Power & Politics
CBC
On Power & Politics, host David Cochrane asks decision-makers the questions that matter – and gets answers. Every weekday, we feature hard-hitting interviews with politicians and leaders, check in with CBC’s top political journalists for updates on breaking stories, and take the time to analyze the latest developments with a cast of regular panelists and critical thinkers. Whether you’re getting caught up on Canadian politics daily or weekly, we’ve got an insider’s view of the continuously-unfolding drama.'
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 5, 2026 • 41min
Iran war draws in more than a dozen countries
After just six days of the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran, more than a dozen countries have become involved either as direct targets or through interception of drones and missiles. Arif Lalani, a former Canadian ambassador to multiple nations in the region, breaks down the risk for further expansion. Plus, former Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull says Prime Minister Mark Carney presented a 'clear-eyed, positive, strong view of the world' to Australia's Parliament this week.
Mar 4, 2026 • 52min
OpenAI CEO agrees to safety changes after Tumbler Ridge: minister
Michael Chong, Conservative foreign affairs critic, offers a sharp critique of Canada’s stance on U.S. and Israeli strikes. Evan Solomon, Canada’s Minister of AI and Digital Innovation, recounts meetings with OpenAI leadership and safety commitments after the Tumbler Ridge tragedy. They discuss reporting threats to the RCMP, reviews of past flags, and Canada’s diplomatic balancing on Iran.
Mar 3, 2026 • 49min
Carney says U.S., Israel attacked Iran without consulting allies
Oliver Burkhardt, CEO of TKMS, briefly on his company’s Canadian submarine bid and timelines. Lloyd Axworthy, former foreign minister, offers seasoned foreign policy and law perspective. Rosemary Barton, CBC chief political correspondent, parses political fallout and diplomatic nuance. They discuss recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, Canada’s measured response, parliamentary oversight and submarine procurement implications.
Mar 2, 2026 • 56min
The Iran war spreads
Payam Akhavan, human rights scholar and former UN prosecutor, speaks on humanitarian impact and transition prospects. Randa Slim, Stimson Center Middle East director in Beirut, analyzes escalation dynamics and diplomatic options. Adrienne Arsenault, CBC chief correspondent in Tel Aviv, reports on regional attacks and operational strains. Bob Rae, former Canadian UN ambassador, offers diplomatic strategy and Canada’s role.
10 snips
Feb 28, 2026 • 20min
Weekly Wrap: Is India a threat? Would Canada care?
Laura D'Angelo, former adviser to Justin Trudeau, offers inside view on balancing trade and security. Zain Velji, political strategist from Alberta, analyzes electoral risks and diaspora backlash. They discuss India trip controversy, trade versus security tensions, political costs at home, and urgent AI regulation debates.
Feb 27, 2026 • 51min
Carney pursues free trade in India, but controversy follows
Greg McEachern, a former Liberal advisor offering party strategy perspective. Helen Hayes, an AI and online harms policy expert. Adam Chambers, Conservative trade critic focused on economic indicators. Catherine Cullen, CBC journalist who reported from Mark Carney’s India trip. They discuss Carney’s India trade push, security tensions over alleged foreign interference, Canada’s economic outlook and trade leverage, and calls for stronger AI regulation.
6 snips
Feb 26, 2026 • 50min
Has Indian interference stopped? Ottawa sends mixed messages
Anita Anand, Canada’s foreign minister, on diplomatic guardrails, investigations and ongoing talks with India. Balpreet Singh, legal counsel and community advocate, on Sikh Canadians’ safety concerns and calls for accountability. Ryan Petersen, Flexport founder and CEO, on U.S. tariff refunds, the Flexport Tariff Refund Calculator and how changing trade rules affect businesses.
20 snips
Feb 25, 2026 • 43min
Trump's trade rep says deal with Canada must have higher tariffs
Maninder Sidhu, Canada’s international trade minister focused on diversification and new FTAs. Katie Simpson, Washington reporter who interviewed U.S. trade officials about Canada–U.S. tensions. They discuss U.S. calls for protective tariffs, reshoring pressures, Canada’s India trade push, critical minerals and tech cooperation, and domestic political fallout from U.S. trade signals.
10 snips
Feb 24, 2026 • 48min
B.C. premier says it appears OpenAI could have stopped mass shooting
David McGuinty, Canada’s federal defence minister, outlines defence procurement and Indo-Pacific trade priorities. David Eby, British Columbia’s premier, speaks about the Tumbler Ridge shooting and calls for AI accountability and reporting standards. They discuss OpenAI’s possible role in the tragedy and Canada’s defence plans and partnerships in short, direct conversations.
Feb 23, 2026 • 58min
Cartel violence strands thousands of Canadians in Mexico
Cameron McKay, Canada’s ambassador to Mexico, gives on-the-ground consular updates amid cartel violence. Andrii Plakhotniuk, Ukraine’s ambassador to Canada, outlines urgent defence and energy needs on the war’s fourth anniversary. Rob Russo, Kate Harrison and Brad Levine offer sharp political analysis on trade, tariffs and party discipline. Multiple short conversations cover travel safety, diplomacy and shifting political power.
