A Blue Wave, a Budget and Canada's EU Ambitions

U.S. Ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra, returns to No Talking Points for a conversation with Editor-in-Chief Marco Vigliotti about the U.S. midterms and what the results could mean for reaching a Canada-U.S. trade deal. From a Premier doing cartwheels to whether the Ambassador was surprised by the midterm results, this conversation covers it all.

Hosts Marco Vigliotti and Brian Storseth are joined by Michelle Johnston, VP at Syntax Strategic, and Public Affairs Executive and Campaign Strategist Blue Knox to unpack the blue wave that swept the U.S. midterms and the political fallout for the Trump administration. The panel also dives into what the midterm results could mean for Canada-U.S. trade negotiations, what Canadians can expect in the federal budget, and the implications of closer ties between Canada and the EU.The views, opinions and positions expressed by all podcast panellists are the panellist's alone. They do not inherently or expressly reflect the views, opinions and/or positions of iPolitics.

Marco Vigliotti and Brian Storseth are joined by Zita Astravas (Wellington Advocacy), Christian von Donat (Impact Public Affairs), and Taylor Kyte (Global Public Affairs) to discuss how the U.S. midterms could affect the prospects for a Canada-U.S. trade deal, the B.C. Conservatives’ decisive victory over David Eby’s NDP, and Ontario’s municipal election results and voters’ appetite for change.The panel also explores Canada’s major projects, the incoming B.C. government, and more.The views, opinions and positions expressed by all podcast panellists are the panellist's alone. They do not inherently or expressly reflect the views, opinions and/or positions of iPolitics.

In our very first French bonus episode, host Aya Dufour sits down with the Leader of the Bloc Québécois, Yves-François Blanchet, to discuss Canada-U.S. trade tensions, Mark Carney’s political agenda and the future of Quebec sovereignty.Blanchet shares his views on U.S. tariffs and their impact on Quebec industries, the federal government’s approach to energy and major projects, and the implications of Bill C-39 for environmental protections and public consultation. He also discusses the Bloc’s prospects in upcoming by-elections.

Marco Vigliotti and Brian Storseth are joined by Sandy Schembri (Sussex Strategy) and Carlene Variyan (Summa Strategies) to unpack the results of Alberta’s referendum, the implications for Premier Danielle Smith, and what the outcome means for national unity.The conversation also explores the outlook for this weekend’s B.C. election, leadership challenges in Alberta, Ontario’s municipal elections, and the impact of incumbency on voter behaviour. The panel also reflects on the tragedy in Wainwright and its significance for the country and the Canadian Armed Forces.The views, opinions and positions expressed by all podcast panellists are the panellist's alone. They do not inherently or expressly reflect the views, opinions and/or positions of iPolitics.

iPolitics Reporter Sydney Ko sits down with the Leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada, Avi Lewis, to discuss what it takes to build an economy that works for Canadians. From Bill C-39, a green industrial strategy, to the party's proposal to nationalize Stelco, Lewis' favourite Canadian Heritage Minute and go-to karaoke song. We cover it all.

In this bonus episode, Editor-in-Chief Marco Vigliotti sits down with former Member of Parliament and Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna to unpack her political career, her memoir "Run Like a Girl" and more.

Hosts Marco Vigliotti and Brian Storseth are joined by Conservative Strategist Cole Hogan and Liberal Strategist and Vantage Senior Vice President, Jonathan Kalles, to break down the growing separation debates in Alberta and Quebec. They also discuss the situation at Stelco, Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre's trip to Detroit to advocate for tariff-free auto trade between Canada and the U.S., and the political challenges facing B.C. Premier David Eby as election day approaches.The views, opinions and positions expressed by all podcast panellists are the panellist's alone. They do not inherently or expressly reflect the views, opinions and/or positions of iPolitics.

Hosts Marco Vigliotti and Brian Storseth are joined by Elizabeth Anderson (Montreal Institute for Global Security) and Garry Keller (StrategyCorp) to unpack Quebec’s election results and the Parti Québécois forming a minority government. They also dive into Bill C-40, the Defence Investment Agency and efforts to accelerate defence procurement, along with the Pacific Link pipeline and Canada’s energy strategy.The views, opinions and positions expressed by all podcast panellists are the panellist's alone. They do not inherently or expressly reflect the views, opinions and/or positions of iPolitics.

Marco Vigliotti is joined by Jen Hassum (Broadbent Institute), Zachary Nixon (Former Advisor to PM Mark Carney), and Claire Seaborn (Torys LLP) to break down Bill C-39. They discuss accelerated project approvals, consultation processes, labour relations, environmental standards, and what the legislation could mean for major projects in Canada. The conversation also touches on the upcoming provincial elections in British Columbia and Quebec.