At Issue

CBC

Cut through the spin with Canada’s top political journalists. Host Rosemary Barton and columnists Althia Raj, Chantal Hébert and Andrew Coyne break down the week’s biggest political stories shaping the country. Brought to you by CBC News: The National. New episodes drop every Friday.

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21 episodes
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Friday · 24 min
Is Carney’s Europe pivot in Canada’s best interest?
Prime Minister Mark Carney moves to deepen ties with the European Union, but is it in Canada’s best interest? The Liberals try to lure foreign investment. And Stephen Harper stands behind the decision to walk away from U.S. trade talks. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
September 9 · 22 min
Canada faces more U.S. trade war escalation
With Canada's $28 billion tit-for-tat counter-tariffs sparking further U.S. tariffs and outright bans on some Canadian products, the At Issue panel breaks down Canada's strategy, what it might do next, and what all the trade chaos means for politics and national unity. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
August 25 · 13 min
Carney’s decision to abandon trade talks
Canada-U.S. trade talks collapse and Donald Trump threatens even more tariffs. Was it the right decision for Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government to walk away and is a deal still possible? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
June 19 · 22 min
Carney's G7 hits and misses
Mark Carney's mixed-bag G7 trip wins big interest in Canadian oil, and another snub from Donald Trump. Analyzing the big challenges facing the Liberals in the fall. And the Conservatives call out Carney for skipping Question Period.Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
June 12 · 25 min
Canada scrambles to bridge U.S. trade divide
Canada grapples with more Trump threats to free trade and a delay in opening the new Gordie Howe bridge. The Liberals move against social media but not everyone's on board. And Pierre Poilievre pitches Albertans on staying in Canada.Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
June 5 · 23 min
Carney fends off recession accusations
Mark Carney fends off accusations of driving Canada into a recession. What ordering the CRTC to back down over its 'Netflix tax' means for U.S. trade negotiations. And are some Liberal MPs chafing under Mark Carney's leadership style.Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
May 30 · 32 min
Will Donald Trump's revenge tour backfire? | Analysis from Washington
CBC’s weekly podcast, Two Blocks from the White House, takes a clear-eyed look at what’s happening in the U.S. right now and what it means for Canadians.  From a $1.8 billion US fund for Donald Trump allies, which some critics call a 'MAGA slush fund', to retribution for Republicans who have spoken out against him, the U.S. president is pushing his personal agenda amid declining approval ratings and with the midterm elections right around the corner. Thi
May 29 · 24 min
Carney says Canada can make America great again
Prime Minister Mark Carney tells U.S. investors how Canada 'will help make America great again.' Climate frustrations push Steven Guilbeault to quit politics. And Alberta’s separatist moves are slammed as a threat to national unity. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Althia Raj and Stephanie Levitz.
May 23 · 30 min
What Stephen Colbert’s cancellation says about Trump’s America | Analysis from Washington
CBC’s weekly podcast, Two Blocks from the White House, takes a clear-eyed look at what’s happening in the U.S. right now and what it means for Canadians.  In this episode, the final episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert airs this week. It’s being called the end of an era, and some critics say the cancellation of the iconic late night talk show represents a broader attack on dissent during Donald Trump’s second administration. Washington correspondents Katie Simps
May 22 · 22 min
Alberta premier's move to keep separation referendum alive
Premier Danielle Smith addresses Alberta's sovereignty quagmire with plans for a referendum on having the original separatism referendum. How other provinces are reacting to the Ottawa-Alberta energy deal. Plus, what American delays on opening a new cross-border bridge say about trade negotiations. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
May 16 · 28 min
Has Trump made conspiracy theories mainstream? | Analysis from Washington
CBC’s weekly podcast, Two Blocks from the White House, takes a clear-eyed look at what’s happening in the U.S. right now and what it means for Canadians.  In this episode, Washington correspondents Katie Simpson, Paul Hunter and Willy Lowry dig into the long history of conspiracy theories in American politics, and ask whether Trump has helped push them into the mainstream. Find and follow Two Blocks from the White House wherever you get your podcasts, or
May 15 · 23 min
How is Mark Carney balancing energy ambitions and climate concerns?
The Liberals announce their plans to double Canada’s electricity grid by 2050 and build on changes to project approvals with progress on pipeline and an industrial price on carbon - but is the caucus behind him? Plus, the UCP government says it will appeal a court decision to quash a separatist petition. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
May 9 · 28 min
Is U.S. Voting set to change forever? | Analysis from Washington
CBC’s weekly podcast, Two Blocks from the White House, takes a clear-eyed look at what’s happening in the U.S. right now and what it means for Canadians.  This week’s episode of Two Blocks from the White House looks at how a new Supreme Court ruling is reshaping U.S. voting districts. Last week, the court neutralized a key part of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, ruling that a congressional map in Louisiana gave too much consideration to race when drawing voting districts.
May 8 · 21 min
Will a pipeline push soothe separatist sentiment?
Will Carney’s move to speed up natural resource project approvals — including pipelines — soothe separatist sentiment in Alberta? Plus, reports Honda might abandon its EV battery plant plans and the growing push for a youth social media ban in Canada. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
May 1 · 23 min
The costs of Carney's spending plans
What Mark Carney's spending goals outlined in the spring economic update mean for the deficit. Conservatives battle Liberal efforts to move committees behind closed doors. And how will Carney's new sovereign wealth fund help Canadians? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
April 24 · 24 min
Carney fires back at Trump’s trade demands
Ottawa responds to the Trump administration demands for trade concessions, including lifting the U.S. liquor ban. Mark Carney and Pierre Poilivre release dueling social media videos. And the Liberals move to control House committees with their newly-secured majority. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
April 17 · 21 min
How will Carney flex his majority power
Prime Minister Mark Carney returns to the House of Commons with his newly-minted majority government. The Conservatives try to chart a new path forward with Pierre Poilievre as leader. And, could Canada really join the EU? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
April 10 · 23 min
Carney's expanding Liberal tent
As former Conservative MP Marliyn Gladu's move to the Liberals further widens the views within caucus, could it impact upcoming byelections? What does another defection mean for Pierre Poilievre’s leadership? And, will Mark Carney address concerns around the independence of Senators? Rosemary Barton hosts Andrew Coyne, Althia Raj and Rob Shaw.
April 3 · 23 min
Carney juggles risk and reward with China trade push
Mark Carney juggles risk and reward as the Liberals chase closer China trade ties despite blowback over his human rights comments. Pierre Poilievre's push to derail Alto's high-speed train plan. Plus, Avi Lewis's uphill battle to convince Canadians they still need the NDP. Rosemary Barton hosts Andrew Coyne, Althia Raj and Aaron Wherry.
March 27 · 23 min
What hitting NATO's spending target means for Carney and Canada
The benefits, and challenges, of Canada finally meeting its two per cent NATO spending target. The uphill political battle facing the next NDP Leader. And, the growing provincial divide over how judges are appointed in Canada. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.

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