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: Another Conservative MP has crossed the floor to join Carney's Liberals, leaving the Red Team one MP shy of a majority government. CTV political analyst Scott Reid takes it all in. The federal government says construction on a high-speed rail between Ottawa and Montreal will begin in 2029. Amanda goes 1-on-1 with Martin Imbleau, the CEO of Alto. A potential Netflix merger with Warner Brothers is poised to shakeup the entire Entertainment industry, with real-life impacts to TV fans and film connoisseurs. And we are in for an epic plot twist if another streaming service enters this war. Movie critic Richard Crouse chimes in with his two cents. 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 Selvam Public Relations president Saeed Selvam and McMillan Vantage vice-president Jeff Rutledge. Topic 1: Breaking down the implications of a second Conservative floor-crossing. Topic 2: The House of Commons has risen for 2025. What did the Carney government accomplish? Topic 3: Is high-speed rail between Ontario and Quebec a national priority? Topic 4: Marco Rubio makes a stand on font types. Topic 5: Has corporate jargon gone too far?

Stefan Keyes is filling in for Vassy Kapelos, who will return on Monday. On today's show: Floodwaters and landslides are wreaking havoc on parts of British Columbia. Environment Canada senior climatologist David Phillips delivers the details. America has seized a Venezuelan oil tanker in the latest stretch of tension escalations. CTV U.S. political analyst Eric Ham reacts to Venezuela's response. Later in the show, we pick the brain of Retired Major-General David Fraser. Foreigners who are allowed to visit the U.S. without a visa could soon be required to submit personal information to Homeland Security, ranging from their social media accounts to extensive family history. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Jordan Paquet, Saeed Selvam, and Mike LeCouteur. Canadians say holiday impaired driving is getting worse, and most want to see more checkpoints.

Canada's representative in Washington, Kirstin Hillman, is stepping down after spending 6 years on the job. We gather reaction and analysis as the show unfolds. On today's show: Vassy chats with Microsoft President Brad Smith about the company's A.I. investment in Canada, as well as today's data sovereignty. The Explainer with Gladstone A.I. co-founder Jeremie Harris: Are today's A.I. fears overblown? The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Laura D'Angelo, Stephanie Levitz, and Sebastian Skamski. Bob Rae, Canada's former Ambassador to the United Nations, outlines his concerns surrounding the new U.S. National Security Strategy. Government House Leader Steve MacKinnon is accusing the Conservatives of blocking the government's legislative agenda, as the House of Commons gets set to rise for the Winter Break.

The Carney government will not be voting for a Conservative motion which, if approved, would put all MPs on-the-record over the Alberta pipeline MOU. In passing, they also accused the Tories of playing politics weeks before the Christmas season. Conservative House Leader Andrew Scheer explains why the motion was delivered to the House of Commons today. On today's show: Vassy speaks with former Washington Post columnist Philip Bump about a batch of U.S. military footage, and how the U.S. President plans to handle it. Back on September 2nd, a military strike was aimed at an alleged drug-smuggling boat, and footage of that strike was expected to be released at some point. However, Donald Trump says that is no longer the case. Money Talk with John Klotz: How do you know if you're able to retire in 2026? The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Laryssa Waler, Sharan Kaur, and Nojoud Al Mallees. Housing expert Mike Moffatt explains how the Carney Liberals' housing policy matches up against the party's 2025 campaign promises. CTV's Judy Trinh has the latest on the federal government's reaction to the new U.S. National Security Strategy.

It's the final sitting week of 2025 for the House of Commons, and the stage is set for one last showdown on pipeline politics. On today's show: Vassy speaks with Canadian Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu about the Algoma steel layoffs and the federal support for affected workers. Trevor Halford, the new interim leader of the B.C. Conservative Party, discusses his party's future following the resignation of now-former leader John Rustad. Tech Check with Carmi Levy: What Netflix's merger with Warner Bros. really means for Hollywood. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Sabrina Grover, Tom Mulcair, and Tim Powers. Green Party leader Elizabeth May says she will no longer support the Carney government in confidence votes following the Alberta pipeline MOU. CTV's Scott Hurst has the latest on a possible strike by Air Transat pilots, as a busy holiday travel season quickly 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: The FIFA World Cup Draw is unfolding right as we hit the airwaves! But as the biggest worldwide faces gather in Washington, it's not all about soccer. Bob Richardson, a public affairs consultant, unveils the bigger picture at play. What’s at stake for Canada in the ongoing CUSMA review? We dig deeper with Goldy Hyder, the President and CEO for the Business Council of Canada. Tech analyst Carmi Levy reacts to Australia's U16 social media ban, and explains why 2025 is the year of 'Gen Beta'. 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 Texture Communications president Melanie Paradis and CTV News political analyst Scott Reid. Topic 1: The CUSMA review is officially underway, as preliminary public hearings kick off in Washington. Topic 2: Is the 'pay to play' economy coming back to bite Canada's rear-end? Topic 3: How does the panacea of climate change factor into the present-day Canadian political equation? Topic 4: Is co-hosting the FIFA World Cup a worthwhile endeavour for Canada? Topic 5: Based on your Spotify playlist, how old are you?

Steven Guilbeault, Canada's former Environment Minister, says the plan for a new oil pipeline means its impossible for the country to meet its 2030 emissions reduction targets. Not only that, he fears that today's pipeline plan puts Canada's goal of a net-zero economy by 2050 in serious doubt. We kick things off with his one-on-one chat with Vassy Kapelos, as the present-day Liberal MP mulls over his long-term political future. On today's show: B.C. political correspondent Rob Shaw breaks down the resignation of B.C. Conservative leader John Rustad. Talk Science To Me with CTV Science and Technology specialist Dan Riskin: How social media makes teenagers 'measurably dumber'. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Brian Platt, Laura Stone, and Rob Benzie. Vassy speaks with Michael Bernstein, the CEO of climate thinktank Clean Prosperity, about the impact of the Alberta MOU on federal climate policy goals.

The CEO of Algoma Steel says the Carney government and the Government of Ontario were aware that the company’s business plan included a re-tooling, which would lead to layoffs. This was before the government agreed to provide Algoma with a $500 million loan guarantee to offset the impact of U.S. tariffs. Vassy Kapelos chats with Michael Garcia following the company's decision to lay off 1,000 workers. On today's show: Jason Jacques, the Interim Parliamentary Budget Officer, delivers his analysis of Build Canada Homes and the feds' 2030 emissions reduction targets. Retired General Tom Lawson joins Vassy to help answer this week's Explainer question: Why does arctic sovereignty matter? The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Nick McRoberts, Stephanie Levitz, and Jeff Rutledge. Vassy speaks with Cindy Woodhouse-Nepinak, the National Chief for the Assembly of First Nations.

Despite the Carney government investing hundreds of millions in financial support to the Canadian Steel industry, Algoma Steel has issued 1,000 layoff notices to workers in Sault Ste. Marie, citing the impact of U.S. tariffs on the sector. Vassy chats with Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Matthew Shoemaker about the potentially dramatic impact to the local economy. On today's show: Tim Anderson, a former Kinder Morgan CEO, chimes in on the business argument for a new oil pipeline in Canada. Money Talk with John Klotz: Tax-panning tips to end a crazy 2025. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Laryssa Waler, Sharan Kaur, and Nojoud Al Mallees. The Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs is raising concerns with present-day federal government policies, which they argue is making it harder for emergency responders to do their jobs. Tim Hodgson, Canada's Energy Minister, talks about the consultation process with First Nations groups on a new oil pipeline project.

B.C. Premier David Eby says he's now open to a new oil pipeline through British Columbia, assuming it doesn't go to the North Coast and the tanker ban remains active. We bring you his 1-on-1 conversation with Vassy Kapelos. On today's show: A Nor'easter is tracking for Atlantic Canada on the first day of 'Meteorological Winter'. Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Tony Wakeham dissects his recent meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney. Tech Check with tech analyst Carmi Levy: Social media companies to be held liable for financial scams under new E.U. rules. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Tim Powers, Tom Mulcair, and Zain Velji. Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin chimes in on the Alberta pipeline MOU. Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson calls to lift a moratorium on offshore oil and gas exploration.

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: The feds have inked a pipeline MOU with Alberta, but British Columbia still has cold feet. We pick the brain of former B.C. Premier Christy Clark. We analyze the industry side of the pipeline MOU with Richard Masson, an Executive Fellow at the University of Calgary's School of Public Policy. He is also a former CEO of the Alberta Petroleum Marketing Commission. Ready or not, here comes the Black Friday madness! Has it changed for the better in recent years? We dig deeper with retail analyst Bruce Winder. 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 Strategy Corp vice-president Garry Keller and NorthStar Public Affairs senior advisor Sabrina Grover. Topic 1: We have a pipeline MOU, but the B.C. government and First Nations groups are far from satisfied. How can we balance the scales enough to make everyone happy? Topic 2: Another member of Carney's Cabinet has headed for the exit sign. Recent rumblings suggest that Steven Guilbeault might not be the last one, either. Is Carney's political acumen about to receive a last-minute test before Christmas? Topic 3: New legislation is about to expand Quebec's secularism rules. Should we expect some federal pushback? Topic 4: Don't wear pajamas on airplanes. The U.S. Transportation Secretary says that dress code is a no-go. Topic 5: If your favourite celebrity or musical artist put a prized possession up for sale, would you buy it no matter the cost?

Stefan Keyes fills in for Vassy Kapelos today, as the feds sign a pipeline MOU with Alberta on energy production. We gather live reaction from Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith as the show rolls on. On today's show: CTV News political analyst Tom Mulcair, who once served as the leader of Canada's New Democrats, offers his two cents on the pipeline MOU. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Rob Benzie, Laura Stone, and Nick McRoberts. According to new estimations from the Canadian Institute for Health Information, Canada’s healthcare spending in 2025 will grow nearly 2 percentage points faster than the economy itself. If you want to appear on the next installment of The Amazing Race Canada, Season 12 applications are now open!

Stefan Keyes fills in for Vassy Kapelos today. Prime Minister Mark Carney says a new oil pipeline will need support from both British Columbia and First Nations groups. This comes 24 hours ahead of Thursday's expected MOU announcement in Alberta. We examine the political ramifications with CTV News political analyst Scott Reid. On today's show: Prime Minister Carney is set to announce a new suite of government support for Canada's Steel and Forestry sectors. Environment Canada's David Phillips analyzes the major winter storm system that is expected to strike Ontario and Quebec in the coming days. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Laura D'Angelo and Jordan Paquet. Liana McDonald, the Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, reacts to a concerning new study on online sexual exploitation within the country. The National Farmers Union is lobbying the feds for a guaranteed income for all Canadian farmers.

Stefan Keyes fills in for Vassy Kapelos today. After weeks of speculation and leaks to the media, we have learned that the Alberta pipeline MOU will be announced this Thursday in Calgary. On today's show: Stefan speaks with David McLaughlin, a former Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, about the status of Canada-USA trade talks. Canada Labour Congress President Bea Bruske discusses the CLC's lobbying efforts around the 2025 Federal Budget, as well as the upcoming review of CUSMA. Money Talk with John Klotz: How does a weak economy and tariffs impact holiday spending plans? The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Sebastian Skamski, Sharan Kaur, and Nojoud Al Mallees. MP Gord Johns and Brain Injury Canada CEO Michelle McDonald discuss the call for a national strategy on brain injuries. CTV's Colton Praill has the latest updates on the Alberta MOU.

After weeks of speculation, sources tell CTV News the Alberta pipeline MOU is set to be announced this week. And for the time being, B.C. Premier David Eby is still not on board. On today's show: Everything you need to know about the dispute between Alberta and B.C. over a proposed new pipeline route. Vassy speaks with B.C. Premier David Eby about his continued opposition to the pipeline plan. David Paterson, Ontario's Representative to Washington, outlines the state of Canada-USA trade talks. Tech Check with Carmi Levy: The government says anything produced by A.I. doesn't count as CanCon. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Tim Powers, Tom Mulcair, and Zain Velji. Vassy speaks with financial journalist Jon Erlichman about the A.I. stock bubble fears, and how they could be impacting the markets moving forward.

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: The controversy and collective anxiety surrounding a land claim court ruling in British Columbia. We deliver the details and gather reaction from Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West. Alberta and Ottawa are nearing a Memorandum of Understanding on energy production, a pact that includes federal support for an Alberta-to-B.C. pipeline. However, the B.C. Premier remains displeased with the proposal. Dave Chilton, the author of 'The Wealthy Barber', offers his analysis on a tense 2025 economy. 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 McMillan Vantage vice-president Jeff Rutledge and Navigator senior consultant Bahoz Dara-Aziz. Topic 1: An update on the pipeline politics out West, and where things are headed. Topic 2: The controversy surrounding a land claim court ruling in British Columbia, and the politics of reconciliation. Topic 3: Do Canadians want to be 'global leaders' in the climate change fight? Topic 4: How the Catholic Church is tuning into today's youth. Topic 5: Has the magic of Black Friday packed up and left? Do you think today's Black Friday deals are stretched out far too long?

Alberta and Ottawa are reportedly ready to sign an MOU that includes support for a new oil pipeline to the B.C. coast. However, not everyone is on board with the plan. We tackle the business argument for this new venture with Richard Masson, an Executive Fellow at the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy and the former CEO of the Alberta Petroleum Marketing Commission. On today's show: Vassy's interview with RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme about the new charges laid against alleged drug kingpin and former Canadian Olympian Ryan Wedding. Talk Science To Me with CTV Science and Technology specialist Dan Riskin: How a crafty parasite can trick ants into killing their own mother. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Graham Richardson, Laura Stone, and Mike LeCouteur. Vassy's conversation with Armando Iannucci, the creator of 'Veep', about writing political satire in the year 2025.

Stefan Keyes fills in for Vassy Kapelos today. Sweden is courting Canada to buy Saab's Girpen fighter jets, as the Carney government reviews its plan to buy American-made F-35s for the Canadian Air Force. On today's show: The U.S. Congress has passed a bill that would force the release of the Epstein Files. Retired Major-General David Fraser discusses the pros and cons of Canada buying the American-made F-35s. Alberta and Ottawa are reportedly close to signing an MOU on energy production, a plan that would include a new oil pipeline. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Jeff Rutledge, Stephanie Levitz, and Bohoz Dara-Aziz. Nik Nanos from Nanos Research examines the latest national polling data. ParticipACTION is warning about the cost of Canadian inactivity in its annual report.

The Carney government has narrowly survived a confidence vote on the 2025 Federal Budget. So what happens now? On today's show: The Public Service Alliance of Canada is sounding the alarm about the pending civil service cuts. Vassy speaks with CSIS Director Dan Rogers about the threatening national security landscape that is facing Canada. Tech Check with tech analyst Carmi Levy: How Jeffrey Epstein used SEO to bury news about his crimes. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Laryssa Waler, Sharan Kaur, and Brian Platt. Vassy speaks with University of Alberta professor Tim Caulfield about the threat that modern-day misinformation poses to Canada. CTV's Scott Hurst has the latest on a U.S. Congress vote about the Epstein Files, and what could happen next if it passes.

Months after Canadian voters put them in charge, will the Carney government fall tonight? It's unlikely, but it's also not impossible. On today's show: For the first time since 2013, and the 5th time in team history, the Saskatchewan Roughriders are the kings of the CFL. Vassy speaks with interim Parliamentary Budget Officer Jason Jacques about his recent analysis of the Canada Strong Budget. The 2025 Federal Budget includes $82 billion in new spending on Canada's military. Vassy interviews David McGuinty, Canada's Defense Minister, about the new gameplan. Money Talk with John Klotz: How do I know if I can afford a house? The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Tom Mulcair, Zain Velji, and Tim Powers. The Canadian Cancer Society fears that our country is backsliding on progress towards eliminating cervical cancer.