Happy Friday Panel - Behind the Drapes: Power Plays, Green Betrayals & Political Optics

Should Politicians and Journalists Party Together?
What happens when politicians, press, and power meet over dinner and jokes? This episode questions the integrity and optics of the annual Press Gallery dinner — a rare night when Parliament’s fiercest opponents drop the gloves and share a laugh. But does it strengthen democracy, or erode public trust?

Shane Hewitt is joined by Jimmy Zoubris and Andrew Caddell for a sharp, thoughtful exchange on political culture, public perception, and the hidden importance of off-camera relationships in Ottawa. Plus, the panel breaks down why Andrew is backing Mark Miller — and why that matters in Quebec’s increasingly heated language debates. Discover the fine line between transparency and camaraderie in Canadian politics.

Elizabeth May, Budget Backlash & Who Really Pays
Elizabeth May said the budget was a disaster — then voted for it. This episode unpacks what happened behind the scenes, why she changed her vote, and why hiding behind curtains in Parliament became an actual strategy. But it’s more than political theatre — it’s about public trust, environmental promises, and the cost of avoiding an election.

Shane Hewitt, Jimmy Zoubris, and Andrew Caddell break down the fallout, from Steven Guilbeault’s resignation to Mark Carney’s influence and Canada’s shifting climate math. The panel also takes on two controversial spending decisions: $200 million to the U.S. for Ukraine arms and a Canadian deal with ICE-linked truck buyers. Who decides what’s ethical when money leaves the country? And how do voters factor in when governments dodge hard choices?

GUEST:
Jimmy Zoubris
Andrew Caddell