It's Political with Althia Raj

Public opinion polls suggest Canadians have had enough of Justin Trudeau's government, and yet the prime minister vows to stay on. As 2024 began, Toronto Star columnist Susan Delacourt sat down with the prime minister for her yearly chat, and she allowed our microphones to listen in. This conversation was recorded on Jan. 12 in Guelph, Ont. In this episode: Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau and Toronto Star National Columnist Susan Delacourt Some of the clips this week were sourced from the CBC, ABC, CTV, CPAC, and The Guardian. This episode of "It's Political" was packaged by Althia Raj and mixed by Kevin Sexton. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.

It's been quite a tumultuous year in federal politics, from allegations of foreign interference involving China and India, to the expansion of industrial and dental subsidies, and a rejigging of public support for Canada's two main parties. We asked Toronto Star readers and "It's Political" podcast listeners for their questions — and received many probing queries about themes from the last year, especially about the influence of Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre on Canadian politics and the future of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. We gathered a few of our parliamentary journalists to answer them. In this episode: National Columnist Susan Delacourt, Ottawa deputy bureau chief Stephanie Levitz and reporter Mark Ramzy join host Althia Raj. Some of the clips this week were sourced from CPAC, CBC, CTV, Global, the NDP's Instagram account, Rex Murphy's Full Comment podcast and Pierre Poilievre's Facebook page. This episode of "It's Political" was produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Kevin Sexton mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.

Alberta Conservative MP Damien Kurek was kicked out of the House of Commons this week for using unparliamentary language. Within minutes of his expulsion, Kurek had the video of his outburst up on social media proudly showcasing his outrage at the Liberal government. Last week, another Alberta Conservative, Rachel Thomas, was forced to apologize after requesting Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge stop answering her questions in French and instead use English. Thomas wanted a social media clip her audience could understand. Social media is changing the way MPs are behaving on Parliament Hill and it's increasingly changing the way political parties court support. In this week's episode of "It's Political" we take a look at his issue from a number of different angles. First, Toronto Star columnist Susan Delacourt gives us an overview of how political communications has changed during her time in Ottawa. Then, MPs Kevin Waugh, Rob Oliphant and Stéphane Bergeron reflect on the demise of local media, where their constituents get their news, and how the new media landscape is changing the way MPs engage with one other. Later, I sit down with Canada Proud founder Jeff Ballingall, who worked with both Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and former leader Erin O'Toole, as well as Mélanie Richer, the former director of communications for NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, and with Cameron Ahmad, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's former director of communications. And finally, we'll hear about the impact an MP's social media campaign recently had on a member of the upper house, Senator Bernadette Clement. In this episode: Toronto Star national columnist Susan Delacourt, Saskatchewan Conservative MP Kevin Waugh, Ontario Liberal MP Rob Oliphant, Bloc Québecois MP Stéphane Bergeron, former Conservative media strategist and Mobilize Media president Jeff Ballingall, former director of communications for NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and Earnscliffe senior consultant Mélanie Richer, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's former director of communications Cameron Ahmad, and Ontario Independent Senator Bernadette Clement. Hosted by Althia Raj. Some of the clips this week were sourced from CPAC, The Senate, The House of Commons, CBC, Pierre Poilievre's Facebook page and Damien Kurek's X/Twitter account. This episode of "It's Political" was produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Kevin Sexton mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.

It's been described as a signature blow to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's signature policy. Last month, the Liberals announced a three-year pause to the application of the carbon price on home heating oil to help ease the costs, especially in Atlantic Canada where it's used in about a third of all households. Climate and energy experts decried it as a weakening of Trudeau's policy, former environment minister Catherine McKenna condemned the move, and potential leadership candidate Mark Carney said publicly that he wouldn't have done things that way. Provincial premiers, such as Alberta's Danielle Smith, Ontario's Doug Ford, British Columbia's David Ebby, Manitoba's Wab Kinew, and Saskatchewan's Scott Moe all called for the carbon price to be eliminated from home heating for all their residents. Moe went so far as to pledge to stop collecting and transmitting the levy on natural gas. What was expected by some rural MPs to be a popular announcement, unleashed a huge outcry putting the debate over carbon pricing right back on the front burner. This week on "It's Political" we dig into the carbon pricing debate, with Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault, experts Andrew Leach, Dale Beugin and Katya Rhodes, and Liberal MP Kody Blois, whose persistent lobbying led to the policy change. 4:23.077 - Kody Blois 17:15.840 - The Case for Carbon Pricing 39:46.601 - Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault In this episode: Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault, Nova Scotia Liberal MP Kody Blois, University of Alberta Professor Andrew Leach, Canadian Climate Institute Executive Vice President Dale Beugin, University of Victoria Assistant Professor in climate policy Katya Rhodes. Hosted by Althia Raj. Some of the clips this week were sourced from CPAC, The Senate, The House of Commons, The Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery, CBC, Global News, CTV, Pierre Poilievre's Facebook Page, The Conservative Party of Canada, Scott Moe's X/Twitter account. This episode of "It's Political" was produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Kevin Sexton mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.

Eight years ago, Justin Trudeau and 30 ecstatic Liberal MPs walked up to Rideau Hall, ready to be sworn in as Canada's next government. But after three elections, the Liberal glow has faded – drastically – as more and more Liberals suggest it's time for the prime minister to step down. This week on "It's Political," Abacus Data CEO David Coletto, P.E.I. Sen. Percy Downe and Toronto Star reporter Alex Ballingall join me to discuss whether Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should step down, and what the Liberals could do to address the public's growing fatigue with their leader. But first, if Trudeau were to step down, what would he be remembered for? We ask several close observers for their thoughts on the prime minister's legacy. Some of their answers may surprise. 2:20 Mini documentary on Justin Trudeau's legacy 31:55 Panel discussion on Justin Trudeau's future as Liberal leader Some of the clips this week were sourced from CBC, CPAC, Global, CTV, and The Guardian. This episode of "It's Political" was produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Kevin Sexton mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel. In this episode: Abacus Data CEO David Coletto, Prince Edward Island Sen. Percy Downe, Toronto Star reporter Alex Ballingall, University of Calgary political science professor Lisa Young, UBC economics professor Kevin Milligan, Acadia University politics professor Alex Marland, Queen's University adjunct professor Eugene Lang, the executive director of First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada and McGill University School of Social Work professor Cindy Blackstock, Canadian Climate Institute executive vice-president Dale Beugin, and York University public administration professor Thomas Klassen. Hosted by Althia Raj.

A month ago, we weren't talking about the Israelis-Palestinian conflict. The world's attention was elsewhere, on Ukraine and Russia, on China. But on October 7, all that changed. Hamas' brutality — the hunting of young adults at a music festival, the burning of homes, shooting of grandmothers, allegations of rape of women and girls, and the kidnapping of more than 200 Israelis and foreigners — placed the question of Israel and the occupied territories back on the front burner. And there are many questions. How should Israel respond to an event that shocked the nation's psyche? Can it pursue Hamas without triggering a wider conflict in the region? Is it justifiable to kill so many civilians in an attempt to neutralize a terrorism threat? This week on 'It's Political,' we take a look at the war between Israel and Hamas through a Canadian lens. First, we'll review how we got to the current conflict with the aid of Canada's former representative in the West Bank, Douglas Scott Proudfoot. Then, we'll hear from two families, a Israeli-Canadian man from Toronto and a Palestinian-Canadian couple from Ottawa, whose families have been deeply affected by Hamas' attack and Israel's bombing in response. This is a political show, and we'll sit down with two Liberal MPs from two different communities — Mount Royal MP Anthony Housefather and Scarborough Centre MP Salma Zahid — to discuss what they want to hear from their government and what their constituents want to hear from them. Finally, we'll have a fascinating conversation with two Middle East experts, Carleton University Political Science Professor Mira Sucharov and University of Ottawa Graduate School of Public and International Affairs Associate Professor Thomas Juneau, about Canada's policy in the Middle East, how it's changed over time, what impedes Canada from playing a larger role, and how diaspora politics guide Canadian foreign policy. 4:37 - Douglas Scott Proudfoot 22:36 - Aharon Brodutch 31:12 - Israa Alsaafin and Ahmed Alsaafin 42:05 - Salma Zahid and Anthony Housefather 56:07 - Mira Sucharov and Thomas Juneau Some of the clips this week were sourced from CPAC, Global News, CTV, Al Jazeera, Fox News, the BBC, CBS, the United Nations, the History Channel, France 24, CBC, CNN, Reuters, and Atlas Aware. This episode of "It's Political" was produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Kevin Sexton mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.

In this episode: Timmins—James Bay NDP MP Charlie Angus, South Okanagan—West Kootenay NDP MP Richard Cannings, Skeena—Bulkley Valley NDP MP Taylor Bachrach, Abacus Data CEO David Coletto, Traxxion Strategies President Karl Bélanger, Canadian Strategy Group senior manager of public affairs Sally Housser, University of Saskatchewan Political Studies Professor David McGrane,, St-John's East riding association president Amanda Will, Jason Arnold, of the United Steelworkers Local 7619 at the Highland Valley Copper Mine, and longtime New Democrat and socialist caucus co-chair Barry Weisleder. Hosted by Althia Raj. This weekend as federal New Democrats gather in Hamilton for the party's first in-person convention in five years, we'll take stock of the NDP's current challenges and review the leadership of Jagmeet Singh. Six years ago, when Singh took over the party, many hoped he'd be able to stop the bleeding of NDP votes to the Liberal party. But instead of growing the party's caucus, Singh lost 20 seats in his first election and was only able to gain one more seat in his last campaign. Now, the NDP's leader faces another leadership review. One that's being held in the context of the party's supply and confidence agreement with the Liberal party. Will New Democrats throw their support behind their leader, or will cracks emerge this weekend as some members fear a closer alignment with an unpopular federal government? But before we tackle that question, we'll first hear from three NDP MPs, whose ridings are high on Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's target list, on why the Official Opposition leader sees opportunity in their communities and how they intend to fight back. Then we'll sit down with Abacus Data CEO David Coletto for a look at the numbers and what they reveal about the party's support and the popularity of the NDP pact with the Liberals. And discuss it all with Karl Bélanger, the party's former national director and principal secretary to former NDP leader Thomas Mulcair, Sally Housser, a former NDP strategist in Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, and Ottawa, and David McGrane, a political studies professor at the University of Saskatchewan and the author of the book "The New NDP: Moderation, Modernization and Political Marketing." We'll also hear from three NDP convention delegates: St-John's East riding association president Amanda Will, United Steelworker local executive Jason Arnold, and the co-chair of the party's socialist caucus Barry Weisleder. Some of the clips this week were sourced from The House of Commons, CPAC, CTV, CBC, Charlie Angus' YouTube page, Pierre Poilievre's YouTube page, Pierre Poilievre's Twitter account, CFTK-TV in Terrace, B.C., The Curse of Politics podcast. This episode of "It's Political" was produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Kevin Sexton mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel. Althia Raj is an Ottawa-based national politics columnist for the Star. Follow her on Twitter: @althiaraj

In this episode: Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge, Toronto Star Publisher Jordan Bitove, Ottawa University law professor Michael Geist, Toronto Star reporter Raisa Patel, Meta's head of public policy Rachel Curran, Google Canada's Richard Gingras, News Media Canada President Paul Deegan, Village Media CEO Jeff Elgie. La Presse President Pierre-Elliott Levasseur, Yellowknife evacuee Kelsey Worth, Conservative MP Kevin Waugh, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. Hosted by Althia Raj. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau apologized to the world and House of Commons Speaker Anthony Rota resigned after MPs honoured a man in Parliament who'd fought with a Nazi unit. This isn't the only story that rocked Canadian politics recently. Last week, Ontario Premier Doug Ford reversed course on the development of Greenbelt land and Trudeau announced the government of India is more than likely involved in the shooting death of a Canadian citizen. These controversies may not have come to light if it wasn't for the work of journalists. But journalism, in Canada, is facing a crisis. Declining advertising revenues have led to the shedding of thousands of jobs and the closures of hundreds of local publications. Meanwhile, Google and Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, are reaping billions of ad dollars worldwide. This week on "It's Political," we dig into the federal government's response to a crisis decades in the making. The Online News Act, which became law this summer, has prompted Meta to block news links on its platforms. Is Google ready to follow suit? Is the government shooting itself in the foot or has it found the path to sustainability for newspapers and local broadcasters? Ottawa University law professor Michael Geist, the Canada research chair in internet and e-commerce law, joins Toronto Star reporter Raisa Patel in helping us break down the law, formerly known as Bill C-18. We'll also hear from Meta, Google, and publishers affected by the bill, including Toronto Star owner Jordan Bitove. Then, we'll sit down with Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge.

In this episode: Abacus Data CEO David Colettto, Toronto Star Reporter Stephanie Levitz, Conservative Party members Kevyn Nightingale, Emilie Matheson, Nancy Bangsboll and Adrian Tarcea, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's former executive director of policy and cabinet affairs Marci Surkes, former NDP MP David Christopherson, former spokesman for Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre Anthony Koch, and Toronto Star National Columnist Susan Delacourt. Hosted by Althia Raj. The political ground shifted over the summer. The Conservatives, under leader Pierre Poilievre, have steadily increased their support. Riding high now at 41 per cent in Abacus Data's latest national survey. Meanwhile, the Grits are bleeding support, down at 26 per cent. What happened? This week on "It's Political" we will take a look at the factors that led to change with Abacus Data CEO David Coletto, and with help from some keen observers and insiders explore the challenges now facing Poilievre and Trudeau. Toronto Star reporter Stephanie Levitz will join us to discuss the Conservative convention and what to watch for from Poilievre and his team as MPs return to Parliament next week. We'll hear from convention delegates. And we'll be joined by the Star's national columnist Susan Delacourt to discuss the inner turmoil within the Liberal caucus. We'll also sit down with Trudeau's former executive director of policy and cabinet affairs Marci Surkes, former NDP MP David Christopherson, and Poilievre's former spokesman Anthony Koch for their take on both Poilievre's success and the Liberals' struggles. Some of the clips this week were sourced from CPAC, CBC, CTV, Global News, ABC, CP24 and Anaida Poilievre's Twitter account. This episode of "It's Political" was produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Kevin Sexton mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.

With Parliament about to break for the summer, exchanges between MPs in the House have gotten tense. But is it just June — when the hours run long and the frustrations high — or has decorum in the chamber taken a nasty slide? This week on "It's Political," we survey MPs about the tone in the chamber and what it is leading to outside the House, and we sit down with three insiders, former Liberal MP for Northumberland—Peterborough South Kim Rudd, former NDP national director Karl Bélanger, and former spokesman for Pierre Poilievre, Anthony Koch, to unpack the strategies behind the aggressive, personal, and often vitriolic attacks. Finally, we'll look forward to Monday's byelection and survey the current political landscape with Abacus Data CEO David Coletto. In this episode: Former Liberal MP for Northumberland—Peterborough South Kim Rudd; Traxxion Strategies President Karl Bélanger; AK Strategies' managing principal Anthony Koch; David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data; Randy Boissonnault, MP for Edmonton Centre; Adam Chambers, MP for Simcoe North; Dan Vandal, MP for Saint Boniface-Saint Vital; Kelly McCauley, MP for Edmonton West; Pierre Paul-Hus, MP for Charlesbourg–Haute-Saint-Charles; Mark Gerretsen, MP for Kingston and the Islands; Brendan Hanley, MP for Yukon; Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport; Conservative MP Rick Perkins from South Shore—St. Margarets; and John Aldag, MP for Cloverdale–Langley City. Hosted by Althia Raj. Some of the clips this week were sourced from the House of Commons, CPAC, CBC, CTV, and Global News. This episode of "It's Political" was produced by Michal Stein and Althia Raj. Kevin Sexton mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.

Whether you're trying to buy a house or struggling to find a decent and affordable place to rent, it seems Canadians across this country are experiencing the housing crisis in one form or another. This week on "It's Political," we look at this growing problem and what politicians have done to address it. We'll first look at the problem from different perspectives with the help of several experts, including: Carolyn Whitzman, the expert advisor to the Housing Assessment Resource Tools Project at the University of British Columbia; Adam Vaughan, the former MP for Spadina—Fort York and one of the architects of the Liberal government's national housing strategy; Mike Moffatt, the senior director at the Smart Prosperity Institute; Rebekah Young, a vice-president and head of Inclusion and Resilience Economics at Scotiabank; Garima Talwar Kapoor, the director of Policy and Research at Maytree; Myriam Mekni, the executive director of the Catholic Centre for Immigrants in Ottawa; Adrian Schut, the director of construction at Habitat for Humanity in greater Ottawa; and Victoria Gibson, the Toronto Star's affordable housing reporter. Then we'll let politicians have their say. Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath, Moncton Mayor Dawn Arnold and Calgary Coun. Courtney Walcott offer their experiences and perspectives. Then, the opposition critics for housing, Conservative MP Scott Aitchison and NDP MP Jenny Kwan, sit down to offer their solutions. Finally, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser addresses concerns the government's ambitious immigration targets might deepen the housing crisis, and lead to more polarization. Clips this week were sourced from the House of Commons, CPAC, CBC, and TVO. This episode of "It's Political" was produced by Michal Stein and Althia Raj. Kevin Sexton and Katie Jensen mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.

This week on "It's Political" we check in on the Alberta election. NDP Leader Rachel Notley and UCP Leader Danielle Smith are in a hotly contested race and there's lots at stake for Albertans and all Canadians. First, Toronto Star reporter Kieran Leavitt brings us a report from Lethbridge, in a riding the NDP needs to win if it is to form government. Then, we'll hear from Abacus Data's David Coletto and from pollster Janet Brown about their competing polls and what they tell us about the state of the race in Alberta. Finally, we'll sit down with experienced conservative adviser Ken Bossenkool, from Meredith Boessenkool Policy Advisors, Graham Thomson, a long-time columnist in Alberta, and Lisa Young, political science professor at the University of Calgary, to talk about Thursday's debate and why this election is important. Clips this week were sourced from CPAC, Rachel Notley's YouTube channel, The U.C.P.'s YouTube channel, Danielle Smith's Twitter page, CBC, and CTV This episode of "It's Political" was produced by Althia Raj. Kevin Sexton mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.

As Liberals from across the country gather in Ottawa for the party's first in-person national convention since the pandemic, "It's Political" digs into Justin Trudeau's record as party leader and his time as prime minister. With bleak polling numbers and an ambitious Conservative opponent, how can the Liberals correct their course? First, we sit down with Trudeau's former principal secretary Gerald Butts. Then we'll hear from Abacus Data's David Coletto who has some new numbers. We'll also bring you a conversation with longtime Liberals: Prince Edward Island Senator Percy Downe, former PMO executive director of policy and cabinet affairs Marci Surkes, and MPs Nathaniel Erskine Smith and Kody Blois. Finally, we'll also hear from the outgoing chair of the Young Liberals of Canada Lucas Borchenko about some of the policies younger Liberals — those who pushed the party to adopt marijuana legalization and gay marriage — are championing now. Clips this week were sourced from CPAC, The House of Commons, CBC, CTV, Global, the Guardian, and Pierre Poilievre's Facebook page. "It's Political" is produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Kevin Sexton mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.

In an op-ed in the Globe and Mail last month, that newspaper's confidential national security source explained why they decided to leak secret documents on China's interference attempts. They wrote they had hoped to spur a much deeper discussion about foreign interference and how to combat it, but were disappointed the conversation had become "marked by ugliness and division." So this week on "It's Political," we're giving the leaker what they want: a serious conversation about foreign interference. First, national security expert Wesley Wark walks us through the controversy, the leaks, the government's response and what we should make of it all. Then, Carleton University associate professor and former national security analyst Stephanie Carvin joins us along with former CSIS director Ward Elcock to tackle the question of whether the government really is doing enough to counter the problem. In this episode: Stephanie Carvin, associate professor of International Relations at Carleton University's Norman Paterson School of International Affairs; Ward Elcock, former director of CSIS; Mehmet Tohti, co-founder of the World Uyghur Congress; Wesley Wark, senior fellow of the Centre for International Governance Innovation Hosted by Althia Raj. Clips were sourced from Global News, CBC, CPAC, CTV News, the House of Commons, Australian Federal Police and CBS. "It's Political" is produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Kevin Sexton mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.

They say it's dangerous to talk about politics and religion. We're not listening. This week on "It's Political," we mark April's high religious holidays, such as Easter, Ramadan, Passover and Vaisakhi, with a conversation on faith and politics. How it influences MPs' policy positions, where they believe the line between state and church should be drawn, and the impact of political parties using religion as a wedge. First, we'll look at the rising numbers of religious hate crimes and a new report by Cardus that suggests Canadians have polarizing views on religion. Canada's former ambassador for religious freedom, Andrew Bennett, will walk us through his research. Then, we'll hear from Amira Elghawaby, the Trudeau government's recent appointee as Canada's special representative on combatting Islamophobia, on why she believes her role is necessary. After, we'll sit down with Liberal MP Iqra Khalid, Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu, NDP MP Daniel Blaikie and Liberal MP Anthony Housefather for a conversation on how their faith influences their politics. In this episode: Mississauga—Erin Mills MP Iqra Khalid, Sarnia—Lambton MP Marilyn Gladu, Mount Royal MP Anthony Housefather, Elmwood—Transcona MP Daniel Blaikie, Andrew Bennet, Cardus' program director of Faith Communities, Amira Elghawaby, Canada's Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia of Canada. Hosted by Althia Raj. Some of the clips this week were sourced from: CPAC, the House of Commons, the Senate, CBC, CP24, BBC, CityNews, CTV, Andrew Scheer's Facebook page, Global "It's Political" is produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Kevin Sexton mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel. Listen here and follow or subscribe at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

Last week, Volkswagen announced it will build its first overseas electric vehicle battery gigafactory in St. Thomas, Ontario. The federal and provincial governments declined to say what they'd paid to lure Volkswagen to Canada rather than the U.S. but the Financial Times reported the price was around $15 billion. That's a lot of public money going to subsidize a private company, even one that will support thousands of jobs. So this week, on "It's Political" we take a look at what's driving the case for big subsidies, and how Canada is adopting a green new industrial policy with little public debate. First, we'll hear from stakeholders and experts on the impact of the United States' Inflation Reduction Act, and what it could mean here, north of the U.S. border. Then, we'll sit down with the man some have dubbed Canada's energizer bunny, Innovation, Science and Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne. In this episode: Minister Champagne, Lana Payne, the national president of Unifor, Matt Poirier, senior policy director with the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, John Lester, an executive fellow at the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary, Marisa Beck, director of Clean Growth with the Canadian Climate Institute, Jean Simard, the president and CEO of the Aluminum Association of Canada, Brian Kingston, the president and CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association, and Genevieve Dufour, a professor of trade law at the University of Sherbrooke. Hosted by Althia Raj Some of the clips this week were sourced from: CPAC, the House of Commons, The White House, CTV, CBC, The Andrew Lawton Show, Street Sport Television Car show and PBS. "It's Political" is produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Sean Pattendon mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.

This week on "It's Political," we take stock of the supply and confidence agreement the Liberals and NDP agreed to last March. In exchange for supporting the Liberal government on confidence matters until June 2025, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh received assurances Ottawa would enact a dental care program for low and middle income Canadians, as well as move ahead on a number of shared priorities, such as pharmacare, housing, climate change and reconciliation with Canada's Indigenous Peoples. One year later, how have things panned out? First, we'll hear what the public has to say, including from Liberal and NDP voters, with exclusive polling from Abacus Data. Then, we'll discuss the risks and benefits of Singh's decision to side so closely with the Liberals with some of the NDP's best strategists. And finally, we'll sit down with the NDP leader. In this episode: NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, former MP David Christopherson, former NDP director of issues management Ian Wayne, former NDP national director Karl Bélanger, Abacus Data CEO David Coletto, long-time New Democrat Dennis Van Meer, Labour Minister Seamus O'Regan. Hosted by Althia Raj. Some of the clips this week were sourced from the CPAC, the House of Commons, CBC and CTV. "It's Political" is produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Kevin Sexton mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.

This week on "It's Political," we take a look at what's plaguing the country's health-care system, from long wait lines in emergency rooms to the lack of family doctors. What will it take to fix health care in Canada? First, we hear directly from health professionals about the problems they've witnessed firsthand and the solutions they'd like to see. Then, host Althia Raj sits down with Canada's Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos to discuss the federal government's new funding arrangement with the provinces, the minister's expectations of what the money will buy, and his stance on the increasing presence of for-profit care. In this episode: Canada's Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos, Toronto Star health reporter Megan Ogilvie, former federal health minister Dr. Jane Philpott, a family doctor, dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and director of the School of Medicine at Queen's University, and CEO of the Southeastern Ontario Academic Medical Organization, Dr. Taylor Lougheed, a family, emergency, sport, and cannabinoid physician and chief of emergency medicine services at the North Bay Regional Hospital, longtime registered public health nurse Maureen Cava, who now works with the Safehaven Project for Community Living in Toronto, Dr. Katharine Smart, the past president of the Canadian Medical Association and a pediatrician who works in Whitehorse, Yukon, Dr. Alika LaFontaine, the president of the Canadian Medical Association and an anesthesiologist in Grande Prairie, Alberta, registered nurse Melanie Spence, who works in primary care in a community health centre in Toronto, Dr. Tara Kiran, a family doctor at St Michael's Hospital, a scientist at the MAP Center for Urban Health Solutions, and the Fidani Chair in Improvement and Innovation at the University of Toronto. Hosted by Althia Raj. Some of the clips this week were sourced from the CBC, Global, CTV and CPAC. "It's Political" is produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Kevin Sexton mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.

This week on "It's Political," we bring you Toronto Star's columnist Susan Delacourt's interview with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The two sat down together on Jan. 17 in Windsor, Ont., for a candid conversation on his future and the future of his government. In this episode: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Toronto Star columnist Susan Delacourt. Hosted by Althia Raj. 08:10 - On what's shaping his views right now 10:56 - On the so-called "Freedom Convoy" hatred towards him 12:47 - On the criticism he's ashamed of Canada's past 16:05 - On Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre 20:14 - On why he plans to stick around for the next election 23:36 - On NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and the agreement with the NDP 25:27 - On the timing of the next election 25:55 - On U.S. President Joe Biden and the North American economy 30:42 - On being a "disruptor" 32:46 - On getting government to move faster 34:21 - On Ontario Premier Doug Ford's health care reforms 36:17 - On the need for better data 38:30 - On what keeps him up at night. "It's Political" is produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Kevin Sexton mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.

This week on "It's Political," we dive into ministerial accountability. Mistakes and ethical lapses happen all the time. Whether it's allowing tins of tainted tuna to hit the market or leaving secure documents where they shouldn't be, Canadian parliamentarians have a long history of resigning when they mess up. Today, we ask the question: Why does it seem like ministers don't step down anymore? First, political science professors Alex Marland, Jonathan Malloy, and Donald Savoie give us a civics lesson on why ministerial accountability is such an important part of our system of government. Then, we'll sit down with Conservative MP Michael Chong, former Liberal MP Scott Simms, and Lori Turnbull, the director of the School of Public Administration at Dalhousie University, to discuss what role ministerial accountability plays today and how MPs can do a better job of holding ministers to account. Thanks this week to Alison Pier at Library and Archives Canada, Jacqueline Lee and Michel Gagnon at CPAC, Toronto Star Halifax reporter Steve McKinley, as well as the House of Commons, CBC Archives, CPAC, CTV, and Global for footage. "It's Political" is produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Sean Pattendon mixes the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.

This week on "It's Political," we dig into the government's rationale for invoking the Emergencies Act to end last winter's "Freedom Convoy" protests. First, Toronto Star reporters Tonda MacCharles and Alex Ballingall will walk us through all of the drama and pivot points exposed during the Public Order Emergency Commission's hearings. The parade of high-profile witnesses and thousands of internal documents, including private correspondence, offered an unprecedented look inside government decision-making, and some of the stresses within federal-provincial relations. Then, we'll sit down with national security law expert Leah West and national security expert Stephanie Carvin, both from the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University, to discuss that critical question: did Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government meet the legal threshold required to use the Emergencies Act? Their answers may surprise you. Thanks this week to CPAC, the Public Order Emergency Commission, CBC and Global for some of the clips used during this episode. "It's Political" is produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Sean Pattendon mixes the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.

This week on "It's Political," we tackle some of the issues around the expansion of medical assistance in dying (MAID) in Canada. A word of caution. Today's program discusses death and suicide. Please take care while listening. If you are having suicidal thoughts, there is help. The Canada Suicide Prevention Service can be reached at 1-833-456-4566 24-hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year or online at www.crisisservicescanada.ca. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. First, we'll bring you the story of a Toronto man named Michael Fraser who died using MAID this summer. Toronto Star investigative reporter Rob Cribb and Fraser's doctor Nav Persaud bring us some of the complicated and intertwined issues Fraser's choice brings to light. This audio documentary includes footage of Fraser. Next, we'll check in with two MPs who sit on the joint Senate and House of Commons committee that has been charged with reviewing provisions of the Criminal Code relating to medical assistance in dying. Then, we'll sit down with Justice Minister David Lametti for his thoughts on MAID's expansion and some of the cracks we're seeing develop in the system. Thanks this week to Investigative Journalism Bureau's Charlie Buckley, Thea Gribilas and Declan Keogh for collecting the footage of Michael Fraser. Some of the footage also comes from ParlVu, CityNews and CTV. "It's Political" is produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Sean Pattendon masterfully mixes the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.

This week on "It's Political," we focus on the inflation crisis and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland's fall economic update. First, we'll look back on what policies, decisions and events contributed to the current inflation numbers that are putting the squeeze on many Canadian households with Toronto Star Ottawa bureau chief and economics columnist Heather Scoffield; Kevin Page, the president and CEO of the Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy at the University of Ottawa; and Rebekah Young, Scotiabank's vice-president and head of inclusion and resilience economics. Some of the clips this week were sourced from the CBC, CPAC, CTV, the House of Commons, Policy Speaking, NBC, the BBC, Sky News, BNN Bloomberg, and Omar Alghabra's Twitter feed. "It's Political" is produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Sean Pattendon makes our show sound great. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.

"It's Political" will be coming to you a little bit later today because of yesterday's Fiscal update. We'll have a round table discussion on Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland's latest numbers, and look back on what's led to these rising interest rates and the possible recession around the corner.

This week on "It's Political," we take a deep dive into the controversial Bill C-11, the Online Streaming Act. Is it really about censorship and government control over what you see and listen to on the internet? Or is it about safeguarding and promoting Canadian culture and the French language in Quebec on new streaming platforms? In this episode: Toronto Star reporter Raisa Patel, Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez, Saskatchewan Senator Pamela Wallin, Alberta Senator Paula Simons, Quebec Senator Julie Miville-Dechêne, Canadian Association of Broadcaster President Kevin Desjardins, University of Ottawa Professor Michael Geist, YouTuber J. J. McCullough, Carleton University Professor Dwayne Winseck, YouTube's Director of Product Todd Beaupré, YouTuber ClydeDoSomethin, former heritage minister Steven Guilbeault, Independent Ontario Sen. Donna Dasko, Anthony Furey formerly of the Toronto Sun, Conservative MP Tim Uppal, TikTok Canada's Steve de Eyre, and Canadian Association of Film Distributors and Exporters President Noah Segal. Hosted by Althia Raj. Some of the clips this week were taken from Facebook, YouTube, the CBC, the House of Commons and the Senate's Standing Committee on Transport and Communications. "It's Political" is produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Sean Pattendon mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.

This week on "It's Political," we focus on the threads connecting François Legault's big win in Monday's election in Quebec and the United Conservative Party leadership race in Alberta — culminating in Danielle Smith's victory — and ask what if we are having a constitutional crisis and no one is noticing? In this episode: Constitutional lawyer Marion Sandilands from Conway Litigation, former journalist and independent senator André Pratte, University of Calgary political science professor Lisa Young, and Business Council of Canada vice-president of policy Robert Asselin. Hosted by Althia Raj. Some of the clips this week were sourced from the Montreal Gazette, CBC, CPAC, CTV, CityTV, Radio-Canada, Global News, TVA, The Big Story podcast and the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada. "It's Political" is produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Sean Pattendon mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.

This week on "It's Political," we focus on Pierre Poilievre's leadership. First, we'll take a look back at the divisive leadership race and Poilievre's big win. Then we'll sit down with Yan Plante, the former chief of staff to transport minister Denis Lebel in Stephen Harper's government, and Melanie Paradis, a long-time advisor and deputy campaign manager to Erin O'Toole during his successful leadership bid, to discuss Poilievre's first few days as Official Opposition leader, his messaging and voter coalition and what to watch for as he puts his mark on the party. In this episode: Toronto Star reporter Stephanie Levitz, Hamish Marshall from Pierre Poilievre's leadership campaign, former Conservative staffer Rudy Husny and Philippe J. Fournier of 338Canada.com, as well as TACT vice-president Yan Plante and Texture Communications' president Melanie Paradis, both former senior Conservative advisors. Hosted by Althia Raj. Thanks this week to Toronto Star reporter Kieran Leavitt, as well as CBC, CPAC, CTV, and Pierre Poilievre's Facebook page. "It's Political" is produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Sean Pattendon mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.

Now that the House is back in session, Althia Raj will be returning every other Friday, with Canada's top political insiders. Keep an eye on your feed this Friday, September 23.

This week on It's Political, we focus on political polarization and the political advantages and drawbacks of sowing division, and whether Canadians are really that divided. Guests: Transport Minister Omar Alghabra, Abacus Data CEO David Coletto, Marci Surkes, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's former executive director of policy and cabinet affairs, Karl Bélanger, former NDP principal to Jack Layton, Melanie Paradis, the former communications director to Erin O'Toole, as well as True North broadcaster Andrew Lawton and Riwi's Rikki Sargent.

Guests: Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino, Ottawa City Councillor Diane Deans, the former chair of the Ottawa Police Services Board. This week on It's Political, we unpack the federal government's use of the Emergencies Act, the never-before-used legislation that was invoked to bring an end to the so-called Freedom Convoy's occupation of Ottawa. First, we'll look at the occupation through the eyes of longtime Ottawa City Councillor Diane Deans. Deans was chair of the Ottawa Police Services Board while the force struggled to get resources and restore order, a crisis that eventually led to the departures of chief of police, Peter Sloly, and Deans herself. Then, we sit down with Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino to discuss the act's use, whether or not it was necessary, and if it was a political answer to a policing problem.

This week on It's Political, we focus on the Conservative leadership race. First, we take a look at the strengths and weaknesses of each of the six candidates and their strategies. Then, we go behind the scenes at campaign events to hear directly from members and potential party members about what they want to see from a new Conservative leader. And then, we sit down with leadership contestant and former Quebec premier Jean Charest

Guests: NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, along with Jennifer Howard, Singh's chief of staff, NDP National Director Anne McGrath, Star columnist Susan Delacourt, former NDP staffer Brad Lavigne, Liberal Government House Leader Mark Holland and Abacus Data CEO David Coletto. Hosted by Althia Raj This week on "It's Political," we take stock of the NDP-Liberal supply and confidence agreement. First, with a behind-the-scenes look at how the deal came together, with the voices of those who did the negotiating. And then, we sit down with NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. He accuses the Liberals of already breaking the spirit of the agreement, but hear why he's not ready to pull the plug.

'It's Political with Althia Raj' is the Toronto Star's new Canadian politics podcast. Every two weeks, Raj brings listeners behind the scenes on Parliament Hill with exclusive interviews, in-depth reporting and thoughtful analysis. Join us as we explore the ins and the outs of the drama unfolding in Ottawa with humour and intelligence.The first episode drops Thursday, May 5. Listen and follow or subscribe here.