The Vassy Kapelos Show

Free For All Friday - Hour 1 Amanda Galbraith breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers. On today's show: We have another country-wide Canada Post strike on our hands, and the second one in less than a year. The news dropped hours after the feds directed Canada's biggest courier to significantly change how it delivers mail to Canadians. We dig deeper with Carleton University associate professor Ian Lee, who was a financial policy analyst for Canada Post in the 1980's. America's President claims that using Tylenol during pregnancy could lead to an Autism diagnosis. Would an untreated fever during a pregnancy cause more damage? We tackle that subject with Dr. Christopher Labos, an epidemiologist and cardiologist at McGill University. A flock of B.C. ostriches will be spared - for now - as the Supreme Court of Canada has granted a last-minute stay in court proceedings. However, their long-term fate remains up in the air. We get the details from Vjosa Isai, a Toronto-based reporter and researcher who writes for the New York Times. Free For All Friday - Hour 2 Contributors from all over the country join The Roundtable to discuss the top stories of the week. Today's edition features public affairs consultant Bob Richardson and Henley Strategies founder Laryssa Waller. Topic 1: Yet another country-wide strike at Canada Post, and so many unanswered questions as to how the corporation will operate moving forward. What are the main sticking points for both sides this time around? Topic 2: Canada's Public Safety Minister says he has full confidence in the government's gun buyback program, even though previous recordings beg to disagree. Topic 3: U.S. President Trump says there could be a link between Tylenol and Autism. Health professionals profusely dispute his findings. Topic 4: The B.C. ostriches live to see another day, but they still don't know what tomorrow brings. Topic 5: According to the U.S. Ambassador to Canada, Washington might need to reassess pre-airport clearance. We explain what that means for Canadian-American travel.

As a trade war with the United States drags on, Prime Minister Mark Carney continues his global push to diversify exports and trading partners. CTV National News correspondent Jeremie Charon joins Vassy Kapelos with a preview of Carney's trip to the United Kingdom. On today's show: Former diplomat Michael Kovrig has a warning for the federal government about cozying up to China. Ret. Vice-Admiral Mark Norman on U.S. President Trump's 180 on Ukraine. Talk Science To Me with CTV Science and Technology specialist Dan Riskin. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Graham Richardson, Robert Benzie, and Laura Stone. The Canadian National Women's Rugby Team will try to make history this weekend at the World Cup, and who better to talk about it than Newfoundland die-hard Tim Powers. CUPW negotiator Jim Gallant reacts to newly-announced changes to Canada Post operations.

Canada's Public Safety Minister says he has no plans to resign. This comes after a leaked recording of Gary Anandasangaree recently surfaced, in which he said the federal gun buy-back program is only going forward because of political pressure in Quebec. On today's show Vassy's full interview with Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree. TV critic Bill Brioux delivers his take on Jimmy Kimmel's return to the late-night airwaves, less than a week after his show was suspended indefinitely by ABC. Sports economist Moshe Lander from Concordia University helps us answer this week's Explainer question: How is the CFL still in business? The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Nick McRoberts, Jeff Rutledge, and Brian Platt. Vassy's conversation with New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt, whose province was recently left off the federal government's 'major projects' list. CTV National News correspondent Colton Praill has the latest from the U.N. General Assembly in New York City.

This morning in New York, U.S. President Donald Trump chastised world leaders and the United Nations for their handling of a variety of global issues, ranging from global security and immigration to climate change. On today's show: CTV National News correspondent Colton Praill has the latest from the U.N. General Assembly. Vassy's interview with Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand following Canada's recognition of Palestinian statehood. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada says Tylenol is safe for use during pregnancy, and does not cause autism. Tech analyst Carmi Levy examines this week's top Tech stories. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Laryssa Waler, Sabrina Grover, and Nojoud Al Mallees. Vassy speaks with Vina Nadjibulla, the Vice-President of Research and Strategy at the Asia Pacific Foundation, about Mark Carney's meeting with the Premier of China.

Amid a protracted trade war with the United States, Pierre Poilievre says Canada shouldn’t settle for a deal that includes sectoral tariffs. Listen to the full interview with Poilievre discussing the trade war, the Canadian economy, the 2025 federal budget, and his upcoming leadership review. On today's show: Prime Minister Mark Carney is at the U.N. General Assembly this week after announcing Canada will officially recognize Palestinian statehood. Financial consultant John Klotz shares tips for creating a personal budget in the face of Canada's rising cost of living. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Tom Mulcair, Zain Velji, and Tim Powers. Vassy's interview with Canadian Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu. CTV National News correspondent Colton Praill has the latest from the U.N. General Assembly, as he joins us from New York City.

Free For All Friday - Hour 1 Amanda Galbraith breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers. On today's show: Canada's Justice Minister is tabling a bill to beef up the country's criminal offenses, with new charges aimed at fighting against the rise of antisemitism and Islamophobia in Canada. We dig deeper with Chris Lewis, CTV's Public Safety Analyst and a former OPP Commissioner. The feds are requesting limitations for future usage of the Notwithstanding Clause, a move that the Quebec government describes as a 'direct attack' on Bill 21. CTV political commentator Scott Reid chimes in with his two cents, as work officially resumes at the House of Commons. A 1-on-1 conversation with Ana Poilievre, as she launches a brand-new seasonal magazine. Today's discussion focuses on women in business, as well as the shifting political landscape. Free For All Friday - Hour 2 Contributors from all over the country join The Roundtable to discuss the top stories of the week. Today's edition features Hill and Knowlton senior vice-president Chris Day and Northstar Public Affairs senior advisor Sabrina Grover. Topic 1: The House of Commons is back in session. So is the leader of Canada's Conservatives. And now, we have a date for the Fall Budget. We deliver the key takeaways from Week 1, and the narratives to keep in mind as the Fall Session carries on. Topic 2: The United States has officially triggered a review of CUSMA. What happens next? Topic 3: A few days ago, ABC took Jimmy Kimmel Live off the airwaves indefinitely, as the late-night host got into some hot water. But according to reports, they might have a change of heart if he promises to 'turn the temperature down'. This comes months after Stephen Colbert's late-night program was scheduled for the guillotine. What does this tell us about the future of late-night comedy? Topic 4: Living in a world with A.I. friends - Yay or Nay? Topic 5: As more and more Beer Stores become obsolete, we need new places to bring our unwanted empties. Should beer always be sold in a bottle?

Prime Minister Mark Carney has traveled to Mexico to meet with President Claudia Sheinbaum, as the United States has officially launched the review of CUSMA. On today's show: B.C. Premier David Eby met with Prime Minister Mark Carney in a recent visit to Canada's Capital, as he lobbies the federal government on major projects and immigration policy. How did it go? Premier Eby joins today's program for a quick debriefing. U.S. President Donald Trump is wrapping up his unprecedented second state visit to the United Kingdom. We dig deeper with Christophe Bondy, a Partner at London-based Steptoe LLP. Talk Science To Me with CTV Science and Technology specialist Dan Riskin. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Rob Benzie, Laura Stone, and Mike LeCouteur. A 1-on-1 conversation with Jason Jacques, Canada's new Parliamentary Budget Officer.

The Bank of Canada has lowered its overnight rate to 2.5 percent, the first cut since March. Vassy Kapelos speaks with BMO Chief Economist Doug Porter about what the move means for the Canadian economy. On today's show: Vassy goes 1-on-1 with Federal Housing Minister Gregor Robertson following the launch of Build Canada Homes, a new Crown corporation. Allan Small, a Senior Investment Advisor with Allan Small Financial Group, helps us answer this week's Explainer question: What is the Bank of Canada's key interest rate and what does it do? The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Laura D'Angelo, Stephanie Levitz, and Jamie Ellerton. Vassy speaks with Bill Browder about his recent campaign, as he calls on the Canadian government to expand sanctions on Russia.

Federal Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland has resigned from Mark Carney's Cabinet, shifting gears as Canada's Special Representative for the Reconstruction of Ukraine. Guest host Tim Powers speaks with CTV National News correspondent Colton Praill. On today's show: According to Food Banks Canada's annual Poverty Report Card, one-in-four Canadians struggle with food insecurity. Nanos Research founder Nik Nanos weighs in on Chrystia Freeland's political legacy, and the latest federal polling data. Tech analyst Carmi Levy examines this week's top Tech stories. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Laryssa Waler, Sharan Kaur, and Nojoud Al Mallees. Political scientist Alex Marland breaks down the events that led to the Newfoundland and Labrador snap election, which will be held the day after Canadian Thanksgiving.

Canadian MPs have returned to Ottawa for the Fall sitting of Parliament. Vassy Kapelos breaks down what's on the agenda and what's at stake for, not only the government, but for the opposition parties as well. On today's show: Vassy's chat with Government House Leader Steve MacKinnon about the government's priorities this Fall. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith reacts to the Carney government's list of major projects. Movie critic Matt Demers recaps the 2025 Emmy Awards, which aired on CTV last night. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Michele Cadario, Tim Powers, and Tom Mulcair. Michael Sambasivam, a Senior Policy Analyst with Investors For Paris Compliance, talks about the inclusion of LNG Canada on the major projects list.

Free For All Friday - Hour 1 Amanda Galbraith breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers. On today's show: Mark Carney has released a list of ‘nation-building’ infrastructure projects that his government will prioritize. A 1-on-1 conversation with Melissa Lantsman, the Deputy Leader for Canada's Conservative Party. Prince Harry and King Charles have had no contact with each other for nearly 2 years. This week, that changed with an in-person conversation. Is this Step 1 of an attempt to mend fences? CTV Royal Commentator Afua Hagan chimes in. Free For All Friday - Hour 2 Contributors from all over the country join The Roundtable to discuss the top stories of the week. Today's edition features Kathleen Monk, a former Director of Communications to NDP leader Jack Layton, and Brian Clow, a former Deputy Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Topic 1: Reaction and analysis to Mark Carney’s major projects. Topic 2: Is Mark Carney the Prime Minister he promised to be? Topic 3: A tale of two economies - Why one Canadian says he can’t afford to move back to Toronto. Topic 4: Did Europe go too far by banning gel nail polish? Topic 5: Is the Royal Family still relevant in 2025?

Prime Minister Mark Carney has unveiled a list of major projects that the government is prioritizing to bolster the economy in the face of U.S. tariffs. CTV's Abigail Bimman breaks it all down for us. Later in the program, host Vassy Kapelos provides her two cents. On today's show: American political activist Charlie Kirk is dead after he was shot during a speaking engagement in Utah. CTV National News Washington Bureau Chief Joy Malbon details the aftermath following Wednesday's graphic assassination. Talk Science To Me with CTV Science and Technology specialist Dan Riskin. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Mike LeCouteur, Laura Stone, and Brian Platt. After violating Polish airspace earlier this week, several Russian military drones were taken down by Poland's authorities. They say these drones 'weren't accidentally' visiting the country. Vassy examines the fallout with Witold Dzielski, who is Poland's Ambassador to Canada.

Poland says 19 Russian military drones violated its airspace during a wave of Russian strikes on neighbouring Ukraine. Vassy Kapelos speaks with Global Affairs Institute fellow Andrew Rasiulis about the implications of this international incident. On today's show: Former Bank of Canada Governor Stephen Poloz says both Canada and the U.S. are sliding towards a recession. Registered Dietician Abby Langer helps answer this week's Explainer question: What's up with the protein craze? The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Laura D'Angelo, Melanie Paradis, and Stephanie Levitz. Vassy chats with the Attorney General of Oregon, as the U.S. Supreme Court hears a legal challenge against the Trump tariffs. CTV National News correspondent Abigail Bimman joins us from Edmonton, as the Liberal caucus meetings unfold.

The Liberal caucus is gathering for meetings in Edmonton this week before heading back to the House of Commons on Monday. CTV National News correspondent Abigail Bimman joins us with the real-time developments. On today's show: Vassy chats with Secretary of State Wayne Long about recent call centre service problems at the CRA, as well as Prime Minister Carney's plan to reduce federal government spending. Tech analyst Carmi Levy examines this week's top tech stories. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Laryssa Waler, Sharan Kaur, and Nojoud Al Mallees. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola talks about Canada's push to diversify exports to the European Union.

Neither Prime Minister Mark Carney, nor Industry Minister Melanie Joly, will say whether the federal government is still committed to Canada's 2030 and 2035 emissions reductions targets. This follows a pause on the upcoming EV sales mandates, which was officially announced last week. Vassy's exclusive interview with Minister Joly kickstarts Hour 1. On today's show: Air Canada flight attendants have rejected the airline's latest offer, which will soon trigger mediation talks. How long could it take until we see a final compromise? Andy Gibbons, a former WestJet executive, paints us the bigger picture. Etalk's Lainey Lui debriefs a historic edition of TIFF 2025. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Tim Powers, Tom Mulcair, and Zain Velji. Interim NDP leader Don Davies talks about the future of the federal party, as the search for a new leader slowly ramps up.

Free For All Friday - Hour 1 Amanda Galbraith breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers. On today's show: Prime Minister Mark Carney has unveiled a 'Buy Canadian' procurement policy. Helping us dig through the details is CTV Chief Political Correspondent Vassy Kapelos, who you can hear every single weekday on the Vassy Kapelos Show. Next month, the feds are planning to introduce legislation on bail reform. Lending us his expertise on this subject matter is former OPP Commissioner Chris Lewis. History has been made at the Toronto Hospital, as Canadian patients receive Neuralink implants. Tech analyst Carmi Levy explains the bigger picture. Free For All Friday - Hour 2 Contributors from all over the country join The Roundtable to discuss the top stories of the week. Today's edition features Jeff Rutledge from McMillan Vantage and Michelle Cadario from Rubicon Strategy. Topic 1: Everything you need to know from this week's Liberal Cabinet retreat. Topic 2: Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre calls on the feds to scrap the Temporary Foreign Workers Program. Did his public safety priorities win anyone over? Topic 3: The debate around Canadian crime, bail reform, and self-defense laws. Topic 4: The NDP amps up its search for a new federal party leader. Topic 5: Are you pulling back on luxury spending?

It's Day 2 of the Federal Cabinet retreat, and Canada's Ministers are facing questions as to how the Carney Liberals will both rein in the deficit and meet new spending promises. On today's show: Listen to Vassy's interview with Michelle Rempel-Garner, the Immigration Critic for Canada's Conservatives. RBC Chief Economist Frances Donald outlines the status of Canada's economy heading into Q4. Talk Science To Me with CTV Science and Technology specialist Dan Riskin: How processed foods make you fatter, and the ant mom with sons of two species. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Laura Stone, Brian Platt, and Mike LeCouteur. Sebastien Dallaire, an Executive Vice-President for Leger, dissects the latest national polling data.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has gathered his cabinet in Toronto to talk strategy ahead of Parliament's September 15th return. Guest host Stefan Keyes fills in for Vassy Kapelos, who is on assignment. On today's show: The latest national polling on the Carney government's performance ahead of the Fall Session. CTV's Judy Trinh delivers the latest from today's Cabinet retreat. CTV U.S. political analyst Eric Ham helps us answer this week's Explainer question: Are tariffs still popular with President Trump's base? The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Sabrina Grover, Jeff Rutledge, and Stephanie Levitz. Tech analyst Carmi Levy takes a gander at this week's top tech stories.

The U.S. Court of Appeal has ruled that many of President Trump's tariffs are illegal. What does that mean for Canada, as well as the world at large? Vassy Kapelos speaks with Robert Glasgow, a partner with McCarthy Tetrault and an international trade lawyer. On today's show: A 1-on-1 conversation with Evan Solomon, Canada's Minister for A.I. and Digital Innovation. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Laryssa Waler, Sharan Kaur, and Nojoud Al Mallees. Carla Qualtrough, Canada's former Minister of Sport, says Prime Minister Carney should issue a formal apology over the findings of the Commission on the Future of Sport in Canada.

Free For All Friday - Hour 1 Amanda Galbraith breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers. Just don't ask her how she feels about the Micah Parsons trade to Green Bay. On today's show: The United States has imposed new tariffs on imported shipments under $800, threatening some Canadian small businesses. The Commission on the Future of Sport in Canada says major changes are needed to protect today's athletes. Movie critic Richard Crouse joins us from the Toronto International Film Festival, with his latest movie reviews in hand. Free For All Friday - Hour 2 Contributors from all over the country join The Roundtable to discuss the top stories of the week. Today's edition features Laryssa Waler, a former Director of Communications to Ontario Premier Doug Ford, and Bob Richardson, a political commentator and former pollster. Topic 1: Ahead of Parliament's return next month, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is taking aim at the Carney government’s weaknesses. Topic 2: Breaking down the Commission on the Future of Sport’s preliminary report. Topic 3: How does the modern labour movement intersect with Canadian politics in 2025? Topic 4: Some of your favourite back-to-school memories. Topic 5: Should there be a minimum age requirement for social media?