Power & Politics
- Episodes
- 76
- Released
- daily
- Latest episode
- Nov 14, 2026
About the podcast
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 76
Weekly Wrap: Will a Brampton plant be the first victim of U.S. auto tariffs?
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly says Stellantis has breached its contract with the federal government over the sale of its Brampton, Ont., plant. The Weekly Wrap breaks down the government’s efforts to hold …
Show notes
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly says Stellantis has breached its contract with the federal government over the sale of its Brampton, Ont., plant. The Weekly Wrap breaks down the government’s efforts to hold Stellantis to account.
Reporter Roundtable: Stellantis stakeholders gather to discuss plant sale
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly says the federal government has 'levers' to hold Stellantis to account that it will not hesitate to use. The Reporter Roundtable is here to break down the high-stakes meeting …
Show notes
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly says the federal government has 'levers' to hold Stellantis to account that it will not hesitate to use. The Reporter Roundtable is here to break down the high-stakes meeting between stakeholders involved in the sale of the Brampton, Ont., Stellantis auto plant.
Stellantis has 30 days to make changes or risk being sued: Joly
DESC: Industry Minister Mélanie Joly says the federal government has 'levers' to hold Stellantis to account that it will not hesitate to use. The Power Panel breaks down a high-stakes meeting between the key …
Show notes
DESC: Industry Minister Mélanie Joly says the federal government has 'levers' to hold Stellantis to account that it will not hesitate to use. The Power Panel breaks down a high-stakes meeting between the key stakeholders involved in the sale of the Brampton, Ont., Stellantis auto plant. Plus, the fallout from the Nvidia resignation that sent shockwaves from Silicon Valley to the White House.
What — and when — did the government know about Stellantis deal?
CBC News has confirmed the federal government was engaged on the sale of the Stellantis plant in Brampton, Ont., to defence manufacturer Roshel. Guest host JP Tasker breaks down what went down between the …
Show notes
CBC News has confirmed the federal government was engaged on the sale of the Stellantis plant in Brampton, Ont., to defence manufacturer Roshel. Guest host JP Tasker breaks down what went down between the government and Stellantis. Plus, Power & Politics asks Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson why he supports lifting the moratorium on Arctic drilling.
Congress has the votes to 'repeal' Trump's tariffs: Democrat
U.S. President Donald Trump claims he'll become 'Mr. Veto' post midterm elections, but one Democratic congressman tells Power & Politics he thinks there's enough bipartisan support against tariffs on Canada to …
Show notes
U.S. President Donald Trump claims he'll become 'Mr. Veto' post midterm elections, but one Democratic congressman tells Power & Politics he thinks there's enough bipartisan support against tariffs on Canada to overcome that veto power. Plus, Prime Minister Mark Carney calls the Stellantis auto plant sale a 'betrayal' — Unifor national president Lana Payne weighs in on what she wants to see from the government to support affected Brampton, Ont., autoworkers.
Will fresh faces in D.C. get Canada-U.S. trade back on track?
As newly elected officials in Washington advocate for ending tariffs on Canada, a Republican congressman introduces eight articles of impeachment against Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. Power & Politics speaks …
Show notes
As newly elected officials in Washington advocate for ending tariffs on Canada, a Republican congressman introduces eight articles of impeachment against Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. Power & Politics speaks with CBC’s Katie Simpson in D.C. ahead of advisory council member Jean Charest and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe. Plus: automaker Stellantis sells one of its Ontario plants. President of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association Flavio Volpe weighs in ahead of the Power Panel.
Weekly Wrap: A blue wave and red ink
In the U.S. midterms, Democrats sweep to power, flipping both the House and Senate. Plus, the Carney government tables its second budget. The Weekly Wrap panel is here to make sense of it all, and look ahead to …
Show notes
In the U.S. midterms, Democrats sweep to power, flipping both the House and Senate. Plus, the Carney government tables its second budget. The Weekly Wrap panel is here to make sense of it all, and look ahead to next week.
Reporter Roundtable: Who is the Liberal budget for?
Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne unveiled Budget 2026 on Thursday, pitching an aggressive push to spur private investment, double Canada's electricity grid and fund major nation-building …
Show notes
Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne unveiled Budget 2026 on Thursday, pitching an aggressive push to spur private investment, double Canada's electricity grid and fund major nation-building infrastructure projects. The Reporter Roundtable stops by Power & Politics to share their thoughts.
Carney tables second budget focused on affordability, sovereignty
The Carney government tables its second federal budget — giving Canadians a look at the economic and fiscal cost of the U.S. trade war. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne joins Power & Politics to …
Show notes
The Carney government tables its second federal budget — giving Canadians a look at the economic and fiscal cost of the U.S. trade war. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne joins Power & Politics to defend the government's proposed billions in new spending, while Conservative finance critic Michael Chong says it's not ambitious enough.
Democrats deliver blunt rebuke to Trump agenda with midterm sweep
The ‘Blue Wave’ crashed ashore on Tuesday as U.S. voters decisively rejected President Trump’s agenda handing congressional control to the Democrats. U.S. Sen. Peter Welch joins Power & Politics ahead of former …
Show notes
The ‘Blue Wave’ crashed ashore on Tuesday as U.S. voters decisively rejected President Trump’s agenda handing congressional control to the Democrats. U.S. Sen. Peter Welch joins Power & Politics ahead of former U.S. ambassador to Canada David Cohen. But what does this mean for Canada ahead of budget day? The Power Panel weighs in
It's U.S. midterm day. Could a Democratic wave break Trump's tariffs on Canada?
Americans go to the polls for U.S. midterm elections just as Ottawa indicates formal trade talks could resume. Will Democrats perform as well as polls project, and how could tonight’s results impact potential …
Show notes
Americans go to the polls for U.S. midterm elections just as Ottawa indicates formal trade talks could resume. Will Democrats perform as well as polls project, and how could tonight’s results impact potential trade negotiations? Power & Politics speaks with a political analyst ahead of poll closures plus former diplomats Kirsten Hillman and Bruce Heyman, and later on, the Power Panel weighs in.
Carney has 'good conversation' with Trump on trade just before U.S. midterms
Trade negotiations between Canada and the U.S. could resume after Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump chatted just days before the midterm elections. Power & Politics speaks with …
Show notes
Trade negotiations between Canada and the U.S. could resume after Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump chatted just days before the midterm elections. Power & Politics speaks with Canada-U.S. economic relations expert Laura Dawson on the latest plus our CBC reporters in Texas, Michigan and Ohio on what you need to know ahead of midterm day. Later, the Power Panel looks at the six newly announced byelections in Ontario, Saskatchewan and Quebec and what those races could have in store.
Weekly Wrap: Canada sets out to be EU's first 'associate member'
Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada will pursue 'associate membership' with the European Union. Meanwhile, a prominent Alberta separatist gets his membership revoked from the governing United Conservative …
Show notes
Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada will pursue 'associate membership' with the European Union. Meanwhile, a prominent Alberta separatist gets his membership revoked from the governing United Conservative Party. And the U.S. trade war with Canada makes its way into the conversation leading up to those high-stakes midterms. The Weekly Wrap panel breaks it all down.
Reporter Roundtable: Quebec Premier boycotts Canada-EU summit
Prime Minister Mark Carney hosts European Union officials in Montreal this week, but could this meeting to bring Canada and Europe closer drive Ottawa and Quebec apart? The Reporter Roundtable breaks down …
Show notes
Prime Minister Mark Carney hosts European Union officials in Montreal this week, but could this meeting to bring Canada and Europe closer drive Ottawa and Quebec apart? The Reporter Roundtable breaks down Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon’s response to this summit.
Canada-EU 'associate membership' saga continues
European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas joins Power & Politics for an exclusive interview, discussing her vision for the Canada-EU relationship as both jurisdictions sit down to define its next chapter …
Show notes
European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas joins Power & Politics for an exclusive interview, discussing her vision for the Canada-EU relationship as both jurisdictions sit down to define its next chapter. Plus, one-on-one with B.C's premier-elect Lorne Doerkson.
U.S. steel CEO's reason for buying Stelco prompts feds to call its lawyers
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly says the federal government has contacted its lawyers after the head of Stelco's American parent company told Power & Politics that he only bought the Hamilton steelmaker to stop …
Show notes
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly says the federal government has contacted its lawyers after the head of Stelco's American parent company told Power & Politics that he only bought the Hamilton steelmaker to stop it undercutting his production facilities in the U.S. Hamilton's Mayor-elect weighs in on the future of the plant's ownership. Plus, the Bank of Canada raises its benchmark interest rate for the first time in three years. CBC's Peter Armstrong has the latest.
Cleveland-Cliffs CEO v. Mélanie Joly
Stelco has until next week to reverse layoffs at its Hamilton steel plant or face legal consequences. Power & Politics speaks to the CEO of Stelco's parent company Cleveland-Cliffs, Lourenco Goncalves, who says …
Show notes
Stelco has until next week to reverse layoffs at its Hamilton steel plant or face legal consequences. Power & Politics speaks to the CEO of Stelco's parent company Cleveland-Cliffs, Lourenco Goncalves, who says he's prepared to defend his company in court. Plus, Power & Politics puts Goncalves's comments to Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, who says her government is ready to fight.
As midterms approach, U.S. teases progress on Canada trade deal
The Canada-U.S. trade war is dominating the final days of the U.S. midterm campaign — and now, the president and other senior U.S. officials are suggesting that progress is being made toward a deal. Power & …
Show notes
The Canada-U.S. trade war is dominating the final days of the U.S. midterm campaign — and now, the president and other senior U.S. officials are suggesting that progress is being made toward a deal. Power & Politics has the latest details from our reporters in Washington. Meanwhile in British Columbia, a snap election call backfires for the NDP as the Conservatives claim a resounding victory. The Power Panel weighs in.
Weekly Wrap: Trump walks back some tariffs to save a Senate race
It's been a busy week in Canadian politics. From a referendum in Alberta, to a warning for Canada to stay out of U.S. politics and the B.C. election in its final days, the Weekly Wrap panel is here to recap it all.
Reporter Roundtable: The aftermath of Aberta's referendum
Albertans reached a decisive result to remain in Canada, but is there agreement on immigration? Plus, ahead of the midterms, the U.S. administration doubles down on its claim that Canada is interfering in its …
Show notes
Albertans reached a decisive result to remain in Canada, but is there agreement on immigration? Plus, ahead of the midterms, the U.S. administration doubles down on its claim that Canada is interfering in its elections. The Reporter Roundtable joins Power & Politics to break down a busy week.
Why is the U.S. Embassy accusing Canadian politicians of election meddling?
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly gives Stelco 15 days to reverse layoffs or face legal action. Albertans reject separation, but can they find consensus on immigration? Plus, as the midterms approach, the U.S …
Show notes
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly gives Stelco 15 days to reverse layoffs or face legal action. Albertans reject separation, but can they find consensus on immigration? Plus, as the midterms approach, the U.S. doubles down on its claim that Canada is interfering in its elections. Power & Politics speaks with Ontario Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy and Canadian Steel Producers Association president and CEO Blair Dickerson and the Power Panel weighs in.
Smith tells separatists to be pro-Canada or leave her party
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her United Conservative Party is not an independence party and not going to become one, delivering a public message to separatists to leave the United Conservatives. Power & …
Show notes
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her United Conservative Party is not an independence party and not going to become one, delivering a public message to separatists to leave the United Conservatives. Power & Politics hears from Smith on how she plans to enforce that rule — and what's next for her party. Plus, the federal government and Ontario announce a nearly $9-billion partnership to support the steel, auto and critical mineral sectors. Brian Kingston, president and CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association, weighs in on what Wednesday's tariff supports will do for Ontario's auto sector.
Albertans choose Canada
More than 75% of Albertans choose to remain in Canada. Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc says this is a 'decisive' victory for Canada, but what does this mean for Alberta Premier Danielle …
Show notes
More than 75% of Albertans choose to remain in Canada. Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc says this is a 'decisive' victory for Canada, but what does this mean for Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's mandate going forward? Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi weighs in.
Alberta referendum day is here
Polls are open in the Alberta referendum. As voters cast their ballots, the province and the rest of Canada are also mourning a tragedy at CFB Wainwright. Power & Politics hears from Chief of the Defence Staff …
Show notes
Polls are open in the Alberta referendum. As voters cast their ballots, the province and the rest of Canada are also mourning a tragedy at CFB Wainwright. Power & Politics hears from Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Jennie Carignan and stakeholders from either side of the referendum vote. Plus, a special appearance from the Weekly Wrap panel.
Weekly Wrap: What will Albertans choose?
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre are among those in Alberta this week making the case for a united country, ahead of Alberta's referendum on independence. Will their message …
Show notes
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre are among those in Alberta this week making the case for a united country, ahead of Alberta's referendum on independence. Will their message land, just days ahead of the vote? The Weekly Wrap dives in.
Reporter Roundtable: Will Carney's pitch for unity land in Alberta?
Prime Minister Mark Carney is Alberta making the case for a united Canada, campaigning against the province triggering a vote on separation. The Reporter Roundtable lays out the stakes as the referendum …
Show notes
Prime Minister Mark Carney is Alberta making the case for a united Canada, campaigning against the province triggering a vote on separation. The Reporter Roundtable lays out the stakes as the referendum countdown enters the final days.
Carney touches down in Alberta to make his pitch for unity
Prime Minister Mark Carney is in Calgary, making the case for a united Canada just four days until Albertans vote on whether they want to separate from the country. Power & Politics has the latest from our …
Show notes
Prime Minister Mark Carney is in Calgary, making the case for a united Canada just four days until Albertans vote on whether they want to separate from the country. Power & Politics has the latest from our reporters on the ground. Plus, the federal government says everything is on the table as it considers legal action against Stelco steel layoffs. P&P hears from the union representing Stelco's workers on what action they'd like to see from Ottawa.
5 days to Alberta's referendum: Get out the vote campaigns are in full swing
Get out the vote campaigns are in full swing in Alberta with just five days until the province's referendum on separation. Power & Politics hears from Forever Canadian founder and former Alberta deputy premier …
Show notes
Get out the vote campaigns are in full swing in Alberta with just five days until the province's referendum on separation. Power & Politics hears from Forever Canadian founder and former Alberta deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk. Plus, a right-hand man for former British prime minister David Cameron talks about what lessons Canada should take from Brexit. The Power Panel weighs in.
Carney's last push for unity ahead of Alberta's referendum
Advance voting begins for Alberta's Oct. 19 referendum, with the question of separation on the ballot. That's as Prime Minister Mark Carney will be in Alberta this week pushing for a united Canada. Power & …
Show notes
Advance voting begins for Alberta's Oct. 19 referendum, with the question of separation on the ballot. That's as Prime Minister Mark Carney will be in Alberta this week pushing for a united Canada. Power & Politics hears from a pollster on how Albertans are feeling heading into that vote. Government House leader Steven MacKinnon joins P&P to talk foreign interference threats in Canada's elections. Plus, Stelco's U.S. owner could face legal action from the federal government for planned layoffs at its Hamilton plant. NDP Leader Avi Lewis makes his case for Ottawa to nationalize the steelmaker.
Sunday Listen from West of Centre: Is Alberta separatism here to stay?
Premier Danielle Smith wants to “vote and move on” but is that even possible? For separatists like Mitch Sylvestre, this referendum on Alberta’s future might not be the end. With an unprecedented number of …
Show notes
Premier Danielle Smith wants to “vote and move on” but is that even possible? For separatists like Mitch Sylvestre, this referendum on Alberta’s future might not be the end. With an unprecedented number of mail-in ballots requested, Sylvestre says he has cause to be suspicious if his side doesn’t get at least 40 per cent support. Host Kathleen Petty and CBC senior reporter Julia Wong look at the stakes and what could come after the vote.
Plus, conservative strategist Michael Solberg and political science professor Clark Banack weigh in on the trouble brewing for Smith. Half of United Conservative Party supporters are considering a vote in favour of a second binding referendum on separation. Is Smith’s leadership on the line if they don’t get what they want? And how does a divided governing party move forward after this vote?
Background listening:
For more on the parallels between Alberta and a promised future referendum in Quebec, check out West of Centre’s interview last year with Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon. Here’s the link:
Host: Kathleen Petty
Guests: Julia Wong, Michael Solberg, Clark Banack
Producers: Emily Senger, Emily Williams, Diane Yanko, Josh Pagé
Canada is complicated. Alberta has opinions. Ride shotgun with host Kathleen Petty on West of Centre for conversations about the state of politics in Canada, as power and influence shifts West. Whether you live here or just can't look away, you’ll get the no-nonsense analysis you need to make sense of it all. More episodes here: https://link.mgln.ai/PWcuMy
These are the latest 40 of 76 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.
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