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.'
Why did Canada walk away from U.S. trade talks? We ask Ottawa's top trade man
U.S. President Donald Trump threatens new 50 per cent tariffs on Canada after trade talks fall apart. Power & Politics hears from Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc on what it will take for Canada to return to the negotiating table, while Conservatives demand answers on what went wrong. Plus, New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt weighs in on the trade war's impact on her province.
Canada-U.S. trade deal collapses
Power & Politics brings you live coverage as Canada reacts to punishing new tariffs from the U.S. Prime Minister Mark Carney says trade talks fell apart after the U.S. 'asked for too much and offered too little.' P&P host David Cochrane hears from provinces, industry players and members of the Canada-U.S. advisory committee on economic relations.
Canada-U.S. deal or no deal? The clock runs out (again) tonight
For the second time this week, Canada is working against the clock to secure a trade deal with the U.S. Power & Politics has reaction from Canadian industry and members of the prime minister's advisory committee. Plus, U.S. Vice-President JD Vance calls Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre a 'non-entity' in negotiations. P&P hears from Conservative critic for Canada-U.S. relations Shuvaloy Majumdar.
Carney nearly begged premiers to lift U.S. booze ban, says Kinew
As negotiators say Canada is 'very close' to a U.S. trade deal, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew says Prime Minister Mark Carney nearly begged premiers to put U.S. alcohol back on shelves to secure the deal. Power & Politics hears from Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, who says he disagrees with that characterization. The Power Panel weighs in.
Do Canada and the U.S. actually have a trade deal?
U.S. President Donald Trump says he's brokered a 'very good deal' with Canada, while Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc says there is still work to be done to finalize a deal. Power & Politics gets the latest from Ralph Goodale, a member of the prime minister's Advisory Committee on Canada-U.S. Economic Relations. Plus, we talk to one of Trump's former trade advisers about what could be the president's endgame.
Carney, Trump speak as Canada stares down 50% tariffs
Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump speak by phone as both sides try to hammer out a trade deal. Will new 50 per cent U.S. tariffs come into force at midnight, or will Canada be able to avoid them? Power & Politics has the latest insights from Jean Charest, former premier of Quebec and member of the prime minister's advisory council on Canada-U.S. economic relations. Plus, the Power Panel debates Canada's options if the tariffs do come into force.
N.L., Quebec sign new Churchill Falls deal. Will the Quebec election ruin it?
Newfoundland and Labrador strike a new Churchill Falls deal with Quebec, one that's worth more than $70 billion, but could the upcoming Quebec election put it all at risk? Power & Politics asks N.L. Premier Tony Wakeham and federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson.
Canada, U.S. far from trade deal: New details on barriers, concessions
Major disagreements have Canada and the U.S. far from a trade deal, CBC News has learned. Power & Politics brings you exclusive details on possible concessions, plus reaction from members of the Canada-U.S. trade advisory council. The Power Panel weighs in.
Canada and the U.S. try to land a trade deal
Canadian and American trade officials are pushing ahead with talks — meeting for the second time this week. With a tariff hike just days away, where do talks stand? Eric Miller, president of Rideau Potomac Strategy Group, joins Power & Politics to discuss. Plus, an update from B.C. Emergency Management Minister Kelly Greene as wildfires continue to upend life across large parts of British Columbia.
Exclusive: Canada unsatisfied with latest U.S. trade offer, sources say
According to two sources with knowledge of Canada-U.S. trade talks, Canadian and American negotiators have exchanged a number of trade offers in recent weeks but neither side is ready to accept a deal. The CBC's Kate McKenna has those details. Plus, should the U.S. ambassador be declared a persona non grata? Tens of thousands of Canadians say yes. The Power Panel debates whether this petition could help or hurt trade talks.
What's at stake if Canada's trade talks fall apart?
Canada's top trade negotiators are back in Washington for their third meeting in as many weeks. CEO of the Canadian American Business Council Beth Burke says if talks break down, more than 100,000 jobs are at stake on either side of the border. Plus, Canada's largest overseas mission just got an extension until 2031. Where does its future lay as Russia's war in Ukraine is raging into its fifth year? Power & Politics asks Latvia's Chief of Defence Maj.-Gen. Kaspars Pudāns.
Is the Carney government caving to the U.S. on trade talks?
As Canada readies its position in U.S. trade talks, Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre is warning against accepting any possible concessions in exchange for tariff relief. Power & Politics asks Conservative Canada-U.S. relations critic Shuvaloy Majumdar how his party would pursue a tariff-free deal. Plus, reaction from Quebec on the possibility of the federal government putting provincial booze bans on the table.
Canada prepared to end booze bans to ease trade war: sources
CBC News has learned new details about Canada's trade talks with the U.S., including where Canada may be prepared to make concessions in exchange for tariff relief. Power & Politics talks to Brian Clow, who has direct experience negotiating with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and asks Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy what it would take to get the province on board with a booze concession.
Republican senator says 'this is the moment' to get a trade deal
The prime minister's top trade negotiators are in Washington. Part of their push to stop the latest U.S. tariff threats means talking to those with the president’s ear — including U.S. Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer. Power & Politics speaks with Cramer about his meeting with Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc. And, U.S. President Donald Trump calls Canada's leadership 'nasty.' Power & Politics asks Quebec's CUSMA envoy Louise Blais what this means for the state of trade negotiations.
Is Carney's trade negotiation strategy working?
As Canada faces down U.S. President Donald Trump's latest tariff threat, Prime Minister Mark Carney says now is not the time to change strategy. Former Quebec premier Jean Charest says it's a 'good signal' that Carney's top trade negotiators are back in Washington. Plus, Power & Politics takes stock of the life and legacy of veteran Canadian broadcaster Lloyd Robertson.
Carney's top trade negotiators are back in Washington
Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and chief trade negotiator Janice Charette are back in Washington just days after wrapping their last trip to the U.S. capital — is this a sign that talks are intensifying? The CBC's Kate McKenna has the details. Plus, according to a letter sent by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service to Alberta's Opposition leader, the province's fall referendum could be a target for foreign interference. Power & Politics talks to Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi about what CSIS is doing to monitor those risks.
Can Carney keep his majority as byelections and U.S. trade threats loom?
Canadians in three federal ridings will go to the polls at the end of this month. What could this mean for Prime Minister Mark Carney's already slim majority government? Plus, with even more Trump tariffs looming over billions' worth of Canadian exports, Carney says it is time to intensify trade talks. The Power Panel weighs in on this special holiday edition of Power & Politics.
Trump says he’s secured a deal for Gaza. Is it attainable?
U.S. President Donald Trump says he's secured a peace deal for Gaza that would see Israel withdraw its troops and Hamas give up its weapons. However, skepticism remains about whether this is the needed breakthrough. We’ll speak with former Canadian ambassador to Israel Jon Allen. Plus, two major North American unions are pleading with the White House to reverse course on tariffs as Trump’s polling numbers continue to fall. Power and Politics speaks with the United Steelworkers Association and the Power Panel weighs in.
Carney won’t leverage energy exports in trade talks. Why not?
Prime Minister Mark Carney says he 'doesn’t see the value' in using Canadian energy exports as leverage in U.S. trade negotiations as his minister responsible for Canada-U.S. trade returns from a trip to D.C. Plus, the Power Panel helps unpack the ongoing labour dispute between WestJet and its flight attendants as a strike looms.
Carney aids Alberta amid tensions with Ontario
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced half a billion dollars in funding to help build infrastructure for new homes in Alberta as his government gets into a spat with Ontario over high-speed rail and the downtown Toronto airport. Plus, we hear about the impact of the trade war from Vermont Sen. Peter Welch and B.C. Forests Minister Ravi Parmar.
Trump says he doesn't care about CUSMA
Calling the free trade deal 'not important,' U.S. President Donald Trump says he doesn't care about CUSMA as Canada's minister of U.S. trade prepares for a trip to Washington. Power & Politics speaks with former U.S. diplomat Maryscott Greenwood and the Power Panel weighs in. Plus, tension is growing between the federal and Ontario governments after Prime Minister Mark Carney’s decision to withdraw support for the Billy Bishop Airport expansion. Was that decision political?
Gordie Howe Bridge officially opens for travel and trade
After months of political delays, trade and passenger traffic are finally moving across the Gordie Howe International Bridge. The Detroit Regional Chamber's president and CEO joins us to discuss the corridor's opening. Plus, the prime minister has called for three August byelections — the Power Panel discusses if the government's slim majority is at risk.
Canada threw a party to open the Gordie Howe Bridge. The U.S. wasn't invited
Canada celebrated the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge on Friday without the United States after prolonged delays and threats of new tariffs. Power & Politics speaks with Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens and the Power Panel weighs in.
Canada threw a party to open the Gordie Howe Bridge. The U.S. wasn't invited
Canada celebrated the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge on Friday without the United States after prolonged delays and threats of new tariffs. Power & Politics speaks with Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens and the Power Panel weighs in.
Carney says 'everything is on the table' if no trade agreement reached by August
With Canada facing new 50 per cent U.S. tariffs on Aug. 19, Prime Minister Mark Carney warns that retaliatory measures remain an option if an agreement with U.S. President Donald Trump isn't reached. As the Council of the Federation and first ministers' meeting conclude, the country's premiers join Power & Politics to discuss their meetings with the prime minister. Are they confident in the path he put forward?
Can the premiers stay united against Trump's tariff threat?
As Day 2 of the Council of the Federation's meetings wrap up, divisions are starting to show among premiers regarding the best strategy for Canada to handle U.S. President Donald Trump's threatened 50 per cent tariffs. Power & Politics speaks with premiers from across the country before Prime Minister Mark Carney's arrival in Charlottetown.
Tariff shockwaves overshadow premiers' meeting
Reeling from the latest Trump administration threat of a 50 per cent tariff on many Canadian goods, the nation’s premiers gather in Charlottetown. Power & Politics speaks with B.C. Premier David Eby, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and P.E.I. Premier Rob Lantz about their approach to the latest from south of the border, and the Power Panel weighs in.
U.S. threatens 50% tariffs on Canadian exports, including CUSMA goods
U.S. President Donald Trump signed three proclamations to impose 50 per cent tariffs on a sprawling list of Canadian exports which the White House says are a response to Canada's 'discrimination' against U.S. motor vehicles, dairy and alcohol. Power & Politics speaks with industry experts Flavio Volpe and Matthew Holmes and the Power Panel weighs in.
Trump threatens more tariffs on Canada over wildfire smoke drifting to the U.S.
As wildfires burn across Canada, displacing residents and threatening public health, the smoke is also making its way over to the U.S. American politicians are demanding that Canada get those fires under control — or face economic retribution. Power & Politics hears from Ontario Minister of Natural Resources Mike Harris on those threats. Plus, U.S. President Donald Trump used a prime time speech to cast doubt on the U.S electoral system and outline a conspiracy ranging from Chinese interference to the deep state. P&P has a reality check on those claims and the Reporter Roundtable weighs in.
Ottawa makes multibillion-dollar defence investment for armoured vehicles
Ottawa says it will spend almost $2 billion over four years on 190 armoured combat support vehicles that will be built by a Canada-based company. Power & Politics hears from Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr. Plus, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer says he hasn't 'seen a lot of movement' from Canada in trade talks. The Power Panel weighs in.
Canada's finance ministers talk growth as economy shows signs of improvement
Federal and provincial finance ministers meet in Prince Edward Island to talk breaking down barriers and strengthening the economy. That's as the Bank of Canada releases a cautiously optimistic economic outlook. Power & Politics hears from Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne and two of his provincial counterparts. Plus, footage shows protesters swarming the premier of Nova Scotia's car and smashing the front windshield. P&P has the details from the CBC News reporter who was on the scene.
What Canada's bridge deal with Trump could mean for future negotiations
Former UN ambassador and premier of Ontario Bob Rae tells Power & Politics that U.S. President Donald Trump's deal with Canada to open the long-awaited Gordie Howe International Bridge is a distorted power move. Plus, midterm elections loom in the U.S. as the death of one Republican senator and the illness of another change dynamics in Washington. P&P hears from Semafor's David Weigel.
Did Canada make another concession to the U.S. to open the Gordie Howe Bridge?
The Gordie Howe International Bridge between Windsor, Ont., and Detroit is set to open on July 27 after months of delays from the U.S. administration. A new deal will see a U.S. development fund get 50 per cent of the toll profits for 15 years, despite Canada paying for the entire $6.4-billion bridge. Power & Politics hears from Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens and Conservative Canada-U.S. relations critic Shuv Majumdar. The Power Panel weighs in.
How is the global economy handling new disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz?
Canada and the U.S. strike a deal to finally open the Gordie Howe Bridge as days of renewed strikes in the Strait of Hormuz renew global economic concerns. Economist Justin Wolfers joins Power & Politics to evaluate how this now reignited conflict is weighing on the global economy. Plus, we get Conservative reaction to the Prime Minister's big week of investment deals.
Carney becomes first PM to visit Saudi Arabia in 26 years - why is he there?
A new Meta artificial intelligence data centre to be built outside of Edmonton is raising energy consumption concerns. We speak with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith about the project. Prime Minister Carney becomes the first Canadian leader to visit Saudi Arabia in over 20 years as the U.S.-Iran ceasefire deal collapses — Middle East expert Thomas Juneau offers his analysis. Plus, party infighting has led some Conservatives to call on federal leader Pierre Poilievre to set aside personal disputes in favour of party unity. The Power Panel weighs in.
Why are Carney and NATO backing new U.S. attacks on Iran?
The NATO summit in Turkey wraps as U.S. President Donald Trump declares the ceasefire deal with Iran is over following an exchange of strikes between the nations. Power & Politics speaks with former U.S. permanent representative to NATO Ivo Daalder. Plus, a week after the CUSMA renewal deadline passed, we ask Canada-U.S. relations expert Laura Dawson what to expect for the next 10 years as the trade deal potentially faces rolling reviews.
RCMP and FBI make 24 gang arrests, 3 on Canadian soil
A transnational crackdown on three international organized gangs based in India results in 37 charges and 24 arrests, three on Canadian soil. The NATO summit begins with U.S. President Donald Trump renewing his threats against Greenland. Plus, Prime Minister Mark Carney makes his first Senate appointments, including a sitting Conservative MP.
Canada picks German over South Korean submarines. Is it the right choice?
After months of speculation, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the federal government will now enter into negotiations with German shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) to build the navy's new fleet of submarines over South Korea's Hanwha Ocean. But is that the right choice? Defence analyst Dave Perry and Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr join Power & Politics to weigh in.
Alberta's pipeline pitch revealed — and Canadian taxpayers are on the hook
Details of Alberta's pitch for a pipeline to the B.C. coast are finally revealed, and taxpayers could be on the hook for a significant portion of the costs. Power & Politics hears from Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Energy Minister Tim Hodgson. Plus, Liberal MP and environmental activist Steven Guilbeault warns against the proposed pipeline's impacts. The Power Panel weighs in.
Alberta to unveil pipeline proposal details, B.C. gets a deal of its own
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith will soon unveil details of her province's long-awaited proposal for a pipeline to B.C. Meanwhile, B.C. Premier David Eby gets a major deal of his own with the federal government. Power & Politics hears from Premier Eby, and the Power Panel weighs in.