The Vassy Kapelos Show

James Duthie, Canadian sportscaster for TSN and the host of TSN's hockey coverage joins Vassy to reflect on the legacy of Darren Dutchyshen. 

On todays show: 

Marina Barnes has lived in Fort McMurray for four years and evacuated from her home in Abasand Tuesday. She joins Vassy to discuss what it was like to receive the evacuation notice. 

On todays show: 

Kelsey McEwen, Chief Meteorologist on CTV Your Morning joins Vassy Kapelos to give the latest on the wildfires that are burning in B.C and Alberta, highlighting some of the air quality warnings that have been issued across the country. 

On todays show:

Rob Fraser, Mayor, Northern Rockies Regional Municipality joins guest host Graham Richardson to give the latest on the Parker Lake wildfire that is threatening Fort Nelson. 

On todays show:

Deb Hutton is pinch-hitting for Amanda Galbraith on Free For All Fridays!

David Lepofsky is a visiting research professor at Western Law, Chair of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance, and an advocate
for accessibility for people with disabilities in air travel. He joins Vassy to discuss what he would like to see come out of the summit. 

On todays show: 

Chris Aylward, National President of the Public Service Alliance of Canada joins Vassy to discuss the governments directive to all public servants, with few exceptions, to be in the office three days a week.

On todays show:

Vassy Kapelos speaks with Iddo Moed, Israeli Ambassador to Canada, on the latest details from Gaza and how Israel is approaching a potential deal

On today's show:

Vassy Kapelos speaks with Elliot Tepper, Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Norman Patterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University, on the few details we have on this deal and the failed attempts to make a deal sooner.

On today's show:

Free For All Friday - Hour 1.

Guest host Scott Reid breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers.

On today's show:

Free For All Friday - Hour 2.

Hosts from all over the country join the roundtable to discuss the five biggest stories of the week. This week's show features panelists Alyson Fair, BlueSky Strategy Group, Communications and Media Consultant and Chris Day, President, Winston Wilmont.

Topic 1: More than half of Canadians say freedom of speech is under threat,… (nationalnewswatch.com)

Topic 2: Poilievre hints to police he would use notwithstanding clause to change laws

Topic 3: Feds giving Toronto more than $104M to host 2026 FIFA World Cup

Topic 4: Who is now Canada’s Team – Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks, or the Leafs?

Michael Bernstein - Executive Director, Clean Prosperity joins guest host Robin Gill to break down where the backlash against the $2.4-billion project stems from.

On todays show:

On this edition of the Vassy Kapelos Show...

Dr. Joel Antel, President of the Canadian Dental Association joins Vassy for this weeks ‘The Explainer’ segment for a comprehensive look at the Canadian Dental Care Plan that starts today.

On todays show:

Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education of Ontario joins Vassy to discuss how the Ontario government is introducing new measures to crack down on cellphone use and vaping in schools.

On todays show:

Free For All Friday - Hour 1

Guest host Scott Reid breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers.

On today's show:

Free For All Friday - Hour 2

Hosts from all over the country join the roundtable to discuss the five biggest stories of the week. This week's show features panelists Tom Mulcair, CTV Political Analyst and Former Federal NDP Leader, Karen Gordon, Principal, Gordon Strategy.

Topic 1: Pierre Poilievre and Alex Jones

Topic 2: Jamie Sarkonak: Want to save Canada? Save marriage

Topic 3: MPP Sarah Jama defies order to remove keffiyeh at Queen's Park

Topic 4: Honda to invest $15B to build 4 new EV plants in Ontario – Is the larger strategy to make Ontario the EV hub the right call?

Flavio Volpe, President of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association joins Vassy to discuss what this new deal will bring to the table.

On todays show:

Yulia Kovaliv, Ambassador of Ukraine to Canada joins Vassy to discuss how the U.S congress passed a bill containing $95billion for Ukraine aid after months of delay.

Graham Richardson is filling in for Vassy Kapelos, who is on assignment. She will return to the hosting chair tomorrow!

David Coletto, founder, Chair and CEO of Abacus Data joins guest host Graham Richardson to discuss the latest polling from Abacus showing a 20-point lead for the conservatives, as well Canadians thoughts on what leader would be best to host a dinner party and more. 

On todays show:

Free For All Friday - Hour 1.

Guest host Scott Reid breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers.

On today's show:

Free For All Friday - Hour 2.

Hosts from all over the country join the roundtable to discuss the five biggest stories of the week. This week's show features panelists Shakir Chambers, Principal at Earnscliffe Strategies and Sabrina Grover, Principal, Shakti Strategies.

Topic 1: Israeli missile hits Iran, US officials say

Topic 2:Federal minister Dominic LeBlanc says he supports PM, but doesn’t deny leadership organizing report

Topic 3:Political leaders say they value journalism, but they're afraid of questions

Topic 4:New Taylor Swift album

Topic 5:NHL playoff predictions

In our new series Digging Deeper: Canada's Toxic Drug Crisis, we explore the various components that are contributing to the overdose crisis in Canada. 

Part 1: We speak with former addict Chris Cull, who has lived to tell his story.
 
Part 2: We speak with Traci Letts who is Vice-Chair of Moms Stop The Harm. Traci lost her son Mike to a toxic overdose at the age of 31.
 
Part 3: Dr. Monty Ghosh explains the science behind addiction and the toxicity of drugs.
 
Part 4: Marcus Gee, columnist with The Globe and Mail joins to discuss the pronounced debate on safe supply and supervised consumption. 

CTV U.S. Political Analyst Eric Ham joins Vassy to discuss Trumps hush money trial - and the state of Trumps and Bidens campaign.

On todays show:

Listen to Vassy’s full conversation  with Chrystia Freeland after her government unveiled its federal budget.

On todays show:

David Dodge, Former Bank of Canada Governor and former Deputy Finance Minister joins Vassy to discuss the reaction to his comments from his interview on Power Play yesterday evening and look ahead to todays budget. 

On todays show:

Thomas Juneau, Associate Professor, Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa joins Vassy to discuss the Iranian attack on Israel that took place Saturday involving hundreds of drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles.

On today’s show:

Free For All Friday - Hour 1.

Guest host Mark Towhey breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers.

On today's show:

Free For All Friday - Hour 2.

Hosts from all over the country join the roundtable to discuss the five biggest stories of the week. This week's show features panelists Bob Richardson, senior counsel at National Public Relations, Melanie Paradis, Conservative strategist and former senior staffer to Erin O’Toole, and President of Texture Communications and Cam Holmstrom, Founder and Principal, Niipaawi Strategies.

Topic 1: NDP abandons carbon tax

Topic 2:Why can’t we have more judges? How short are we? How big a problem is this?

Topic 3:Rules for RRSP and mortgages

Topic 4:Budget: Who’s going to pay for all this?

Topic 5:The rules are the rules… unless they’re ridiculous. Can a team score in 0.3 seconds?

Steven Chase, Senior Parliamentary Reporter with the Globe and Mail joins Vassy to unpack Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus testimony given yesterday before the national public inquiry into foreign interference.

On today’s show:

Margaret McQuaig-Johnston, Board Director with the China Strategic Risks Institute and she’s also a Senior Fellow at the Graduate of School Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa joins guest host Robin Gill with the latest from the inquiry into foreign interference. 

On today’s show:

Dr. Paul Kershaw, Policy professor at the University of British Columbia and founder of Generation Squeeze joins Vassy to discuss how the “fairness for every generation” message foreshadows what the answer will ultimately need to be.  

On today’s show:

Tom Lawson, former Chief of the Defence Staff of the Canadian Armed Forces and previously Deputy Commander of the NORAD joins Vassy to give his reaction on the recent defence policy review that projects Canada spending 1.76% of its GDP on defence in 2029-30.

On today’s show:

Free For All Friday - Hour 1.

Host Amanda Galbraith breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers.

On today's show:

Free For All Friday - Hour 2.

Hosts from all over the country join the roundtable to discuss the five biggest stories of the week. This week's show features panelists Karen Gordon, Principal, Gordon Strategy and Alyson Fair, BlueSky Strategy Group, Communications and Media Consultant.

Topic 1: Budget announcements – Is laying them out ahead of the actual budget a good idea?

Topic 2:Foreign interference - India, Pakistan attempted to interfere in Canada's elections a CSIS report shows

Topic 3:Canada's unemployment rate rises to 6.1 per cent

Topic 4:This new trend of not speaking until noon called ‘speech fasting’

Topic 5:Solar eclipse 2024 in Canada

Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development of Canada joins Vassy to discuss why these new federal investments are what 'Canadians need.'

On today’s show:

Judy Trinh, CTV National News Correspondent joins Vassy to break down the latest from the testimonies at the foreign interference inquiry. 

On today’s show:

Paula Blanchard, a B.C resident who discovered her best friend of two decades is also her half sister joins Vassy to tell the story of how DNA testing lead her to discover her best friend of two decades was also her half sister.

On today’s show:

Franco Terrazzano, Federal Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation joins guest host Amanda Galbraith to discuss how the increase of carbon pricing will affect Canadians. 

On today’s show:

Sajjid Lakhani, Manager of government relations at impact public affairs Canada, and Former specialist assistant to Ron Mckinnon joins guest host Graham Richardson to discuss the significance of framing the upcoming budget around generational fairness.

On today’s show:

RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme joins Vassy to discuss the action plan released to implement recommendations from the Mass Casualty Commission  

On today’s show:

André François Giroux, Canada’s Ambassador to Haiti joins Vassy to discuss the evacuations of 36 Canadians in Haiti since yesterday. 

On today’s show:

Bill Browder, founder and CEO of Hermitage Capital Management, which was the investment adviser to the largest foreign investment fund in Russia until 2005, when Bill was denied entry to the country and declared a “threat to national security” joins Vassy to discuss Putin's address to the nation following the attack.

On today’s show:

Free For All Friday – Hour 1

Host Amanda Galbraith breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada’s top newsmakers.

On today’s show:

Free For All Friday – Hour 2

Hosts from all over the country join the roundtable to discuss the five biggest stories of the week. This week’s panel features host Amanda Galbraith; Garry Keller, Vice President of StrategyCorp; and Sabrina Grover, Principal at Shakti Strategies.

Topic 1: Poilievre-led attempt to bring down Trudeau minority over carbon tax fails – Any big surprises here? Was it worth putting the motion forward anyway? Do you think the Conservatives would win other opposition parties over?

Topic 2: Fish protestors meet riot police outside N.L. legislature, budget to be delivered this afternoon, plus a new deal – What was your reaction to these protests? Is this an issue that we’re paying close enough attention to? Was there a level of police overreaction here?

Topic 3: NDP motion regarding Palestinian statehood passes after major Liberal alterations // Liberal MP Housefather not ruling out crossing the floor to the Conservatives – Was the initial motion a bad call on the government’s part? Did they overstep with significant late amendments? Do you think it’s likely Housefather could cross the floor?

Topic 4: Inside a Toronto high school with no classrooms or due dates – Can this be a workable structure from your perspective or is this an abdication of responsibility for including structure?

Topic 5: Former Quebec premiers, citizens pay tribute to native son Brian Mulroney in Montreal

For the moment, Anthony Housefather remains a Liberal MP. However, after Tuesday’s Middle East motion in the House of Commons, he’s not ruling out crossing the floor to join Poilievre and the Tories. You’ll hear his conversation with Vassy Kapelos on today’s program.

Also on today’s show:

Bill Curry, Deputy Bureau Chief of the Ottawa bureau with Globe and Mail joins Vassy to break discuss the fraudulent billing as well as David Yeo's testimony in front of committee yesterday.

On today’s show:

John Tory, former Mayor of Toronto, leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario from 2004 to 2009 joins guest host Amanda Galbraith to reflect on the legacy of the former prime minister. 

On today’s show:

Judy Trinh, CTV National News Correspondent joins Vassy to break down her exclusive interview with William Majcher.

On today’s show:

Free For All Friday - Hour 1

Host Amanda Galbraith breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers.

On today's show:

·         Michael Geist, Professor of Law at University of Ottawa, Canada Research Chair in Internet and E-Commerce Law on the U.S. House passes bill that could ban TikTok.

·         Ann Hui, The Globe and Mail’s demographics reporter on her recent opinion piece ‘Exhausted, burnt-out and disillusioned: Why millennial women are not okay’

·         Afua Hagan, CTV royal commentator on Kate Middleton conspiracy theories run wild, here's how the story became such a royal mess

Free For All Friday - Hour 2

Hosts from all over the country join the roundtable to discuss the five biggest stories of the week. This week's show features panelists Carlene Variyan, Associate Vice-President of Summa Strategies and Melanie Paradis, Conservative strategist and former senior staffer to Erin O’Toole, and President of Texture Communications.

Topic 1: Premiers call on Trudeau to cancel spring carbon tax increase

Topic 2: U.S. House passes bill that could ban TikTok if owner refuses to sell

Topic 3: Exhausted, burnt-out and disillusioned: Why millennial women are not okay

Topic 4: 'It's going to be crazy:' Niagara Falls mayor says city preparing for up to 1 million visitors for solar eclipse

Topic 5: As 'where's Kate' conspiracy theories run wild, here's how the story became such a royal mess

Professor Elliot Tepper, a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Norman Patterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University, joins Vassy Kapelos to discuss Putin's threats. 

On today’s show:

Chris Ragan, the founding Director of McGill University’s Max Bell School of Public Policy, and the Chair of Canada’s Ecofiscal Commission, joins Vassy Kapelos for a quick fact check on Canada's carbon pricing.

On today’s show:

Gilles Rivard, a former Canadian Ambassador to Haiti, joins Vassy Kapelos following Ariel Henry's resignation. How is the chaotic situation unfolding? We have the latest.

On today’s show:

Colton Praill, CTV National News correspondent, joins Vassy Kapelos to break down the situation that's unfolding in Haiti, leaving thousands of Canadians stuck.

On today’s show:

·         Listen to Vassy’s full conversation with Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux on the state of Canada’s economy.

·         Afua Hagan, CTV royal commentator, tackles the recent controversy surrounding Kate Middleton and an altered Mothers Day photo she shared.

·         The Daily Debrief Panel with Tom Mulcair, Michele Cadario, and Gary Keller.

·         Keith Whittier, a Movie Reviewer with Ottawa Life Magazine, highlights the big winners at last night's Academy Awards, led by Oppenheimer's total domination.

Free For All Friday - Hour 1.

Host Amanda Galbraith breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers.

On today's show:

Free For All Friday - Hour 2.

Hosts from all over the country join the roundtable to discuss the five biggest stories of the week. This week's show features panelists Tom Mulcair, CTV Political Analyst and Former Federal NDP Leader and Karen Gordon, Principal, Gordon Strategy.

Topic 1: New Nanos polling – Liberals are in deep trouble

Topic 2: U.S Politics – Biden delivers a fiery state of the union address last night – Nikki Haley drops out, setting up Trump to be the republican candidate.

Topic 3: Bank of Canada holds key interest rate at 5% again, saying it's still too soon for rate cuts

Topic 4: Restaurant chain starts charging carbon fee to customers

Topic 5: Daylight savings starts this weekend. Why do we still have daylight savings time?        

David Macdonald, Senior Economist, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives joins guest host Graham Richardson to discuss the Bank of Canada’s most recent announcement.

On today’s show:

On today's show: 

David Coletto, founder, Chair and CEO of Abacus Data joins Vassy to break down the results.

On today's show: 

Dustin Duncan, Minister of Crown Investments Corporations in Saskatchewan joins Vassy to discuss the provinces decision surrounding the carbon levy. 

On today's show: 

Free For All Friday - Hour 1.

Host Amanda Galbraith breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers.

On today's show:

Free For All Friday - Hour 2.

Hosts from all over the country join the roundtable to discuss the five biggest stories of the week. This week's show features panelists Chris Day, President, Winston Wilmont and Alyson Fair, BlueSky Strategy Group, Communications and Media Consultant.

Topic 1: Brian Mulroney passing

Topic 2: ArriveCan scandal continues

Topic 3: New pharmacare framework bill includes plan to cover diabetes medications, contraceptives

Topic 4: West Virginia Hooters Candlelight vigil

Topic 5: Asking Questions About Kate Middleton - Wild speculation about her health is turning everyone into a conspiracy theorist.

Anne McGrath, Principal Secretary to Jagmeet Singh joins Vassy to help understand the newly tabled bill surrounding Pharmacare. 

On today's show: 

Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen, a former Facebook employee who blew the whistle on the tech company joins Vassy to discuss the online harms bill.

On today's show: 

Michael Geist, Professor of Law at University of Ottawa, Canada Research Chair in Internet and E-Commerce Law joins Vassy to give his reaction on the newly tabled online harms act bill. 

On today's show: 

Vice Admiral Mark Norman, Retired Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy joins Vassy following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's comments as he wraps up a three-day visit to Ukraine and Poland. 

On today's show: 

Free For All Friday - Hour 1.

Host Amanda Gailbraith breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers.

On today's show:

Free For All Friday - Hour 2.

Hosts from all over the country join the roundtable to discuss the five biggest stories of the week. This week's show features panelists Garry Keller, Vice President, StrategyCorp and Kim Wright, Principal and Founder, Wright Strategies.

Topic 1: Ukraine Anniversary

Topic 2: Porn/online harms

Topic 3: Trust index could kick off an interesting debate - are we worried about lack of trust, can Trudeau turn it around, etc.

Topic 4: Millennials outnumber baby boomers - do we welcome our new overlords?

Topic 5: Lobster Gate

On today’s show:

Vassy Kapelos asks Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie why she is not disclosing her stance on the federal government’s key climate policies.  

On today's show: 

Louise Blais, Former Canadian Ambassador to the UN and accomplished diplomat joins Vassy following this decision to breakdown why the resolution was rejected. 

On todays show: 

Professor Elliot Tepper, Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Norman Patterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University joins guest host Robin Gill to discuss Netanyahu's comments. 

On todays show: 

Free For All Friday - Hour 1.

Host Amanda Gailbraith breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers.

On today's show:

Free For All Friday - Hour 2.

Hosts from all over the country join the roundtable to discuss the five biggest stories of the week. This week's show features panelists Bob Richardson, Senior counsel at National Public Relations and a former Ontario Liberal chief of staff and Melanie Paradis, Conservative strategist and former senior staffer to Erin O’Toole.

Topic 1: Carbon tax rebranding

Topic 2: ArriveCan Scandal

Topic 3: Guilbeaults comments on road funding – and walking them back saying he just meant ‘bigger roads

Topic 4: The Day I Put $50,000 in a Shoe Box and Handed It to a Stranger – A dangerous Scam, why have these become more prevalent?

Topic 5: Loud Budgeting trend – are you one? Are you comfortable sharing finances?

18 countries are set to meet the defense spending target, Canada is not among them

Roger Hilton, a Canadian working as a defense fellow at GLOBSEC, an international think-tank based in Slovakia joins Vassy following the The NATO defense ministerial to discuss the defense spending target of 2%.

On today’s show:

·         Listen to Vassy’s full conversation with Bill Blair, Minister of National Defense of Canada on defense spending targets and the ArriveCan app. 

·         Listen to Vassy’s full conversation with Minister of Labour and Seniors, Seamus O'Regan on the rebranding of the carbon tax rebate.

·         The Daily Debrief Panel with Robert Benzie, Queen’s Park Bureau Chief for the Toronto Star, Marieke Walsh, senior political reporter with The Globe and Mail and Laura Stone, Queen’s Park reporter with The Globe and Mail

·         Joel DeBellefeuille, the parent of a student whose art was uploaded and sold by his teacher without permission or consent.

Anne McGrath, Principal Secretary to Jagmeet Singh joins Vassy to discuss the upcoming deadline for the Liberals to table legislation for a universal single-payer pharmacare bill. 

On today’s show:

Parliamentary Budget Office, Yves Giroux joins Vassy to discuss the fiscal situation for the federal government as they head into their budget.

On today’s show:

Aaron Blake, Senior Political Reporter with The Washington Post joins Vassy to discuss Donald Trumps comments that the U.S would not protect NATO allies who have not contributed enough to the bloc's defense.

On today’s show:

Free For All Friday - Hour 1.

Host Amanda Gailbraith breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers.

On today's show:

Free For All Friday - Hour 2.

Hosts from all over the country join the roundtable to discuss the five biggest stories of the week. This week's show features panelists Tom Mulcair, CTV Political Analyst and Former Federal NDP Leader and Karen Gordon, Principal, Gordon Strategy.

Topic 1: Doug Ford, Justin Trudeau sign $3.1B health-care funding deal

Topic 2: Premier Smith says Alberta's gender identity policies are based on a concern about 'what will happen'

Topic 3: Supreme Court is skeptical of the challenge to Trump’s eligibility to run.

Topic 4: King Charles' cancer diagnosis and what it means for Britain's royal family

Topic 5: Who Should You Pick Against the Spread in Super Bowl LVIII?

Mayor of Brampton, Patrick Brown joins Vassy to discuss what potential solutions he'd like to see put forward at the auto-theft summit. 

On today's show:

Brian Kingston, President & CEO at Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association joins Vassy to discuss what he would like to see come out of the auto-theft summit. 

On today’s show:

Richard Berthelsen, CTV Royal Commentator joins Vassy to discuss the Kings recent diagnosis, and if it's unusual for the royal family to be this forthcoming with health related news. 

On today’s show:

Thomas Juneau, Associate Professor, Public and International Affairs, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa joins Vassy to break down what this means.

On today’s show:

Free For All Friday - Hour 1.

Host Amanda Gailbraith breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers.

On today's show:

Free For All Friday - Hour 2.

Hosts from all over the country join the roundtable to discuss the five biggest stories of the week. This week's show features panelists Robert Benzie, Queen’s Park Bureau Chief for the Toronto Star and Karen Restoule, VP at Crestview Strategy and CEO of BOLD Realities and Whose Land/

Topic 1: Canadian government to wait until after next federal election to expand assisted dying eligibility

Topic 2: Alberta premier says legislation on gender policies for children, youth coming this fall

Topic 3: More than a dozen child-care centres close province-wide Tuesday in protest

Topic 4: 1st human has received Elon Musk's Neuralink brain implant, billionaire says

Topic 5: Groundhog day, Wiarton Willie, Shubenacadie Sam and Fred la marmotte predict early spring

Listen to Vassy's exclusive interview with Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine on the EU aid package and Canadian aid.

On today’s show:

The federal government is giving $121 million to Ontario Police, an effort to fuel a crackdown against auto thefts.

Huw Williams, a national spokesperson for the Canadian Auto Dealers, joins Vassy Kapelos to analyze whether or not this funding can combat the rising issues.

On today’s show:

·         Listen to Vassy’s full conversation with Sylvia Jones, Ontario's Deputy Premier, on how the federal government is seeking another pause on the planned expansion of MAID.

·         Listen to Vassy’s full conversation with Jenna Sudds, Canada's Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, as Alberta’s childcare centres shut down in protest of the $10/day program.

·         The Daily Debrief Panel with Scott Reid, CTV News political commentator, and former communications director for Prime Minister Paul Martin, Kory Teneycke, former Director of Communications to Prime Minister Stephen Harper and now co-founder and CEO of Rubicon Strategy and Kathleen Monk, Principal Owner of Monk + Associates and former director of communications to Jack Layton.

·         Cory Renner, the Associate Director of Economic Forecasting at the Conference Board of Canada, reacts to Canada's economy growing by 0.2% in November, and provides an outlook as to what the Q4 numbers tell us.

Dr. Sonu Gaind, Chief of Psychiatry at the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and a Professor at the University of Toronto joins Vassy to discuss how the federal government seeking another pause on planned expansion of medical assistance in dying.

On today’s show:

MPs have returned to the House of Commons for the next session of Parliament, as the Trudeau Liberals ponder a potential rebranding of the Carbon Tax. We get a wide range of reaction during today’s Daily Debrief Panel, featuring Summa Strategies Chairman Tim Powers and Vanguard Strategy CEO Michele Cadario. Ahead of Monday’s return, politicians paid their respects to Ed Broadbent, one of Canada’s most respected voices in the political arena. We hear from former Prime Minister Joe Clark in Hour 1. Plus, the world’s most famous pop star is under attack by forms of Artificial Intelligence.

Free For All Friday - Hour 1.

Guest host Mark Towhey breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers.

On today's show:

Free For All Friday - Hour 2.

Hosts from all over the country join the roundtable to discuss the five biggest stories of the week. This week's show features panelists Jon Dugal, Director of Government Relations with Syntax Strategic and Scott Reid, CTV News political commentator, and former communications director for Prime Minister Paul Martin

Topic 1: As the federal Liberal caucus convened in Ottawa for its back-to-the-Hill strategy meeting, questions are swirling again around how Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's MPs are feeling about his continued leadership.

Topic 2: Liberal ministers blast Alberta Premier Danielle Smith for hosting Tucker Carlson – Was Tucker using Alberta and Canada to bolster profits, should Smith be engaging or distancing herself?

Topic 3: Is a Trump presidency inevitable, or does Haley still have a shot? Would would another 4 years of Trump mean for Canada-US relations?

Topic 4: : Hockey Theft. Is this the most Canadian crime of the year so far? And hNew York City has designated social media a “public health hazard.”

Katharine Smart, Pediatrician and Former president of the Canadian Medical Association joins Vassy to discuss if some rough and tumble play can lead to better physical and mental health. 

On today’s show:

David MacNaughton, Former Canadian Ambassador to the United States joins Vassy to discuss the implications of a Trump presidency. 

On today’s show:

Flavio Volpe, President of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association joins Vassy to discuss the newly announced Canada-US engagement strategy as the presidential election looms.

On today’s show:

Earlier this morning, Canada's Minister of Immigration announced a temporary cap on the number of international student visas, a cap that is scheduled to last for the next 2 years.

Michael Sangster, the CEO of the National Association of Career Colleges, joins Vassy Kapelos to break down what this new cap means.

On today’s show:

·         Listen to Vassy’s full conversation with Dominic LeBlanc, Canada's Minister of Public Safety, as they discuss the Quebec Premier's stern letter to the feds. Francois Legault is demanding that the Trudeau government cut the level of asylum seekers.

·         Aaron Blake, a Senior Political Reporter with The Washington Post, reacts to Ron DeSantis ending his 2024 presidential campaign and endorsing Donald Trump.

·         The Daily Debrief Panel features Zain Velji, a political campaign strategist who previously worked with Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi and Alberta NDP leader Rachel Notley. He is joined alongside CTV News political analyst Tom Mulcair and Summa Strategies Chairman Tim Powers.

·         Thomas Juneau, an Associate Professor of Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa, breaks down the importance of the Red Sea conflict and the Houthis' main objectives.

Free For All Friday - Hour 1.

Host Amanda Galbraith breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers.

On today's show:

Free For All Friday - Hour 2.

Hosts from all over the country join the roundtable to discuss the five biggest stories of the week. This week's show features panelists Chris Day, President, Winston Wilmont and Lindsay Maskell, Liberal Strategist, former advisor to the McGuinty government

Topic 1: CEBA loan deadline: Should the government have extended the deadline? Or were they right to hold firm and force businesses to pay up?

Topic 2: Is immigration collapsing in this country? Legault says the province is at a breaking point, need to pause asylum seekers? Ottawa accused of using international students as scapegoats.

Topic 3:Feds vs Mayors: Pierre Poilievre called Montreal and QC Mayors incompetent. Federal Lib MPs fighting back against Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow - what's with the dust up between Mayors and federal politicians?

Topic 4:Do we really need to be reporting emissions from pizza ovens?

Topic 5:Law and Order: Toronto has been launched and the jokes won’t stop

Glenn Brimacombe, Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health Chair, Public Affairs joins Vassy to discuss the implications of this failing grade. 

On today’s show:

Liberal MPs are blasting Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow after she said the city will have to raise property taxes to 16.5 per cent, if the federal government doesn’t provide more funding.  

On today’s show:

McKay Coppins, Staff writer at The Atlantic and New York Times bestselling author of Romney: a reckoning joins Vassy to give perspective into the 2024 presidential race. 

On today’s show:

To help us unpack the stakes in Iowa and where things go from here is Aaron Blake, Senior Political Reporter with The Washington Post

On today’s show:

Free For All Friday - Hour 1.

Host Amanda Galbraith breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers.

On today's show:

Free For All Friday - Hour 2.

Hosts from all over the country join the roundtable to discuss the five biggest stories of the week. This week's show features panelists Bob Richardson, senior counsel at National Public Relations and a former Ontario Liberal chief of staff and Kate Harrison Vice-Chair, Summa Strategies

Topic 1: Immigration is making Canada’s housing more expensive govt warned two years ago

Topic 2: Canadian media association is ringing alarm bells about medical system

Topic 3:The prime minister's vacation to Jamaica.

Topic 4:NL bans end of game handshakes for hockey - overkill or right decision?

Topic 5:PWHL Recap

David Coletto, founder, Chair and CEO of Abacus Data joins Vassy to discuss the latest polling.

On today’s show:

The National Hockey League Players' Association has announced a new program, First Line, meant to support the mental health of NHL players.

Shane Silver, Vice-President of Social Enterprise, Mental Health Commission of Canada joins Vassy to breakdown the announcement.

On today’s show:

·         We play Vassy’s full conversation with Iddo Moed, Israel's ambassador to Canada regarding the accusation that Israel committed genocide in Gaza.

·         We play Vassy’s full conversation with Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration on the supposed cap surrounding the temporary visa program for Palestinians

·         The Daily Debrief Panel with Scott Reid, CTV News political commentator, and former communications director for Prime Minister Paul Martin, Kory Teneycke, former Director of Communications to Prime Minister Stephen Harper and now co-founder and CEO of Rubicon Strategy and Kathleen Monk, Principal Owner of Monk + Associates and former director of communications to Jack Layton.

·         Dr. Cindy Blackstock - Executive Director, First Nations Child and Family Caring Society on how the human rights tribunal will be told Canada is still failing First Nations kids.

Omar Omar, represents 850 families who appealed to government to offer temporary Visas joins Vassy to discuss the new immigration measures including granting temporary visas to individuals in Gaza who are related to Canadians.

On today’s show:

On the fourth anniversary of Flight PS752, Kourosh Doustshenas, Spokesperson for Association of Families of Flight PS752 victims joins Vassy to discuss a push for the federal government to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization.

On today’s show:

Free For All Friday - Hour 1.

Guest host Robin Gill breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers.

On today's show:

Free For All Friday - Hour 2.

Hosts from all over the country join the roundtable to discuss the five biggest stories of the week. This week's show features panelists Karen Gordon, Principal of Gordon Strategy, Tim Powers, Chairman of Summa Strategies and managing director of Abacus Data and Jennifer Stewart, President and CEO, Syntax Strategic

Topics:

Topic 1: The prime minister's vacation to Jamaica.

Topic 2: Canada's irrelevant presence on the world stage

Topic 3:Lululemon's founder makes more controversial comments.

With guest host: Robin Gill

Sharon Richer, Secretary Treasurer, Ontario Council of Hospital Unions joins Robin to discuss the situation we’re seeing in Ontario hospitals.

On today’s show:

Guest Host: Robin Gill

Canada could be tempted to resume its old patterns of China relations. Charles Burton, a Senior Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, joins Robin to discuss how Canada must face the facts that China is closed for business.

On today’s show:

·         Nik Nanos, a Chief Data Scientist and the founder of Nanos Research, on how mortgage renewal concerns are prominent among Canadians.

·         Laura Jones, an economist and the CEO of the B.C. Business Council, delivers an economic outlook for 2024.

·         Anthony Wilson-Smith, the President and CEO of Historica Canada, on the private members bill to eliminate the oath of allegiance to King Charles.

·         The Daily Debrief Panel with CTV News political commentator Scott Reid and Rubicon Strategy CEO Kory Teneycke.

·         The Honourable Perrin Beatty, the President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, on Canada's need to increase Defence spending.

·         Carla MacLeod, the head coach of Ottawa’s PWHL team, on the electric atmosphere during last night's razor-thin clash with Montreal.

Guest Host: Robin Gill

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has reassured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Canada will continue to support the fight against Russia’s invasion.

Stephanie Carvin, an Associate Professor of International Relations at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, joins Robin Gill to talk about what this next phase of support will entail.

On today’s show:

·         Thom Mahler, Director of Downtown Strategy at the City of Calgary, on how Calgary is trying to revitalize its downtown core.

·         Casey Babb, Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University, on Israel pulling troops out of the Gaza strip.

·         The Daily Debrief Panel with Jennifer Maddigan, Executive Vice President of Media and Communications at Syntax Strategic and Charles Bird, Principal at Earnscliffe Strategies.

·         Craig Campbell, Manager for the Hockey Hall of Fame's Resource Centre & Archives, on Monday's historic PWHL debut.

Robin Gill fills in for Amanda Galbraith during this week's edition of Free For All Friday! She is joined alongside Tim Powers of Summa Strategies and Scott Reid of CTV News. From the music scene to the political arena, no story is safe from a thorough year-end dissection.