WONK

The Liberal government recently tabled its second budget — a $151.5 billion plan that the government hopes will boost the economy, ease affordability challenges and even eradicate homelessness. This plan is made possible in part by an unexpected windfall thanks to higher oil prices, but it will still cost Canadians, with the federal government projecting a $62-billion deficit and no plan to balance the books. In this episode, host Michael Serapio talks to economist Kevin Page, the founding president of the Institute for Fiscal Studies and Democracy, about the government’s bet at a critical moment in history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Canada’s AI strategy involves positioning the country as a global AI powerhouse, driving economic growth and ensuring Canadian control over critical digital infrastructure. But the $2-billion strategy comes as skepticism and deep concerns grow not only here in Canada, but around the world about AI. Host Michael Serapio talks to Shingai Manjengwa, senior director of education and development at Mila, about the rise of AI agents, growing safety concerns and why more education is essential.

Read Manjengwa’s policy memo on Canada’s AI strategy.

Learn more about PPF and Mila’s AI courses:
AI Advantage and AI Policy Compass
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Americans are about to head to the ballot box to cast their votes in the midterms. Canadians, of course, are watching quite intently. Industries and businesses have been hit hard by U.S. tariffs and threats against our sovereignty have been constant. Will anything change if there is a change in the balance of power in the U.S. Congress? In this episode, host Michael Serapio talks to Scotty Greenwood, a former chief of staff to the U S Ambassador to Canada, former CEO of the Canadian American Business Council and the founder of Ottawa Street Strategy.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It would not be an understatement to say that the Canada-U.S. relationship is undergoing a challenging time. The U.S. president describes Canada as a terrible trade partner and the 51st state. Both countries have applied tariffs and counter tariffs on goods that not long ago crossed the border tariff-free. On this episode, host Michael Serapio talks to Candace Laing, the President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, about the impact of the relationship breakdown on jobs, investments and businesses in this country.

This episode is sponsored by the Forest Products Association of Canada.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The largest survey on Canadian views on foreign policy in over 50 years suggests that Canadians are united on a whole host of issues, from trade diversification to global health. It also shows a surprising confidence that democracy in Canada is working well, despite the challenges and unity questions facing the country. Host Michael Serapio talks to Anne McLellan, a former deputy prime minister in Paul Martin's government and Lisa Raitt, a former minister in the government at Stephen Harper, who were involved in the report, called Foreign Policy by Canadians 2026.

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Learn more about PPF Academy’s learning program, Managing Canada’s interests under Trump 2.0
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.