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At Issue

CBC·Hosted by Rosemary Barton, Althia Raj, Chantal Hebert and Andrew Coyne·28 episodes

NewsCanadian politicsWeekly panelCBC News20-25 minCurrent affairsStandalone episodes

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.

Why listen

At Issue is a fast, polished weekly read on Canadian politics from CBC's senior political journalists. Rosemary Barton leads a recurring panel through the biggest federal stories of the week, with enough context to catch up quickly and enough argument to understand what is actually at stake. It is best for listeners who follow Parliament, elections, party strategy, Canada-U.S. relations, and policy debates but do not want an hour-long briefing.

Episodes

32 min
May 30, 2026
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.This week on Two Blocks from the White House, Washington correspondents Katie Simpson, Paul Hunter and Louis Blouin ask: How far can Donald Trump go before paying the political price?Find and follow Two Blocks from the White House wherever you get your podcasts, or here: https://link.mgln.ai/2BFTWHxAtIssue0526

24 min
May 29, 2026
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.

30 min
May 23, 2026
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 Simpson, Paul Hunter and Willy Lowry ask: What, if anything, does Colbert’s cancellation say about the state of free speech in Trump’s America?Find and follow Two Blocks from the White House wherever you get your podcasts, or here: https://link.mgln.ai/2BFTWHxAtIssue0526

22 min
May 22, 2026
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.

28 min
May 16, 2026
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 here: https://link.mgln.ai/2BFTWHxAtIssue0526

23 min
May 15, 2026
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.

28 min
May 9, 2026
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. Following the decision, many states have begun redrawing their electoral maps, with some changes expected to influence future election results. CBC Washington correspondents Paul Hunter, Katie Simpson and Willy Lowry unpack what this means for U.S. politics.Find and follow Two Blocks from the White House wherever you get your podcasts, or here: https://link.mgln.ai/2BFTWHxAtIssue0526

21 min
May 8, 2026
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.

23 min
May 1, 2026
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.

24 min
Apr 24, 2026
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.

21 min
Apr 17, 2026
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.

23 min
Apr 10, 2026
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.

23 min
Apr 3, 2026
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.

23 min
Mar 27, 2026
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.

21 min
Mar 20, 2026
Pierre Poilievre goes on Joe Rogan’s podcast

Will Pierre Poilievre’s Joe Rogan’s podcast appearance help him politically, and what will it do for Canada? How Mark Carney has reshaped the Liberals, one year into his leadership. And Avi Lewis emerges as the NDP frontrunner. Catherine Cullen hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.

23 min
Mar 13, 2026
Why are so many MPs crossing to Carney’s team?

A fourth member of parliament ditches their party to join Mark Carney’s Liberals. The Conservatives push the government to step up deportations of Iranian Revolutionary Guard members. And Pierre Poilievre takes his speaking tour to the U.S.Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Althia Raj and Aaron Wherry.

22 min
Mar 6, 2026
How Carney's navigating the Iran war response

Prime Minister Mark Carney rides the line between keeping Canada back from the Iran war and supporting the U.S. mission, but won't 'categorically' rule out involvement. Pierre Poilievre tours Europe. And, what's behind the Liberals' growing lead in polls? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.

23 min
Feb 27, 2026
Does Carney’s India trip put trade over security?

Prime Minister Mark Carney goes to India to strengthen trade, but concerns about transnational repression follow him. Polievre lays out how he would deal with Trump. And, a meeting with OpenAI leaves federal ministers ‘disappointed.’ Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.

22 min
Feb 20, 2026
Poilievre’s shrinking caucus

Conservative MP Matt Jeneroux walks back his decision to leave politics, but decides to join the other team. The NDP gets closer to choosing its next leader. And Dominic LeBlanc goes on a trade mission to Mexico. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.

22 min
Feb 13, 2026
Political response to the B.C. mass shooting

Canada’s political leaders put aside their differences in the wake of the Tumbler Ridge tragedy. Carney tries to clear up Trump’s misconceptions about the Gordie Howe Bridge. And, a Conservative MP refuses to take a pay raise. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.

23 min
Feb 6, 2026
Can Carney’s auto strategy save the industry from Trump?

Prime Minister Mark Carney drops Canada’s EV mandate as part of a plan to strengthen the auto sector in the face of U.S. trade threats. Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives strike a new collaborative tone. And Stephen Harper's calls for unity.  Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.

22 min
Jan 30, 2026
Separatist cracks at first ministers meeting

The prime minister and premiers grapple with growing separatist sentiment while trying to pull together for U.S. trade talks. Poilievre makes his case to keep his job after a string of defeats. And Carney swings back at U.S. criticism of his Davos speech. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.

26 min
Jan 24, 2026
Trump’s threats and Carney’s pushback | Analysis from Washington

CBC’s new 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 Washington correspondents Paul Hunter, Katie Simpson and Willy Lowry digest Prime Minister Mark Carney’s striking remarks at the World Economic Forum, talk about the President’s latest moves on Greenland, and  explore what this moment could reveal about where Canada-U.S. relations are headed. Find and follow Two Blocks from the White House wherever you get your podcasts, or here: https://link.mgln.ai/2BFTWHxAtIssue

23 min
Jan 23, 2026
Can Carney deliver on his Davos speech?

Prime Minister Mark Carney outlines a new era of global politics in an address to the World Economic Forum, but can he deliver on his vision? And Ontario Premier Doug Ford fires back at the Canada-China EV deal.  Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.

28 min
Jan 17, 2026
Could ‘America First’ mean Canada’s next? Analysis from CBC Washington

There’s a new CBC podcast we think you’ll enjoy. Two Blocks from the White House takes a clear-eyed look at what’s happening in the U.S. right now and examines how it stands to impact Canadians. In the first episode, reporters from CBC’s Washington bureau dig into America’s increasingly aggressive global posture. Has President Donald Trump’s promise of “America First” evolved into something closer to American imperialism? And what are the consequences for Canada?For more unscripted, smart analysis from journalists with a foot in both countries and a press pass to the White House, find and follow Two Blocks from the White House wherever you get your podcasts, or here: https://link.mgln.ai/2BFTWHxAtIssue

22 min
Jan 16, 2026
Does Carney’s China reset trip come with risks?

Prime Minister Mark Carney goes to China to try and reset the relationship. Quebec Premier François Legault resigns after plummeting polls and mounting pressure. Plus, how concerned should Canada be about Trump’s Greenland ambitions? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.

23 min
Jan 2, 2026
Your 2026 Canadian politics primer

CBC chief political correspondent Rosemary Barton asks The National’s At Issue panel to look ahead to 2026 and what might be the biggest stories in Canadian politics. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.

23 min
Dec 19, 2025
Canada’s biggest political moments in 2025

CBC chief political correspondent Rosemary Barton asks The National’s At Issue panel to look back on a jam-packed year politically. From an election, to tariffs, to pipelines, the At Issue panel breaks it all down in a special Holiday At Issue.  Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.

22 min
Dec 12, 2025
What Carney’s Liberal accomplished this sitting

How much did Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberals actually accomplish this sitting? What ambassador Hillman’s resignation means for U.S. trade negotiations. And cabinet ministers quietly get sweeping new powers in Parliament.  Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.

22 min
Dec 5, 2025
What if Trump blows up the CUSMA trade deal?

U.S. President Donald Trump dials up trade uncertainty, suggesting he could pull out of CUSMA/USMCA early. Mark Miller returns to cabinet and quickly rubs Quebec’s premier the wrong way with his French language comments. Plus, B.C. Conservatives boot leader John Rustad. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.