Trend Line

Nik and Michael discuss the fallout from the English-language leaders’ debate and how NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh’s brand may have been the victor.
Note: Nik refers to the debate as last night, but it was of course on Oct. 7. This episode was recorded on Oct. 9.

Nik and Michael discuss ‘knock-out’ punches, the impact of debates and what Canadians might be looking for from the leaders. Also, Nik looks at where each leader will be focusing their attention.

Nik and Michael discuss the storm clouds that are on the horizon in Ontario and how voters might be reacting to secondary issues on the campaign trail. Also, where did all the Green support go?

This episode was recorded on the morning of Oct. 4. 

Nik and Michael answer a question from a CTV News viewer and discuss why the best analogy for this election may be a bad hockey game. Also, Nik drills down into the latest polling from Quebec.

Nik and Michael discuss the record support for the Green Party and who's feeling the 'Greta effect' on the campaign trail.

Nik and Michael discuss the latest numbers, the party leaders attending climate protests and the new polling results from Ontario.
This episode was recorded in the morning on Sept. 27.

Nik and Michael discuss why votes for the Bloc Quebecois could decide who forms the next government. We're also two weeks into the election — time for an interim report card!

Michael and Nik discuss the latest fallout from Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau’s brownface and blackface images, why it was an interesting weekend for several parties and why we can think of Ontario as ‘three provinces’ when it comes to the polling numbers.

Nik and Michael discuss how the controversy over racist images of Justin Trudeau is showing up in the polls and some of the regional races that are heating up. Nik also explains what is actually happening when NDP and Green support goes down and Conservative support goes up.

Nik and Michael discuss the latest tracking numbers, where the support for the Conservatives might be coming from and if the Liberal campaign is using a rope-a-dope strategy.

Michael and Nik take a look at the daily Nanos tracking numbers and discuss where the Conservatives may have gained support to pull ahead of the Liberals in a statistical tie.

You can find Nik's daily tracking numbers at www.ctvnews.ca and http://www.nanos.co. 

Nik and Michael discuss the start of the campaign, why the NDP’s communication strategy may be on point and how Bill 21 could serve as a lifeline for the Bloc Quebecois.

Daily tracking numbers come out Saturday, Sept. 14. See them on ctvnews.ca or nanos.co

Nik and Michael go on a cross-country tour to see where each party stands. Also, Nik explains why Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer may become a familiar face in the 905 and why B.C. may keep us up late on election night.

This episode was recorded on September 3.

Nik and Michael discuss the political fallout from a bombshell report from the ethics commissioner and what it will mean in October. Also, does this situation seem somewhat familiar? We dust off the archive tape to discuss the impact of an RCMP report from 2006 that may have helped turn the tide for the Conservatives.

Michael and Nik discuss a survey that illuminates the negative sentiment felt across the country towards the federal government; Nik makes an election strategy prediction; and will the Greens benefit from the pessimism? Take that boomers! 

Correction note: The podcast cites a 20-point difference for anger sentiment numbers when comparing the Prairies to the rest of Canada.  The difference is actually 14 percentage points.... Read more

Nik and Michael discuss what’s driving the change in the federal Liberal polling numbers, and a survey that shows Canadians want the government to explore diplomacy to ease tensions with China. Also, what you should think about when looking at surveys. How can you trust them?

Trend Line, a new podcast from CTV News, will be publishing once every two weeks in the summer and three times a week during the upcoming federal election. Subscribe now!