Whether it’s leadership contender Kellie Leitch’s call to screen all newcomers for so-called Canadian values. Or a majority of Tory MPs deciding they can’t support a motion denouncing Islamophobia because they have a problem with the word Islamophobia — we’re wondering what’s behind the sudden change in tone. 

In this episode: former Reform party leader Preston Manning, Conservative leadership contender Michael Chong and Mount Royal University’s Bruce Foster. Hosted by Althia Raj.

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#1 What’s Going On With The Conservative Party?

Get intimate with Maxime Bernier as the Conservative leadership front-runner meets host Althia Raj for tea and a very interesting conversation. 

In this episode: Tory leadership candidate Maxime Bernier. Hosted by Althia Raj.

#6 Tea With Mad Max

In this episode: With the NDP leadership race in full swing, meet Quebec NDP MP Guy Caron in the first our sit-down interviews with the candidates. Hosted by Althia Raj.

#11 Guy Caron's Unlikely NDP Journey

In this episode: NDP leadership hopeful, veteran MP, and former rocker Charlie Angus expands on his vision of the party and reveals he’s afraid of heights. Hosted by Althia Raj.

#12 The Rebel Yell Of Charlie Angus

Within 24 hours, sexual harassment allegations ousted a federal minister from cabinet and two provincial PC leaders from their top spots. Our panel joins Althia to talk about how the #MeToo momentum is changing Canadian politics.

In this episode: Rachel Curran, Greg MacEachern, and Karl Bélanger. Hosted by Althia Raj.

#16 The Swift Fall Of Patrick Brown (And Others)

The NDP took a hard turn to the left at its convention in Ottawa as Jagmeet Singh gave Canadians a sneak peek at the party’s much-anticipated platform. How left can the NDP go?

In this episode: Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, and lots of interesting voices from what the party calls its youngest and most diverse policy convention. Hosted by Althia Raj.

#19 NDP Signals A Hard Left Turn

Employment And Workforce Minister Patty Hajdu, labour pioneer and former NDP MP Peggy Nash join host Althia Raj for a live conversation about working as a woman in the male-dominated field of politics to mark Women’s History Month.

Bonus: It’s Still A Boys' Club On Parliament Hill

The NDP are pissed. The Tories are bewildered. And the Liberals are pretty pleased with their new debate-lite convention process that supported resolutions bending the party to the left. 

In this episode: Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, NDP Parliamentary leader Guy Caron, Abacus Data CEO David Coletto, Nanos Research Chairman Nik Nanos, incoming Liberal Party president Suzanne Cowan, Canada 2020 president Tom Pitfield, and the prime minister’s policy director Michael McNair. Hosted by Althia Raj.

#23 Sea Trial In Halifax For Liberals’ 2019 Campaign

Scott Simms was stripped as a standing committee chair after he refused to toe the party line on the government’s controversial Canada Summer Jobs attestation. The Liberal MP speaks out about his caucus crime and political punishment.

In this episode: Liberal MPs Scott Simms, John MacKay, and Raj Grewal, NDP MP Matthew Dubé, and Conservative MP Karen Vacchio. Hosted by Althia Raj.

#25 Liberal MP Scott Simms Rages Against The Party Machine

Who knew “sunny ways” included buying a controversial pipeline that Kinder Morgan wanted to dump. With 2019 around the corner, will this political gambit ruin the Liberals’ shot at re-election? 

In this episode: NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, Liberal MP John Wilkinson, and B.C. Environment Minister George Heyman. Hosted by Althia Raj.

#26 The Liberals Are Now Livin’ On A Pipeline Prayer

This session of Parliament comes to an end with the legalization of recreational marijuana — a day after the Liberals were smoked in a rare byelection loss. Is this a taste of what’s to come? 

In this episode: Government House Leader Bardish Chagger. Hosted by Althia Raj.

#28 Parliament Wraps With Legal Bud And A Conservative Twist

While Maxime Bernier tried to steal headlines from the start of the Conservative party policy convention in Halifax, 3,000 delegates focused on positioning their party for the 2019 election. 

In this episode: Andrew Scheer’s chief of staff Marc-Andre Leclerc, ex-Harper war room strategist Jason Lietaer, Alberta Tory delegate Natalie Pon, Tory MPs Tony Clement and Pierre Paul-Hus, and Sen. Don Plett. Hosted by Althia Raj.

#29 Irreconcilable Differences: Conservatives Carry On Without Maxime Bernier

As the NDP and Tories piled on the Liberal government for deepening Canada's deficit, they face some deep troubles of their own. 

In this episode: Liberal MP Scott Simms, Conservative strategist Rachel Curran, Liberal strategist Greg MacEachern, and former NDP national director Karl Bélanger. Hosted by Althia Raj.

Detailed show notes:
(2:55) Panellists discuss fiscal update
(6:15) “Santa Morneau” came around, says Karl Bélanger
(7:31) What does a blue Liberal think about the deficit?
(10:02) Don't forget to talk about Alberta
(14:28) Paul Godfrey’s excitement over $595-million media bailout spooks a panellist
(14:47) Ex-weatherman-MP Scott Simms vs. ex-news anchor-MP Peter Kent
(16:47) Pollster David Coletto on the Liberals' up-and-down year
(21:00) Panellists discuss NDP free fall
(27:23) "Doug Ford is setting himself up to be a drag on Andrew Scheer"
(32:48) We left you a funny kicker

#34 Liberals Deepen The Deficit While Tories, NDP Swim Into Some Trouble

Who knew you could experience separation anxiety with a building? We tour Centre Block one last time before it closes for at least a decade for renovations and learn some of its wild stories.

Detailed show notes:
(3:54) Joe Clark shares his first Centre Block memory
(6:53) Folklore of Pierre Trudeau’s statuette-breaking stunt
(13:15) Revealed: the secret Ottawa Senators carving in the Senate
(17:02) 1966 bombing inside the building
(23:38) Duffy’s recollection of that time Pierre Trudeau got into a shoving match with a reporter
(25:34) “The most beautiful room in Canada”
(27:26) That time an MP was caught butt naked in the halls

#38 Goodbye, Centre Block

Jody Wilson-Raybould unleashed scorching testimony that burned her party. As her fate in the Liberal party remains unclear, veteran NDP MP Nathan Cullen sits down to talk about his own exit. 

In this episode: HuffPost Canada senior politics editor Ryan Maloney, NDP MP Nathan Cullen. Hosted by Althia Raj.

Detailed show notes:
(5:12) Ryan Maloney on one of the “wilder” moments in Jody Wilson-Raybould’s testimony
(7:44) “The prime minister asked me to help out”
(14:51) That reference to Watergate’s infamous “Saturday Night Massacre”
(19:04) Defining the difference between “illegal” and “inappropriate” pressure  
(20:51) How badly the SNC-Lavalin controversy is hurting the Liberals
(24:48) Cabinet minister talk about Jody Wilson-Raybould’s place in caucus
(28:71) NDP MP Nathan Cullen addresses perception his exit would fuel a narrative that the party is in trouble
(30:43) Nathan Cullen on Jagmeet Singh’s “significant” potential for growth
(34:46) Nathan Cullen shares the really good piece of advice Stockwell Day gave him as a rookie MP
(36:00) The one time Jack Layton got “proper angry” with Cullen
(37:17) Ed Broadbent on what Jagmeet Singh’s byelection win means for the party now

#42 Jody Wilson-Raybould Rocks The Casbah

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's former principal secretary has kept a low-profile since testifying about the SNC-Lavalin affair. Now, he speaks candidly about that, his new relationship with the PMO, and the unexpected realities of political fame. 

In this episode: Gerald Butts, former principal secretary to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Hosted by Althia Raj.

Detailed show notes:
(3:43) Butts explains why he’s sitting down for this interview
(26:39) “What do you mean by it was difficult on your family?”
(16:49) The last conversation Butts had with Jody Wilson-Raybould
(27:00) The “most difficult” period for Butts’ family after his resignation
(32:28) A violation of Marquess of Queensberry rules
(45:15) “One of the most surreal things about being involved in politics…”
(48:36) Butts share the best piece of advice he’s ever got (Spoiler: it’s from his aunt, former Canadian senator Sister Peggy Butts)
(49:57) The letter to Dalton McGuinty that marked a career turning point
(1:04:47) Agreeing to disagree on Liberals’ broken promises
(1:08:08) “I don’t think people appreciate how real the dangers are for people in public life right now” and talking about Michael Wernick
(1:18:06) Althia notes how the prime minister seems to be “rudderless”; Butts disagrees

#45 One-On-One With Gerald Butts

Two motions put climate change at the top of the agenda in Ottawa this week. Elizabeth May doesn’t think it’s a coincidence. But as the debate unfurls in the last weeks of Parliament, frustration mounts in the back benches about rules in the House of Commons.

In this episode: Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, Liberal MP Frank Baylis, and Deputy Speaker of the House Bruce Stanton. Hosted by Althia Raj.

#46 Suddenly, It’s Easier Being Green These Days

Social media has given politicians more platforms than ever to engage with the public. But the temptation to package sound bites into spicy content has seemingly encouraged a more casual relationship with the truth — and raised questions about politicians' responsibilities.

In this episode: NDP MP Nathan Cullen, Conservative MP Peter Kent, and Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith. Hosted by Althia Raj.

#47 Real Talk About ‘Fake News’

Parliament has adjourned and, we’re told, a nasty campaign lies ahead. Our pundit panel reviews how the Liberals have done after nearly four years and if Andrew Scheer’s “blandness” actually gives him an edge. 

In this episode: Government House Leader Bardish Chagger. Pundits Greg MacEachern, Karl Bélanger, and Kate Harrison. Hosted by Althia Raj.

#48 Serenity Now! Election Insanity Later

We’ve made it to the end of the rainbow. The Liberals have been re-elected with a strong minority, with equally strong divisions across Canada. We look at how election night unfolded at the different party headquarters, and what’s next. 

In this episode: HuffPost Canada reporters Zi-Ann Lum, Emma Paling, Melanie Woods and senior politics editor Ryan Maloney. Hosted by Althia Raj.

#49 Justin Trudeau Now Playing In The Minority League

The Liberals have returned to Ottawa in need of dance partners to get things done. We speak to current and former House leaders on the moves they’ve learned — and the missteps they’ve witnessed in other minority governments.

In this episode: Former Liberal house leader Ralph Goodale, former Conservative house leader Jay Hill, NDP national director Anne McGrath, and current House leaders Candice Bergen (Conservative), Christine Normandin (Bloc Québécois), and Peter Julian (NDP). Hosted by Althia Raj.

#50 Parties For Sale Or Rent In A Minority Government

With a cabinet decision due over the fate of Teck Frontier, a massive new oilsands mine project, the Liberals face another test on how serious they are about reducing carbon emissions.

In this episode: Energy and environmental economist Andrew Leach, Liberal MP Kody Blois, NDP MP Laurel Collins, Bloc Québécois MP Kristina Michaud, and Tory MPs Tim Uppal and Stephanie Kusie. Hosted by Althia Raj.

#51 Teck Frontier Fears And Political Loathing On The Hill

As the government whips through 2020 with minority numbers, the Liberal’s No. 1 dissenting MP sits down for a candid talk about how he's found a balance between his own “principled independence” and toeing the party line. 

In this episode: Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, NDP MP Peter Julian, Conservative MP Bruce Stanton, and Liberal MPs James Maloney and Ali Ehsassi. Hosted by Althia Raj.

#52 Parliament’s Top Rebel Explains Why It’s Healthy To Dissent

Months into a pandemic, the initial political unity in Ottawa has disintegrated. Historic economic packages have been approved at breakneck speed, but some Canadians are still being left behind.

In this episode: Government House Leader Pablo Rodriguez, and pundits Karl Bélanger, Greg MacEachern, and Kate Harrison. Hosted by Althia Raj.

#53 ‘Never Let A Good Crisis Go To Waste’

The throne speech has been read. The Conservatives and Bloc have signaled their displeasure, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh finds himself kingmaker, again.

In this episode: NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, and pundits Karl Bélanger, Greg MacEachern, and Kate Harrison. Hosted by Althia Raj.

#54 Jagmeet Singh’s Complicated Relationship With Liberals

Annamie Paul is the first new leader of the federal Green party in 14 years. As she tries to move the party beyond Elizabeth May’s shadow — spectres have been raised by former leadership contenders about the integrity of the race.

#55 Goodbye Elizabeth May, Hello Annamie Paul

The U.S. election cycle feels like it has its own gravitational pull and two candidates signal different opportunities — and potential challenges — for Canada.  

In this episode: Eurasia Group vice chairman Gerald Butts, former Globe and Mail energy reporter Shawn McCarthy, former federal Conservative minister James Moore, CBC News’ Washington-based correspondent Alexander Panetta and HuffPost Canada's senior politics editor Ryan Maloney. Hosted by Althia Raj.

#56 The Elephant And The Mouse: What The U.S. Election Result Means For Canada

While it seems debates over free speech have been on a rolling boil south of the border, the topic has also dominated francophone TV and radio in recent weeks, giving new breath to old debates about how Quebec’s voice is represented in Ottawa.

In this episode: Bloc Québécois MP Stéphane Bergeron, Conservative MP Gérard Deltell, Liberal MP Joël Lightbound, and Maverick Party interim leader Jay Hill. Hosted by Althia Raj.

#57 Who Speaks For Quebec?

The path to electoral victory for the Conservative party involves building a bigger tent and floating a few trial balloons — during a pandemic. We ask insiders for their first impressions of Erin O’Toole’s first 100 days as Conservative leader.

In this episode: Stephen Harper’s former campaign manager Jenni Byrne, former Harper PMO advisor Dennis Matthews, Abacus Data CEO David Coletto, Unifor National President Jerry Dias, Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald, Eric Wen of the Chinese Canadian Conservative Association, the National Council of Canadian Muslim CEO Mustafa Farooq, Campaign Life Coalition’s political operations director Jack Fonseca, and Ontario Conservative MP Karen Vecchio. Hosted by Althia Raj.

#58 Erin O’Toole’s First 100 Days

The Liberal government revealed a mini-budget chock full of new spending — but it’s the pitch to keep the spending taps open, to inject up to $100 billion into the economy after the pandemic, that has financial experts turning their heads.

In this episode: HuffPost Canada Ottawa reporter Zi-Ann Lum; Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux; Kevin Page, Canada's first parliamentary budget officer and the president and CEO of the Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy at the University of Ottawa; and Scotiabank’s director of fiscal and provincial economics Rebekah Young. Hosted by Althia Raj.

#59 Things You Should Know About Canada’s Historic Debt Level

Thoughtful, frank conversations with Canada’s top political insiders, hosted by Althia Raj. A podcast from HuffPost Canada's Politics team.

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