
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

Mar 14, 2025 • 22min
Are Canada-U.S. tariff meetings getting anywhere?
At Issue this week: With U.S. President Donald Trump refusing to bend on tariffs, is there any point in Canadian politicians travelling to Washington for further talks? As Mark Carney gets ready to take over as Prime Minister, who will fill his cabinet? Plus, can 24 Sussex Drive be saved? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.

Mar 10, 2025 • 19min
Carney’s landslide Liberal victory
At Issue this week: Mark Carney handily won the Liberal leadership, how his victory could shape the next government and the looming federal election. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.

Mar 7, 2025 • 23min
Is Canada’s trade war strategy working?
At Issue this week: Canada and the U.S. trade shots in a bitter trade war, but is Ottawa’s strategy working? Liberal leadership hopefuls gear up for the convention that will decide Canada’s next Prime Minister. And, how will Canadians remember Justin Trudeau? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.

Feb 28, 2025 • 23min
Did the Liberal debates change anything for the contenders?
Joining Rosemary Barton are Chantal Hébert, a seasoned political columnist, Andrew Coyne, a sharp analyst known for his insights, and Althia Raj, a keen observer of Canadian politics. They dive into the recent Liberal leadership debates, weighing the impact on candidates like Mark Carney amid conflicts of interest. They also scrutinize Jagmeet Singh's controversial call to ban Donald Trump from the G7, discuss geopolitical tariff implications, and highlight the critical need for authenticity in political leadership.

Feb 21, 2025 • 24min
How troubling are Trump’s attacks on Zelenskyy?
Trump disrupts the world order when he calls Ukraine's democratically-elected president a ‘dictator’ and seemingly sides with Russia on the war. Canada’s political leaders pitch themselves as the right response to U.S. aggression. And Trudeau unveils plans for high-speed rail. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.

Feb 14, 2025 • 23min
Premiers take tariff fight to Washington
At Issue this week: The premiers go to Washington to push back against tariffs, but was getting a meeting at the White House enough? How Trump’s threat of annexation is changing Canada’s political landscape. And political parties capitalize on a surge in Canadian patriotism. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.

Feb 7, 2025 • 23min
Is the U.S. tariff delay a win for Trudeau?
At Issue this week: U.S. President Donald Trump gives Canada a 30-day break from punishing tariffs in exchange for more border security and a ‘fentanyl czar.’ Pierre Poilievre shifts parts of his pitch to Canadians. And the opposition pushes to recall Parliament. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.

Jan 31, 2025 • 25min
Is Canada getting through to Trump on tariffs?
Chantal Hébert, a prominent Canadian political columnist, joins fellow columnists Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj to dissect the looming tariff threats from Trump. They dive into Canada's strategies and resilience in trade negotiations amid this uncertainty. The conversation shifts to a recent inquiry on foreign interference, revealing communication breakdowns within the Canadian government and raising alarms about democracy's vulnerability. They also discuss the evolving Liberal leadership race, marked by candidate withdrawals and shifting political dynamics.

Jan 24, 2025 • 23min
Is Canada ready for Trump’s tariff turmoil?
Chantal Hébert, a seasoned political commentator, Andrew Coyne, an astute columnist, and Althia Raj, a sharp analyst, dive into Canada’s turbulent relationship with U.S. tariffs. They dissect the economic impact of Trump’s threats and Canada’s strategy to counter them. The discussion shifts to the Liberal leadership race, scrutinizing candidates like Mark Carney and their grassroots support. They also explore Premier Ford’s maneuvering in Ontario, questioning the legitimacy of political actions in light of upcoming elections and economic challenges.

Jan 17, 2025 • 23min
Is Danielle Smith undermining Canada’s tariff response?
In this discussion, Andrew Coyne, a sharp political commentator, joins Althia Raj and Jason Markusoff to dissect Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's controversial stance on tariffs and the oil industry, emphasizing the rift in national unity. They also explore Mark Carney's entry into the Liberal leadership race and the implications of his policies. The panel critiques how public comments can trigger backlash during negotiations, cautioning against potential threats to Canadian sovereignty amidst rising economic tensions with the U.S.
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