CBC News At Issue

About this podcast

The National's Rosemary Barton tackles the week's big political stories with Canada's leading political journalists, including Chantal Hébert and Andrew Coyne. A podcast that helps you understand the why behind the moves and decisions of your elected officials.

CBC News At Issue

Episodes

2021
Canada's top military commander steps aside
The At Issue panel discusses the political consequences of Admiral Art McDonald stepping down as chief of the defence staff in light of the investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct. Plus, the panellists unpack the first virtual meeting between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Joe Biden. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
February 25, 2021
18 min
Government urged to declare a genocide against Uighurs in China
The At Issue panel discusses the Conservative Party's push for Ottawa to declare China's human right abuses of Uighur Muslims a genocide. Plus, what the amended medical assistance dying legislation will look like. And in this extended version, the panellists talk about the criticism over the federal government's gun control legislation. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Althia Raj and Shachi Kurl.
February 19, 2021
19 min
Evaluating Erin O'Toole's leadership six months on
The At Issue panel discusses the latest changes Erin O'Toole has made to the Conservative critic roles and how he's performing six months after becoming leader. Plus, the panellists talk about Green Party leader Annamie Paul's strategy to run yet again in the Toronto Centre riding. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
February 11, 2021
18 min
Canada criticized for tapping into COVAX supply
The At Issue panel discusses the political consequences of receiving vaccines from the global COVAX fund. Plus, Canada becomes the first country to list the Proud Boys as a terror organization. But was politics behind the decision? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
February 4, 2021
20 min
Why the COVID-19 vaccine has become so political
The At Issue panel discusses the vaccine rollout struggles and whether political leadership is to blame. Plus, how party leaders are positioning themselves in Parliament during this moment. The panellists also explore what the next Governor General needs to bring to the role. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
January 28, 2021
22 min
Governor General Julie Payette resigns
The At Issue panel discusses Gov. Gen. Julie Payette's resignation, what it says about the federal government's vetting process and the role itself. Plus, the panellists unpack the political response on this side of the border to President Joe Biden cancelling the Keystone XL pipeline. And, the Conservative Party votes to kick MP Derek Sloan out of caucus. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
January 21, 2021
24 min
The changing political messaging on COVID-19
As the pandemic gets worse in parts of the country, the At Issue panel discusses the different political messaging from premiers. Plus, what a cabinet shuffle could mean for federal election speculation. And a look at the political response on this side of the border to the riots on the U.S. Capitol. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
January 14, 2021
25 min
Your 2020 political questions
It's that time of year...the At Issue panel takes your political questions about the pandemic, the next federal election and much more. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
January 1, 2021
15 min
2020
An unprecedented year in Canadian politics
It has been an unprecedented year in Canadian politics. This week, the At Issue panel looks back on the federal government's response to the global pandemic and the political lessons. Plus, the panellists weigh in on the stories we missed and what's to come in 2021. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
December 25, 2020
15 min
The prime minister on his pandemic lessons
The At Issue panel breaks down the political risks Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is making by admitting his government made mistakes in the early days of the pandemic. Plus, what was happening behind the scenes as the Canada-U.S. border first closed. The panellists also weigh in on the federal government's climate plan. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
December 17, 2020
21 min
Prime minister, premiers at odds over spending priorities
The At Issue panel breaks down why Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the premiers are at odds over health-care transfers and spending priorities. Plus, the panellists look at what's at stake with the new legislation on medically assisted dying now in the Senate. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
December 10, 2020
20 min
Jason Kenney and the politics of Alberta's COVID-19 response
The At Issue panel discusses Alberta Premier Jason Kenney's leadership during the second wave of the pandemic and how it's influencing the political decision-making behind the scenes. Plus, the panellists look at the opposition's ongoing message on the vaccine rollout. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
December 3, 2020
18 min
The political messaging in the federal economic update
The At Issue panel looks at the political messaging within the Liberal government’s first federal economic update since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus, what it could mean for the spring budget and a federal election. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj for a special Monday edition of the podcast.
November 30, 2020
10 min
The politics of Canada's vaccination plan
The At Issue panel looks at why critics of the government are calling for more details when it comes to the country's mass vaccination strategy. Has this part of the pandemic response become more political? Plus, the panellists look ahead to next week's federal economic update. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
November 26, 2020
17 min
How premiers are handling the second wave
The At Issue panel discusses how the premiers are leading through the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and what all levels of government should make of the latest federal modelling. Plus, the panellists look at how the federal government is managing another global challenge: climate change. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
November 20, 2020
20 min
Trudeau's appeal to the premiers on surging COVID-19 cases
The At Issue panel discusses the prime minister's message to the premiers about rising case numbers. What is the right political strategy for the direction much of the country is heading in? And is it time for a more unified approach? Plus, the panellists look at Canada's reaction to President-Elect Biden and the relationship between Canada and the U.S. moving forward. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
November 12, 2020
18 min
What the U.S. election results could mean for Canada
The At Issue panel discusses how the federal government is preparing for all outcomes of the U.S. presidential election. What would a Trump or a Biden presidency mean for Canada? Plus, the panellists talk about the government's message on pandemic spending ahead of an expected fall fiscal update. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
October 29, 2020
19 min
No federal election just yet
The At Issue panel discusses the politics behind the latest confidence vote in the House of Commons, and whether the federal government actually wanted to trigger an election. Plus, with the Saskatchewan and B.C. elections just days away, the panellists talk about the risks and benefits of calling an election during a pandemic. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
October 21, 2020
18 min
Creating national standards for long-term care
The At Issue panel discusses the federal government's push to develop national standards for long-term care and what this means for federal-provincial relations. Plus, the state of Canada's relationship with China 50 years in. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
October 15, 2020
17 min
Mixed messaging on COVID-19 ahead of Thanksgiving
The At Issue panel unpacks the mixed messages on COVID-19 guidelines ahead of the Thanksgiving weekend, especially from Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Plus, the panellists weigh in on the prime minister's comments about the U.S. election and the new Green Party leader. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
October 8, 2020
17 min

CBC News At Issue

About this podcast

Categories

About this podcast

Categories

CBC News At Issue

Episodes

Canada's top military commander steps aside

Government urged to declare a genocide against Uighurs in China

Evaluating Erin O'Toole's leadership six months on

Canada criticized for tapping into COVAX supply

Why the COVID-19 vaccine has become so political

Governor General Julie Payette resigns

The changing political messaging on COVID-19

Your 2020 political questions

An unprecedented year in Canadian politics

The prime minister on his pandemic lessons

Prime minister, premiers at odds over spending priorities

Jason Kenney and the politics of Alberta's COVID-19 response

The political messaging in the federal economic update

The politics of Canada's vaccination plan

How premiers are handling the second wave

Trudeau's appeal to the premiers on surging COVID-19 cases

What the U.S. election results could mean for Canada

No federal election just yet

Creating national standards for long-term care

Mixed messaging on COVID-19 ahead of Thanksgiving