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Veteran broadcaster and journalist Rob Breakenridge brings you important and fascinating conversations and offers an in-depth look at the major issues facing Alberta, the West, and Canada.
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58 Episodes
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In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, we’ll look at the bleak state of Alberta’s finances in the aftermath of a new budget awash in red ink.The new budget forecasts a deficit of $9.37-billion followed by subsequent deficits for the foreseeable future - all of which violates the government’s own fiscal framework. Spending has reached a record level of almost $84-billion and the budget has become even more reliant on resource revenues. Approximately $24-billion in resource revenue would be needed by next year just to balance the budget.Debt is set to surpass $100-billion, leaving a mounting annual cost of servicing that debt - now over $3-billion.So what’s become of the government’s commitment to fiscal conservatism and responsible fiscal management? What’s it going to take to bridge this huge gap between what the government believes it needs to spend versus what’s its prepared to raise in revenue?We’ll speak with Kris Sims, Alberta Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation and get her assessment of this budget and where things are headed fiscally in Alberta. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, we’re joined by Edmonton-based Postmedia columnist Lorne Gunter to take a closer look at some major political developments this week.We start with some reaction and analysis of the U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down many of Donald Trump’s tariffs. How excited or relieved should Canadians be and what next for the Canada-U.S. relationship and the prospect of saving the CUSMA trade deal.We’ll also delve into the televised address from Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, which warned about a difficult upcoming budget, but also laid out plans for a number of referendum questions - specifically around immigration policy and constitutional reform - to be put to Albertans on October 19th? Is this smart strategy? A distraction or scapegoat? And could this take the wind out of the sails of separatists?Plus, as Canada seeks closer trade ties with China, a new report from the Montreal Institute for Global Security warns Canada not to be “naïve” about the threat posed by China. This report examines the phenomenon of transnational repression and the threat it represents to security and democracy in Canada. We’ll be joined by Phil Gurski, one of the report’s co-authors. He spent over 30 years in Canada’s intelligence community and is now a fellow at MIGS. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, the latest on the Canada-U.S. relationship amid new threats from Donald Trump and a hopeful sign in the U.S. Congress as the House of Representatives voted to end tariffs on Canada.Of course, this doesn’t end all of this trade drama and it may not even end these specific tariffs. There is still a pending U.S. Supreme Court decision on the legality and constitutionality of many of Trump’s tariffs and there is also still the CUSMA/USMCA renegotiations. Trump’s sudden focus on the new Gordie Howe International Bridge shows the degree to which all of this is still very volatile and unpredictable.We’re joined in this episode by Bryan Riley, director of the Free Trade Initiative at the Washington, DC-based National Taxpayers Union. We’ll get his thoughts on the significance of this week’s developments, and also take a broader look at the negative impact of tariffs and trade barriers, why free trade is worth preserving, and whether it’s possible to rebuild a pro-trade consensus. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, a conversation with widely followed political commentator and analyst Spencer Fernando. We’ll take a closer look at how U.S. President Donald Trump continues to turn Canadian politics on its head and how Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre needs to speak to this challenge and confront this threat. Also, we’ll discuss former Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s re-emergence on the national political scene and the important words he offered for how Canada needs to respond to the external threat of Trump and internal threats to national unity. Plus, Prime Minister Mark Carney abandons yet another Trudeau-era policy as the Liberal government tries to navigate the new trade landscape.YouTube:Apple Podcasts:Spotify: Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, we’ll take a closer look at the state of the Conservative Party of Canada and the leadership of Pierre Poilievre.Conservatives are gathering in Calgary this weekend for their annual convention, which will feature an important speech from Poilievre before a leadership review.We’ll speak with Ben Woodfinden, who’s a senior advisor with Meredith, Boessenkool, & Phillips and a former communications director for Pierre Poilievre. We’ll get his perspective on how secure Poilievre’s position in, how the leader has shaped the party and Canadian conservatism, and what to expect in 2026.Plus, the latest from the premiers’ gathering this week in Ottawa amid questions about Alberta separation, foreign interference, and the possibility of building a new pipeline to the west coast. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, we look back on a dramatic and consequential week for Canada. Following the announcement of a Canada-China trade deal in Beijing, Prime Minister Mark Carney was off to Davos and the World Economic Forum, where he delivered a speech of considerable significance - one that did not go unnoticed by U.S. President Donald Trump.We’re joined by Globe & Mail columnist Andrew Coyne for a conversation about this new Carney doctrine, and what it means for our relationship with the U.S. - as well as our relationship with our NATO partners and European allies. Is this really a turning point? Has there really been a “rupture” in the rules-based international order? Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, a conversation with Kaveh Shahrooz about the protests in Iran and whether this constitutes a new revolution that could finally spell an end to the Khomeinist Islamic Republic.Kaveh is a lawyer and human rights activist, as well as a senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, and has been closely following events in Iran. After more than two weeks of protests, the situation appears at a tipping point. The Iranian regime has cracked down hard on protesters, but is this movement now too big to stop?We’ll also have the latest on Prime Minister Mark Carney’s high-stakes visit to Beijing. Will Canada make a trade breakthrough with China? And, if so, at what cost? Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
Welcome to this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, as we delve into the biggest story of the new year: the American intervention in Venezuela and the US president’s desire to dramatically ramp up Venezuelan oil production and exports.Given that Venezuela’s heavy crude is very similar to the product Canada exports, could this represent a threat to Canada’s market share in the US? We’ll get some insight from commodity analyst Rory Johnston.We’ll also hear from Servus Credit Union chief economist Charles St-Arnaud, who argues in a new report that this should be a wake-up call for Canada and add further urgency to efforts to build the necessary infrastructure for Canada to diversify its trading partners and reduce its reliance on the US. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show:* A closer look at the challenges facing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre as 2025 draws to a close. Two MPs have defected to the Liberals and rumours continue to swirl about further floor-crossings. Poilievre, of course, is set to face a leadership review next month in Calgary. We’ll hear from conservative political strategist Cole Hogan.* We’ll discuss the aftermath of the horrific terror attack on Jews is Australia and the threat posed by antisemitism around the world and here at home. What more needs to be done? We’ll speak with Nico Slobinsky from the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs.* Plus, a closer look at the problems ailing Canada’s immigration system. A new paper from the C.D. Howe Institute lays out how Canada undermined its skills-based immigration system. We’ll hear from co-author Christopher Worswick. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show:* An eventful and contentious fall session of the Alberta Legislature comes to a conclusion with no shortage of lingering controversies. We’ll have the latest on the debate over Bill 14 and the latest changes to referendum petition rules. Plus, the list of recall campaigns expands - including a recall attempt in the premier’s own riding.* The energy and pipeline agreement between Alberta and Ottawa was the focus of the debate in Ottawa this week, as the Conservatives introduced a motion aimed at exposing divisions within the Liberal caucus over the agreement. But did the motion - or the debate - reveal or accomplish anything?* Plus, we’ll discuss a new study from the Public Policy Forum that makes the case for Canadian energy exports in an environmental context. While many frame the debate as economy versus the environment, with the potential to displace coal and dirtier barrels globally, Canadian LNG and oil exports can deliver benefits on both fronts. We’ll speak with study co-author Mark Cameron Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode of The Rob Breakenridge Show, a look at the ongoing debate over direct democracy and elections rules in Alberta - and the changes now being made through the government’s new Bill 14.Introduced on Thursday, the bill - among other things - gives the Alberta government more control over referendum petitions and clears a path now for the separatist side to start gathering signatures. The bill also bans new political parties from using certain word and phrases linked to existing party - a move that will prevent the Progressive Conservative Party from rising again.Interestingly, the bill doesn’t touch the rules around voter recall. At last count there were 14 approved recall campaigns, all targeting UCP MLAs.We discuss all of this, and the implications for Alberta politics, in our conversation with political commentator Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, we delve into an important and timely new book. Globe & Mail writer-at-large John Ibbitson and Ipsos Public Affairs Global CEO Darrell Bricker join us to discuss their new book “Breaking Point: The New Big Shifts Putting Canada at Risk”We’ll explore some of the significant shifts in Canada over the last decade, and the growing divides we’ve seen within the country. Ibbitson and Bricker warn that Canada is at a critical juncture, facing challenges - including regional tensions and generational disparity - that could threaten national unity and identityTariffs and annexation threats from Donald Trump have added a new dimension to these issues, but the problems run much deeper than what we’ve been confronted with in 2025. So what will it take to turn things around? Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
It was a day of great significance Thursday in Calgary as Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney signed off on a new memorandum of understanding (MOU).In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, we’ll take a closer look at this energy agreement and what it all means. The MOU identifies a proposed new pipeline to the west coast as being a project that’s in the national interest. That new pipeline, though, is linked to the Pathways carbon capture project and a higher industrial carbon price to back that up.Alberta does win concessions on two major fronts: the oil and gas emissions cap and the Clean Electricity Regulations will no longer be in force in the province. The west coast tanker ban could also be adjusted as needed to accommodate a new pipeline.We’ll hear comments from Carney, Smith, as well as BC Premier David Eby. We’ll also have a conversation with Adam Legge, president of the Business Council of Alberta - they’re quite encouraged by this agreement. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, a closer look at the debate around Alberta’s coal policy and why this could be one of the ballot issues Albertans vote on next near.Alberta county music artist Corb Lund has deep roots in this province and a deep connection to the ranching industry. He’s found himself at the forefront at the debate around coal development along the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains and has been actively raising concern about the threat such development could pose to the water for communities and industries downstream.Last week, Lund officially filed a petition with Elections Alberta with the aim of using the province’s citizen initiative law to force a referendum on this issue. Specifically the petition calls for a ban on coal mining along the Eastern Slopes.We’ll find out more about why he’s chosen this route and get more background on the changes and concerns around coal policy in Alberta. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, a closer look at an eventful week in Alberta - starting with the latest on pipeline talks between Alberta and Ottawa and the latest on the expanding recall campaign now targeting several UCP MLAs. Is the Alberta government now looking to neuter their own direct democracy laws?We’ll also dive into one of the biggest stories of the week: confirmation that the Alberta government is looking to usher in a major change to health care in this province. Under a proposed “Dual Care Model",” doctors would be allowed to practice in both the private and public system. The province insists that no one will be forced to pay to see a family doctor or to receive care that is currently covered, but it does open up the door to faster access for those willing and able to pay.We’ll hear from Dr. Braden Mann, who is a Professor, Senior Associate Dean, and Associate Vice President of Health Research at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary. He has some serious concerns about the implications of this change, which would be a first in Canada.We’ll also hear from Emmanuelle Faubert who’s an economist at the Montreal Economic Institute - they argue that various European countries have had success with similar models of universal care and that Canada’s system should be open-minded to such reforms. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, we take a closer look at the latest batch of Major Projects announced by the prime minister. On the energy front, there’s support for the Ksi Lisims LNG project on the west coast, but there was nothing announced about a new pipeline. We’ll discuss all of this with Heather Exner-Pirot, who’s a senior fellow and Director of Energy, Natural Resources, and Environment at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute.Plus, the latest on the debate in Alberta around voter recall and citizen initiative and petitions proliferate and Albertans face the prospect of multiple referendums and recall votes. The UCP doesn’t seem happy about this, but they’re in no position to complain = they’re the ones who implemented the rules in the first place. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show - a closer look at Budget 2025, both in terms of whether it will pass the House of Commons (failure to do so meaning another election, of course) and whether it’s the right budget for the economic challenges facing Canada at the moment. We’ll get some economic analysis from Trevor Tombe, professor of economics at the University of Calgary and director of fiscal and economic policy at the U of C’s School of Public Policy.Plus, we’ll discuss the aftermath of a controversial Supreme Court decision last week and how the federal government might respond. In a 5 - 4 decision, the high court struck down Canada’s mandatory minimum sentence for the crime of possession of child p*rnography. There is considerable pressure on Ottawa to invoke the notwithstanding clause and set aside this ruling, although the government has ruled out such a step. We’ll hear from University of Alberta law professor Steven Penney who says there’s an alternative in between using the clause and letting this ruling stand. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
Welcome to this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show - a very busy week this week in Alberta:We’ll hear from Thomas Lukaszuk, former MLA and cabinet minister, and founder of the Forever Canadian campaign. Their petition campaign - posing the question: “‘Do you agree that Alberta should remain within Canada?” - appears to have far exceeded the minimum necessary for success. We’ll discuss the campaign and what comes next, including the big decision the premier will have to make.Also this week, the Alberta government introduced Bill 2, the Back to School Act, which invokes the notwithstanding clause to force teachers back to work and imposes a contract upon them - basically the same terms they overwhelmingly rejected in late September. We’ll get reaction from Alberta Teachers Association president Jason Schilling and find out whether he believes the strike was still worth it and what the ATA’s next moves might be in trying to convince the province to address these issues.Speaking of the notwithstanding clause, there’s an important case looming at the Supreme Court of Canada that could affect how governments use this power and whether there should be further limits or constraints. We’ll discuss that case with law professor and constitutional law expert Dwight Newman, and also get his thoughts on a potentially significant aboriginal titles case in B.C. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, a closer look at what to expect as the Alberta Legislature kicks off what is sure to be a dramatic and consequential fall sitting.Thousands of teachers rallied at the Legislature on Thursday as the premier made it clear that back-to-work legislation will be tabled on Monday to end this strike and get kids back into the classroom. Further discussion and debate is expected in the coming weeks around health care, Alberta’s finances and sovereignty-related issues. It’s also NDP leader Naheed Nenshi’s first opportunity to stand in the Legislature as the Official Leader of the Opposition.We unpack it all in a conversation with political veterans and political insiders Erika Barootes and Cheryl Oates - they’re also the co-hosts of The Discourse podcast. They’ve both got plenty to say about all of these debates. YouTube:Spotify:Apple Podcasts:Don’t forget, you can follow our work and subscribe here at our Substack page (robbreakenridge.ca), which is where the podcast is hosted. You can also listen and subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms. Check out our YouTube channel, as well. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, a closer look at Alberta’s pipeline ambitions and the obstacles that still need to be overcome. We are one month away from Grey Cup, which is to serve as the platform for the prime minister to announce the next phase of projects under the Major Projects Office. Is it realistic for Alberta’s pipeline proposal to be in the mix? And what about the possible revival of the Keystone XL pipeline? We’ll look at the economics and legalities surrounding this debate as we chat with Andrew Leach, energy and environmental economist and professor at the University of Alberta.Speaking of Keystone XL, we’ll look at the state of the trading relationship between Canada and the United States. New polling done for the Montreal Economic Institute finds that a solid majority of Canadians still see jobs and growth linked to trade with the U.S. and see reaching an agreement as a top priority for the Carney government. So how should Canada approach these negotiations? We’ll speak with MEI’s Renaud Brossard.Plus, the latest on Alberta’s teacher strike, as little progress seems to be happening at the bargaining table and possible back-to-work legislation looming as the Alberta Legislature is set to resume later this month.YouTube:Spotify:Apple Podcasts:Don’t forget, you can follow our work and subscribe here at our Substack page (robbreakenridge.ca), which is where the podcast is hosted. You can also listen and subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms. Check out our YouTube channel, as well. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe
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