The Vassy Kapelos Show

The Toronto-area MP hasn't decided if he will continue to pursue an Ontario Liberal Party leadership bid after losing the provincial nomination race in Scarborough, but he confirms he will resign his federal seat in June either way. On today's show:

The Carney Liberals are defending the plan aimed at shortening the approval window to one year in the face of criticism from environmental groups. Meanwhile, Vassy Kapelos checks in with Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, who is all for the plan. On today's show:

The Alberta Premier came out of a meeting with Prime Minister Carney with renewed optimism for finalizing the Ottawa-Alberta energy MOU with more than a month having passed since the original agreement deadline. On today's show:

Free For All Friday - Hour 1 Amanda Galbraith breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers. Free For All Friday - Hour 2 Contributors from all over the country join The Roundtable to discuss the top stories of the week. Today’s edition features Strategy Corp vice-president Garry Keller and Enterprise Canada vice-president of national strategy Laura D’Angelo. Topic 1: Prime Minister Carney meets with the Premier of Alberta, as pressure mounts to show progress on the Alberta MOU. Topic 2: The separatist group Stay Free Alberta has collected enough signatures to potentially force a referendum. Jason Kenney, a former Premier of Alberta, says the pro-federalist voices need to step up. Topic 3: Do Canada's parental leave guidelines leave parents behind? Topic 4: The WNBA comes to Canada, and it's not for a quick promo. We have a team to cheer for! Will you be going to any Toronto Tempo games this season? Which matchup is on your calendar already? Topic 5: Is it worth the cost to save Canada's Snowbirds?

The Carney Liberals are defending their Auto sector strategy following news that Honda has suspended plans to build a $15 billion factory. The manufacturer cited low demands for EVs in the United States as the primary reason behind its decision. We dig deeper with Karim Bardeesy, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry. Then, we check in with Adam Chambers, the Trade Critic for Canada's Conservatives. On today's show:

Honda Motors will suspend plans to build an EV plant in Canada. The move comes after U.S. demand slowed, pushing the Japanese automaker 'to put hybrids at the centre of its North American strategy', according to a report by Nikkei Asia. Honda had already paused the plant in May of 2025. We get instant reaction from Flavio Volpe, the President of the Automotive Parts and Manufacturers Association of Canada. On today's show:

The former Supreme Court justice will replace Mary Simon and become Canada's 31st Governor General later this year. Stefan Keyes guest hosts. On today's show:

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is criticizing recent comments from Prime Minister Carney, who is currently overseas. During an interview, Carney didn't see Canada's integration with America in the Energy sector as a point of leverage in trade negotiations. He is now wrapping up a trip to Europe, where he is expected to announce more support for Ukraine. On today's show:

Free For All Friday - Hour 1 Guest host Tim Powers breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers. Free For All Friday - Hour 2 Contributors from all over the country join The Roundtable to discuss the top stories of the week. Today’s edition features Bluesky Strategy vice-president Jordan Paquet and NorthStar Public Affairs senior advisor Sabrina Grover. Topic 1: It's been 1 year since the Carney Liberals got elected, and they now have a majority government thanks to a blend of floor-crossers and byelection winners. How has Canada changed since the 2025 federal election? Topic 2: Do Conservative trade missions to D.C. help or harm Canada’s position? Topic 3: Alberta separatism is back in the news again. Our panelists dig into how the issue will impact the world of federal politics in 2026. Topic 4: U.S. President Trump drops his tariffs on scotch and whiskey after King Charles’ state visit. Topic 5: Would you take healthcare advice from an A.I. doctor?

Brent crude oil reached a 4-year high of $126 per barrel on Thursday. It comes amid fears over a report that the U.S. is considering new strikes in Iran. We dig deeper with Randy Ollenberger, the Managing Director of Oil and Gas Equity Research at BMO Capital Markets, and Frances Donald, a Chief Economist at the Royal Bank of Canada. On today's show:

Tim Powers guest hosts. The Bank of Canada has held steady on its overnight rate, with governor Tiff Macklem warning hiking rates isn't off the table if the price of oil doesn't come down before the end of the year. On today's show:

The Spring Economic Update will be the first look at how the Liberal government is doing on its promise to reign in government spending and reduce the federal deficit. On today's show:

Prime Minister Carney says the Canada Strong Fund will ensure all Canadians benefit from economic growth. On today's show:

Free For All Friday - Hour 1 Amanda Galbraith breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers. Free For All Friday - Hour 2 Contributors from all over the country join The Roundtable to discuss the top stories of the week. Today’s edition features Texture Communications president Melanie Paradis and public affairs consultant Bob Richardson. Topic 1: Carney faces growing pressure as we inch closer to the July 1st CUSMA review deadline. Topic 2: DRIPA and the politics of reconciliation. Topic 3: What’s causing high school absenteeism in Ontario, and what the solution should look like. Topic 4: Ontario’s ban on event ticket resellers comes into effect. Will it help?

Stefan Keyes guest hosts. Prime Minister Mark Carney is facing renewed pressure to show progress on trade talks with the U.S. following testimony from high ranking Trump trade officials in Washington D.C., with USTR Jamieson Greer suggesting there may be retaliation for Canadian provinces banning American alcohol from liquor store shelves. On today's show:

Vassy goes one-on-one with Canada-U.S. trade minister Dominic LeBlanc, as U.S. trade officials testify in D.C.. On today's show:

The brand-new Canada-U.S. Advisory Council is made up of members from the previous council, on top of some new additions. The newcomers include former Conservative Party leader Erin O’Toole, former Conservative Cabinet Minister Lisa Raitt, former Premiers P.J. Akeeagok and Jean Charest, and former Canadian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Ralph Goodale. On today's show:

According to today's inflation report, the oil supply shock caused by the war in Iran has led to a record high surge in the price of gas in Canada. Vassy speaks with BMO Chief Economist Doug Porter to get his analysis on the latest numbers. On today's show:

Free For All Friday - Hour 1 Scott Reid fills in for Amanda Galbraith and dissects the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers. Free For All Friday - Hour 2 Contributors from all over the country join The Roundtable to discuss the top stories of the week. Today’s edition features McMillan Vantage vice-president Jeff Rutledge and NorthStar Public Affairs senior advisor Sabrina Grover. Topic 1: Taking a gander at the political landscape in Alberta and Quebec, which is already making for an interesting 2026 in both provinces. Topic 2: How Canada's three major parties are looking after Monday's byelections, and the big questions they have to answer. Topic 3: The looming Canada Post changes, whether Canada should want a new CUSMA deal, and Donald Trump's feud with Pope Leo. Topic 4: Have you ever worked a job where you thought death was on the table? Topic 5: Out of this year's Summer flicks, which peaks your interest the most?

Vassy Kapelos speaks with Finland President Alexander Stubb about the American disruptions to the global order, how to respond to it, and the differences in how he and Prime Minister Carney characterize it. On today's show: