Power & Politics

Carlene Variyan, former chief of staff and policy strategist; Zain Velji, ex-Alberta NDP strategist; Michael Solberg, former Harper staffer and trade analyst. They unpack the U.S. Supreme Court tariff ruling, Trump's 10% global tariff threat and possible exemptions for Canada. They also debate economic fallout, diplomatic responses and the political ripple from a high-profile floor crossing.

Danielle Smith, Alberta premier pushing an October referendum on immigration limits, service fees and provincial powers. Dominic LeBlanc, federal minister handling Canada–U.S. trade, on U.S. tariff rulings and how they affect Canadian exports. They discuss legal routes, exemptions, trade strategy and provincial moves on immigration and work permits.

Michelle Cadario, former deputy chief of staff to Paul Martin, offers concise political perspective. Frank Caputo, Conservative public safety critic, describes caucus reaction to recent defections. Shachi Curl, president of the Angus Reid Institute, provides public-opinion analysis. They discuss the optics and likelihood of further floor-crossings, caucus unity, backroom deal rumors, and what defections mean for party strategy.

Zane Velji, former Alberta NDP strategist with regional insight. Amanda Alvaro, ex-Liberal communications strategist focused on messaging. Tim Powers, Conservative strategist with campaign perspective. They dig into why an Alberta Conservative switched to the Liberals. They discuss signs of more defections, leadership pressure on Pierre Poiliev, and how a razor-thin Liberal majority would change parliamentary dynamics.

Prime Minister Mark Carney announces a bold new 'buy Canadian' plan to build up Canada's military. Power & Politics hears from Industry Minister Mélanie Joly. Plus, Mark Wiseman begins his new job as Canada's ambassador to the U.S. The Power Panel weighs in.

U.S. Democrats have launched an investigation into President Donald Trump's threat to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which connects Windsor, Ont., and Detroit. Power & Politics hears from Windsor Coun. Angelo Marignani. Plus, NDP leadership candidates face off in a last debate this week. Two of them join P&P with their vision for the party.

Laura Stone, Globe and Mail reporter offering on-the-ground political analysis; Rachael Segal, former Harper policy director and Conservative strategist; Carleen Varion, ex-chief of staff to Liberal ministers and parliamentary expert. They unpack signs of Liberal-Conservative cooperation to avoid gridlock. They also discuss cross-party reactions to tariff rows, a court-ordered by-election and national responses to a mass shooting.

Elizabeth May, Green Party leader and MP, offers calm advocacy for long-term support. Don Davies, interim NDP leader and MP, speaks on solidarity and communal grief. They describe leaders travelling together to lay flowers, attend a vigil, and the importance of sustained mental-health and community support after the Tumbler Ridge tragedy.

The prime minister and the leaders of all of Canada's major federal parties are expected to travel to Tumbler Ridge, B.C., to attend a vigil in the community on Friday. As the RCMP identifies all eight of the victims murdered in the shooting, RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald joins Power & Politics for an update on the ongoing investigation. The MP for Tumbler Ridge, Conservative Bob Zimmer, describes how relatives and community members are coping with the tragedy. Then, Democratic Rep. Gregory Meeks introduced the resolution to stop U.S. President Donald Trump's 35 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods that passed with the support of six Republicans on Wednesday night. Meeks says he believes Trump is 'starting to receive' the message that Americans oppose those tariffs.

Christine Blair, mayor who led Colchester County through the 2020 Portapique tragedy, offers advice on long-term community supports. Larry Neufeld, MLA for Peace River South, speaks about Tumbler Ridge's immediate needs and the community's shock. Ian Hanomansing, CBC anchor and on-the-ground reporter, provides eyewitness context and reporting challenges. They discuss victim details, response actions, trauma care and lessons for sustained recovery.