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: 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.

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre says he won't step down ahead of his leadership review in January, even if another MP crosses the floor to hand the Carney Liberals a majority. Vassy Kapelos sits down with Poilievre for a year-end discussion. On today's show: Money Talk with John Klotz: How did we fare financially in 2025, and what should we be preparing for in 2026? The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Graham Richardson, Sharan Kaur, and Laryssa Waler. Vassy speaks with former diplomat Michael Kovrig about the conviction of Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai. Brian Kingston, the President of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association, discusses the implications of Ontario's Premier pivoting away from Ontario's E.V. business.

At least 15 people were killed, and another 27 were hospitalized, following a mass shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach. Sunday's horrific scene is being treated as a terrorist incident by authorities, who say the two shooters targeted Jewish Australians at a Hanukkah celebration. We gather the latest developments from CTV's Scott Hurst. On today's show: Legendary movie director Carl Reiner and his wife were found dead in their L.A. home on Sunday, allegedly murdered by their own son. Consumer inflation for November held at 2.2%, but grocery prices continue to increase. Vassy's year-end interview with Interim NDP Leader Don Davies. Delaware Governor Matt Meyer joins Vassy to discuss the ripple effects of today's tariffs, particularly in his own backyard. Tech Check with Carmi Levy: An experiment to train rats to play games reaches a new level. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Zain Velji, Tom Mulcair, and Tim Powers. Vassy speaks with political scientist and author Alex Marland about the implications of Conservative floor-crossing.