

At Issue
CBC
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 15, 2025 • 20min
What does Carney’s cabinet say about his priorities?
Althia Raj, a keen political columnist and commentator, dives into Mark Carney's newly formed cabinet, highlighting its lean structure and strategic choices. She discusses how his appointments reflect centrist governance in the face of pressing challenges like climate policy and gender balance. The conversation also explores how Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre may adapt his campaign strategies under Carney's leadership. With a focus on imagery over substantial policy shifts, the implications of these developments on political dynamics are keenly examined.

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.