
At Issue
Cut through the spin with Canada’s top political journalists. Host Rosemary Barton and columnists Althia Raj, Chantal Hébert and Andrew Coyne break down the week’s biggest political stories shaping the country. Brought to you by CBC News: The National. New episodes drop every Friday.
Latest episodes

May 23, 2025 • 23min
Carney sets up throne speech
Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne, and Althia Raj dive into Canada's political landscape, analyzing Prime Minister Mark Carney's upcoming throne speech and its implications. They discuss the evolving government priorities and the vagueness of mandate letters. The trio also explores Canada’s shift in foreign policy towards new alliances and its humanitarian stance in the Middle East. Additionally, they examine the Liberal Party's internal power dynamics and the potential for leadership changes, highlighting the mix of progressive strategies and voter expectations.

May 16, 2025 • 23min
Carney government’s priorities
Political columnist Althia Raj, journalist Aaron Wherry, and analyst Rob Russo delve into Prime Minister Mark Carney's new cabinet choices, shedding light on their implications for governance. They discuss the challenges of balancing regional interests and environmental policies within a larger cabinet. The trio critiques the government's delay in releasing the budget, questioning accountability and transparency. They also explore ongoing election controversies in Quebec and the urgency of economic decisions as the country faces potential recession.

May 9, 2025 • 24min
Will Carney’s meeting with Trump change anything?
In this discussion, political columnists Althia Raj and Chantal Hébert tackle the potential impact of Prime Minister Mark Carney's meeting with President Trump on Canada-U.S. relations. They explore the mixed public reactions and the complexities of trade negotiations stemming from this encounter. Additionally, they address the challenges facing the Conservative Party under interim leader Andrew Scheer and delve into Alberta's sovereignty debate, revealing how these political dynamics reflect shifting power and public sentiment.

May 2, 2025 • 22min
Carney’s first moves
Chantal Hébert, a seasoned political columnist, Andrew Coyne, known for his incisive insights, and Althia Raj, a prominent journalist, dive into the challenges faced by Prime Minister Mark Carney and his new minority government. They discuss the importance of strategic cabinet appointments and the complexities in dealing with provincial leaders. The trio also analyzes the Conservative Party's leadership struggles post-election and speculates on the Green Party's potential under Elizabeth May's influence. Expect lively debates on the political landscape!

Apr 30, 2025 • 16min
Can Mark Carney unify with a minority?
At Issue: Canada Votes edition | A tight race leaves the Liberals with a minority, the Conservatives with a seatless leader and a country divided. Can Prime Minister Mark Carney build unity in the face of unprecedented threats, and what comes next for the House of Commons? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.

Apr 25, 2025 • 23min
Party leaders unveil their platforms — finally
At Issue this week: All the major federal parties have finally released their costed platforms, but will they sway voters? What does the path to victory look like for each party on election night? And could some leaders lose their own seats? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.

Apr 18, 2025 • 18min
Did the federal leaders’ debate change anything?
Major party leaders meet in Montreal for the English-language leaders' debate with less than two weeks until Canada votes. And event organizers are forced to cancel the post-debate news conferences over security concerns. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.

Apr 17, 2025 • 17min
Who came off best in the French debate?
In a special Canada Votes edition of At Issue, Rosemary Barton and the panel discuss who came off best and worst in the French-language leaders' debate, whether Mark Carney’s French passed muster, and whether Pierre Poilievre succeeded in appearing more prime ministerial. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.

Apr 12, 2025 • 50min
Will politics ever be less partisan? At Issue answers your questions
Rosemary Barton and The National’s At Issue panel bring the political discussion to Halifax, answering questions from Canadians about the biggest issues on the federal campaign trail. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.

Apr 11, 2025 • 18min
Poilievre pulls big crowds, but does it matter?
In this special Canada Votes edition live from Halifax, The National’s At Issue panel breaks down the latest from the federal election campaign trail, including rally stops in Alberta and an appearance by former Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper. Plus, how party leaders are dealing with the media. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.