The Paikin Podcast

Welcome to the first collaboration between The Paikin Podcast and Charlie Angus’s Meidas Canada. Steve and Charlie get into how we should understand this moment in history, how we are in a “new age of monsters,” and the rising authoritarian threat. They then discuss fears they have for the future of Canada, the two separatisms in Alberta and Quebec, whether Avi Lewis was the right choice for the NDP, where the NDP goes from here, and whether the left can build a durable populism that can rival right wing populism.

In a special episode recorded in front of a live audience at The Albany Club, Greg Brady joins the Everything Political panel with former MPs Martha Hall Findlay and Tony Clement to discuss Carney's speech on antisemitism — whether it hit the mark, why he didn't mention anti-Zionism, and whether Israel's actions have contributed to the rising antisemitism in Canada. They then discuss the mood of conservatives in Canada today, the frustration within the Conservative Party, whether Pierre Poilièvre is the right leader, whether Carney is the worst possible matchup for Poilièvre, and the usual round of "Good on Yas."

We got some more evidence this past week that our relationship with the United States is not business as usual. Canada is going to purchase a whack of surveillance jets, and we are not buying them from the US. Sweden got the contract and the Americans are ticked. Did the federal government make the right choice here? And will we have to pay a political price for angering our neighbors? Stephen Saideman joins Janice Stein on World on Edge.

George Takach, author of Inspired by Taiwan: Why Supporting Taiwan Matters for Global Democracy, joins Steve to discuss his book, the possibility of China invading Taiwan, why the West must make sure China doesn’t “take a run” at Taiwan, how we are all dependent on Taiwan through its semiconductors, and if President Trump would protect Taiwan if China invaded. They also discuss whether Canada should recognize Taiwan as an independent country, the political price Canada pays with China every time a delegate visits the island, and how seriously we should take China’s military maneuvers, including when they move warships through the Taiwan Strait.

Steve Paikin and Caryn Ceolin reflect on the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran three months after the war began, examining Donald Trump’s struggle to secure a deal and the political and economic fallout ahead of the U.S. midterms. They also discuss Canada-U.S. trade talks, Mark Carney’s foreign policy ambitions, and wrap up the season with a few summer plans. This is your Morning Brief for Friday, May 29th.

Everything Political panel with former MPs Martha Hall Findlay and Tony Clement discusses Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s approach to separatism and a potential referendum, why she is being criticized from all sides, why Tony thinks she can’t squash a referendum right now, the tightrope she is walking, if she is fanning the flames of separatism, and if it could backfire and become another Brexit situation. They then discuss the 14 Liberal MPs questioning Carney’s stance on the environment, MP Steven Guilbeault’s announcement that he is resigning, if Canada is “backsliding” on climate, and the usual round of “Good on Yas.”

Steve Paikin and Caryn Ceolin discuss Mark Carney’s candid hot mic moment on Alberta separatism, the political fallout for Danielle Smith, and the Montreal Canadiens’ playoff collapse against Carolina. This is your Morning Brief for Thursday, May 28th.

Frank McKenna, former Premier of New Brunswick and Canadian Ambassador to the United States, joins Steve for this special edition of The Paikin Podcast in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. They discuss McKenna's experience as ambassador, dealing with George W. Bush, how he would deal with Trump, whether Trump's unpredictability is constrained by markets, and whether we live in a more dangerous time than the height of the Cold War. They then discuss Brian Mulroney's Meech Lake Accord, how McKenna regrets not supporting it, whether he regrets not running for the federal Liberal leadership, his $20-million donation to St. Francis Xavier University, and the world young people are confronting today.

Steve Paikin and Caryn Ceolin discuss Mark Carney’s sharp warning against Alberta separatism, comparisons to Brexit, rising tensions with Danielle Smith and, of course, late-night reactions to the Montreal Canadiens overtime loss. This is your Morning Brief for Tuesday, May 26th.

Steve Paikin and Caryn Ceolin discuss Donald Trump’s proposed Iran ceasefire deal, growing skepticism over what the conflict actually achieved, rising gas prices in the U.S., and mounting tensions between Alberta and British Columbia ahead of the Western Premiers’ Conference. This is your Morning Brief for Monday, May 25th.