Power & Politics
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.'
World leaders caught on hot mics at G7 summit
Three different moments were picked up by hot mic at the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, including an exchange between Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Chinese EVs. Plus, a Saskatchewan Conservative MP has introduced legislation to expand access to magic mushrooms for mental health treatment. The Power Panel weighs in on these developments.
G7 begins as U.S. and Iran reach new deal
G7 leaders arrive in France for a two-day summit, as Middle East analysts caution the newly struck U.S.-Iran ceasefire falls short of a peace deal. The Power Panel discusses Industry Minister Mélanie Joly’s upcoming trip to China to try and move Chinese EV manufacturing to Canada and Prime Minister Mark Carney's Trump impersonation in Ireland.
Reporter Roundtable: Hoekstra says 'make us an offer' on CUSMA
The on-again-off-again opening of the Canada-U.S. Gordie Howe bridge is off again as U.S. President Trump repeats threats to kill CUSMA. U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra says those threats are an 'opportunity' to 'make us an offer.' CBC's Catherine Cullen, The Canadian Press deputy parliamentary bureau chief Mia Rabson and La Presse parliamentary bureau chief Joël-Denis Bellavance bring you inside the week's biggest political stories.
Trump says he doesn't want to renew CUSMA. Is he bluffing?
U.S. President Donald Trump is once again threatening to kill CUSMA. But U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra says his threats present an opportunity for Canada to 'make us an offer.' Power & Politics hears from New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt, who was just briefed on Canada-U.S. trade talks by Prime Minister Mark Carney at a virtual premiers' meeting. Plus, Carney heads to Paris and Dublin for trade talks ahead of the G7 summit. Power & Politics host David Cochrane is travelling with the prime minister, and brings us the latest details.
Feds move to ban social media for kids under 16: How would it work?
The federal government introduces legislation to make social media safer, which includes requiring platforms to restrict usage by kids under 16 years old. Power & Politics asks Minister of Canadian Culture and Identity Marc Miller how his government will enforce these regulations. The Power Panel weighs in.
Carney says Gordie Howe bridge to open this week despite Trump threats
Prime Minister Carney confirms the opening of the Canada-U.S. bridge that U.S. President Donald Trump had previously vowed to block — as the White House says Trump's position on the bridge has 'not changed.' Power & Politics hears from Ontario's representative in Washington. Plus, the federal government is reportedly moving to ban social media for children under 16. P&P has the latest, and the Power Panel weighs in.
Poilievre rallies Albertans to stay in Canada, says feds are the problem
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre makes an appeal to Albertans to stay in Canada — saying the problem isn't with the country, but with the federal government and its policies. Power & Politics hears from Alberta Conservative MP Mike Lake, and the Power Panel weighs in. Plus, Canada's new Governor General delivers her own message of unity to Canadians. P&P speaks to Louise Arbour's former Supreme Court colleague about what to expect from Canada's 31st Governor General.
Weekly Wrap: The cost of Alberta separatism
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith warns Albertans that separating from Canada could cost billions of dollars, while new polling suggests it could also cost the province a significant number of its residents. And Canada works to mend a shaky relationship with the U.S. ahead of the CUSMA review deadline. The Weekly Wrap panel — Laura D'Angelo, Zain Velji and Michael Solberg — breaks it all down.
Reporter Roundtable: Canada 'optimistic' about U.S. talks but admits 'turbulence'
Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc says he's 'optimistic' about U.S. trade talks, after returning from a trip to Washington. He does admit that some 'turbulence' and uncertainty remain. That's while Canada unveils its long-awaited AI strategy. CBC's Aaron Wherry, The Canadian Press deputy parliamentary bureau chief Mia Rabson and La Presse parliamentary bureau chief Joël-Denis Bellavance bring you inside the biggest political stories.
Carney eyes 'large-scale' data centres in new AI strategy
Prime Minister Mark Carney has released Canada's long-awaited AI strategy. Power & Politics hears from Minister of Artificial Intelligence Evan Solomon on his government's approach to widespread integration. The Power Panel weighs in.
Can Carney beat recession and U.S. concession allegations?
The Conservatives grill Prime Minister Mark Carney on Canada's technical recession, as the U.S. says it will impose more tariffs on Canada related to forced labour. Power & Politics hears from Conservative trade critic Adam Chambers. Plus, the federal government asks the CRTC to reconsider a streaming tax decision that was listed as a trade irritant by the Trump administration. Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture Marc Miller defends the move.
Poilievre blames Carney for recession as economists warn not to overreact
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre accuses Prime Minister Mark Carney of 'hiding' as Canada slips into a technical recession. But the Bank of Canada warns not to put too much weight on that label. The Power Panel weighs in. Plus, the Liberals are set to unveil their AI strategy this week. CBC has the exclusive details.
Weekly Wrap: What will Carney do about Canada’s surprise technical recession?
Canada's economy is flashing red, as new numbers show the country slipped into a technical recession in the first quarter of this year. This comes just as crunch time for Canada’s trade talks with the U.S. approaches. The Weekly Wrap panel breaks down another busy week in Ottawa.
Reporter Roundtable: Are Canada-U.S. negotiations showing any signs of life?
Prime Minister Mark Carney makes the case for a new Canada-U.S. partnership while in New York. Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc says he is heading south for talks ahead of the upcoming CUSMA review, but says a date has not yet been set. CBC's Aaron Wherry, The Canadian Press deputy parliamentary bureau chief Mia Rabson and La Presse parliamentary bureau chief Joël-Denis Bellavance bring you inside the biggest political stories.
Carney pitches Canada to help 'Make America Great Again'
On a trip to New York, Prime Minister Mark Carney pitches a new Canada-U.S. partnership, saying 'Canada Strong will help make America Great Again.' Power & Politics hears from Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc, who's planning his own trip down south. Plus, Ontario Minister of Economic Development Vic Fedeli tells P&P about his province's new plan to boost its defence sector.
Alberta not a reliable partner to Canada: outgoing MP Guilbeault
Liberal MP and former environment minister Steven Guilbeault announced on Wednesday that he will be leaving federal politics. Power & Politics hears from Guilbeault on his concerns about Canada meeting its climate targets and the Ottawa-Alberta energy deal. Plus, P&P hears from Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew about his concerns over Alberta's duty to consult First Nations when it comes to separating from Canada.
Guilbeault to quit Carney's government: sources
Former environment minister Steven Guilbeault is resigning as a Liberal MP and expected to break the news to his colleagues on Wednesday, CBC News has learned. Power & Politics asks Liberal caucus chair James Maloney what this departure says about caucus unity, as Guilbeault had made his concerns about the Carney government's environmental rollbacks clear ahead of his departure. Plus, P&P hears from former Alberta premier Jason Kenney about the province's referendum question — and the challenges ahead for Premier Danielle Smith.
Alberta referendum a 'dangerous bluff' similar to Brexit: Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney is warning Albertans that voting in favour of the province exploring a legal path to leave Canada is a 'dangerous bluff,' comparing it to Brexit. Power & Politics hears from Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, as western premiers meet in Alberta. Plus, U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra says he doesn't understand why Canadians are so frustrated as the trade war continues. The Power Panel weighs in.
Weekly Wrap: Alberta (kind of) puts separation on the ballot
All eyes are on Alberta as the province asks its residents to weigh in on staying in Canada, or starting a process that could lead to the breakup of the country. The Weekly Wrap panel — Laura D'Angelo, Zain Velji and Michael Solberg — breaks it all down.
Reporter Roundtable: Premier Danielle Smith's political tightrope
Chaos surrounding a referendum question on whether Alberta should separate from Canada has Premier Danielle Smith walking a shaky political tightrope. Globe and Mail Ottawa bureau chief Robert Fife, Canadian Press deputy parliamentary bureau chief Mia Rabson and La Presse parliamentary bureau chief Joël-Denis Bellavance bring you inside the biggest political stories.
A decision on Alberta's separatist referendum question?
Premier Danielle Smith is set to address the province after an Alberta committee recommended a referendum question on whether Alberta should stay in Canada. The debate has both separatists and federalists applying pressure to Smith's government. Power & Politics hears from former deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk of the Forever Canadian petition, who finds himself wrapped up in the chaos. The Power Panel weighs in.
Can Carney get B.C. on board for a pipeline it doesn't want?
Prime Minister Mark Carney met today with B.C. Premier David Eby, who has accused the federal government of showing favouritism amid Alberta's push for a pipeline that B.C. opposes. Power & Politics has the latest from that meeting, and the Power Panel weighs in. Plus, Newfoundland and Labrador says the Churchill Falls deal it signed with Quebec is 'not in the public interest.' P&P hears from Premier Tony Wakeham.
Why is the U.S. ditching a historic Canada-U.S. defence board?
The U.S. is pulling out of a decades-old joint defence advisory group with Canada. Power & Politics hears from retired army commander Andrew Leslie, who says though the group's impact has diminished over the years, walking away from that history is a 'childish' move by the U.S. and the Power Panel weighs in. Plus, Canada's iconic Snowbird squadron will be grounded after the 2026 flying season as the federal government takes steps to replace the decades-old fleet.
Weekly Wrap: Carney signs deal with Alberta – at what cost?
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith sign a landmark energy agreement that environmental groups are calling a disaster. The Weekly Wrap panel discusses Carney’s big bet on Alberta energy. Plus, they breakdown Premier Smith’s promise to appeal a judge’s ruling throwing out a referendum petition.
Reporter Roundtable: Carney's big bet on electricity
Prime Minister Mark Carney says he's moving to double Canada's electricity grid by 2050. That's as Canada's economy takes another hit, with Honda suspending its EV expansion plans. Plus, an Ottawa-Alberta deal is expected imminently. Globe and Mail Ottawa bureau chief Robert Fife, Canadian Press deputy parliamentary bureau chief Mia Rabson and La Presse parliamentary bureau chief Joël-Denis Bellavance bring you inside the biggest stories on Parliament Hill.
Carney doubles down on electricity, vows to double Canada's grid
Prime Minister Mark Carney bets big on a plan to double Canada's electricity grid by 2050. With Canadians' pockets squeezed tight, the stakes are high if the federal government doesn't get it right. Corey Hogan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources outlines his government's plan and the Power Panel weighs in. Plus, P&P hears from an Alberta separatist group lawyer on his plan to fight a judge's ruling to throw out a separatist referendum petition.
It's all coming up Alberta: Separatists, a carbon deal and data breach fallout
An Alberta judge has thrown out a separatist petition, ruling in favour of First Nations. Plus, sources say the province is set to announce a finalized energy deal with Ottawa this week. That's as Elections Alberta says a massive data breach could be far bigger than initially reported. Power & Politics has all the details, and the Power Panel weighs in.
Is a Liberal MP waging a war with the Ontario party he hopes to lead?
Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, who's expected to run for the Ontario Liberal Party leadership, is appealing the results of a nomination race in the province after losing by just 19 votes. Power & Politics hears from Erskine-Smith, who alleges multiple 'serious irregularities.' Plus, the separatist leader accused of publishing Albertans' personal data is refusing to co-operate with investigators. P&P has the latest.
Does Carney's major projects push risk splintering the Liberals?
The federal government is pushing to speed up the approval timeline for major projects to one year. The proposed legislative changes to make that happen are facing pushback from environmental activists including former Liberal environment minister Steven Guilbeault. Plus, leadership races in B.C. and Ontario spark surprise and controversy. Power & Politics has the latest.
Weekly Wrap: Is Alberta pipeline deal ‘days’ away?
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is in Ottawa where she says she’s feeling ‘much more confident’ about reaching an energy agreement after what she calls a ‘meeting of the minds’ with the prime minister. The Weekly Wrap panel breaks down another busy week in Ottawa.
Reporter Roundtable: Carney's push to build fast
As the Carney government makes moves to speed up project approvals, it's also propping up struggling industries hit hard by U.S. tariffs with new funding. Globe and Mail Ottawa bureau chief Robert Fife, Canadian Press deputy parliamentary bureau chief Mia Rabson and La Presse parliamentary bureau chief Joël-Denis Bellavance bring you inside the biggest stories on Parliament Hill.
A separatist petition and a huge data breach: What's going on in Alberta?
Alberta's separatist movement is wrapped up in a huge personal data breach that has impacted nearly three million people including former premier Jason Kenney, who tells Power & Politics he's 'ticked off' and 'concerned' about the privacy violation. Plus, the federal government is moving to make it easier to get things built faster in Canada. CBC's Kate McKenna reports.
Names, numbers, addresses: Millions impacted in Alberta data breach
Nearly three million Albertans had their personal information uploaded to a publicly accessible database last month. As new details emerge about how an Alberta separatist group used the data, Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi questions how much Premier Danielle Smith knew about the leak — considering one of her caucus staff attended the meeting where the database was presented. Plus, Honda is reportedly suspending plans to build a $15-billion electric vehicle plant in Ontario — indefinitely. P&P hears from Karim Bardeesy, parliamentary secretary for Industry Minister Mélanie Joly.
What does Carney's new governor general choice mean for Canada?
Prime Minister Mark Carney has chosen former Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour to serve as the King's representative and commander-in-chief of Canada's Armed Forces. Power & Politics dives into the significance of this choice. Plus, another province considers limiting social media for young people. P&P hears from Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe.
Ottawa funnels $1.5B more to industries hard-hit by Trump's tariffs
In the face of U.S. President Donald Trump's Section 232 tariffs, the federal government has introduced an additional $1.5B in funding to support steel, aluminum and copper industries. Power & Politics hears from Industry Minister Mélanie Joly. Plus, Prime Minister Mark Carney's talking about a new world order — one that he says will be 'rebuilt out of Europe.' The Power Panel weighs in.
Weekly Wrap: Are the Liberals abusing their majority power?
Laura D'Angelo, Zain Velji and Michael Solberg break down how the Liberals are trying to sell their economic update to Canadians, and whether controversies over an Iranian official who was given a visa to Canada, plus four committees that the Liberals pushed out of public view, could overshadow that message.
Reporter Roundtable: A 'pathetic' response to Iran visa drama
After a former Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander had a visa for Canada granted and revoked, Globe and Mail Ottawa bureau chief Robert Fife, Canadian Press deputy parliamentary bureau chief Mia Rabson and La Presse parliamentary bureau chief Joël-Denis Bellavance argue that the Carney government's sparse explanations amount to another communications failure — particularly after what Fife calls a 'pathetic performance' by the immigration minister at committee.
Canada greenlights, then blocks Iran official. Ottawa won't say why
Canada granted a former Iranian military commander and current soccer official permission to come to Canada, then revoked his permit and turned him away once he arrived. As ministers cite privacy concerns and a lack of awareness for giving few details, Power & Poltiics asks Secretary of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden about the timeline. Plus, Trudeau-era cabinet mainstay Jonathan Wilkinson explains why he's leaving the Carney government to take a diplomatic post in Brussels.
Canada considers privatizing airports. What would that look like?
The federal government says it's looking into potentially privatizing Canada's airports to unlock capital. Power & Politics hears from Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon. Plus, the spring economic update promises more investment in the skilled trades. Sean Strickland, executive director of Canada's Building Trades Union, reacts.
Liberals reveal $66.9B deficit in better-than-expected economic update
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government tables its spring economic update, showing the economy on more stable footing — but also with a warning: Canada’s economy still risks stumbling as the world grows more dangerous and unpredictable. Power & Politics asks Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne about Canada’s plan to weather that uncertainty, and gets reaction from Conservative international trade critic Adam Chambers.