Power & Politics

Amanda Alvaro, former Liberal communications strategist, weighs in on party strategy. Tim Powers, Conservative strategist, analyzes Conservative reactions and leadership pressure. Tom Lawson, retired general, dissects U.S.-Iran ceasefire and NATO implications. James Maloney, Liberal caucus chair, explains the recruitment and parliamentary math. They debate cross-party moves, electoral consequences and security risks in short, punchy conversations.

Arif Lalani, former Canadian ambassador, gives diplomatic context. Payam Akhavan, human rights lawyer and former UN prosecutor, explains legal angles. Bob Rae, ex‑UN ambassador and political leader, critiques U.S. policy. They dissect Trump's last‑minute ceasefire announcement, threats against Iran, legal risks around targeting civilian infrastructure, and the geopolitical fallout for allies and global order.

Nathan Cullen, former NDP MP and provincial minister, offers political strategy and domestic perspective. Rob Rousseau, The Economist's Canada correspondent, analyzes international messaging and Canadian reactions. John Fraser, author and commentator, examines the Governor-General's role. Aaron David Miller, former Middle East negotiator, explains U.S.-Iran tensions and military vs diplomatic options. They discuss Trump's Iran deadline, rescue narrative, NATO implications, and looming Canadian by-elections.

Fred DeLorey, a former Conservative campaign manager now at North Star Public Affairs, and Greg McEachern, a former Liberal ministerial staffer turned strategist at Cannes Strategies, debate Canada's shifting political landscape. They discuss Avi Lewis's NDP tilt and internal divisions. They analyze Poilievre's brand choices, by-elections that could hand a Liberal majority, and Carney's balancing of international profile with domestic delivery.

Joël‑Denis Bellavance, La Presse parliamentary bureau chief, on Quebec dynamics and regional campaigns. Rob Russo, The Economist Canada correspondent, on electoral math and public opinion in Quebec. Aaron Wherry, senior CBC political journalist, on federal strategy and campaign implications. They debate by-election stakes, possible shifts in committee control, Quebec’s political rebound, and the politics of a gas-tax cut.

Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association, warns that assembling partly built Chinese EVs in Brampton could weaken local suppliers and jobs. Dan Albas, Conservative MP and transportation critic, urges a federal gas tax holiday and proposes cancelling the ALTO high-speed rail to fund relief. Daniel Tisch, CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, makes the economic case for high-speed rail and its job and growth benefits.

Lana Payne, national president of Unifor and an advocate for auto sector jobs and Canadian industrial policy. She discusses reports about Stellantis potentially assembling Chinese EVs in Brampton and warns partial knockdown-kit assembly would create few jobs. Payne urges enforcement of manufacturing commitments, calls for stronger Canadian auto policy and highlights Buy Canadian and U.S. trade grievances.

Former Ontario NDP leader, Canadian UN ambassador and humanitarian Stephen Lewis died at the age of 88 on Tuesday. Environmentalist David Suzuki tells Power & Politics about the time he spent with his friend less than two days before his death, and about his hope that Lewis's model will endure for Canadian youth: 'That you can stand up for your principals, you don't have to compromise them in order to gain electoral power.' Plus, Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin says Ottawa is 'categorically' not lowering emissions requirements for Alberta despite failing to deliver two deals the day before their pipeline MOU's deadline. 

Avi Lewis, filmmaker and activist newly elected NDP leader, outlines public options, housing expansion, and limits on fossil fuel growth. Brad Levine, former NDP national campaign director, analyzes party unity and strategy. Gregor Robertson, federal housing and infrastructure minister, discusses funding and development-charge reforms. Stephen Lecce, Ontario energy minister, covers critical minerals, U.S. advocacy, and continental energy messaging.

Laura D'Angelo, former adviser to Justin Trudeau, offers federal strategy and online harms perspective. Rachel Segal, ex-Harper policy director, breaks down defence spending and accountability. Zane Valji, former Alberta NDP strategist, analyzes federal-provincial energy politics. They debate NATO 2% meaning, what the money actually buys, pipeline negotiations and international student policy impacts.