Follow-Up With Althia Raj

The Liberal government revealed a mini-budget chock full of new spending — but it’s the pitch to keep the spending taps open, to inject up to $100 billion into the economy after the pandemic, that has financial experts turning their heads. In this episode: HuffPost Canada Ottawa reporter Zi-Ann Lum; Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux; Kevin Page, Canada's first parliamentary budget officer and the president and CEO of the Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy at the University of Ottawa; and Scotiabank’s director of fiscal and provincial economics Rebekah Young. Hosted by Althia Raj.

The path to electoral victory for the Conservative party involves building a bigger tent and floating a few trial balloons — during a pandemic. We ask insiders for their first impressions of Erin O’Toole’s first 100 days as Conservative leader. In this episode: Stephen Harper’s former campaign manager Jenni Byrne, former Harper PMO advisor Dennis Matthews, Abacus Data CEO David Coletto, Unifor National President Jerry Dias, Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald, Eric Wen of the Chinese Canadian Conservative Association, the National Council of Canadian Muslim CEO Mustafa Farooq, Campaign Life Coalition’s political operations director Jack Fonseca, and Ontario Conservative MP Karen Vecchio. Hosted by Althia Raj.

While it seems debates over free speech have been on a rolling boil south of the border, the topic has also dominated francophone TV and radio in recent weeks, giving new breath to old debates about how Quebec’s voice is represented in Ottawa. In this episode: Bloc Québécois MP Stéphane Bergeron, Conservative MP Gérard Deltell, Liberal MP Joël Lightbound, and Maverick Party interim leader Jay Hill. Hosted by Althia Raj.

The U.S. election cycle feels like it has its own gravitational pull and two candidates signal different opportunities — and potential challenges — for Canada. In this episode: Eurasia Group vice chairman Gerald Butts, former Globe and Mail energy reporter Shawn McCarthy, former federal Conservative minister James Moore, CBC News’ Washington-based correspondent Alexander Panetta and HuffPost Canada's senior politics editor Ryan Maloney. Hosted by Althia Raj.

Annamie Paul is the first new leader of the federal Green party in 14 years. As she tries to move the party beyond Elizabeth May’s shadow — spectres have been raised by former leadership contenders about the integrity of the race.

The throne speech has been read. The Conservatives and Bloc have signaled their displeasure, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh finds himself kingmaker, again. In this episode: NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, and pundits Karl Bélanger, Greg MacEachern, and Kate Harrison. Hosted by Althia Raj.

Months into a pandemic, the initial political unity in Ottawa has disintegrated. Historic economic packages have been approved at breakneck speed, but some Canadians are still being left behind. In this episode: Government House Leader Pablo Rodriguez, and pundits Karl Bélanger, Greg MacEachern, and Kate Harrison. Hosted by Althia Raj.

As the government whips through 2020 with minority numbers, the Liberal’s No. 1 dissenting MP sits down for a candid talk about how he's found a balance between his own “principled independence” and toeing the party line. In this episode: Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, NDP MP Peter Julian, Conservative MP Bruce Stanton, and Liberal MPs James Maloney and Ali Ehsassi. Hosted by Althia Raj.

With a cabinet decision due over the fate of Teck Frontier, a massive new oilsands mine project, the Liberals face another test on how serious they are about reducing carbon emissions. In this episode: Energy and environmental economist Andrew Leach, Liberal MP Kody Blois, NDP MP Laurel Collins, Bloc Québécois MP Kristina Michaud, and Tory MPs Tim Uppal and Stephanie Kusie. Hosted by Althia Raj.

The Liberals have returned to Ottawa in need of dance partners to get things done. We speak to current and former House leaders on the moves they’ve learned — and the missteps they’ve witnessed in other minority governments. In this episode: Former Liberal house leader Ralph Goodale, former Conservative house leader Jay Hill, NDP national director Anne McGrath, and current House leaders Candice Bergen (Conservative), Christine Normandin (Bloc Québécois), and Peter Julian (NDP). Hosted by Althia Raj.

We’ve made it to the end of the rainbow. The Liberals have been re-elected with a strong minority, with equally strong divisions across Canada. We look at how election night unfolded at the different party headquarters, and what’s next. In this episode: HuffPost Canada reporters Zi-Ann Lum, Emma Paling, Melanie Woods and senior politics editor Ryan Maloney. Hosted by Althia Raj.

Parliament has adjourned and, we’re told, a nasty campaign lies ahead. Our pundit panel reviews how the Liberals have done after nearly four years and if Andrew Scheer’s “blandness” actually gives him an edge. In this episode: Government House Leader Bardish Chagger. Pundits Greg MacEachern, Karl Bélanger, and Kate Harrison. Hosted by Althia Raj.

Social media has given politicians more platforms than ever to engage with the public. But the temptation to package sound bites into spicy content has seemingly encouraged a more casual relationship with the truth — and raised questions about politicians' responsibilities. In this episode: NDP MP Nathan Cullen, Conservative MP Peter Kent, and Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith. Hosted by Althia Raj.

Two motions put climate change at the top of the agenda in Ottawa this week. Elizabeth May doesn’t think it’s a coincidence. But as the debate unfurls in the last weeks of Parliament, frustration mounts in the back benches about rules in the House of Commons. In this episode: Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, Liberal MP Frank Baylis, and Deputy Speaker of the House Bruce Stanton. Hosted by Althia Raj.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's former principal secretary has kept a low-profile since testifying about the SNC-Lavalin affair. Now, he speaks candidly about that, his new relationship with the PMO, and the unexpected realities of political fame. In this episode: Gerald Butts, former principal secretary to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Hosted by Althia Raj. Detailed show notes: (3:43) Butts explains why he’s sitting down for this interview (26:39) “What do you mean by it was difficult on your family?” (16:49) The last conversation Butts had with Jody Wilson-Raybould (27:00) The “most difficult” period for Butts’ family after his resignation (32:28) A violation of Marquess of Queensberry rules (45:15) “One of the most surreal things about being involved in politics…” (48:36) Butts share the best piece of advice he’s ever got (Spoiler: it’s from his aunt, former Canadian senator Sister Peggy Butts) (49:57) The letter to Dalton McGuinty that marked a career turning point (1:04:47) Agreeing to disagree on Liberals’ broken promises (1:08:08) “I don’t think people appreciate how real the dangers are for people in public life right now” and talking about Michael Wernick (1:18:06) Althia notes how the prime minister seems to be “rudderless”; Butts disagrees

Jody Wilson-Raybould and Jane Philpott’s ejection from the Liberal caucus has opened yet another chapter in the SNC-Lavalin affair — and a robust debate from their political colleagues. In this episode: Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett, Liberal MP John McKay, and Daughters of the Vote delegates. Hosted by Althia Raj.

It’s make or break for the Liberals as they begin to pitch their election-year budget. But are its goodies strong enough to change the channel on SNC-Lavalin? We go behind-the-scenes with insiders about what goes into crafting one. In this episode: Edward Goldenberg, former senior political advisor to prime minister Jean Chrétien; Rachel Curran, former policy director to prime minister Stephen Harper; Michele Cadario, former deputy chief of staff to prime minister Paul Martin and B.C. premier Christy Clark. Hosted by Althia Raj. Detailed show notes: (2:40) ‘Unimpressed’ Liberals on new challenge to caucus camaraderie (3:33) Jean Chrétien’s two-week budget notice (7:40) Michele Cadario recalls how stakeholders door-knocking “never really stops” (10:38) Fielding cabinet ministers’ wishlists (12:07) “The budget isn’t a group writing exercise” (12:20) The “watershed” budget of 1995 (13:38) Experts share their take inside the budget lock-up in Ottawa (14:25) Former Parliamentary budget officer Kevin Page IDs the theme behind the Liberals’ 2019 budget (16:46) That time a prime minister’s balanced budget excitement didn’t translate for voters (18:28) Putting deficit numbers into perspective (19:45) It’s a “great” political opportunity in opposition votes - Michele Cadario (24:11) Conservative MP Michael Chong: “The Liberals are clearly making a very desperate attempt to change the channel from their refusal to address this violation of our constitution (25:57) Liberal MPs talk about loyalty to the party

Jody Wilson-Raybould unleashed scorching testimony that burned her party. As her fate in the Liberal party remains unclear, veteran NDP MP Nathan Cullen sits down to talk about his own exit. In this episode: HuffPost Canada senior politics editor Ryan Maloney, NDP MP Nathan Cullen. Hosted by Althia Raj. Detailed show notes: (5:12) Ryan Maloney on one of the “wilder” moments in Jody Wilson-Raybould’s testimony (7:44) “The prime minister asked me to help out” (14:51) That reference to Watergate’s infamous “Saturday Night Massacre” (19:04) Defining the difference between “illegal” and “inappropriate” pressure (20:51) How badly the SNC-Lavalin controversy is hurting the Liberals (24:48) Cabinet minister talk about Jody Wilson-Raybould’s place in caucus (28:71) NDP MP Nathan Cullen addresses perception his exit would fuel a narrative that the party is in trouble (30:43) Nathan Cullen on Jagmeet Singh’s “significant” potential for growth (34:46) Nathan Cullen shares the really good piece of advice Stockwell Day gave him as a rookie MP (36:00) The one time Jack Layton got “proper angry” with Cullen (37:17) Ed Broadbent on what Jagmeet Singh’s byelection win means for the party now

The Liberal government is eager to have its pipeline review bill pass through the Senate before the election. These senators say, not so fast. In this episode: Independent Senators Doug Black, Paula Simons, and Tory Sen. David Tkachuk. Hosted by Althia Raj.

Jody Wilson-Raybould’s cabinet resignation seemingly blindsided the prime minister. Her high-profile departure tests the government’s resiliency in an election year. In this episode: House of Commons justice committee chair Anthony Housefather and HuffPost Canada senior politics editor Ryan Maloney. Hosted by Althia Raj. Detailed show notes: (3:41) Breaking down the ABCs of the political fallout (6:56) HuffPost editor Ryan Maloney says Wilson-Raybould’s social media suggests she’s liking posts that suggest “she’s been done dirty” (13:18) Three hours of “political theatre” in under two minutes (14:42) Tory MP Michael Cooper claims a “cover up” (16:26) Liberal MP Anthony Housefather takes you behind the scenes of a heated committee meeting (20:41) Housefather on what kind of witness he doesn’t want to appear (23:28) Housefather floats a Quebec caucus theory for why Wilson-Raybould was shuffled—then later apologizes (25:37) Althia reads the Liberal-backed motion that thwarted one tabled by Conservatives, NDP (27:06) “They want us to vote for a motion that already implies that wrongdoing occured” (30:19) Canadian committees vs. American committees (31:26) Housefather explains he didn’t reach out to PMO because of optics and staff are “potential witnesses” (33:11) How differently the SNC-Lavalin affair is playing out in Quebec vs. everywhere else