Kathleen Petty sits down with politicians, pundits, and other thoughtful westerners for conversations about the priorities, preoccupations and politics of Alber...
After what feels like the longest federal election buildup in recent memory, the race is finally about to begin. New Liberal leader Mark Carney is barely out of the gate and already showing signs of impatience — and inexperience — under media scrutiny. With a compressed timeline and an unpredictable political climate, parties are scrambling to sharpen their messages and connect with voters. Just days before the expected election call, West of Centre host Kathleen Petty speaks with pollster Janet Brown, conservative strategist Colin Aitchison, and former Alberta NDP staffer Jean-Marc Prevost about the stakes, the strategies, and how to read this moment in public opinion polling.
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49:40
Short: Manifest destiny
The border between Canada and the United States may seem fixed today, but more than a century ago, it was anything but. In this episode of West of Centre Short, host Rob Brown explores the political storms of the 19th century — when Canadians feared American annexation, tariffs fueled tensions, and the idea of manifest destiny shaped expansionist ambitions. Historian Elizabeth Jameson explains how those forces continue to influence politics — and Donald Trump — today.
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24:36
Not a rational opponent
Canada has a new prime minister and a smaller cabinet with several familiar faces. As Mark Carney takes charge amid a trade war with the U.S., his first diplomatic stop isn’t Washington but France and the UK. Meanwhile, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Ontario Premier Doug Ford clash over whether to use oil exports as leverage. With an election looming, tensions rise between Carney and Pierre Poilievre, setting the stage for a heated campaign. Host Kathleen Petty returns to break it all down with former Conservative MP Monte Solberg, Liberal strategist Sabrina Grover, and economist Kent Fellows, exploring the new cabinet, Canada’s trade and energy challenges, and what "standing up to Trump" really means.
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48:35
Way too much news
Donald Trump’s tariffs have triggered a political earthquake in Canada, rattling markets and forging a rare alignment among leaders from Doug Ford to Danielle Smith to Justin Trudeau. In response, Canada is pushing back with counter-tariffs, boycotts, and sharp rhetoric aimed south of the border. With public sentiment shifting and emotions running high, what opportunities and risks do these tensions create for politicians? And as the federal race heats up, who do Canadians trust most to steer the country through turmoil? Pollster Shachi Kurl, economist Todd Hirsch and editorial writer Doug Firby join host Jim Brown to break it all down — with a dose of much-needed humour.
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41:41
Short: Dangled like a yo-yo
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Donald Trump remain at odds over tariffs in what The Wall Street Journal labels the “dumbest trade war in history.” While automakers have secured a temporary reprieve, other sectors face an uncertain future. Federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller responds to Trump’s accusation that Canada’s border-security and fentanyl efforts are “not good enough,” and speaks with host Jim Brown about operating under the new world (dis)order.
Kathleen Petty sits down with politicians, pundits, and other thoughtful westerners for conversations about the priorities, preoccupations and politics of Albertans and others who are West of Centre.
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