West of Centre

• Way too much news

  Donald Trump’s tariffs have triggered a political earthquake in Canada, rattling markets and forging a rare alignment among leaders from Doug Ford to Danielle Smith to Justin Trudeau. In response, Canada is pushing back with counter-tariffs, boycotts, and sharp rhetoric aimed south of the border. With public sentiment shifting and emotions running high, what opportunities and risks do these tensions create for politicians? And as the federal race heats up, who do Canadians trust most to steer the country through turmoil? Pollster Shachi Kurl, economist Todd Hirsch and editorial writer Doug Firby join host Jim Brown to break it all down — with a dose of much-needed humour.

  --------  

  41:41
• Short: Dangled like a yo-yo

  Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Donald Trump remain at odds over tariffs in what The Wall Street Journal labels the “dumbest trade war in history.” While automakers have secured a temporary reprieve, other sectors face an uncertain future. Federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller responds to Trump’s accusation that Canada’s border-security and fentanyl efforts are “not good enough,” and speaks with host Jim Brown about operating under the new world (dis)order.

  --------  

  22:59
• Short: Build, build, build

  Political leaders across the spectrum are promising major infrastructure projects to strengthen Canada’s economy and sovereignty. In this West of Centre Short, host Rob Brown speaks with Zach Parston, a major projects advisor lead with KPMG Canada, about what it would take to modernize the country’s infrastructure. His plan includes a national corridor, preapproved industrial zones, expanded ports, Northern development and the removal of interprovincial trade barriers.

  --------  

  19:01
• Deficit by choice

  Alberta is back in the red, with the government forecasting a $5.2-billion deficit for Budget 2025 — its first in years. Finance Minister Nate Horner warns the financial picture could worsen, especially if Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs take effect. Despite the bleak outlook, the UCP government is introducing a personal income tax cut. Critics argue the budget lacks focus — or a real plan for the worst-case scenario. Host Jim Brown breaks down the numbers with political scientist Lisa Young, former NDP cabinet minister Deron Bilous, and conservative strategist Amber Ruddy. Later, economist Trevor Tombe weighs in on the province’s decision to run a deficit rather than balance the budget or reconsider its plans for the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund.

  --------  

  58:09
• Dump everything

  Alberta Premier Danielle Smith moves to regain control of the narrative after weeks of distancing herself from allegations of political interference — now at the center of a series of Globe and Mail reports and a wrongful dismissal lawsuit filed by a former Alberta Health Services CEO. While the NDP brands the controversy "CorruptCare," Smith pushes back, arguing AHS resisted change and acted too slowly. With her health minister under fire, a top bureaucrat shuffled aside, and an internal review process underway, Smith manoeuvres to steady the UCP ship. Meanwhile, new polling shows rising support for the federal Liberals under Mark Carney among young voters. This week on West of Centre, host Jim Brown breaks it all down with conservative insiders Erika Barootes and Sarah Biggs, along with health policy expert Lorian Hardcastle.

  --------  

  57:16

Más podcasts de Noticias

Podcasts a la moda de Noticias

Acerca de West of Centre

West of Centre: Podcasts del grupo