Why invest billions in automakers?

Prime Minister Mark Carney has unveiled the government's new auto strategy – which pulls the plug on the EV sales mandate, but includes measures to encourage Canadians to buy EVs and companies to build and sell those cars here.

Host Catherine Cullen asks Industry Minister Mélanie Joly why taxpayers should continue to spend money to help automakers. Then, auto industry expert Greig Mordue explains how auto makers may react, and climate scientist Simon Donner weighs in on whether the policy will result in more EVs on Canadian roads. 

After that, Kathleen Petty, the host of CBC political podcast West of Centre, explains why Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is demanding more say over judicial appointments as concerns grow over Alberta's separatist movement — and its leaders meeting with Trump Republicans in Washington.

Plus, hundreds of politicos gathered in Ottawa this week to commemorate the 20th anniversary of former prime minister Stephen Harper forming government. Harper’s official portrait artist Phil Richards, as well as Harper biographer John Ibbitson and Toronto Star bureau chief Tonda MacCharles discuss what the painting tells us about Harper, his legacy and whether he might return to public life as separatism brews in his home province, Alberta.

Finally, the federal government has said it is gearing up to revive online harms legislation which could include Australia-like age restrictions on social media use. Josephine Maharaj, a 12th grader who testified at a parliamentary committee on online safety this week, and law professor Suzie Dunn tell host Catherine Cullen what they think the government should do to make the internet safer.

This episode features the voices of:

• Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry
• Greig Mordue, associate professor at W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology at McMaster University
• Simon Donner, climate scientist and professor at the University of British Columbia
• Kathleen Petty, host of CBC political podcast West of Centre
• Phil Richards, Canadian artist
• John Ibbitson, journalist and author of "Stephen Harper"
• Tonda MacCharles, Ottawa bureau chief for the Toronto Star
• Josephine Maharaj, youth rights advocate with Children First Canada.
• Suzie Dunn, interim director of the Law & Technology Institute at Dalhousie University