Power And Politics

April 19, 2024 - New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs tells Power & Politics the 2024 federal budget is 'a never-ending spending platform' that continues to plunge Canada into debt. Higgs' comments come as premiers write to the prime minister calling on him to stay out of areas of provincial jurisdiction. The Power Panel weighs in on the pushback on the federal spending plan. 

April 18, 2024 - Speaker of the Ontario Legislature Ted Arnott is defending his decision to ban the wearing of keffiyehs in the chamber. Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles put forward a motion to reverse the ban on Thursday, but despite support from Ontario Premier Doug Ford, the motion failed when it did not receive unanimous consent. Stiles tells Power & Politics the premier will have to address the division in legislature caused by the ban.

April 17, 2024 - Canada's wealthiest individuals and corporations will soon pay taxes on a larger share of the capital gains they earn under a new provision in the 2024 budget. Canadian business groups warn this change could drive businesses out of Canada and harm productivity. Minister of Small Business Rechie Valdez says the tax policy changes will affect less than one per cent of Canadians. Plus, more stakeholder reaction on Power & Politics.

April 16, 2024 - Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland tabled her fourth budget today, which calls for about $52.9 billion in new spending over the next five years. The result is a projected budget deficit of about $40 billion in the 2024-25 fiscal year — roughly what Freeland projected in the Fall Economic Statement. Freeland explains her plan on Power & Politics. Plus, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and Bloc Quebecois revenue critic Jean-Denis Garon react.

 April 15, 2024 - World leaders are calling for de-escalation after Iran fired hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel this weekend. But Israel says Iran has crossed 'every red line.' Canada's Ambassador to the United Nations Bob Rae discusses the diplomatic efforts underway. Plus, the government is set to propose billions in new spending in its 2024 budget this week -- and it could include new taxes to pay for all of the promises. CBC reporters share what they've learned ahead of the big reveal.

April 12, 2024 - Power & Politics speaks to Housing Minister Sean Fraser as the Liberals lay out their full plan to address the housing crisis. Plus, we ask Alberta Premier Danielle Smith why she's threatening to block municipalities from cutting their own deals with Ottawa.

 April 11, 2024 - Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has introduced legislation that would compel municipalities, schools or agencies looking to make deals with the federal government to first secure provincial approval. Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek tells us what this means for her city. Plus, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal is visiting Canada on his first trip outside of Europe. He tells Power & Politics he doesn't want the security of France and Europe to depend on the outcome of U.S. elections.

April 9, 2024 - The prime minister's top staffers testify before the inquiry into foreign interference, challenging some of the intelligence leaks that prompted the public inquiry in the first place. The CBC's Karina Roman brings us the latest.

April 8, 2024 - The Liberal government announced a new defence policy update that is projected to bring Canadian defence spending to 1.76 per cent of GDP by 2029 — still short of its NATO commitment to spend 2 per cent of GDP on defence. Power & Politics speaks to Defence Minister Bill Blair. Plus, the inquiry into foreign interference heard from top bureaucrats tasked with monitoring our elections today. The senior officials explained in public, for the first time, the decisions they made during recent elections. The CBC's Karina Roman breaks it all down.

April 5, 2024 - In a statement issued Friday evening, MP Anthony Housefather said he will remain in the Liberal caucus despite his concerns about the party's support for a motion on Palestinian statehood. He speaks to Power & Politics about his decision. Plus, Israel has promised to open new humanitarian aid routes into Gaza after the U.S. warned it to do a better job of protecting civilians or risk losing Washington's support. Canada's former ambassador to Israel discusses the mounting pressure on Israel from the United States. 

April 4, 2024 - U.S. automaker Ford is delaying the start of electric vehicle production at its plant in Oakville, Ont. by two years, until 2027. The company says the delay will cause layoffs. Power & Politics hears from the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association and Unifor on the industry impacts of this decision. Plus, U.S. President Joe Biden has warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that U.S. policy on Gaza could change if Israel doesn't take new steps to protect civilians. A Middle East expert breaks down what this could mean for the war in Gaza.

April 3, 2024 - Former Conservative leader Erin O'Toole told the Foreign Interference Commission inquiry today that he believes his party lost five to nine seats because of a foreign misinformation campaign aimed at some Conservative candidates in 2021. Power & Politics hears from O'Toole after his testimony. Plus, Ontario Premier Doug Ford is pushing back against the federal government's call for provinces to require municipalities to build more fourplexes. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow tells Power & Politics that cities make building decisions at the end of the day.

April 2, 2024 - The federal government is pledging billions of dollars in new money to tackle Canada's housing crisis, but much of it will be accessible only to provinces and territories that agree to certain conditions. Power & Politics speaks to Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Minister Sean Fraser about those conditions. Plus, former Liberal MP Han Dong addresses allegations China helped him win his seat in 2019. We'll bring you the latest from the Public Inquiry Into Foreign Interference.

April 1, 2024 - With affordability still a major challenge for many households, what should Canadians expect from Budget 2024? We ask economists Kevin Page and Armine Yalnizyan. Plus, Anne McLennan and Lisa Raitt of the Coalition for a Better Future give their annual score card for the economy.

March 29, 2024 - The Political Pulse panel breaks down what's at stake for the Liberals, Conservatives and NDP in Budget 2024. 

 March 28, 2024 - Alberta Premier Danielle Smith told a House of Commons committee Thursday that the carbon tax is 'reckless, immoral' and 'inhumane.' We ask her about her province's plan to hit emissions targets. Plus, Minister of Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson responds.

Mar. 27, 2024 - Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe spoke against the federal government's carbon tax before committee on Wednesday, later telling Power & Politics it's not needed to solve climate change. Plus, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his government will introduce new measures aimed at protecting renters in the upcoming budget. We hear from Minister for Women, Gender Equality and Youth Marci Ien on her government's approach.

March 26, 2024 - Ontario tables its largest budget in provincial history, worth $214 billion. New spending for things like housing and health care is driving a ballooning deficit. The CBC's Meagan Fitzpatrick brings us the latest from Queen's Park. Plus, four premiers are asking to testify before a House of Commons committee about their staunch opposition to the planned increase in the carbon tax on April 1. Power & Politics asks New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs why he wants to speak to the committee.

March 25, 2024 - Ottawa is reviewing Ontario's housing counter-proposal after threatening to pull millions of dollars in federal funding, federal Housing Minister Sean Fraser tells Power & Politics. The United Nations Security Council votes to demand an immediate Ramadan ceasefire in Gaza. Two geopolitical experts weigh in on what this could mean for U.S-Israel relations.

 Mar. 22, 2024 - Catherine, Princess of Wales, revealed Friday in a video statement that she has been diagnosed with cancer, a surprise disclosure after an extended period of frenzied public speculation on the state of her health. Plus, in a one-on-one with Power & Politics' David Cochrane, Ben Mulroney, son of the late prime minister Brian Mulroney, reflects on his father’s political legacy.