The Vassy Kapelos Show

Tim Powers guests hosts for Vassy Kapelos this afternoon. Vassy will be back on Monday.

On today's show:

• CTV's Jeremie Charon unveils the latest developments in the Canada-U.S. trade war.
• Vina Nadjibulla, the Vice-President of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, breaks down what to expect from Prime Minister Carney's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
•  PSAC National President Sharon DeSousa reacts to the Financ...

The Bank of Canada has cut its key interest rate by another 25 basis points, while signaling this will be the last cut for now as the economy falters under U.S. tariffs.

On today's show:

• Vassy speaks with CIBC Chief Economist Avery Shenfeld.
• Alberta Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides defends the Smith government's use of the Notwithstanding Clause in back-to-work legislation to end a provincial teachers strike.
• The Explai...

Pete Hoekstra, the U.S. Ambassador to Canada, says the odds of a tariff-relief deal by the end of 2025 are unlikely after talks broke down last week.

On today's show:

• Vassy's interview with Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu.
• Shamira Madhany, the Managing Director of World Education Services, explains how the feds are falling short in recognizing the credentials of Canada's foreign-trained workers.
• Tech Check with Carmi Levy - ...

U.S. President Donald Trump has called off trade talks with Canada after he took exception to a Ford government TV ad that aired on U.S. networks last week. This is, naturally, casting doubt on the prospect of a tariff deal between the two North American neighbours. We break down the rhetoric, and then gather reaction from Ontario Premier Doug Ford.

On today's show:

• Vassy's interview with Derek Burney, a former Canadian Ambass...

Free For All Friday - Hour 1

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

On today's show:

• Last Friday, we got word from Parliament Hill that bail reform legislation would be forthcoming. Yesterday, the Carney Liberals delivered specifics. Chris Lewis, CTV's public safety analyst and a former OPP Commissioner himself, weighs in.

• Canada's Auto sector keeps taking hits, and U.S. Pr...

Prime Minister Mark Carney has outlined his government's priorities for the upcoming Federal Budget, which is scheduled to be released November 4th. He says it will require generational investment, but also a few sacrifices. We gather reaction from Conservative House Leader Andrew Scheer and interim NDP leader Don Davies.

On today's show:

• UNIFOR's Lana Payne warns the Auto sector is running out of time after another plant cut ...

Tim Powers fills in for Vassy Kapelos, as Prime Minister Carney plans to outline his government's vision for the 2025 Federal Budget tonight.

On today's show:

• Karen Hogan, Canada's Auditor General, shares details of her new reports on the CRA and the Canadian Armed Forces.
• Ret. General Tom Lawson, Canada's former Chief of Defense Staff, discusses issues with military housing and recruitment.
• TSN contributor Domenic Padula join...

Steve MacKinnon, Canada's Government House Leader, says he's worried by comments from opposition leaders about the 2025 Budget confidence vote.

On today's show:

• For the first time since 1993, the Toronto Blue Jays are headed to the World Series.
• Prime Minister Carney is staying mum on rumors of a tariff deal ahead of the upcoming APEC Summit.
• BMO Chief Economist Doug Porter reacts to the latest inflation report, and what it me...

India's new High Commissioner to Canada addresses the allegations that the state of India was involved in an assassination plot against a Canadian Sikh activist, as well as the ongoing effort to normalize diplomatic relations between Canada and India.

On today's show:

• The federal government has announced a new agency focused on addressing fraud and financial scams.
• Vassy speaks with Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree a...

Free For All Friday - Hour 1

Mark Twohey, filling in for Amanda Galbraith, breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers.

On today's show:

• Next week, the Carney Liberals will be introducing changes to Canada’s bail reform system. Will these changes withstand a Charter challenge? Mark Mendelson, a former homicide detective, delivers his two cents.

• Earlier this week, Stellantis announced plans ...

Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced his Liberal government will table legislation next week that will amend Canada's Criminal Code to strengthen sentences and bail conditions for certain crimes. CTV public safety analyst and former OPP Commissioner Chris Lewis weighs in.

On today's show:

• Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown sounds off on the Stellantis production move to Illinois.
• The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Mike LeCouteu...

Stellantis has announced it will move its Jeep Compass production plant as a result of the U.S. Auto tariffs. Originally slated for Brampton, it will now be based in Illinois. Vassy Kapelos chats with UNIFOR National President Lana Payne, as we examine what it means for the Canadian side of the industry.

On today's show:

• Frédéric Aubé, the CEO of Canadian-based furniture company Cozey, discusses what the n...

China's Ambassador to Canada says his country would drop tariffs on Canadian agriculture. That is, if Canada dropped tariffs on Chinese EVs. We hear from the Ambassador himself on today's program. Then, we gather comments from Flavio Volpe of the Canadian Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association.

On today's show:

• Vassy's conversation with Industry Minister Melanie Joly about the prospects of a trade deal for the Auto sector...

Free For All Friday - Hour 1

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

On today's show:

• Prime Minister Carney went to Washington earlier this week, looking for economic peace. But after hearing the latest comments from U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick about the Auto sector, it's apparent that the waters are still rocky. We sift through the tea leaves with David McLaughlin, ...

B.C. Premier David Eby joined Vassy Kapelos to outline his concerns with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's proposed pipeline, fearing it might jeopardize LNG Phase 2 and other critical projects. You'll hear the full conversation right off the top. Andrew Scheer, the House Leader for Canada's Conservatives, also chimes in.

On today's show:

• CUPW representatives have met with Minister Joel Lightbound, as the Canada Post labour dis...

Prime Minister Mark Carney has returned from Washington without a deal on tariffs. Throughout the show, we outline what could happen next, as North America's biggest neighbours try to find a resolution.

• Alberta Premier Danielle Smith talks about her proposal for a new oil pipeline, which would stretch into the B.C. coast.
• The Globe And Mail's Europe Correspondent helps answer this week's Explainer question: What's going on wit...

Prime Minister Mark Carney met with U.S. President Donald Trump in D.C. today, with Trump hinting that Canada won't leave negotiations empty-handed.

On today's show:

• We go live from the Oval Office, as Trump and Carney meet to talk trade and tariffs. Then, we get the latest developments from CTV National News correspondent Colton Praill.
• Vassy speaks with Middle East expert Thomas Juneau on the 2nd anniversary of the October 7...

Prime Minister Mark Carney is headed to Washington, as he prepares for his second face-to-face meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. The feds are holding out hope for a tariff relief deal, but will they get one?

On today's show:

• CTV Senior Political Correspondent Mike LeCouteur outlines everything you need to know about Carney's trip to Washington.
• Vassy chats with Brian Clow, a former Deputy Chief of Staff and NAFTA Negot...

Free For All Friday - Hour 1

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

On today's show:

• Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is preparing to submit a proposal for a heavy-oil pipeline, which would stretch into British Columbia's northern coast. However, no private company at this time is willing to join the party. We describe the sticky situation to former B.C. Premier Christy Clark.
• P...