At Issue Political response to the B.C. mass shooting
Feb 13, 2026
Andrew Coyne, veteran political columnist on strategy and leadership; Chantal Hébert, analyst of federal politics and premiers; Althia Raj, commentator on elections and public policy. They discuss political unity after the B.C. mass shooting, language and Quebec politics, how unity shifts to policy debates, Trump’s Gordie Howe Bridge rhetoric and its credibility, and an MP refusing a pay raise.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Leadership Requires Being Politic
- Political leaders must be “politic” to put politics aside, finding words and gestures that fit the public mood.
- Andrew Coyne argues unity moments are political acts that must be carefully managed rather than genuinely apolitical.
Unity Is Often Authentic In Tragedy
- Non-partisan displays after tragedy can be authentic and welcome, calming public debate temporarily.
- Althia Raj notes leaders often set aside demonizing rhetoric and speak as parents or community members in those moments.
Language Choice Can Signal Outreach
- Bloc Québécois leader speaking in English was a deliberate outreach to British Columbia rather than a political misstep.
- Chantal Hébert argues his choice reflected representing Quebecers and communicating directly to affected people.