Skip to content
Power & Politics artwork

Power & Politics

CBC·Hosted by David Cochrane·77 episodes

NewsPoliticsDaily NewsCanadian PoliticsHard-hitting InterviewsExpert AnalysisParliament HillWeekdays

On Power & Politics, host David Cochrane asks decision-makers the questions that matter – and gets answers. Every weekday, we feature hard-hitting interviews with politicians and leaders, check in with CBC’s top political journalists for updates on breaking stories, and take the time to analyze the latest developments with a cast of regular panelists and critical thinkers. Whether you’re getting caught up on Canadian politics daily or weekly, we’ve got an insider’s view of the continuously-unfolding drama.'

Why listen

Power & Politics is CBC's daily deep dive into Canadian politics and government, featuring hard-hitting interviews with decision-makers and expert analysis of breaking stories. Each episode brings insider perspective from top political journalists and rotating panelists who break down what's actually happening on Parliament Hill. If you want to stay informed on Canadian politics without wading through noise, this is essential weekday listening.

Episodes

1 hr 3 min
Jun 3, 2026
Can Carney beat recession and U.S. concession allegations?

The Conservatives grill Prime Minister Mark Carney on Canada's technical recession, as the U.S. says it will impose more tariffs on Canada related to forced labour. Power Politics hears from Conservative trade critic Adam Chambers. Plus, the federal government asks the CRTC to reconsider a streaming tax decision that was listed as a trade irritant by the Trump administration. Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture Marc Miller defends the move.

41 min
Jun 1, 2026
Poilievre blames Carney for recession as economists warn not to overreact

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre accuses Prime Minister Mark Carney of 'hiding' as Canada slips into a technical recession. But the Bank of Canada warns not to put too much weight on that label. The Power Panel weighs in. Plus, the Liberals are set to unveil their AI strategy this week. CBC has the exclusive details.

24 min
May 30, 2026
Weekly Wrap: What will Carney do about Canada’s surprise technical recession?

Canada's economy is flashing red, as new numbers show the country slipped into a technical recession in the first quarter of this year. This comes just as crunch time for Canada’s trade talks with the U.S. approaches. The Weekly Wrap panel breaks down another busy week in Ottawa.

19 min
May 29, 2026
Reporter Roundtable: Are Canada-U.S. negotiations showing any signs of life?

Prime Minister Mark Carney makes the case for a new Canada-U.S. partnership while in New York. Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc says he is heading south for talks ahead of the upcoming CUSMA review, but says a date has not yet been set. CBC's Aaron Wherry, The Canadian Press deputy parliamentary bureau chief Mia Rabson and La Presse parliamentary bureau chief Joël-Denis Bellavance bring you inside the biggest political stories.

57 min
May 28, 2026
Carney pitches Canada to help 'Make America Great Again'

On a trip to New York, Prime Minister Mark Carney pitches a new Canada-U.S. partnership, saying 'Canada Strong will help make America Great Again.' Power & Politics hears from Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc, who's planning his own trip down south. Plus, Ontario Minister of Economic Development Vic Fedeli tells P&P about his province's new plan to boost its defence sector.

55 min
May 27, 2026
Alberta not a reliable partner to Canada: outgoing MP Guilbeault

Liberal MP and former environment minister Steven Guilbeault announced on Wednesday that he will be leaving federal politics. Power & Politics hears from Guilbeault on his concerns about Canada meeting its climate targets and the Ottawa-Alberta energy deal. Plus, P&P hears from Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew about his concerns over Alberta's duty to consult First Nations when it comes to separating from Canada.

56 min
May 26, 2026
Guilbeault to quit Carney's government: sources

Former environment minister Steven Guilbeault is resigning as a Liberal MP and expected to break the news to his colleagues on Wednesday, CBC News has learned. Power & Politics asks Liberal caucus chair James Maloney what this departure says about caucus unity, as Guilbeault had made his concerns about the Carney government's environmental rollbacks clear ahead of his departure. Plus, P&P hears from former Alberta premier Jason Kenney about the province's referendum question — and the challenges ahead for Premier Danielle Smith.

54 min
May 25, 2026
Alberta referendum a 'dangerous bluff' similar to Brexit: Carney

Prime Minister Mark Carney is warning Albertans that voting in favour of the province exploring a legal path to leave Canada is a 'dangerous bluff,' comparing it to Brexit. Power & Politics hears from Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, as western premiers meet in Alberta. Plus, U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra says he doesn't understand why Canadians are so frustrated as the trade war continues. The Power Panel weighs in.

28 min
May 23, 2026
Weekly Wrap: Alberta (kind of) puts separation on the ballot

All eyes are on Alberta as the province asks its residents to weigh in on staying in Canada, or starting a process that could lead to the breakup of the country. The Weekly Wrap panel — Laura D'Angelo, Zain Velji and Michael Solberg — breaks it all down.

21 min
May 22, 2026
Reporter Roundtable: Premier Danielle Smith's political tightrope

Chaos surrounding a referendum question on whether Alberta should separate from Canada has Premier Danielle Smith walking a shaky political tightrope. Globe and Mail Ottawa bureau chief Robert Fife, Canadian Press deputy parliamentary bureau chief Mia Rabson and La Presse parliamentary bureau chief Joël-Denis Bellavance bring you inside the biggest political stories.

49 min
May 21, 2026
A decision on Alberta's separatist referendum question?

Premier Danielle Smith is set to address the province after an Alberta committee recommended a referendum question on whether Alberta should stay in Canada. The debate has both separatists and federalists applying pressure to Smith's government. Power & Politics hears from former deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk of the Forever Canadian petition, who finds himself wrapped up in the chaos. The Power Panel weighs in.

58 min
May 20, 2026
Can Carney get B.C. on board for a pipeline it doesn't want?

Prime Minister Mark Carney met today with B.C. Premier David Eby, who has accused the federal government of showing favouritism amid Alberta's push for a pipeline that B.C. opposes. Power & Politics has the latest from that meeting, and the Power Panel weighs in. Plus, Newfoundland and Labrador says the Churchill Falls deal it signed with Quebec is 'not in the public interest.' P&P hears from Premier Tony Wakeham.

1 hr 1 min
May 19, 2026
Why is the U.S. ditching a historic Canada-U.S. defence board?

The U.S. is pulling out of a decades-old joint defence advisory group with Canada. Power & Politics hears from retired army commander Andrew Leslie, who says though the group's impact has diminished over the years, walking away from that history is a 'childish' move by the U.S. and the Power Panel weighs in. Plus, Canada's iconic Snowbird squadron will be grounded after the 2026 flying season as the federal government takes steps to replace the decades-old fleet.

24 min
May 16, 2026
Weekly Wrap: Carney signs deal with Alberta – at what cost?

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith sign a landmark energy agreement that environmental groups are calling a disaster. The Weekly Wrap panel discusses Carney’s big bet on Alberta energy. Plus, they breakdown Premier Smith’s promise to appeal a judge’s ruling throwing out a referendum petition.

21 min
May 15, 2026
Reporter Roundtable: Carney's big bet on electricity

Prime Minister Mark Carney says he's moving to double Canada's electricity grid by 2050. That's as Canada's economy takes another hit, with Honda suspending its EV expansion plans. Plus, an Ottawa-Alberta deal is expected imminently. Globe and Mail Ottawa bureau chief Robert Fife, Canadian Press deputy parliamentary bureau chief Mia Rabson and La Presse parliamentary bureau chief Joël-Denis Bellavance bring you inside the biggest stories on Parliament Hill.

56 min
May 14, 2026
Carney doubles down on electricity, vows to double Canada's grid

Prime Minister Mark Carney bets big on a plan to double Canada's electricity grid by 2050. With Canadians' pockets squeezed tight, the stakes are high if the federal government doesn't get it right. Corey Hogan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources outlines his government's plan and the Power Panel weighs in. Plus, P&P hears from an Alberta separatist group lawyer on his plan to fight a judge's ruling to throw out a separatist referendum petition.

47 min
May 13, 2026
It's all coming up Alberta: Separatists, a carbon deal and data breach fallout

An Alberta judge has thrown out a separatist petition, ruling in favour of First Nations. Plus, sources say the province is set to announce a finalized energy deal with Ottawa this week. That's as Elections Alberta says a massive data breach could be far bigger than initially reported. Power & Politics has all the details, and the Power Panel weighs in.

58 min
May 12, 2026
Is a Liberal MP waging a war with the Ontario party he hopes to lead?

Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, who's expected to run for the Ontario Liberal Party leadership, is appealing the results of a nomination race in the province after losing by just 19 votes. Power & Politics hears from Erskine-Smith, who alleges multiple 'serious irregularities.' Plus, the separatist leader accused of publishing Albertans' personal data is refusing to co-operate with investigators. P&P has the latest.

59 min
May 11, 2026
Does Carney's major projects push risk splintering the Liberals?

The federal government is pushing to speed up the approval timeline for major projects to one year. The proposed legislative changes to make that happen are facing pushback from environmental activists including former Liberal environment minister Steven Guilbeault. Plus, leadership races in B.C. and Ontario spark surprise and controversy. Power & Politics has the latest.

27 min
May 9, 2026
Weekly Wrap: Is Alberta pipeline deal ‘days’ away?

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is in Ottawa where she says she’s feeling ‘much more confident’ about reaching an energy agreement after what she calls a ‘meeting of the minds’ with the prime minister. The Weekly Wrap panel breaks down another busy week in Ottawa.

19 min
May 8, 2026
Reporter Roundtable: Carney's push to build fast

As the Carney government makes moves to speed up project approvals, it's also propping up struggling industries hit hard by U.S. tariffs with new funding. Globe and Mail Ottawa bureau chief Robert Fife, Canadian Press deputy parliamentary bureau chief Mia Rabson and La Presse parliamentary bureau chief Joël-Denis Bellavance bring you inside the biggest stories on Parliament Hill.

1 hr 7 min
May 7, 2026
A separatist petition and a huge data breach: What's going on in Alberta?

Alberta's separatist movement is wrapped up in a huge personal data breach that has impacted nearly three million people including former premier Jason Kenney, who tells Power & Politics he's 'ticked off' and 'concerned' about the privacy violation. Plus, the federal government is moving to make it easier to get things built faster in Canada. CBC's Kate McKenna reports.

43 min
May 6, 2026
Names, numbers, addresses: Millions impacted in Alberta data breach

Nearly three million Albertans had their personal information uploaded to a publicly accessible database last month. As new details emerge about how an Alberta separatist group used the data, Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi questions how much Premier Danielle Smith knew about the leak — considering one of her caucus staff attended the meeting where the database was presented. Plus, Honda is reportedly suspending plans to build a $15-billion electric vehicle plant in Ontario — indefinitely. P&P hears from Karim Bardeesy, parliamentary secretary for Industry Minister Mélanie Joly.

51 min
May 5, 2026
What does Carney's new governor general choice mean for Canada?

Prime Minister Mark Carney has chosen former Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour to serve as the King's representative and commander-in-chief of Canada's Armed Forces. Power & Politics dives into the significance of this choice. Plus, another province considers limiting social media for young people. P&P hears from Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe.

54 min
May 4, 2026
Ottawa funnels $1.5B more to industries hard-hit by Trump's tariffs

In the face of U.S. President Donald Trump's Section 232 tariffs, the federal government has introduced an additional $1.5B in funding to support steel, aluminum and copper industries. Power & Politics hears from Industry Minister Mélanie Joly. Plus, Prime Minister Mark Carney's talking about a new world order — one that he says will be 'rebuilt out of Europe.' The Power Panel weighs in.

23 min
May 2, 2026
Weekly Wrap: Are the Liberals abusing their majority power?

Laura D'Angelo, Zain Velji and Michael Solberg break down how the Liberals are trying to sell their economic update to Canadians, and whether controversies over an Iranian official who was given a visa to Canada, plus four committees that the Liberals pushed out of public view, could overshadow that message.

22 min
May 1, 2026
Reporter Roundtable: A 'pathetic' response to Iran visa drama

After a former Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander had a visa for Canada granted and revoked, Globe and Mail Ottawa bureau chief Robert Fife, Canadian Press deputy parliamentary bureau chief Mia Rabson and La Presse parliamentary bureau chief Joël-Denis Bellavance argue that the Carney government's sparse explanations amount to another communications failure — particularly after what Fife calls a 'pathetic performance' by the immigration minister at committee.

55 min
Apr 30, 2026
Canada greenlights, then blocks Iran official. Ottawa won't say why

Canada granted a former Iranian military commander and current soccer official permission to come to Canada, then revoked his permit and turned him away once he arrived. As ministers cite privacy concerns and a lack of awareness for giving few details, Power & Poltiics asks Secretary of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden about the timeline. Plus, Trudeau-era cabinet mainstay Jonathan Wilkinson explains why he's leaving the Carney government to take a diplomatic post in Brussels.

52 min
Apr 29, 2026
Canada considers privatizing airports. What would that look like?

The federal government says it's looking into potentially privatizing Canada's airports to unlock capital. Power & Politics hears from Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon. Plus, the spring economic update promises more investment in the skilled trades. Sean Strickland, executive director of Canada's Building Trades Union, reacts.

1 hr 13 min
Apr 28, 2026
Liberals reveal $66.9B deficit in better-than-expected economic update

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government tables its spring economic update, showing the economy on more stable footing — but also with a warning: Canada’s economy still risks stumbling as the world grows more dangerous and unpredictable. Power & Politics asks Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne about Canada’s plan to weather that uncertainty, and gets reaction from Conservative international trade critic Adam Chambers.

44 min
Apr 27, 2026
CBC News exclusive interview with Prime Minister Mark Carney

In an exclusive interview with CBC News: The National, Prime Minister Mark Carney tells Adrienne Arsenault that he's not interested in quickly achieving a ‘small deal’ to get U.S. tariff relief. The Power Panel weighs in on what Canadians can take away from Carney’s sit-down with CBC News. Plus, the NDP's last MP from Quebec, Alexandre Boulerice, is leaving federal politics to run for a provincial seat. Boulerice joins Power & Politics to discuss what went into that decision.

22 min
Apr 25, 2026
Weekly Wrap: Federal NDP go down another MP

Radio-Canada has confirmed NDP MP Alexandre Boulerice will resign to run provincially for Québec Solidaire. The Weekly Wrap panel discusses the fate and fortunes of the New Democratic movement as the federal caucus shrinks in size. Laura D'Angelo, Zain Velji and Michael Solberg.

21 min
Apr 24, 2026
Reporter Roundtable: Who's winning the pregame to Canada-U.S. trade talks?

As Carney pushes back on pressure from the U.S. to make concessions before trade talks between the two countries begin, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says the prime minister is 'losing, losing, losing' in his efforts to negotiate a deal. Globe and Mail Ottawa bureau chief Robert Fife, Canadian Press deputy parliamentary bureau chief Mia Rabson and La Presse parliamentary bureau chief Joël-Denis Bellavance bring you inside the biggest stories on Parliament Hill.

53 min
Apr 23, 2026
Is the U.S. dictating the terms of trade talks with Canada?

Prime Minister Carney takes aim at trade irritants with the U.S. as American officials hint they could take action over provincial bans on U.S. alcohol. Former Conservative leader and new member of Carney’s team of economic advisers Erin O'Toole joins Power & Politics. Plus, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says Israel has agreed to investigate the death of a Canadian in southern Lebanon.

56 min
Apr 22, 2026
U.S. demanding 'entry fee' from Canada before trade talks: sources

Formal trade talks with the U.S. are at risk of derailing before they've even begun, as Radio-Canada learns the U.S. is demanding an 'entry fee' for Canada to even sit at the negotiating table. Power & Politics hears from Jean Charest, former Quebec premier and a member of the prime minister's new advisory committee on Canada-U.S. economic relations. Plus, the Liberals make a move to seize control of key House of Commons committees, and opposition parties are not impressed. P&P speaks with three party House leaders.

59 min
Apr 21, 2026
Carney's got a new U.S. advisory council. Will it make a difference?

Prime Minister Mark Carney has named a new committee for Canada-U.S. relations ahead of the upcoming CUSMA review. Power & Politics hears from the man in charge: Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc, and the Power Panel weighs in. Plus, Power & Politics hears from two premiers looking to diversify trade ties beyond the U.S.

56 min
Apr 20, 2026
Canada's ties to the U.S. are now a 'weakness': Carney

In a video posted to YouTube, Prime Minister Mark Carney tells Canadians that Canada's close ties to the U.S. have become 'weaknesses that we must correct.' Power & Politics hears from Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson and the Power Panel weighs in. Plus, former Bank of Canada governor David Dodge discusses the impacts of war in Iran on Canadians, as inflation ticks up.

26 min
Apr 18, 2026
Weekly Wrap: How will a Carney majority change Canada?

In the first days since securing a majority government, what signals is Prime Minister Mark Carney sending about how he'll change the way he governs? Laura D'Angelo, Zain Velji and Michael Solberg weigh in.

20 min
Apr 17, 2026
Reporter Roundtable: How do the Conservatives stop losing?

Globe and Mail Ottawa bureau chief Robert Fife, Canadian Press deputy parliamentary bureau chief Mia Rabson and La Presse parliamentary bureau chief Joël-Denis Bellavance bring you inside the biggest stories on Parliament Hill. This week: how Prime Minister Mark Carney can meet expectations that have been majorly raised by his majority government, and what Conservatives stuck in opposition can do to turn the page from leadership questions and make a serious push to govern in the future.

57 min
Apr 16, 2026
A shaky ceasefire begins in Lebanon

In the first moments of an Israel–Lebanon ceasefire announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday, Power & Politics speaks to former Canadian ambassador to Israel Jon Allen about why uncertainties about the agreement and Hezbollah are still threatening a lasting peace. Plus, Michael Kovrig, a former Canadian diplomat who spent over 1,000 days in a Chinese prison, argues that Ottawa's deal to lower tariffs on thousands of Chinese EVs hurts more than the auto industry — it hurts Canada's national security.

1 hr
Apr 15, 2026
Liberals signal they'll expand House power, take committee control

Parties unanimously locked in a House committee structure that gave the opposition the advantage last year, allowing them to hold up legislation. Today, Liberal House leader Steven MacKinnon said his government is assessing what it would look like to change that: 'I think there's a generally accepted principle that committees reflect the composition of Parliament.' Conservative ethics critic Michael Barrett and Liberal whip Mark Gerretsen weigh in. Plus, NDP Leader Avi Lewis says the Liberals' 'floor-crossing majority' has legitimacy, but says he's worried about the implications for faith in democracy.

1 hr
Apr 14, 2026
Armed with majority, Carney says 'it's time to get serious'

Prime Minister Mark Carney said he welcomes the byelection victories that clinched his majority government with 'humility' and 'determination,' but also took aim at the opposition for 'performative' debates that he says have delayed Parliament. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne defends against Conservative attacks on the legitimacy of the majority, saying that accepting floor-crossers is 'how our system works.' Plus, Conservative MP Adam Chambers lays out how his party will adjust to the Liberals' majority control.

22 min
Apr 14, 2026
Carney clinches majority

One election, five defections and a night of byelections have awarded Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberals with a majority government. Here's how it happened.

50 min
Apr 13, 2026
How 1, 2 or 3 wins tonight will change how Carney governs

A single victory in today's three byelections would be enough to give the Liberals a majority, but they'll need at least two if they want to avoid leaning on the Speaker to break ties. The Power Panel discusses how the outcome will change the face of the Carney government and its approach to the House. Plus, former House of Commons senior parliamentary counsel Steven Chaplin says he hasn't found any Canadian or Commonwealth precedent for assembling a majority this way, and explains why the Liberals will still need rules changes if they want their majority control to extend to House of Commons committees.

19 min
Apr 11, 2026
Weekly Wrap: Has Carney built Frankenstein's majority?

The Liberals only need to win one of Monday's three federal byelections to clinch a majority in the House of Commons, but Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed one NDP and four Conservative floor-crossers to get here. Laura D'Angelo, Zain Velji and Michael Solberg debate whether managing a slim majority and a patchwork caucus could become Carney's nightmare.

18 min
Apr 10, 2026
Reporter Roundtable: Is the newest Liberal a 'hypocrite'?

Globe and Mail Ottawa bureau chief Robert Fife, The Canadian Press deputy parliamentary bureau chief Mia Rabson and La Presse parliamentary bureau chief Joël-Denis Bellavance debate whether the crossing of a deeper-blue Conservative to the Liberals could be a headache for both parties, with Fife saying MP Marilyn Gladu is plainly going against what she previously said she believes in.

1 hr 1 min
Apr 9, 2026
Carney stands by Gladu's crossing. Are his Liberals still liberal?

Prime Minister Mark Carney defends accepting former Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu into his caucus despite her past opposition to a host of Liberal policies and positions, saying crossers bring 'a series of perspectives and expertise that is aiding the country.' Liberal House leader Steven MacKinnon tells Power & Politics that the party has values that Gladu 'has to adhere to.' Plus, Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley says he wants Carney to call a byelection in Gladu's riding so voters can confirm they really want a Liberal MP.

53 min
Apr 8, 2026
Conservatives lose a 4th MP to Carney. Is Poilievre in trouble?

Former Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu became the latest to cross the floor to the Liberals on Thursday, putting the Carney government in position to secure a majority with just one of three byelection wins next week. Liberal Party caucus chair James Maloney responds to Gladu's socially Conservative views and past controversies like downplaying the COVID-19 pandemic, and says 'the bigger the tent the better.' Plus, former Canadian top soldier Tom Lawson accuses the U.S. president of 'gaslighting' with his threats to destroy Iran, and saying the U.S. is presenting the ceasefire terms differently than they were negotiated because 'the Americans see this as their way out.'

39 min
Apr 7, 2026
Trump agrees to last-minute ceasefire, delays threat to destroy Iran

U.S. President Donald Trump stuck to his threat to end Iran's 'whole civilization' and bomb bridges and power plants until less than two hours before his Tuesday deadline, when he suddenly posted that there would be a 'a double-sided ceasefire' for two weeks. Experience the night and the news as it unfolded live on Power & Politics, beginning with former Canadian UN ambassador Bob Rae, who says Trump's threat was 'genocidal,' the administration is corrupt and the U.S. is behaving immorally and illegally. Plus, Canada's last head of mission in Saudi Arabia, Dennis Horak, brings instant analysis of Trump's announcement.

46 min
Apr 6, 2026
Is Trump threatening a war crime with his latest Iran deadline?

U.S. President Donald Trump says Iran has until 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday to open the Strait of Hormuz — or else he'll destroy civilian infrastructure. Power & Politics hears from former Middle East peace negotiator Aaron David Miller. Plus, three federal byelections could push the government over the edge of a majority. The Power Panel weighs in.

Reviews

No reviews yet.

Listening context

Background-friendly
Best for: commutes, morning routine, workday, evening listening
Tone: analytical, timely, serious, authoritative

Discussion (0)

No comments yet. Be the first to start the discussion!