The National's Rosemary Barton tackles the week's big political stories with Canada's leading political journalists, including Chantal Hébert and Andrew Coyne. A podcast that helps you understand the why behind the moves and decisions of your elected officials.
Do Canada's bail reforms go far enough?
The Liberals have tabled new legislation to tighten up the bail system and targeting repeat violent offenders, but will these new measures lead to a safer Canada? PLUS, Quebec politicians are taking a firm stance against a federal promise to increase immigration saying it could harm the province. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Althia Raj and Andrew Coyne.
1/1/1 • 25 minutes, 24 seconds
Does the 2023 Federal Budget show fiscal restraint?
The 2023 federal budget is out, but does it show the fiscal restraint the Liberals say it does? And how does it help Canadians deal with inflation and affordability? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj for special budget day At Issue.
1/1/1 • 10 minutes, 57 seconds
Should Canada expel diplomats accused of interference?
Reports Conservative MP Michael Chong and his family overseas were targeted by China have raised questions about why the diplomat accused of interference wasn’t kicked out of Canada. Plus, how are the Liberals planning to re-energize the party. Chantal Hébert, Althia Raj and Kelly Cryderman weigh in on that and more.
1/1/1 • 23 minutes, 33 seconds
Is Justin Trudeau still the best option to lead the Liberal party?
With more resignations from the Trudeau Foundation how damaging is this story for the Liberals? Plus with the 10 year anniversary of Trudeau winning the Liberal party leadership, Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj look back on his decade of leadership.
1/1/1 • 23 minutes, 19 seconds
Political fallout from Han Dong’s resignation
What's to be made of Han Dong's resignation from the Liberal caucus, and how does this affect calls for a public inquiry into foreign meddling in Canada’s elections? Plus, Joe Biden’s visit to Canada and the potential for progress on some key issues. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne, Althia Raj and Alex Panetta.
1/1/1 • 22 minutes, 27 seconds
Trudeau’s pitch for green tech investments
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pitches Canada as a partner for the green technology industry and a reliable source of critical minerals like lithium. Plus, Trudeau has said we will never hit our NATO spending targets, what does that mean for Canada's international reputation? Plus, Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj weigh in on the PSAC strike and if the PM needs to get involved
1/1/1 • 22 minutes, 32 seconds
Was expelling China’s diplomat the right move?
Canada expelled a Chinese diplomat accused of foreign interference, and China quickly retaliated. What does the move say about the government’s approach to foreign policy? Plus, Alberta calls on the military to help fight wildfires. Is it time to postpone the provincial election? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Althia Raj, Andrew Coyne and Jason Markusoff.
1/1/1 • 23 minutes, 42 seconds
Is Poilievre’s Liberal budget pushback a strategic pivot?
Does Pierre Poilievre’s pushback on the Liberal budget signal a shift in priorities for the Conservatives? Plus, what more we learned this week about David Johnston’s decision not to call a public inquiry. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
1/1/1 • 22 minutes, 59 seconds
What does improving relations between Quebec and the PM mean for the Liberals?
After record investments in the province the At Issue panel looks at the improving relationship between Quebec Premier François Legault and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and what it could mean for the next election. Plus, are polls lowering voter turnout? Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj break down a new report from Ontario's election officer on the value of polls.
1/1/1 • 22 minutes, 35 seconds
Should David Johnston step down as special rapporteur?
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has passed a motion calling for David Johnston to leave his role probing foreign interference allegations, but Johnston says he’s not done. PLUS, what does the boost in RCMP protection for senior government ministers and public servants say about our political climate? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
1/1/1 • 23 minutes, 3 seconds
Who is to blame for Paul Bernardo's transfer?
The opposition is calling for Marco Mendicino's job, after his office failed to inform him of serial killer Paul Bernardo's transfer to a medium-security prison. Will heads roll because of this communication breakdown? Plus, The RCMP are starting their own investigation into foreign interference, does that add to the calls for a public inquiry? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
1/1/1 • 23 minutes, 29 seconds
Could the federal public service strike have been avoided?
More than 155,000 federal public service workers go on strike. How has the government responded to the biggest job action in decades, and could it have been avoided? Plus, Pierre Poilievre renews his attacks on the CBC with help from Twitter CEO Elon Musk. Chantal Hebert, Althia Raj and Paul Wells reflect on his battle with the public broadcaster.
1/1/1 • 24 minutes, 51 seconds
Could opposition pressure tactics force an interference inquiry?
Will the opposition parties pull their support for the Liberals over their refusal to hold a public inquiry on foreign interference? Plus, Albertans head to the polls on May 29. How will it shape the future of the province and its relationship with Ottawa? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Althia Raj Andrew Coyne and Kelly Cryderman.
1/1/1 • 23 minutes, 1 second
Will a cabinet shuffle solve the Liberal’s problems?
The House of Commons has adjourned for the summer, but there are rumblings of a cabinet shuffle in the coming weeks. Would a change help the Liberals? Plus, the big takeaways from this week’s federal byelections. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
1/1/1 • 22 minutes, 46 seconds
Hard truths from the N.S. mass shooting report
What changes should be made to the RCMP in light of the Mass Casualty Commission’s damning report on the force’s actions during the 2020 mass shooting in Nova Scotia. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Althia Raj and Aaron Wherry.
1/1/1 • 23 minutes, 3 seconds
Trudeau’s choice to lead election interference probe
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has tapped Governor General David Johnston as special rapporteur to examine allegations of foreign election interference. Is he the right choice? Plus, Pierre Poilievre’s plans to sue Big Pharma to fund addiction treatment. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
1/1/1 • 22 minutes, 16 seconds
Should Ottawa be worried about Danielle Smith’s win in Alberta?
In her victory speech, newly re-elected Premier Danielle Smith vowed to stand up against federal policies that she says undermined Alberta, including ambitious green energy plans. Should the Trudeau government be worried? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Althia Raj Andrew Coyne and Jason Markusoff.
1/1/1 • 10 minutes, 8 seconds
Should the Liberals be worried about Poilievre’s momentum?
The end of summer brought with it a new political narrative, with increasing pressure on the Liberal government to help Canadians through an affordability crisis — something the Conservatives have been successfully leveraging. How concerned should the Liberals be about this shifting momentum? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
1/1/1 • 23 minutes, 9 seconds
Is the government doing enough to fix the housing crisis?
With Canadians struggling with the cost of housing, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced new funding to build homes and a plan to remove GST on new construction of rental apartments, something the Opposition says is overdue. But are these moves enough to help Canadians? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
1/1/1 • 22 minutes, 10 seconds
What’s next for Canada-India relations?
Allegations over the killing of a pro-Khalistan Canadian activist have heightened tensions between Canada and India, so where does the relationship go from here? Plus, was the Ontario government’s reversal on the Greenbelt land swap too late? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj
1/1/1 • 23 minutes, 36 seconds
Is the Speaker’s resignation enough?
Speaker of the House Anthony Rota resigns after he invited a man who fought with a Nazi unit to the House of Commons, but is it enough or does the prime minister need to make an apology, too? Rosemary Barton hosts Aaron Wherry, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj
1/1/1 • 10 minutes, 11 seconds
Is Trudeau’s apology enough to fix the Nazi controversy damage?
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau apologized on behalf of Canada for the House Speaker’s decision to invite a Ukrainian man who fought for Nazi Germany to Parliament. Is it enough to fix the political damage, and how has it impacted Canada’s international reputation? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj
1/1/1 • 24 minutes, 35 seconds
School pronouns and the ‘parental rights’ fight
Some conservative politicians have taken the division over pronouns in schools to the campaign trail calling it ‘parental rights,’ but what’s the fight really about? Plus, will government action make food more affordable for Canadians? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
1/1/1 • 22 minutes, 45 seconds
Trudeau and Poilievre’s united front on Israel
With the escalating war between Israel and Hamas, how important is it for Justin Trudeau and Pierre Poilievre to maintain a united front? What’s the state of the NDP and its deal with the Liberals? Plus, what an RCMP investigation into the plan to develop Ontario’s Greenbelt could mean for Doug Ford and his government. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Althia Raj and Jason Markusoff.
1/1/1 • 23 minutes, 2 seconds
Alberta’s threat to pull out of the Canada Pension Plan
Prime Minister Trudeau sends an open letter to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith warning of the consequences of pulling out of the Canada Pension Plan. The NDP drops a pharmacare ultimatum on the Liberals. Plus, Quebec’s plan to hike tuition fees for out-of-province students. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
1/1/1 • 23 minutes, 55 seconds
Did Trudeau cave to carbon tax pressure?
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a three-year pause on the carbon tax on home heating oil, a move aimed at people in Atlantic Canada — but is it really a victory for the opposition? Plus, why is Pierre Poilievre still talking about vaccine mandates? And can Ottawa halt Alberta’s plans for its own pension plan? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
1/1/1 • 23 minutes, 43 seconds
Was Trudeau’s carbon tax pause on heating oil a mistake?
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is fighting the provinces and the Opposition about the carbon tax after a pause on home heating oil, so was the move a mistake? Plus, with criticism of his leadership getting louder, is it time for Trudeau to go? And a look at Canada’s latest immigration targets. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne, Althia Raj and Kelly Cryderman
1/1/1 • 22 minutes, 53 seconds
Is climate change taking a back seat to affordability?
The Conservatives and NDP are pushing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for more breaks from the carbon tax, but an environment commissioner’s report questions if enough is being done to reach Canada’s climate goals. Plus, will an anti-replacement bill help labour negotiations during strikes? And what to expect from the economic update. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
1/1/1 • 23 minutes, 26 seconds
Trudeau’s call for ‘maximum restraint’ from Israel
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been called out by members of the Israeli government for saying Israel needs to exercise 'maximum restraint’ in Gaza. Plus, with the Liberals falling in the polls, how should they respond? And is universal pharmacare in jeopardy? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
1/1/1 • 24 minutes, 12 seconds
Canada's gloomy fall economic statement
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland tabled a trimmed-down economic update aimed at avoiding a recession -- but it predicts this country's economic growth will slow to a crawl. Is it enough to help struggling Canadians? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
1/1/1 • 9 minutes, 17 seconds
Conservatives vote against Ukraine free-trade deal
Federal Conservatives voted against a free-trade deal with Ukraine this week because it mentions carbon pricing, a requirement for joining the EU. What does the stance say about the party’s support for Ukraine? Plus, what does a confirmed report the U.S. stopped an assassination attempt by the Indian government mean for tensions between Canada and India? And, how is the premier handling Quebec’s public worker strike? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
1/1/1 • 24 minutes, 39 seconds
Google and the government’s $100M news deal
The federal government and Google reached a deal for the tech giant to pay $100 million each year to Canadian news outlets, so how significant is the deal and will Meta follow suit? Plus, what message is Alberta sending by using the Sovereignty Act over federal energy regulations? And the fallout after an MP asked a cabinet minister not to speak French. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne, Althia Raj and Kelly Cryderman
1/1/1 • 24 minutes, 21 seconds
Will provinces support Canada’s emissions cap?
At Issue this week: The federal government unveiled its framework to cap oil and gas emissions without lowering production, but will the provinces buy in? Plus, Speaker Greg Fergus says he won’t resign despite concerns of partisanship. And Pierre Poilievre’s plan to delay Parliament over the carbon tax. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
1/1/1 • 23 minutes, 12 seconds
Tensions over Canada’s Gaza ceasefire shift
At Issue this week: Tensions emerge in the Liberal caucus over the government's decision to vote in favour of a UN resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Plus, a look at the state of parliament as MPs prepare to head back to their ridings for the holidays. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
1/1/1 • 23 minutes, 8 seconds
The political highs and lows of 2023
The At Issue panel breaks down the biggest political stories of the year, from affordability to allegations of foreign interference — all while wars fuelled global instability and division. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
1/1/1 • 23 minutes, 29 seconds
Who’s Canada’s most honest politician? (+ more of your questions)
The At Issue panel answers questions from across the country about the state of Canadian politics as we wrap up 2023. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
1/1/1 • 27 minutes, 1 second
Ed Broadbent’s legacy
At Issue this week: The legacy of former NDP leader Ed Broadbent, who died at 87. New documents show the federal government was warned two years ago that high immigration levels could affect housing costs. Plus, Saskatchewan’s carbon tax showdown. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
1/1/1 • 23 minutes, 57 seconds
What should Canada do about the influx of asylum seekers?
At Issue this week: Quebec’s premier asks Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to slow the influx of asylum seekers, saying his province is at a “breaking point.” Extreme cold strains Alberta’s power grid, and the province blames Ottawa’s focus on green energy. Plus, Rachel Notley steps down as leader of the Alberta NDP. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne, Althia Raj and Jason Markusoff.
1/1/1 • 25 minutes, 42 seconds
Testing the limitations of the Emergencies Act
At Issue this week: A federal judge ruled the government’s use of the Emergencies Act was unreasonable and infringed on Charter Rights, so what are the consequences for the Liberals? Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will have to rally his caucus after an MP called for a leadership review, then walked it back. Plus, adapting Canada-U.S. relations ahead of the presidential election. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
1/1/1 • 22 minutes, 27 seconds
At Issue | Alberta’s gender-identity policies
At Issue this week: Alberta introduces new policies restricting access to gender-affirming care for minors and requiring parental consent for pronoun and name changes at school. The Liberals consider a carbon-tax rebrand. Plus, the Conservative party’s record-setting year of fundraising. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
