Power & Politics

Prime Minister Mark Carney says U.S. President Donald Trump respected Canada's sovereignty in the leaders' call on Friday. CBC reporters have the latest on what was said, and our political insiders debate whether Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's argument that Carney is Trump's preferred candidate will register with voters. Plus, the mayors of Toronto and Columbus, Ohio, discuss the way forward on tariffs.

Prime Minister Mark Carney says that 'nothing is off the table' to respond to U.S. President Donald Trump's auto tariffs, and that the U.S. relationship based on increasing integration 'is over.' The Power Panel debates whether the Liberal, Conservative and NDP leaders are meeting the tariff moment with their respective arguments for economic independence. Plus, Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association president Flavio Volpe and Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association president Brian Kingston assess the potential damage tariffs could do to the auto sector. 

Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association president Brian Kingston provides instant reaction to the U.S. president's announcement of 25 per cent tariffs on vehicle imports beginning April 2. Party leaders react, and Kingston and the Power Panel tackle confusion about how the White House says the tariffs will apply in North America. Plus, the latest on how Liberal Leader Mark Carney's green funds at Brookfield avoided some taxes by registering in Bermuda. 

A new Globe and Mail report on alleged Indian meddling supporting Pierre Poilievre's Conservative leadership bid has Poilievre battling more questions about his refusal to get security clearance. The Globe and Mail's Robert Fife expands on what his source with top-secret clearance revealed to him about CSIS' allegations. Plus, the Power Panel and former CSIS executive manager Dan Stanton break down Poilievre's defence — and his opponents' attacks — over refusing clearance. 

The Liberals and Conservatives are making two separate proposals to cut the tax rate for the lowest income bracket in the first two days of the campaign. The Power Panel debates whether either cut can fit into an uncertain fiscal picture — or between other commitments that could cost tens of billions of dollars. Plus, TheWrit.ca's Éric Grenier breaks down where the polls are at the start of the election, and CBC reporters bring you the latest from every stop on the campaign trail.

Rob Tinline, the British High Commissioner to Canada, discusses the evolving Canada-UK relationship amid U.S. trade tensions, highlighting the need for mutual support and sovereignty. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, reflects on the outcomes of the First Minister's meeting, where political strategies around the impending federal election were a focal point. The conversation delves into critical economic strategies to boost GDP and streamline trade, addressing the significant impact of international dynamics on Canadian politics.

CBC's Rosemary Barton and Radio-Canada's Louis Blouin report that — according to sources — Prime Minister Mark Carney will ask the Governor General to dissolve Parliament Sunday, and Canadians will vote in a federal election on either April 28 or May 5. The Toronto Star's Robert Benzie discusses his report that Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called Premier Doug Ford to ask for his help in the upcoming election, but Ford said he was too busy. Plus, former Privy Council clerk Michael Wernick explains how a caretaker government can and can't respond to additional U.S. tariffs if they're implemented on April 2.

Mélanie Joly, Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, and Jason Johnston, a dedicated canola farmer, share their insights on pressing political and economic issues. Joly addresses President Trump's unexpected comments favoring Canadian liberals, exploring implications for U.S.-Canada relations and election dynamics. Meanwhile, Johnston discusses the harsh realities of Chinese tariffs impacting his business and farming sector. Their conversation dives into the broader context of trade tensions and Canada’s strategic moves amidst international challenges.

CBC’s Poll Tracker shows the Liberal Party in majority territory for the first time in years. Two pollsters join Power & Politics to explain what’s happening: CEO and founder of Abacus Data, David Coletto, and executive vice-president of the Eastern Canada team for Leger, Sébastien Dallaire. ‘Millions’ more Canadians are now open to voting Liberal under Mark Carney, says Coletto. Plus, the Conservatives accuse Carney of ‘hiding’ his assets from Canadians. We ask a blind trust expert whether Carney is falling short of meeting conflict of interest rules.