Pipeline politics return with familiar gridlock

West of Centre

#Canada #CBC #Canadian Politics #News #Politics #Danielle Smith

26:28

Squid Game is back—and this time, the knives are out. In the thrilling Season 3 premiere, Player 456 is spiraling and a brutal round of hide-and-seek forces players to kill or be killed. Hosts Phil Yu and Kiera Please break down Gi-hun’s descent into vengeance, Guard 011’s daring betrayal of the Game, and the shocking moment players are forced to choose between murdering their friends… or dying. Then, Carlos Juico and Gavin Ruta from the Jumpers Jump podcast join us to unpack their wild theories for the season. Plus, Phil and Kiera face off in a high-stakes round of “Hot Sweet Potato.” SPOILER ALERT! Make sure you watch Squid Game Season 3 Episode 1 before listening on. Play one last time. IG - @SquidGameNetflix X (f.k.a. Twitter) - @SquidGame Check out more from Phil Yu @angryasianman , Kiera Please @kieraplease and the Jumpers Jump podcast Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts . Squid Game: The Official Podcast is produced by Netflix and The Mash-Up Americans.…

about a year ago 44:52

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This week on West of Centre, host Kathleen Petty tries to pick apart the Liberal government’s murky pipeline messaging with former Canadian Energy Regulator CEO Gitane De Silva, infrastructure economist Kent Fellows and Financial Post reporter Meghan Potkins. It’s not lost on the panel that even in Alberta — ground zero for pipeline advocacy — no private-sector player has stepped up with a new proposal.

Companies remain scarred by a decade of regulatory reversals, legal battles and shifting economic realities, making them hesitant to take the first step without clear political backing or financial incentives. And the hurdles don’t end there. From provincial resistance to port capacity to a cautious investment climate, the conversation lays bare just how far Canada may be from building another major pipeline.

239 episodes

Pipeline politics return with familiar gridlock

West of Centre

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published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

239 episodes

#Canada #CBC #Canadian Politics #News #Politics #Danielle Smith

All episodes

West of Centre

1
Short: Deal or no deal in Trump's new world order 29:52

1 day ago29:52

29:52

As the Aug. 1 trade deadline approaches, Donald Trump’s administration is threatening to hike tariffs on non-CUSMA-compliant Canadian goods from 25 to 35 per cent, while leaving existing levies on potash and energy unchanged. Gitane De Silva, former Canada Energy Regulator CEO and Alberta’s ex-representative in Washington, doubts a deal will be struck by Friday. She says Canada is smart to keep negotiations focused and quiet, while leveraging its deep economic integration with the U.S. De Silva urges Ottawa to avoid broad retaliation but suggests targeted responses and shifts in consumer behaviour are already shaping U.S. decisions. She questions whether Trump even wants a short-term deal, given his push to renegotiate CUSMA. Canada, she argues, should aim for certainty in key sectors like autos and energy while being realistic about what it may need to concede. Despite the turbulence, she’s cautiously optimistic Canadians are adapting to a new era of trade uncertainty. At home, De Silva weighs in on Alberta’s push for a new pipeline to Prince Rupert, B.C., calling it feasible but dependent on meaningful backing from both levels of government. She says regulatory clarity under Bill C-5 is lacking, and Indigenous consultation — especially in B.C.'s unceded territories — remains a key challenge. She suggests Ottawa could seek legal clarity via a Supreme Court reference. Despite the obstacles, she sees this as a moment for Canada to assert its value as a reliable supplier of food, fuel and stability in a shifting global landscape. Host: Rob Brown | Producer & editor: Falice Chin | Guest: Gitane De Silva…

West of Centre

1
Less fire and more finesse 49:04

4 days ago49:04

49:04

In the dead of summer, a shift in tone appears to be taking hold between Canada’s premiers and the prime minister. On this week’s West of Centre, three Alberta-based journalists examine what may be driving Premier Danielle Smith’s recent change in rhetoric. At the latest premiers’ summit, Smith downplayed talk of a new oil pipeline and instead emphasized on shared priorities with B.C. Premier David Eby — including ammonia exports, LNG expansion and increasing Trans Mountain’s capacity. Meghan Potkins of the Financial Post offers a reality check on the private sector’s appetite for a new pipeline. Lisa Johnson of The Canadian Press and Alex Boyd of the Toronto Star explore whether more in-person engagement — and a new prime minister — may be shifting the dynamic among provincial leaders. And to what political end? The panel also unpacks renewed controversy over coal payouts. The Alberta government is now facing millions more in potential liabilities after reversing its policy on coal development in the Rockies — raising the prospect of further legal and political fallout. Attention then turns to the Battle River–Crowfoot byelection, where federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre faces a ballot featuring some 200 names. Is it a genuine complaint, or a pre-emptive explanation for what could be a lower vote share in one of the country’s safest Conservative ridings? The episode ends on a sobering note. Globe and Mail reporter Carrie Tait was recently targeted with surveillance. The panel reflects on rising hostility toward journalists, and how it threatens not just the press, but the public’s access to information. Host: Rob Brown | Producer & editor: Falice Chin | Guests: Meghan Potkins, Lisa Johnson, Alex Boyd…

West of Centre

1
Short: The problem with GDP per capita 21:40

8 days ago21:40

21:40

Canada’s sluggish gross domestic product (GDP) per capita has been branded an economic “emergency.” Yet the headline figure could soon rise even if Prime Minister Mark Carney does little to spur productivity. Ottawa is slashing the intake of international students and temporary foreign workers — a move that will shrink the population denominator and nudge the stat upward, even as total output may slip and social programs face restraint. In this episode of West of Centre Short, host Rob Brown asks University of Calgary economist Gillian Petit to dissect the metric politicians love to wield. GDP measures total output, while GDP per capita divides that sum by the population. Petit says the simple math offers an easy snapshot but can mislead when used alone. For a true read on prosperity, Petit argues Canada needs a broader dashboard that weighs productivity, fairness and long‑term well‑being. Building that tool, she warns, will be a lot tougher than quoting a single number. Host: Rob Brown | Producer & editor: Falice Chin | Guest: Gillian Petit…

West of Centre

1
What these Alberta Next town halls are trying to sell 47:18

11 days ago47:18

47:18

The Alberta Next tour is only two stops in and critics already say it feels less like a neutral consultation than a sales exercise for provincial moves, including setting up an Alberta pension plan, a provincial police service and a homegrown tax collection agency. Former NDP staffer Shannon Greer likened the events to a timeshare presentation, citing high‑production videos, tightly managed messaging and survey questions that she said steered respondents. Former UCP staffer Colin Aitchison acknowledged some questions were leading but argued Premier Danielle Smith could have staged a purely partisan event or gone straight to a referendum if she wanted a predetermined outcome. Neither were surprised the town halls attracted separatists and federalists alike. Meanwhile, NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi — newly sworn in as MLA for Edmonton–Strathcona — is launching a counter roadshow dubbed the “Better Together” summer tour built around a pro‑Canada message. Journalist Jason Markusoff questions whether either program will achieve its aims. The competing tours unfold amid friction on two fronts: between Alberta and Ottawa, and between the province and municipalities — both centred on jurisdictional reach. While Smith accuses the federal government of overstepping, several mayors accuse her government of doing the same on local matters ranging from bike lanes to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies. Host: Rob Brown | Producer & editor: Falice Chin | Guests: Colin Aitchison, Shannon Greer, Jason Markusoff…

West of Centre

1
Short: Indigenous chief warns of fallout over carbon capture project 13:42

14 days ago13:42

13:42

A northern Alberta First Nations leader is raising concerns about a proposed $16-billion carbon capture project, warning his community could pursue legal action if the federal government fails to properly consult Indigenous groups. In an interview on West of Centre Short, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Chief Allan Adam said his community has not received credible information about the environmental risks of the Pathways Alliance project — particularly the injection of carbon into underground salt plains. Adam also criticized the Carney government’s Bill C-5, which aims to fast-track infrastructure projects deemed to be in the national interest. He’s so opposed to the bill, he’s opted not to attend the prime minister’s meeting with fellow chiefs in Gatineau this week. At the heart of Adam’s concerns is a long-standing call for revenue sharing. He said that unless First Nations are offered a more equitable stake in resource development, especially on Treaty land, conflict and legal challenges will continue. Host: Rob Brown | Producer & editor: Falice Chin | Guest: Allan Adam…

West of Centre

1
Pancakes, pipeline and Poilievre 42:13

18 days ago42:13

42:13

Can Pierre Poilievre survive the summer — and is a new oil pipeline imminent? Those questions are fuelling chatter on rooftop patios, at pancake breakfasts and in political backrooms across Calgary during 10 days of Stampede networking. On this week’s episode of West of Centre, conservative strategist Tom Olsen shares what politicians and staffers are really saying — and whether they believe Poilievre deserves another shot after losing the federal election. Jessie Chahal, a former adviser to prime minister Justin Trudeau, thinks Conservatives across Canada are more divided than they let on. And NDP strategist Cheryl Oates argues the party is doing everything it can to tip the scales in Poilievre’s favour — including, in her view, the decision to hold the leadership review in Calgary. First, though, Poilievre must win his byelection in Battle River–Crowfoot. Victory is expected, but the panel debates what kind of margin he needs to maintain the confidence of his party. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Carney is signalling a shift on energy policy, calling a new oil pipeline proposal “highly likely.” That statement comes just as the premiers of Alberta and Ontario sign memorandums of understanding aimed at boosting interprovincial trade — and reviving the idea of an east–west pipeline. But how close are we to a private-sector proponent stepping forward and shouting, “Yahoo!”? Host: Rob Brown | Producer & editor: Falice Chin | Guests: Tom Olsen, Jessie Chahal, Cheryl Oates…

West of Centre

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Short: The prolonged calm before the next oil price swing 25:32

22 days ago25:32

25:32

Despite wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, a resurgent Donald Trump threatening global trade, and the world increasing supply, crude prices haven’t swung wildly like they once did. In fact, 2024 marked one of the most stable years for oil prices in decades, and the first half of 2025 has more or less followed suit. So what’s behind this unusual calm in a chaotic world? On this episode of West of Centre Short, energy analyst Susan Bell of Rystad Energy breaks down what’s anchoring post-pandemic global oil prices — and why Canada has proven more resilient than expected. From OPEC’s evolving playbook to U.S. shale discipline and the impact of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, we unpack the new rules of the game. That includes the political calculus behind Saudi Arabia’s more cautious approach, as it balances domestic reforms, regional influence and long-term energy strategy. But the era of stability may not last. Bell flags the early warning signs — and what could trigger the next big shift. Host: Rob Brown | Producer & editor: Falice Chin | Guest: Susan Bell…

West of Centre

1
Aspiration meets reality for Mark Carney 48:57

25 days ago48:57

48:57

Aspiration is meeting reality for Prime Minister Mark Carney, as the pressures of governing expose the risks of his sky-high campaign promises. The most immediate example is his abrupt reversal on Canada’s digital services tax, scrapped just before it was set to take effect after Donald Trump threatened to walk away from trade talks. Critics say Carney waved a red flag at a bull; supporters frame it as a strategic concession to get negotiations back on track. But if no deal materializes by the self-imposed July 21 deadline, the political cost could be steep — especially for a leader who built his brand on going “elbows up” with the U.S. This week on West of Centre, trade expert Carlo Dade argued Canada could “rag the puck” and let U.S. court challenges to Trump’s tariff powers play out. But The Logic’s Laura Osman noted Carney is under immense pressure to secure a near-term deal. That urgency matches his government’s fast-paced push for quick wins — including tax cuts, moves to reduce interprovincial trade barriers, and the passage of Bill C-5 to fast-track infrastructure approvals. But passing legislation is the easy part. Another round of reality checks is looming — including whether provinces will actually trade more freely, and whether a long-sought pipeline to the West Coast might finally materialize. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith continues to apply pressure through a list of demands and her new Alberta Next panel. Political columnist Graham Thomson says she’s also fending off threats from separatists on the right and watching for signs of a centrist revival under the old Progressive Conservative brand. Host: Rob Brown | Producer & editor: Falice Chin | Guests: Carlo Dade, Laura Osman, Graham Thomson…

West of Centre

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Short: The case for bolstering defence capability in the North 34:01

29 days ago34:01

34:01

Canada has yet to meet NATO’s two per cent defence benchmark, yet the federal government is already pledging to boost spending to five per cent of GDP by 2035. That target framed CBC host Rob Brown’s conversation with Arctic security scholar Rob Huebert, who says the figure is not arbitrary but reflects growing vulnerabilities exposed by Russian aggression, China’s rise and the uncertainty of a second Donald Trump presidency. On this episode of West of Centre Short, Huebert notes Canada’s last major northern military hardware upgrade came in the 1980s. True modernization, he says, means over-the-horizon radar, new satellites, F-35 fighter jets and even submarines — assets he argues must be based in the North. For Huebert, Arctic defence is less about troops and more about sensors and rapid response capability. He is pushing for a revamped North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD), deep-water ports and says even a potential West Coast oil pipeline could be counted under NATO’s infrastructure allowance. Fund the full package, he contends, and Canada would sail past five per cent “without even breaking a sweat.” But politics casts a shadow over every dollar. Huebert says Canadians have rallied before, but only when leaders are candid about the stakes. Without that clarity, he warns, Canada risks under-spending, under-preparing — and waking up as a vassal state to the United States. Host: Rob Brown | Producer & editor: Falice Chin | Guest: Rob Huebert…

West of Centre

1
Alberta Next or Alberta Nexit? 51:21

5 weeks ago51:21

51:21

Premier Danielle Smith is pitching her “Alberta Next” roadshow as a grassroots consultation, but critics say its six survey questions steer Albertans toward sovereignty-tinged answers. The travelling panel will study these topics: an Alberta police force, immigration, constitutional amendments, provincial tax collection, federal transfers and equalization, and a provincial pension plan. On this week’s West of Centre, host Kathleen Petty asks former UCP staffer Karamveer Lalh, pollster Janet Brown and former NDP government top aide Keith McLaughlin whether the tour aims to placate United Conservatives rather than seek good-faith solutions. The guests say the effort echoes Jason Kenney’s 2019 Fair Deal Panel and warn the framing could alienate moderates and newcomers. They note the Republican Party of Alberta’s 18-per-cent showing in the Olds–Didsbury–Three Hills byelection proves Smith can’t ignore separatist voters. At the same time, NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi now has a seat in the legislature — a development that complicates Smith’s push for any referendum as she works to keep her caucus united. Host: Kathleen Petty | Producer & editor: Falice Chin | Guests: Karamveer Lalh, Keith McLaughlin, Janet Brown…

West of Centre

1
Short: Separatists fail first test, but slow march to referendum continues 24:58

5 weeks ago24:58

24:58

The results of Alberta’s three byelections delivered a largely status quo outcome, but with some notable undercurrents. In Edmonton-Strathcona, NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi secured a decisive win, surpassing former leader Rachel Notley’s vote share with 82 per cent. It marks his long-awaited entry into the legislature. The NDP also held Edmonton-Ellerslie, though with a slimmer margin — nearly 11 points down from 2023. That erosion raises questions about the party’s grip on “Fortress Edmonton,” particularly as polls suggest the UCP is gaining ground in the capital. In Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills, the UCP kept the rural stronghold but lost 15 points in vote share. The Republican Party of Alberta’s Cam Davies earned nearly 18 per cent — the strongest separatist showing in years. Still, Mount Royal University political scientist Duane Bratt called the result underwhelming, noting it fell short of the one-third benchmark that would signal serious momentum. He called it a missed opportunity for Alberta’s separatist movement, which tends to rise and recede depending on leadership and political climate. In this episode of West of Centre Short, Bratt argues the latest separatist push is less grassroots than previous waves and more top-down — driven in part by Premier Danielle Smith and her inner circle. While Smith says she supports a united Canada, critics point to her past reliance on the Sovereignty Act, efforts to create a provincial pension plan and police force, and paving the way for a potential independence referendum in 2026 as signs of a deeper, ambiguous agenda. Host: Rob Brown | Producer & editor: Falice Chin | Guest: Duane Bratt…

West of Centre

1
Bonus: In search of separatists in Alberta 49:46

5 weeks ago49:46

49:46

Ahead of three Alberta provincial byelections on June 23, West of Centre is sharing a special bonus episode from our colleagues at Front Burner. They recently travelled to Three Hills — a town about 130 km northeast of Calgary — to explore why separatist sentiment continues to simmer in parts of rural Alberta. CBC Calgary’s Jason Markusoff joined them on the ground, attending a town hall on Alberta independence and speaking with locals about what’s fuelling the frustration with Ottawa. In the riding of Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills, separatism isn’t just a talking point — it’s basically on the ballot. The Alberta Republic Party, which supports independence, is fielding a candidate with a fraught history with the UCP. This episode offers a revealing look at the political mood heading into Monday’s vote.…

West of Centre

1
What's next for Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives 49:38

6 weeks ago49:38

49:38

The federal election may be over, but Pierre Poilievre is not done campaigning. After losing his longtime seat in the Ottawa region, the Conservative leader is now focused on winning a byelection in rural Alberta—one of the party’s safest ridings. On this episode of West of Centre, three Conservative insiders discuss what this campaign could reveal about Poilievre’s political evolution. Can he adapt his tone and strategy to regain momentum and further expand support? Or will he double down on the populist messaging that’s defined his leadership so far? Ben Woodfinden, Poilievre’s director of communications during the election, joins veteran political scientist Ian Brodie and disillusioned strategist Sarah Biggs to weigh the stakes—not just for Poilievre, but for the Conservative Party itself. How should he pitch his message in a riding that’s more sympathetic to separatist sentiment, while still maintaining credibility as a prime minister-in-waiting? And with a leadership review set for January, how much reflection and recalibration can he afford before time runs out? As Prime Minister Mark Carney carves out centrist ground—borrowing from the Conservative playbook while pushing his own agenda—Poilievre may need to pivot from ideological combat to a message of competence and readiness. This episode explores what that shift could mean for the Conservative movement—and for a political system now settling into a prolonged two-party race.…

West of Centre

1
Short: Alberta faces wave of looming strikes 25:43

6 weeks ago25:43

25:43

Alberta is facing the prospect of its largest coordinated public-sector labour disruption in decades, with tens of thousands of workers poised to strike. Teachers, health-care professionals and government employees have voiced growing frustration with stalled negotiations — including 95 per cent of Alberta Teachers’ Association members voting in favour of strike action. On this episode of West of Centre Short, host Rob Brown speaks with Jason Foster, a professor of human resources and labour relations at Athabasca University, about what’s driving the unrest. Foster, who had previously worked as director of policy analysis at the Alberta Federation of Labour, says many public-sector workers have endured nearly a decade of stagnant pay, followed by surging inflation and the emotional toll of the COVID-19 pandemic. Alberta’s teachers were once the highest paid in Canada, but have since fallen behind their counterparts in other provinces. Class sizes are also a growing concern as the province’s population continues to rise. What’s different this time, Foster says, is that union members — not leadership — are driving the push for better deals. Workers are rejecting mediated agreements they see as inadequate and demanding more from the bargaining table.…

West of Centre

1
Making sense of Alberta's economic puzzle 41:26

7 weeks ago41:26

41:26

Alberta’s economy looks strong on paper, but many residents don’t feel better off. Despite record oil production, rising exports and the highest GDP per capita in the country, wage stagnation and uneven wealth distribution have left many Albertans frustrated. In this episode of West of Centre, host Kathleen Petty speaks with economists Alicia Planincic of the Business Council of Alberta and Jim Stanford of the Centre for Future Work to unpack the province’s economic paradox: how can a place so rich feel like it’s falling behind? The conversation explores deeper structural issues, including weak capital investment, declining real wages across multiple sectors and whether job growth is keeping pace with population gains. The panel questions whether producing more oil would actually ease Alberta’s economic challenges and examines the role of provincial and federal policy in shaping the province’s fortunes. Looking beyond the oilpatch, the episode also considers Canada’s broader economic strategy — from global trade risks to competition in AI — and what it will take to strengthen long-term growth.…

West of Centre

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Short: Why Alberta's renewable energy sector isn't rushing to build more solar and wind 32:26

7 weeks ago32:26

32:26

Alberta’s energy debate has long stretched beyond oil and gas, but in recent years, a wave of policy shocks has shaken investor confidence in the province’s renewable sector. And while Premier Danielle Smith is sprinkling in “clean power” in her public messaging, the surprise moratorium on new wind and solar approvals in 2022 — followed by a series of restrictive regulations — continues to cast a long shadow over the future of renewables in Alberta. The government, meanwhile, says it has set out a sensible, balanced plan to grow renewables without compromising reliability or affordability. Last year, the Alberta Utilities Commission approved 24 new nenewable projects — outpacing the 12 approvals in 2023 but comparable to the 23 in 2022. The province’s emphasis on natural gas as a baseload electricity source remains at odds with what some clean-energy advocates are calling for. In this episode of West of Centre Short, host Rob Brown speaks with Chris Severson-Baker, executive director of the Pembina Institute, about the fallout from Alberta’s shifting regulations — and the challenges facing the renewable sector as political leaders try to chart a path forward for Canada’s energy future.…

West of Centre

1
Pipeline politics return with familiar gridlock 44:52

8 weeks ago44:52

44:52

Prime Minister Mark Carney is saying all the right things when it comes to building a new pipeline. He’s invoking “nation-building,” touting Canada’s potential as an “energy superpower,” and emphasizing the need for infrastructure to unlock economic growth. But squint at the details and contradictions emerge — most notably, the federal government’s insistence that any such project would require consensus from all provinces and Indigenous communities along the route. This week on West of Centre, host Kathleen Petty tries to pick apart the Liberal government’s murky pipeline messaging with former Canadian Energy Regulator CEO Gitane De Silva, infrastructure economist Kent Fellows and Financial Post reporter Meghan Potkins. It’s not lost on the panel that even in Alberta — ground zero for pipeline advocacy — no private-sector player has stepped up with a new proposal. Companies remain scarred by a decade of regulatory reversals, legal battles and shifting economic realities, making them hesitant to take the first step without clear political backing or financial incentives. And the hurdles don’t end there. From provincial resistance to port capacity to a cautious investment climate, the conversation lays bare just how far Canada may be from building another major pipeline.…

West of Centre

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New Parliament, new tone, new promises 49:15

9 weeks ago49:15

49:15

The Carney era has officially begun. In his first week in the House of Commons, Prime Minister Mark Carney signalled a break from the performative theatrics that have defined federal politics in recent years. His new Liberal government is moving swiftly — scrapping the consumer carbon tax from law, cutting income taxes, and — more ambitiously — planning legislation to fast-track major national infrastructure projects. But skepticism is already mounting. Some Indigenous and environmental groups are voicing early concerns about whether promised consultations will be meaningful. Carney may be extending an olive branch to Alberta, but whether it results in a new pipeline remains to be seen. Meanwhile, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is grappling with growing separatist sentiment from within her own United Conservative Party. With party insiders pushing for a referendum on independence, Smith is walking a political tightrope. And she may not be the only one. As Pierre Poilievre campaigns to return to Parliament via a byelection in rural Alberta, could he face similar pressures? This week on West of Centre, host Kathleen Petty speaks with Laura Osman of The Logic, Dave Cournoyer of the Daveberta podcast, and University of Calgary political scientist Lisa Young.…

West of Centre

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Short: Albertans like a fighter. Right now, that's Danielle Smith 24:13

9 weeks ago24:13

24:13

Danielle Smith’s extended political honeymoon, Naheed Nenshi’s lukewarm debut, and Alberta’s identity crisis — all captured in a fresh batch of polling data commissioned by CBC Calgary. On this episode of West of Centre Short, host Rob Brown speaks with pollster Janet Brown and data scientist John Santos to explore where Alberta’s political winds are blowing at the halfway mark of the current UCP government’s mandate. From voter impressions of the Alberta premier and her NDP challenger to shifting seat projections and separatist sentiment, the numbers tell a compelling story — one of “stick it to Ottawa” politics, polarization, and a province still wrestling with its feelings about Canada. *Note: This survey was conducted between May 7 and 21 with a representative sample of 1,200 Albertans. Margin of error is ±2.8 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. Fore more details, go to cbc.ca/calgary…

West of Centre

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A different former Bay Street executive makes his pitch to the West 49:15

10 weeks ago49:15

49:15

When Tim Hodgson stepped up to the podium at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, he struck a tone rarely met with optimism in Alberta — especially from a Liberal cabinet minister. In this episode of West of Centre, guest host Jim Brown breaks down the early signals from Canada’s new Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, as Hodgson attempts to reset Ottawa’s rocky relationship with Western Canada’s energy sector. A former chair of Hydro One and board member at MEG Energy, Hodgson brings both Bay Street credentials and oilpatch familiarity. He's leaning into both. Panelists Grant Sprague, former Alberta deputy energy minister; Globe and Mail energy reporter Emma Graney; and Bill Whitelaw, chair of the Canadian Society for Evolving Energy, weigh in on whether Hodgson’s mix of financial savvy and prairie roots can translate into real results.…

West of Centre

1
Short: Measles, mistrust and mixed messages 22:15

10 weeks ago22:15

22:15

Canada’s measles elimination status is at risk for the first time in decades, with Alberta among the hardest-hit provinces. This week on West of Centre Short, host Rob Brown speaks with University of Calgary health law expert Lorian Hardcastle about why Alberta is seeing a significant resurgence in cases — and the political forces that may be influencing the response. Hardcastle says Alberta’s delayed reaction and initial silence from key leaders point to a deeper shift in how public health is communicated post-COVID. She traces the province’s rising vaccine hesitancy to pandemic-era rhetoric about personal freedom and medical coercion, which she says has now extended to routine immunizations like the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) shot. With vaccination rates below 30 per cent among school-aged children in some Alberta communities, the province remains especially vulnerable. And while awareness campaigns and extended clinic hours have now ramped up, Hardcastle warns the damage may already be done.…

West of Centre

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New cabinet, old grievances signal rough road ahead for Carney 54:02

11 weeks ago54:02

54:02

Will the Liberal government — somewhat refreshed with a few new faces — help reset Ottawa’s strained relationship with the West? That’s the central question in this episode of West of Centre, as host Kathleen Petty is joined by former Liberal MP and leadership contender Martha Hall Findlay, Saskatchewan political columnist Murray Mandryk, and Calgary Sun writer Ricky Leong for a wide-ranging conversation about federal-provincial fault lines, cabinet signals and the spectre of separatism. The panel unpacks early reaction to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new cabinet — particularly the appointment of Tim Hodgson as energy minister, a move broadly welcomed by industry insiders. Hodgson’s background suggests a more pragmatic approach, but skepticism lingers, especially with former environment minister Steven Guilbeault still at the cabinet table, now overseeing culture and identity. The bigger mystery may be whether he’ll join Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe for an ATV ride. The deeper tension, though, lies in Alberta’s newly lowered threshold for citizen-led referendums — widely seen as paving the way for a non-binding vote on independence. The panel explores how the strategy may allow Premier Danielle Smith to deflect accountability while channeling public anger. Still, there’s broad consensus that most Albertans and Saskatchewanians aren’t angry at Canada — they’re frustrated with the last federal government. Whether this becomes a moment for renewal or rupture will depend on what kind of leadership emerges on both sides of the divide.…

West of Centre

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Short: NDP rebuild could hinge on strength in the West 20:52

11 weeks ago20:52

20:52

Edmonton MP Heather McPherson says the federal NDP must reconnect with its working-class roots as it looks to rebuild after a historic election loss. In an interview with CBC host Rob Brown on West of Centre Short, McPherson acknowledged the sting of losing all but seven seats — five of them west of Ontario — but said the party can rebuild from its western strongholds. She pointed to Edmonton Strathcona’s long-standing legacy of NDP leadership, both federally and provincially, as a foundation for growth. McPherson called for a pragmatic approach to energy and climate policy, stressing the need to reduce emissions while protecting jobs. While she didn’t rule out supporting future infrastructure such as an east-west pipeline, she said any such project would require consultation with Indigenous communities and other provinces. The conversation also touched on leadership speculation. McPherson didn’t rule out a bid to replace Jagmeet Singh, saying she’s “getting asked a lot” and remains open to the idea. She dismissed suggestions that the Alberta NDP’s move to decouple provincial and federal memberships signals a deeper rift, describing the party as a “big tent” with shared values across the country. As for whether the next leader should come from the West, she said prairie pragmatism could help ground the party — but added the tone must also reflect the voices of grassroots members coast to coast.…

West of Centre

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Danielle Smith walks a fine line between staying and splitting 47:57

12 weeks ago47:57

47:57

Is Alberta inching closer to the exit door? Premier Danielle Smith insists she’s a federalist — but her government’s latest moves are making it easier for citizens to trigger a referendum on independence. With fresh polling from the Angus Reid Institute showing a majority of UCP voters in favour of holding a secession vote, the big question is: is this a tactical play to reset Alberta’s relationship with Ottawa, or a strategy to keep her party’s restless base onside? This week, West of Centre host Kathleen Petty unpacks Smith’s political high-wire act: is she turning up the heat, or genuinely trying to cool things down? We also dive into growing speculation that the premier is laying the groundwork for an early provincial election. Joining the conversation: former UCP executive director Brad Tennant, former Alberta NDP cabinet minister Shannon Phillips, and editorial writer Doug Firby. Plus, a look ahead to key byelections and whether Mark Carney’s new Liberal government might try to smooth things over with Alberta by handing one (or both) of its newly elected Liberal MPs a cabinet post.…

West of Centre

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Short: The Alberta separation question 20:25

12 weeks ago20:25

20:25

Two-in-five Canadians think Alberta separation is a real possibility — even though most would reject the idea, new polling shows. In the wake of the 2025 federal election, exit polling from Research Co. reveals that 40 per cent of Canadian voters believe Alberta separation could actually happen. That number jumps to 58 per cent within Alberta — though only a minority would welcome it. Speaking with host Rob Brown on West of Centre Short, pollster Mario Canseco says it’s the highest level of perceived plausibility his firm has ever recorded. He notes the framing of the question — posed in the context of a Liberal victory in provinces that overwhelmingly vote Conservative — may have nudged some respondents toward seeing separation as more likely. But with Donald Trump repeatedly invoking the idea of a 51st state and Premier Danielle Smith lowering the bar for referendums, Canseco defends the framing as realistic for a region where discontent runs deep. Canseco says the broader trend is clear: younger voters and conservatives are more open to separation, and that aligns with other national data. This isn’t just post-election chatter, he argues — it’s a growing feeling of estrangement that Ottawa can’t afford to ignore. Note: No poll is absolute, especially one conducted amid the unique and evolving circumstances of a developing story. This online survey was conducted with 1,201 voters between April 27 and 29, 2025, and carries a margin of error of ±2.8 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.…

West of Centre

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Carney’s win sparks hope in some, wariness in others 42:10

13 weeks ago42:10

42:10

Mark Carney’s steady economic message resonated with voters, helping the Liberals secure a fourth consecutive term — though still a minority. But the results have stirred fresh tensions with Alberta, where Premier Danielle Smith is moving ahead to lower the bar for referendums as talk of separatism re-emerges. In this episode of West of Centre, host Kathleen Petty explores what the outcome means for Canada’s future — and Alberta’s increasingly restless role within Confederation. Three Calgary voters — Darryl, Sunil and Chelsea — offer raw, personal reflections. While Chelsea calls the election a rejection of Trumpism, Sunil, a disappointed Conservative supporter, questions whether his party can ever win under the current political setup. The panel debates Carney’s appeal to centrists, the collapse of the NDP, and whether Alberta’s political class is rallying voters or fanning division. Later, former Conservative cabinet minister Monte Solberg and political strategist Stephen Carter join for a spirited post-mortem. Carter jokes about his Strategists podcast partner Corey Hogan’s surprise win in Calgary Confederation, while both guests assess Carney’s leadership, Pierre Poilievre’s limits and Smith’s political calculations. Despite their differences, they agree: if the Liberals want to ease Western alienation, Alberta needs a real voice in cabinet — and Smith has a window to show she can build bridges, not just burn them.…

West of Centre

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Short: The 'big shift' meets the 'breaking point' 24:58

13 weeks ago24:58

24:58

In the wake of a federal election that saw the Conservatives defeated once again, despite a notable increase in support, political columnist and author John Ibbitson joins West of Centre Short to argue a deeper political realignment is underway. In conversation with host Rob Brown, Ibbitson revisits the central thesis of The Big Shift — the 2013 book he co-wrote with pollster Darrell Bricker — which outlines how political power in Canada has been shifting away from the traditional “Laurentian elite” of central Canada toward a growing Conservative coalition rooted in the West and among suburban immigrant voters. While the 2025 vote produced another Liberal minority, Ibbitson argues the result was less about domestic dynamics than about external disruption. He points to U.S. president Donald Trump’s threats of tariffs and annexation, which he says triggered a voter stampede — particularly among older suburban Canadians — toward Liberal leader Mark Carney, whom Ibbitson firmly places within the Laurentian tradition, despite his Edmonton roots. Still, Ibbitson believes the demographic and cultural trends outlined in The Big Shift remain intact. In this episode, he explores the rising influence of Western Canada, evolving immigrant voter patterns in key regions like the 905, the weakening of the NDP, and the potential for a realigned progressive coalition. He argues these shifts could contribute to a growing instability in the country — marked by both horizontal divisions (regional discontent in Alberta and Quebec) and vertical ones (a widening generational split in political values).…

West of Centre

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After Dark: The election night postmortem 35:35

13 weeks ago35:35

35:35

Canadians have re-elected a Liberal government — proof that a few months, a new leader, and a dose of Trump panic can shift the political winds. On this special late-night edition of West of Centre: After Dark, host Rob Brown convenes Liberal strategist Sabrina Grover, conservative strategist Sarah Biggs and NDP strategist Cheryl Oates for hot takes, hard truths and a touch of political therapy. Running on election night pizza and too much caffeine, the panel unpacks how the Liberals pulled off a surprise comeback, why the Conservatives might be in turmoil despite a historic share of the vote, and what’s left for the NDP after a crushing collapse. From Pierre Poilievre potentially losing his seat, to who might be plotting to replace party leaders, to Danielle Smith preparing for another round with Ottawa — this episode has it all, except the final results. (Note: This conversation was recorded at 11 p.m. MT on election night, with several key ridings still undecided.) Correction: In this episode, we mistakenly said that Jamil Jivani was a former Ontario PC MPP who served under Doug Ford. In fact, he was an advisor to Premier Ford, not an elected member of the Ontario legislature.…

West of Centre

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The fault lines of this federal election 43:21

14 weeks ago43:21

43:21

As the 2025 federal election barrels toward the finish line, three generations of Prairie political minds sit down for a lively conversation about the campaign's final stretch. West of Centre guest host Jim Brown is joined by Shannon Greer, a Calgary-based strategist and proud millennial; Malcolm Bird, a Gen X political science professor from Winnipeg; and Douglas Richardson, a Saskatoon lawyer, grandfather and former chief of staff to John Turner. Together, they hand out "report cards" to the major party leaders, assessing everything from campaign vibes to how effectively they've targeted different generations of voters. From young voters swinging Conservative to baby boomers sticking with the Liberals, the panel debates whether these shifting allegiances are rooted in hope, anger or economic anxiety.…

West of Centre

1
Short: How Canada’s ‘lost decade’ was decades in the making 29:35

14 weeks ago29:35