West of Centre

Rising COVID-19 cases and deaths have led to more severe restrictions in the western provinces - measures Manitoba and Alberta premiers had resisted until now. New polls show they may have waited too long. Pallister and Kenney are the least popular pandemic premiers, and lag far behind their neighbours in Saskatchewan and B.C.. Kathleen Petty finds out why with Shachi Kurl, president of the Angus Reid Institute, political scientist Christopher Adams of the University of Manitoba, and political strategist and communications specialist Corey Hogan of The Strategists podcast.

Is “pragmatism” a good principle when it comes to tackling climate change? What does this big buzzword adopted by the Prime Minister and others in his government even mean, anyway? As the Canadian Climate Institute concludes there’s no way Canada will meet its emission reduction targets for 2030 or even 2035, our expert panel dives into the disconnect between the country’s net-zero targets and the lack of a clear, short-term plan to get there. West of Centre host Kathleen Petty is joined by Bill Whitelaw, executive director of Rextag; climate policy strategist Jeremy van Loon; and Globe and Mail energy reporter Emma Graney. They examine the effectiveness of key initiatives, including the Pathways Alliance carbon capture project, the evolution of industrial carbon pricing, and how the concept of “pragmatism” fits into the politics of it all. Host: Kathleen Petty | Producer & editor: Diane Yanko | Guests: Bill Whitelaw, Emma Graney, Jeremy van Loon

The Alberta government is making headlines with its plan to add a “CAN” citizenship marker to driver’s licences, a move Premier Danielle Smith says will safeguard elections and improve efficiency. At the same time, she’s pressing for greater provincial control over immigration, even as the province faces the threat of a teachers’ strike, a ballooning deficit and renewed talk of sovereignty.West of Centre host Kathleen Petty explores whether Smith is energizing her base or distracting from core issues with Real Talk podcast host Ryan Jespersen, former Tory aide Tom Olsen, and ex-Trudeau adviser Jessie Chahal. The panel weighs whether the UCP government’s priorities align with what Albertans really want.Host: Kathleen Petty | Producer & editor: Falice Chin | Guests: Ryan Jespersen, Tom Olsen, Jessie Chahal

This fall, Calgary and Edmonton voters will face a first in Alberta history: municipal candidates backed by political parties.The provincial government has launched the move as a pilot project, but it’s already stirring debate. Critics warn it could erode the independence of city politics, while supporters say it may bring clarity and accountability to local campaigns.West of Centre Short host Rob Brown speaks with Kennedy Stewart, a former Vancouver mayor and longtime political science professor, who has run both as an independent and as part of a party slate. From spending caps and donor lists to door knockers and party discipline (or lack thereof), Stewart lays out how partisanship reshapes city campaigns and governance — for better and worse.Host: Rob Brown | Producer & editor: Falice Chin | Guest: Kennedy Stewart

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first five “nation-building” projects are out — but there’s no oil pipeline, at least not yet. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s unusually upbeat response raised eyebrows, suggesting she may know something the rest of us don’t. Both she and Carney hint that bigger announcements could come by year’s end.West of Centre host Kathleen Petty is back to dissect the politics behind the nudge-nudge, wink-wink with Zain Velji of The Strategists podcast, conservative strategist Amber Ruddy, and Toronto Star journalist Alex Boyd.Together, they dig into what Carney’s cautious list means for Alberta, the federal government, and where it leaves Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.In the second half, Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon joins the conversation to explore why Alberta and Quebec may be more alike than different when it comes to their battles with Ottawa. Plamondon, who hopes to be Quebec’s next premier, has pledged to hold another referendum on separation by 2030 if his party forms government. After all, what’s more Albertan than obsessing about Quebec?

More than halfway through a turbulent political year, Alberta sits at the crossroads of a global trade war, a federal-provincial power struggle and a simmering separatism debate. This week on West of Centre, host Rob Brown brings together former federal cabinet minister Monte Solberg, political strategist Stephen Carter, and University of Calgary political scientist Lisa Young to take stock of Canada and Alberta’s political landscape before the podcast breaks for the summer.The panel sizes up three major players: rookie Prime Minister Mark Carney, who’s set an ambitious tone but faces high-stakes tests ahead; Pierre Poilievre, whose leadership hangs in the balance after his election defeat; and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who remains strong in the polls while stoking talks of sovereignty. The trio weighs in on their performance so far — and what could make or break them in the months ahead.The episode wraps with a look at Alberta’s changing municipal politics, where party slates are on the ballot for the first time in Calgary and Edmonton. While voters claim to dislike partisanship in city hall, Carter argues party structures could either streamline councils or turn them into battlegrounds. With federal, provincial, and municipal politics all in flux, the rest of 2025 promises anything but quiet.West of Centre has recorded its biggest audience and download numbers ever this year. Thank you for listening! We’ll be back in September with Kathleen Petty returning to the host chair.Host: Rob Brown | Producer & editor: Falice Chin | Guests: Monte Solberg, Lisa Young, Stephen Carter

As the Aug. 1 trade deadline approaches, Donald Trump’s administration is threatening to hike tariffs on non-CUSMA-compliant Canadian goods from 25 to 35 per cent, while leaving existing levies on potash and energy unchanged. Gitane De Silva, former Canada Energy Regulator CEO and Alberta’s ex-representative in Washington, doubts a deal will be struck by Friday. She says Canada is smart to keep negotiations focused and quiet, while leveraging its deep economic integration with the U.S.De Silva urges Ottawa to avoid broad retaliation but suggests targeted responses and shifts in consumer behaviour are already shaping U.S. decisions. She questions whether Trump even wants a short-term deal, given his push to renegotiate CUSMA. Canada, she argues, should aim for certainty in key sectors like autos and energy while being realistic about what it may need to concede. Despite the turbulence, she’s cautiously optimistic Canadians are adapting to a new era of trade uncertainty.At home, De Silva weighs in on Alberta’s push for a new pipeline to Prince Rupert, B.C., calling it feasible but dependent on meaningful backing from both levels of government. She says regulatory clarity under Bill C-5 is lacking, and Indigenous consultation — especially in B.C.'s unceded territories — remains a key challenge. She suggests Ottawa could seek legal clarity via a Supreme Court reference. Despite the obstacles, she sees this as a moment for Canada to assert its value as a reliable supplier of food, fuel and stability in a shifting global landscape.Host: Rob Brown | Producer & editor: Falice Chin | Guest: Gitane De Silva

In the dead of summer, a shift in tone appears to be taking hold between Canada’s premiers and the prime minister.On this week’s West of Centre, three Alberta-based journalists examine what may be driving Premier Danielle Smith’s recent change in rhetoric. At the latest premiers’ summit, Smith downplayed talk of a new oil pipeline and instead emphasized on shared priorities with B.C. Premier David Eby — including ammonia exports, LNG expansion and increasing Trans Mountain’s capacity.Meghan Potkins of the Financial Post offers a reality check on the private sector’s appetite for a new pipeline. Lisa Johnson of The Canadian Press and Alex Boyd of the Toronto Star explore whether more in-person engagement — and a new prime minister — may be shifting the dynamic among provincial leaders. And to what political end?The panel also unpacks renewed controversy over coal payouts. The Alberta government is now facing millions more in potential liabilities after reversing its policy on coal development in the Rockies — raising the prospect of further legal and political fallout.Attention then turns to the Battle River–Crowfoot byelection, where federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre faces a ballot featuring some 200 names. Is it a genuine complaint, or a pre-emptive explanation for what could be a lower vote share in one of the country’s safest Conservative ridings?The episode ends on a sobering note. Globe and Mail reporter Carrie Tait was recently targeted with surveillance. The panel reflects on rising hostility toward journalists, and how it threatens not just the press, but the public’s access to information.Host: Rob Brown | Producer & editor: Falice Chin | Guests: Meghan Potkins, Lisa Johnson, Alex Boyd

Canada’s sluggish gross domestic product (GDP) per capita has been branded an economic “emergency.” Yet the headline figure could soon rise even if Prime Minister Mark Carney does little to spur productivity. Ottawa is slashing the intake of international students and temporary foreign workers — a move that will shrink the population denominator and nudge the stat upward, even as total output may slip and social programs face restraint.In this episode of West of Centre Short, host Rob Brown asks University of Calgary economist Gillian Petit to dissect the metric politicians love to wield. GDP measures total output, while GDP per capita divides that sum by the population. Petit says the simple math offers an easy snapshot but can mislead when used alone.For a true read on prosperity, Petit argues Canada needs a broader dashboard that weighs productivity, fairness and long‑term well‑being. Building that tool, she warns, will be a lot tougher than quoting a single number.Host: Rob Brown | Producer & editor: Falice Chin | Guest: Gillian Petit

The Alberta Next tour is only two stops in and critics already say it feels less like a neutral consultation than a sales exercise for provincial moves, including setting up an Alberta pension plan, a provincial police service and a homegrown tax collection agency.Former NDP staffer Shannon Greer likened the events to a timeshare presentation, citing high‑production videos, tightly managed messaging and survey questions that she said steered respondents. Former UCP staffer Colin Aitchison acknowledged some questions were leading but argued Premier Danielle Smith could have staged a purely partisan event or gone straight to a referendum if she wanted a predetermined outcome. Neither were surprised the town halls attracted separatists and federalists alike. Meanwhile, NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi — newly sworn in as MLA for Edmonton–Strathcona — is launching a counter roadshow dubbed the “Better Together” summer tour built around a pro‑Canada message. Journalist Jason Markusoff questions whether either program will achieve its aims.The competing tours unfold amid friction on two fronts: between Alberta and Ottawa, and between the province and municipalities — both centred on jurisdictional reach. While Smith accuses the federal government of overstepping, several mayors accuse her government of doing the same on local matters ranging from bike lanes to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies.Host: Rob Brown | Producer & editor: Falice Chin | Guests: Colin Aitchison, Shannon Greer, Jason Markusoff

A northern Alberta First Nations leader is raising concerns about a proposed $16-billion carbon capture project, warning his community could pursue legal action if the federal government fails to properly consult Indigenous groups.In an interview on West of Centre Short, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Chief Allan Adam said his community has not received credible information about the environmental risks of the Pathways Alliance project — particularly the injection of carbon into underground salt plains.Adam also criticized the Carney government’s Bill C-5, which aims to fast-track infrastructure projects deemed to be in the national interest. He’s so opposed to the bill, he’s opted not to attend the prime minister’s meeting with fellow chiefs in Gatineau this week.At the heart of Adam’s concerns is a long-standing call for revenue sharing. He said that unless First Nations are offered a more equitable stake in resource development, especially on Treaty land, conflict and legal challenges will continue.Host: Rob Brown | Producer & editor: Falice Chin | Guest: Allan Adam

Can Pierre Poilievre survive the summer — and is a new oil pipeline imminent? Those questions are fuelling chatter on rooftop patios, at pancake breakfasts and in political backrooms across Calgary during 10 days of Stampede networking.On this week’s episode of West of Centre, conservative strategist Tom Olsen shares what politicians and staffers are really saying — and whether they believe Poilievre deserves another shot after losing the federal election. Jessie Chahal, a former adviser to prime minister Justin Trudeau, thinks Conservatives across Canada are more divided than they let on. And NDP strategist Cheryl Oates argues the party is doing everything it can to tip the scales in Poilievre’s favour — including, in her view, the decision to hold the leadership review in Calgary.First, though, Poilievre must win his byelection in Battle River–Crowfoot. Victory is expected, but the panel debates what kind of margin he needs to maintain the confidence of his party.Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Carney is signalling a shift on energy policy, calling a new oil pipeline proposal “highly likely.” That statement comes just as the premiers of Alberta and Ontario sign memorandums of understanding aimed at boosting interprovincial trade — and reviving the idea of an east–west pipeline. But how close are we to a private-sector proponent stepping forward and shouting, “Yahoo!”?Host: Rob Brown | Producer & editor: Falice Chin | Guests: Tom Olsen, Jessie Chahal, Cheryl Oates

Despite wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, a resurgent Donald Trump threatening global trade, and the world increasing supply, crude prices haven’t swung wildly like they once did. In fact, 2024 marked one of the most stable years for oil prices in decades, and the first half of 2025 has more or less followed suit.So what’s behind this unusual calm in a chaotic world?On this episode of West of Centre Short, energy analyst Susan Bell of Rystad Energy breaks down what’s anchoring post-pandemic global oil prices — and why Canada has proven more resilient than expected. From OPEC’s evolving playbook to U.S. shale discipline and the impact of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, we unpack the new rules of the game. That includes the political calculus behind Saudi Arabia’s more cautious approach, as it balances domestic reforms, regional influence and long-term energy strategy.But the era of stability may not last. Bell flags the early warning signs — and what could trigger the next big shift.Host: Rob Brown | Producer & editor: Falice Chin | Guest: Susan Bell

Aspiration is meeting reality for Prime Minister Mark Carney, as the pressures of governing expose the risks of his sky-high campaign promises.The most immediate example is his abrupt reversal on Canada’s digital services tax, scrapped just before it was set to take effect after Donald Trump threatened to walk away from trade talks. Critics say Carney waved a red flag at a bull; supporters frame it as a strategic concession to get negotiations back on track. But if no deal materializes by the self-imposed July 21 deadline, the political cost could be steep — especially for a leader who built his brand on going “elbows up” with the U.S.This week on West of Centre, trade expert Carlo Dade argued Canada could “rag the puck” and let U.S. court challenges to Trump’s tariff powers play out. But The Logic’s Laura Osman noted Carney is under immense pressure to secure a near-term deal. That urgency matches his government’s fast-paced push for quick wins — including tax cuts, moves to reduce interprovincial trade barriers, and the passage of Bill C-5 to fast-track infrastructure approvals.But passing legislation is the easy part. Another round of reality checks is looming — including whether provinces will actually trade more freely, and whether a long-sought pipeline to the West Coast might finally materialize. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith continues to apply pressure through a list of demands and her new Alberta Next panel. Political columnist Graham Thomson says she’s also fending off threats from separatists on the right and watching for signs of a centrist revival under the old Progressive Conservative brand.Host: Rob Brown | Producer & editor: Falice Chin | Guests: Carlo Dade, Laura Osman, Graham Thomson

Canada has yet to meet NATO’s two per cent defence benchmark, yet the federal government is already pledging to boost spending to five per cent of GDP by 2035. That target framed CBC host Rob Brown’s conversation with Arctic security scholar Rob Huebert, who says the figure is not arbitrary but reflects growing vulnerabilities exposed by Russian aggression, China’s rise and the uncertainty of a second Donald Trump presidency.On this episode of West of Centre Short, Huebert notes Canada’s last major northern military hardware upgrade came in the 1980s. True modernization, he says, means over-the-horizon radar, new satellites, F-35 fighter jets and even submarines — assets he argues must be based in the North.For Huebert, Arctic defence is less about troops and more about sensors and rapid response capability. He is pushing for a revamped North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD), deep-water ports and says even a potential West Coast oil pipeline could be counted under NATO’s infrastructure allowance. Fund the full package, he contends, and Canada would sail past five per cent “without even breaking a sweat.”But politics casts a shadow over every dollar. Huebert says Canadians have rallied before, but only when leaders are candid about the stakes. Without that clarity, he warns, Canada risks under-spending, under-preparing — and waking up as a vassal state to the United States.Host: Rob Brown | Producer & editor: Falice Chin | Guest: Rob Huebert

Premier Danielle Smith is pitching her “Alberta Next” roadshow as a grassroots consultation, but critics say its six survey questions steer Albertans toward sovereignty-tinged answers. The travelling panel will study these topics: an Alberta police force, immigration, constitutional amendments, provincial tax collection, federal transfers and equalization, and a provincial pension plan.On this week’s West of Centre, host Kathleen Petty asks former UCP staffer Karamveer Lalh, pollster Janet Brown and former NDP government top aide Keith McLaughlin whether the tour aims to placate United Conservatives rather than seek good-faith solutions.The guests say the effort echoes Jason Kenney’s 2019 Fair Deal Panel and warn the framing could alienate moderates and newcomers. They note the Republican Party of Alberta’s 18-per-cent showing in the Olds–Didsbury–Three Hills byelection proves Smith can’t ignore separatist voters. At the same time, NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi now has a seat in the legislature — a development that complicates Smith’s push for any referendum as she works to keep her caucus united.Host: Kathleen Petty | Producer & editor: Falice Chin | Guests: Karamveer Lalh, Keith McLaughlin, Janet Brown

The results of Alberta’s three byelections delivered a largely status quo outcome, but with some notable undercurrents. In Edmonton-Strathcona, NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi secured a decisive win, surpassing former leader Rachel Notley’s vote share with 82 per cent. It marks his long-awaited entry into the legislature. The NDP also held Edmonton-Ellerslie, though with a slimmer margin — nearly 11 points down from 2023. That erosion raises questions about the party’s grip on “Fortress Edmonton,” particularly as polls suggest the UCP is gaining ground in the capital.In Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills, the UCP kept the rural stronghold but lost 15 points in vote share. The Republican Party of Alberta’s Cam Davies earned nearly 18 per cent — the strongest separatist showing in years. Still, Mount Royal University political scientist Duane Bratt called the result underwhelming, noting it fell short of the one-third benchmark that would signal serious momentum. He called it a missed opportunity for Alberta’s separatist movement, which tends to rise and recede depending on leadership and political climate.In this episode of West of Centre Short, Bratt argues the latest separatist push is less grassroots than previous waves and more top-down — driven in part by Premier Danielle Smith and her inner circle. While Smith says she supports a united Canada, critics point to her past reliance on the Sovereignty Act, efforts to create a provincial pension plan and police force, and paving the way for a potential independence referendum in 2026 as signs of a deeper, ambiguous agenda.Host: Rob Brown | Producer & editor: Falice Chin | Guest: Duane Bratt

Ahead of three Alberta provincial byelections on June 23, West of Centre is sharing a special bonus episode from our colleagues at Front Burner.They recently travelled to Three Hills — a town about 130 km northeast of Calgary — to explore why separatist sentiment continues to simmer in parts of rural Alberta. CBC Calgary’s Jason Markusoff joined them on the ground, attending a town hall on Alberta independence and speaking with locals about what’s fuelling the frustration with Ottawa.In the riding of Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills, separatism isn’t just a talking point — it’s basically on the ballot. The Alberta Republic Party, which supports independence, is fielding a candidate with a fraught history with the UCP. This episode offers a revealing look at the political mood heading into Monday’s vote.

The federal election may be over, but Pierre Poilievre is not done campaigning. After losing his longtime seat in the Ottawa region, the Conservative leader is now focused on winning a byelection in rural Alberta—one of the party’s safest ridings. On this episode of West of Centre, three Conservative insiders discuss what this campaign could reveal about Poilievre’s political evolution. Can he adapt his tone and strategy to regain momentum and further expand support? Or will he double down on the populist messaging that’s defined his leadership so far?Ben Woodfinden, Poilievre’s director of communications during the election, joins veteran political scientist Ian Brodie and disillusioned strategist Sarah Biggs to weigh the stakes—not just for Poilievre, but for the Conservative Party itself. How should he pitch his message in a riding that’s more sympathetic to separatist sentiment, while still maintaining credibility as a prime minister-in-waiting? And with a leadership review set for January, how much reflection and recalibration can he afford before time runs out?As Prime Minister Mark Carney carves out centrist ground—borrowing from the Conservative playbook while pushing his own agenda—Poilievre may need to pivot from ideological combat to a message of competence and readiness. This episode explores what that shift could mean for the Conservative movement—and for a political system now settling into a prolonged two-party race.

Alberta is facing the prospect of its largest coordinated public-sector labour disruption in decades, with tens of thousands of workers poised to strike. Teachers, health-care professionals and government employees have voiced growing frustration with stalled negotiations — including 95 per cent of Alberta Teachers’ Association members voting in favour of strike action. On this episode of West of Centre Short, host Rob Brown speaks with Jason Foster, a professor of human resources and labour relations at Athabasca University, about what’s driving the unrest.Foster, who had previously worked as director of policy analysis at the Alberta Federation of Labour, says many public-sector workers have endured nearly a decade of stagnant pay, followed by surging inflation and the emotional toll of the COVID-19 pandemic. Alberta’s teachers were once the highest paid in Canada, but have since fallen behind their counterparts in other provinces. Class sizes are also a growing concern as the province’s population continues to rise.What’s different this time, Foster says, is that union members — not leadership — are driving the push for better deals. Workers are rejecting mediated agreements they see as inadequate and demanding more from the bargaining table.