The Vassy Kapelos Show

Free For All Friday - Hour 1 Tim Powers, filling in for Amanda Galbraith, breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers. On today's show: Prime Minister Carney has officially signed a 'landmark' trade deal with China. CTV chief political correspondent Vassy Kapelos gathers instant reaction and analysis. Reaction to the Canada-China deal continues with Jamie Baker, a Secretary-Treasurer for the UNIFOR-based Fish Food and Allied Workers. It is the largest private sector union, representing 14,000 workers in Newfoundland’s independent small-boat fishery. We also hear from Flavio Volpe, the President of the Automotive Parts and Manufacturers Association of Canada. Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng, a Palliative Care Physician at The Ottawa Hospital, explains how Canadians can stay healthy and preserve their mental wellness during the cold Winter months. 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 NorthStar Public Affairs senior advisor Sabrina Grover and Bluesky Strategy vice-president Jordan Paquet. Topic 1: Mr. Carney went to China, and came home with a trade deal. However, not everyone in Canada's political arena is thrilled about it. Was the Prime Minister's overseas trip a success? Topic 2: In an interview with CJAD Montreal earlier this week, American Ambassador Pete Hoekstra said the Canadian political rhetoric surrounding Trump is harming the Canada-USA relationship ahead of CUSMA negotiations. Should our Premiers tone it down a notch? Topic 3: Quebec will be searching for a new Premier in October, as Francois Legault steps down. The decision comes weeks after the Quebec Liberals cut ties with newly-anointed leader Pablo Rodriguez. Who will form the next government? Topic 4: On a scale of 'don't care' to 'heavily invested', do you care about the Olympics? Topic 5: A not-so-friendly hockey brawl is under investigation, and the participants aren't even old enough to be considered teenagers.

Prime Minister Carney's trade mission to China is bearing fruit in the form of a series of agreements on economic cooperation. They were signed in Beijing earlier today. We hear from Canada's federal ministers as the day unfolds. On today's show: Vassy speaks with Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, as Ontario Premier Doug Ford is leaning towards pulling Crown Royal products from government-run liquor stores. Kinew hopes to change Ford's mind. The Canadian Real Estate Association's 2026 forecast shows an upturn in the housing market next year. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Mike LeCouteur, Laura Stone, and Robert Benzie. Vassy speaks with former Quebec Liberal cabinet minister David Heurtel about Francois Legault's political legacy, as the Premier resigns from his post.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has arrived in Beijing, marking the first state visit to China by a Canadian Prime Minister since 2017. Vassy speaks with author and global competitive strategist Amy Karam about what Canada's new China strategy could look like. On today's show: Vassy chats with Irwin Cotler, a human rights advocate and former Canadian Justice Minister, about the global response to the situation in Iran. CTV Quebec Bureau Chief Genevieve Beauchemin has the latest developments from Quebec City, as Francois Legault has resigned from his post as Quebec Premier. The Explainer with Registered Dietician Abby Langer: Why do Canadians need more Vitamin D? The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Laura D'Angelo, Stephanie Levitz, and Jeff Rutledge. David Paterson, Ontario's Representative in Washington, says he thinks Trump's talk of tearing up CUSMA is more about negotiating position than an actual threat to the trade deal.

The death toll continues to rise in Iran, as the regime cracks down on nationwide protests. Meantime, the White House isn't ruling out U.S. military strikes on the country. On today's show: Prime Minister Carney meets with the B.C. Coastal First Nations before heading to China. Vassy Kapelos speaks with Iranian-Canadian Liberal MP Ali Ehsassi. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Laryssa Waler, Sharan Kaur, and George Soule. Dennis Horak, a former Canadian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and former Head of the Mission/Charge D'Affaires in Iran, discusses the likelihood of U.S. intervention in Iran. According to Stats Canada, fewer Canadians traveled to America across all 12 months of 2025. How does it impact the Travel industry as a whole?

This week, Mark Carney will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, as a Canadian Prime Minister makes his first official journey to China since Justin Trudeau in 2016. Tariffs, oil, and human rights are all on the agenda for Canada's leader. On today's show: UOttawa Professor of Public and International Affairs Thomas Juneau dissects the situation in Iran, as nationwide protests ignite in that country. Tech Check with tech analyst Carmi Levy: Why Canada is not considering a ban on X over a deepfake controversy. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Scott Reid, Tom Mulcair, and Tim Powers. CTV film critic Richard Crouse recaps the 2026 Golden Globes.

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: Venezuela, Greenland, Minneapolis, and everything in between. Matina Stevis-Gridneff, the Canada Bureau Chief for the New York Times, reacts to a tense newsweek in America. Margaret McCuaig-Johnston, a Senior Fellow at UOttawa's Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, on Prime Minister Carney's upcoming trip to China and what it means for relations between the two countries. Tech analyst Carmi Levy dissects a laundry list of new announcements from this year's Consumer Electronics Show. 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 McMillian Vantage vice-president Jeff Rutledge and Rubicon Strategy executive vice-president Michele Cadario. Topic 1: Given the recent developments in Venezuela to kick off 2026, should Canada change its approach to pipelines and develop even faster? How can we find common ground between the Canadian Prairies and British Columbia? And as far as economic impact goes, how concerned should Canadians be? Topic 2: America has got its eyes on Greenland, as the White House admits that President Trump is actively discussing a potential purchase of this Arctic land. Do you think they make that move, and what happens if they do? Topic 3: The Premier of British Columbia says the province is not returning to a 'decriminalized public drug use' system. Good move or bad move? Topic 4: The 2026 Winter Games in Milano-Cortina are less than a month away. Have you caught Olympic fever yet? Topic 5: Heated Rivalry has taken over the world, and our lives.

Vassy Kapelos speaks with Eric Ham, a present-day U.S. political analyst for CTV News and a former Congressional staffer, on the fallout from the ICE shooting in Minneapolis and a looming tariff decision from the U.S. Supreme Court. On today's show: Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe chimes in on the renewed urgency for a pipeline, as America is poised to receive millions of Venezuelan oil barrels. B.C. Energy Minister Adrian Dix on the province's stance regarding pipelines and next steps. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Rob Benzie, Mike LeCouteur, and Brian Platt. Cameron Forbes, a General Manager and Broker for Toronto-based RE/MAX Realtron Realty, on the real estate market outlook for 2026.

Tim Powers guest hosts for Vassy Kapelos this afternoon. As the situation in Venezuela continues to develop, the Trump administration is ramping up its rhetoric around taking over Greenland. We deliver the latest developments as they become available. We also pick the brain of Retired Major-General David Fraser. On today's show: Dawn Desjardins, a Chief Economist at Deloitte Canada, chimes in on the economic outlook for 2026. Marco Mendicino, a former federal prosecutor and Public Safety Minister, on how the trial of Nicolas Maduro will play out. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Stephanie Levitz, Jeff Rutledge, and Laura D'Angelo. Guy Saint-Jacques, a former Canadian Ambassador to China, on Prime Minister Carney's upcoming state visit to Beijing. TSN's Michaela Schreiter previews Team Canada's upcoming announcement, as the Women's Olympic Hockey roster is soon to be unveiled.

As the situation in Venezuela remains uncertain, the Trump administration says it will continue to control operations on the ground. We deliver the latest developments as they become available. Plus, we gather reaction from former CIA Director David Petraeus. On today's show: Prime Minister Carney is in Paris today, meeting with European allies to discuss a path to peace in Ukraine. Money Talk with John Klotz: How to get off on the right financial foot in 2026. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Laryssa Waller, Sharan Kaur, and Graham Richardson. John Bolton, a former U.S. National Security Advisor, gives his take on Trump's foreign policy.

Trump says U.S. officials will control Venezuela after it captured leader Nicolas Maduro during a weekend military strike. New York Times Canada bureau chief Matina Stevis-Gridneff delivers the latest developments as they become available. On today's show: As mass protests in Iran enter their eighth day, fears of a potential crackdown are growing, as U.S. President Trump threatens American intervention. Tech Check with tech analyst Carmi Levy: France targets an Australia-style social media ban for children, with a potential implementation slated for the next learning season. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Tim Powers, Zain Velji, and Tom Mulcair. Heather Exner-Pirot from the MacDonald Laurier Institute outlines what the Venezuela situation means for Canadian oil producers. Doug Gillham from The Weather Network explains what Jack Frost has planned for our country in 2026, as the Winter season hits full-blast.

Free For All Friday - Hour 1 Scott Reid, filling in for Amanda Galbraith, breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers. On today's show: 2026 has arrived, which means it's time for Scott to examine some of the biggest political issues that will shape the next 12 months. If you could give a New Year’s Resolution to a Canadian political leader, what would it be? His Story, Her Story, Our Story: The first edition of 2026! 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 Conaptus principal Jamie Ellerton and NorthStar Public Affairs senior advisor Sabrina Grover. Topic 1: What is the biggest story to watch in 2026? Topic 2: Our panelists share their New Year’s Resolutions for Canadian political leaders. Topic 3: Alberta vs. Quebec - How separatism will shape Canadian politics in 2026. Topic 4: Predictions for this year’s MVP of Canadian politics. Topic 5: Who's stock is on the rise right now?

Scott Reid guest hosts for Vassy Kapelos today, as we finally say 'sayonara' to 2025. On today's show: Law enforcement officials in Mexico have seized $40 million worth of motorcycles believed to be linked to Ryan Wedding, an alleged drug kingpin and former Canadian Olympic snowboarder. CTV's Judy Trinh has the latest on that. Is 2025 the most politically-significant year in Canada's history since WWII? Scott takes your calls, texts, and emails! Who was the MVP of Canadian politics in 2025: Mark Carney or someone else? The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring George Soule and Jeff Rutledge. Canada has unveiled its Men's Hockey roster for the 2026 Olympics. Who is headed to Italy in February? TSN's Matt Cauz has the answers and addresses the criticisms.

Scott Reid guest hosts for Vassy Kapelos today. On today's show: Are the World Cup ticket prices too damn high, and who exactly controls them? We dig deeper with Canadian sports economist Moshe Lander. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Sharan Kaur and Jordan Paquet. The latest developments on the pursuit for a peaceful resolution in the Russia-Ukraine war. Your calls, texts, and emails on just about anything!

Scott Reid guest hosts for Vassy Kapelos today. On today's show: Is a resolution between Russia and Ukraine as close as America's President thinks it is? CTV's Mike LeCouteur analyzes a crazy year in news. Then, Scott opens the phone lines and gathers your thoughts. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Saeed Selvam and Jeff Rutledge. Tech Check with tech analyst Carmi Levy: Did you know that Canadians are one of OnlyFans' top customers? Movie critic Richard Crouse sifts through the best (and worst) flicks that 2025 had to offer. A snapshot of this year's World Juniors, and what's at stake for Canada, with technical producer Stephen Ellsworth.

Tim Powers guest hosts for Vassy Kapelos, as Santa Claus hits the skies for his annual Christmas Eve pilgrimage. On today's show: The cost-of-living crisis is hitting Canadian charities hard this holiday season. Lt-Colonel John Murray from the Salvation Army outlines the bigger picture for us. As we inch closer to the holidays, that means more free time to read a book or catch up on this year's top flicks. So in the spirit of this festive season, CTV movie critic Richard Crouse delivers his top picks from 2025. Travel expert Barry Choi explains how we can conquer our holiday nerves and avoid the airport meltdowns. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Jeff Rutledge and Stephanie Levitz. It's the 25th anniversary of the Bell Capital Cup, which means it's time to check in with Tournament Manager Mark Sluban!

Tim Powers guest hosts for Vassy Kapelos today. On today's show: Who will be getting a White Christmas in Canada? Doug Gillham, a Senior Meteorologist at The Weather Network, makes a list and checks it twice. The Carney government has announced a $35.5 billion plan to reform the First Nations child welfare system. We gather instant reaction from Francis Verreault-Paul, the Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief for Quebec. Retail analyst Bruce Winder takes a look at this year's holiday shopping trends. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Jordan Paquet and Sharan Kaur. Canadian comedian Mark Critch explores and breaks down the great Newfoundland tradition of 'Tibb's Eve'. TSN's Gord Wilson previews the 2026 World Junior Hockey Championship, which is set to take place in Minnesota.

Tim Powers guest hosts for Vassy Kapelos today. On today's show: Dr. Isaac Bogoch reacts to concerning new data about this year's flu season. CTV U.S. political analyst Eric Ham on the latest escalation in USA-Venezuela tensions. Tech Check with tech expert Carmi Levy: A San Francisco power outage leaves Waymo's self-driving cars stranded at intersections. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Garry Keller and Sabrina Grover. Nick Saul, the CEO of Right To Food Canada, talks about food insecurity at the holidays. TSN's Dean Brown reacts to Sidney Crosby becoming the Pittsburgh Penguins' all-time leading scorer, a record that was previously held by franchise icon Mario Lemieux.

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: Starting in January, Canada will formally converse with America and Mexico in the hopes of renegotiating the North American Free Trade Deal. What’s at stake for the Canadian economy during next year’s CUSMA review? We dig deeper with international trade lawyer Robert Glasgow. Six months ago, Pablo Rodriguez became the leader of the Quebec Liberals. Six months later, he was forced to resign over an alleged vote-buying scandal during the leadership race. What does his sudden resignation mean for the Quebec Liberals, the looming provincial election, and separatism in Quebec? Here to speak on that is André Pratte, a former Canadian Senator and a former Chair of the Quebec Liberal Party Policy Committee. In 2025, we saw 3 shades of Canada’s Conservatives. We saw the good, the bad, and the ugly. Joining us for an in-depth analysis is former Conservative MP Lisa Raitt, who also served as a Cabinet Minister under the Harper government. 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 Henley Strategies founder Laryssa Waller and former Justin Trudeau Deputy Chief of Staff Brian Clow. Topic 1: This year's biggest story in the Canadian political arena, and the headlines to watch as we look ahead to 2026. Topic 2: The most overplayed story of 2025, the worst political gaffe of 2025, and the headlines that flew under the radar. Topic 3: The most surprising political moment of 2025, the most successful political operator, and who made 2025’s ‘naughty list’. Topic 4: Ranking the best 'kicker stories' of 2025. From the entire Free For All Friday team, we wish you a very Merry Christmas, and we'll talk again in 2026!

In this special year-end edition, Vassy Kapelos takes a look back at the top stories of 2025. On today's show: Mike LeCouteur, Brian Platt, and Rob Benzie join the show for an extended Daily Debrief Panel, as we re-examine the most pivotal moments in Canadian politics over the past 12 months. CTV U.S. political analyst Eric Ham evaluates President Trump's primetime address, and the key takeaways from Wednesday's message as we head into 2026. Carmi Levy tackles the top A.I. stories of 2025. A batch of holiday cooking tips with Montreal-born chef Chuck Hughes. Movie critic Richard Crouse reflects on the top entertainment stories of 2025.

Provincial and territorial leaders will meet with Prime Minister Carney tomorrow for the first time since a contentious MOU on energy production was signed between the feds and the Alberta government. On today's show: The federal government's 'Buy Canadian' procurement policy is officially in effect. Vassy chats with Canadian Procurement Minister Joel Lightbound. Vassy interviews Ukraine's Ambassador to Canada about the ongoing efforts to end a bloody war with Russia. The Explainer with infectious disease expert Dr. Dale Kalina-Samji: What should you do if you get the flu? The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Laura D'Angelo, Jeff Rutledge, and Stephanie Levitz. Vassy speaks with Rick Smith, the President of the Canadian Climate Institute, about the Carney government's climate policy. Quebec Liberal leader Pablo Rodriguez, who was once a Liberal MP under the Trudeau regime, will be stepping down from his provincial post amid a string of recent controversies. We gather instant reaction from CTV political analyst Tom Mulcair.