At Issue

Cut through the spin with Canada’s top political journalists. Host Rosemary Barton and columnists Althia Raj, Chantal Hébert and Andrew Coyne break down the week’s biggest political stories shaping the country. Brought to you by CBC News: The National. New episodes drop every Friday.

Website : http://www.cbc.ca/thenational

RSS Feed : https://www.cbc.ca/podcasting/includes/atissue.xml  

Last Episode : April 25, 2025 8:10am

Last Scanned : 23 minutes ago

Episodes

Episodes currently hosted on IPFS.

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Party leaders unveil their platforms — finally
At Issue this week: All the major federal parties have finally released their costed platforms, but will they sway voters? What does the path to victory look like for each party on election night? And could some leaders lose their own seats? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
Expires in 29 hours
Published Friday
2
Did the federal leaders’ debate change anything?
Major party leaders meet in Montreal for the English-language leaders' debate with less than two weeks until Canada votes. And event organizers are forced to cancel the post-debate news conferences over security concerns. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
Published 04/18
2
Will politics ever be less partisan? At Issue answers your questions
Rosemary Barton and The National’s At Issue panel bring the political discussion to Halifax, answering questions from Canadians about the biggest issues on the federal campaign trail. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
Published 04/12
2
Poilievre pulls big crowds, but does it matter?
In this special Canada Votes edition live from Halifax, The National’s At Issue panel breaks down the latest from the federal election campaign trail, including rally stops in Alberta and an appearance by former Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper. Plus, how party leaders are dealing with the media. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
Published 04/11
2
What does Carney’s cabinet say about his priorities?
In a special edition of At Issue: Prime Minister Mark Carney unveils his lean new cabinet but what do his picks reveal about his priorities? Plus, how does Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre adjust his campaign for the Carney era? Rosemary Barton hosts Andrew Coyne, Althia Raj and Aaron Wherry.
Published 03/15
2
Are Canada-U.S. tariff meetings getting anywhere?
At Issue this week: With U.S. President Donald Trump refusing to bend on tariffs, is there any point in Canadian politicians travelling to Washington for further talks? As Mark Carney gets ready to take over as Prime Minister, who will fill his cabinet? Plus, can 24 Sussex Drive be saved? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
Published 03/14
2
Carney’s landslide Liberal victory
At Issue this week: Mark Carney handily won the Liberal leadership, how his victory could shape the next government and the looming federal election. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
Published 03/10
2
Is Canada’s trade war strategy working?
At Issue this week: Canada and the U.S. trade shots in a bitter trade war, but is Ottawa’s strategy working? Liberal leadership hopefuls gear up for the convention that will decide Canada’s next Prime Minister. And, how will Canadians remember Justin Trudeau? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
Published 03/07
2
Did the Liberal debates change anything for the contenders?
Liberal leadership contenders square off in two debates, and questions emerge about Carney’s conflicts of interest. Canada braces as the U.S. tariff deadline comes back around. And, Jagmeet Singh wants Donald Trump banned from the G7 meeting in Alberta. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
Published 02/28
2
How troubling are Trump’s attacks on Zelenskyy?
Trump disrupts the world order when he calls Ukraine's democratically-elected president a ‘dictator’ and seemingly sides with Russia on the war. Canada’s political leaders pitch themselves as the right response to U.S. aggression. And Trudeau unveils plans for high-speed rail. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
Published 02/21
2
Premiers take tariff fight to Washington
At Issue this week: The premiers go to Washington to push back against tariffs, but was getting a meeting at the White House enough? How Trump’s threat of annexation is changing Canada’s political landscape. And political parties capitalize on a surge in Canadian patriotism. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
Published 02/14
2
Is the U.S. tariff delay a win for Trudeau?
At Issue this week: U.S. President Donald Trump gives Canada a 30-day break from punishing tariffs in exchange for more border security and a ‘fentanyl czar.’ Pierre Poilievre shifts parts of his pitch to Canadians. And the opposition pushes to recall Parliament. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
Published 02/07