
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

Jun 20, 2025 • 22min
Carney bulldozes his nation-building bill through Parliament
Joining the discussion are Althia Raj, a sharp political columnist covering Canadian politics, and Andrew Coyne, a conservative commentator offering insightful perspectives. They dive into the Liberal government's push for Prime Minister Carney's controversial projects bill and the associated risks for Indigenous consultations. The conversation also touches on Canada's evolving role in international relations, Pierre Poilievre's attempts to reshape his image, and the implications of new legislation on public trust and political dynamics.

Jun 13, 2025 • 22min
What Carney’s G7 invite list says about his priorities
Althia Raj, a savvy political columnist, joins Andrew Coyne and Chantal Hébert, both seasoned commentators on Canadian politics. They delve into Mark Carney's intriguing G7 invite list, discussing the significance of inviting leaders like Modi and the Saudi Crown Prince. The trio examines Canada’s defense spending boost, navigating the delicate balance of military readiness and economic growth. They also tackle the complexities of U.S.-Canada trade negotiations and the potential outcomes amid a shifting political landscape.

Jun 6, 2025 • 24min
Carney and Trump hold private tariff talks
Joining the discussion are Althia Raj, a sharp political columnist breaking down key stories, Andrew Coyne, known for his insightful takes on Canadian issues, and Chantal Hébert, who provides expert analysis on political events. The trio dives into the high-stakes private tariff talks between Carney and Trump, examining their implications for Canada-U.S. relations. They also tackle concerns over a controversial new border security bill and dig into the dynamics of provincial infrastructure pitches, sparking a discussion on unity and dissent in Canadian politics.

May 30, 2025 • 23min
Canada caught in Trump tariff uncertainty
Andrew Coyne, a prominent columnist known for his keen political insights, joins Althia Raj, a political columnist focusing on Canadian dynamics, to discuss the intricate dance of tariffs between Canada and the U.S. They delve into the recent court ruling favoring Canada and its implications for trade negotiations. The guests also break down the chaotic nature of U.S. tariff policies and analyze the Prime Minister's performance in Parliament, emphasizing the need for accountability and strategic planning as Canada navigates these turbulent waters.

May 28, 2025 • 9min
What the King’s speech says about Carney’s priorities
King Charles' historic throne speech sets the stage for a deep analysis of Canada’s current political landscape. The panel discusses its significance, emphasizing the king’s role in fostering national unity and sovereignty. They dive into the speech's symbolism, contrasting Canadian and American identities, while highlighting key political reactions. Moreover, the conversation uncovers the government’s minimalist agenda, tackling issues of environmental priorities and gauging its appeal to various political factions. A thought-provoking exploration of the monarchy's influence on contemporary governance!

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.