Daily

Each of the five candidates in the Liberal leadership race say they've made the final payment in their $350,000 entrance fee, which was due on Monday at 5 p.m. ET. Power & Politics hears from candidate Karina Gould on her path forward. Plus, P&P brings you the latest as Ontario's major party leaders face off in a debate tonight.

Conservative MPs meet for the first time this year as polling shows the gap with the Liberals tightening. Abacus Data CEO David Coletto breaks down how close the race really is, and the Pulse Panel debates whether a 'Canada first' rally on Saturday signals a pivot from the party's 'Canada is broken' messaging. Plus, Ukrainian Canadian Congress president Alexandra Chyczij responds to the U.S. defence secretary's undercutting of Ukraine's demands to end the war, and to a speech from the vice-president that stunned the Munich Security Conference.

Some candidates are weighing in on whether they'd call an election after winning the Liberal leadership in March. CBC's chief political correspondent Rosemary Barton reveals the latest on the party's readiness for an election, and the Power Panel debates whether a spring call is wise — or inevitable. Plus, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew weighs in on what he thinks Canada's premiers achieved at the White House yesterday.

The Canadian premiers' trip to Washington ended with a visit to the White House to meet with senior Trump administration officials on Wednesday. Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai explains what happened in the talks. Plus, New York Democratic Rep. Tim Kennedy says he's standing with the premiers after his own meeting with them Wednesday, saying Canada has 'many friends, partners and champions in the United States' who 'love you' and will hold the president to account.

Speaking on background to CBC News, a White House official confirmed that the 25 per cent U.S. tariffs on most Canadian goods would be in addition to the 25 per cent steel and aluminum tariffs that President Donald Trump ordered Monday — meaning Canada could face 50 per cent tariffs on the metals in March. Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne reacts. Plus, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appoints the 'fentanyl czar' he promised Trump. 

U.S. President Donald Trump said there would be 'no exceptions' as he signed an executive order for 25% tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum. Mexico's chief negotiator for the modernization of NAFTA Kenneth Smith Ramos, president of the Canadian Steel Producers Association Catherine Cobden and the Power Panel have immediate reaction. Plus, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe argues that the 'only threat' to Canada's sovereignty 'is ourself,' and criticizes the federal Liberals for a 'failure of leadership' on energy and food security. 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says President Donald Trump's threat to make Canada the 51st state is a 'real thing.' What does this mean for Canada as it deals with the U.S. administration? Power & Politics asks Minister of Labour Steven MacKinnon. Plus, the Political Pulse discusses the state of the Liberal Party leadership race. 

The Liberal Party of Canada requires leadership candidates to pay an entry fee of $350,000 in several instalments by Feb. 17. A non-refundable payment of $125,000 is due by 5 p.m. Friday. Power & Politics speaks to two underdog candidates about whether they'll have the funds in time: Karina Gould and Frank Baylis. Plus, Canada's ambassador to the UN, Bob Rae, weighs in on President Trump's plans to take over Gaza. 

Chief representative of the Palestinian General Delegation to Canada Mona Abuamara responds to President Donald Trump's 'outrageous' proposal for the U.S. to take ownership of Gaza and redevelop it, saying the Arab world would 'not allow' it to happen. Plus, University of the Fraser Valley criminologist Yvon Dandurand evaluates Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's new fentanyl policy.

Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne discusses how the Liberal government is approaching U.S. President Donald Trump's cycle of tariff deadlines and delays, and how the Liberal government plans to bolster the economy against future threats. Plus, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith presents her own strategy to 'continue de-escalating' with the U.S.