The Vassy Kapelos Show

Free For All Friday - Hour 1 Scott Reid fills in for Amanda Galbraith and dissects the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers. Free For All Friday - Hour 2 Contributors from all over the country join The Roundtable to discuss the top stories of the week. Today’s edition features McMillan Vantage vice-president Jeff Rutledge and NorthStar Public Affairs senior advisor Sabrina Grover. Topic 1: Taking a gander at the political landscape in Alberta and Quebec, which is already making for an interesting 2026 in both provinces. Topic 2: How Canada's three major parties are looking after Monday's byelections, and the big questions they have to answer. Topic 3: The looming Canada Post changes, whether Canada should want a new CUSMA deal, and Donald Trump's feud with Pope Leo. Topic 4: Have you ever worked a job where you thought death was on the table? Topic 5: Out of this year's Summer flicks, which peaks your interest the most?

Vassy Kapelos speaks with Finland President Alexander Stubb about the American disruptions to the global order, how to respond to it, and the differences in how he and Prime Minister Carney characterize it. On today's show:

Do you like Tim Powers and his positive Newfoundland vibes? Well, today is your lucky day, as he returns to fill in for Vassy Kapelos this afternoon! But if you're looking for a Newfoundland Regiment scoreboard update, you might have to look elsewhere this time. On today's show:

CTV's Mike LeCouteur keeps the hosting chair warm for the first two segments, as we react to a trio of federal byelections. Spoiler alert: Mark Carney and the Liberals took every single one of them, as they are officially granted majority rule in the House of Commons. Lending his expertise and reaction is CTV political commentator Scott Reid. Then, Vassy Kapelos steers the ship for the final 6 segments! On today's show:

Surprise! Tim Powers is staying an extra day in the hosting chair. And that's because Vassy Kapelos is hosting a CTV News special tonight, as a trio of byelections will determine the level of power that the Carney Liberals will carry. We check in with Vassy for a quick preview of Monday's festivities. On today's show:

Free For All Friday - Hour 1 Amanda Galbraith breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers. Free For All Friday - Hour 2 Contributors from all over the country join The Roundtable to discuss the top stories of the week. Today’s edition features NDP strategist George Soule and Conaptus principal Jamie Ellerton. Topic 1: Breaking down all the implications of Marylin Gladu’s defection to the Liberal Party. Topic 2: What does this latest floor-crossing mean for Pierre Poilievre’s future at the helm of Canada's Conservatives? Topic 3: Digging into the politics of Alto high-speed rail, a massive project that is generating opposition from communities along both proposed routes. Topic 4: Melania Trump’s pre-emptive damage control over the Epstein allegations. Topic 5: The Masters is underway, and without Tiger Woods.

Tim Powers fills in for Vassy Kapelos today. She will be back in the hosting chair on Monday, which is when a trio of federal byelections will be held. And today, all of the attention is focused on the Liberals' latest addition to their caucus. We delve into the continued fallout of Marilyn Gladu's floor-crossing with Acadia University Political Science Professor Alex Marland and former Conservative Cabinet Minister James Moore. On today's show:

Tim Powers hosts. Sarnia, Ontario area MP Marilyn Gladu has become the fourth Conservative MP to join Mark Carney's Liberals. On today's show:

Tim Powers guest hosts. US President Donald Trump has escalated his threat to destroy Iran's critical civilian infrastructure if it doesn't surrender today. On today's show:

Tim Powers fills in for Vassy Kapelos on this Easter Monday, as the U.S. President sends Iran a deadline. They have until Tuesday night at 8 o'clock to make a deal and end the war. if they don't, the United States will attack critical infrastructure. We get the full breakdown from CTV U.S. political analyst Eric Ham. On today's show:

Tim Powers guest hosts. According to Deloitte's 2026 economic outlook, Canada's economy will grow 1.2% in 2026, down from 1.7% last year. On today's show:

Today is the deadline for agreements between the federal government and the Province of Alberta under the energy MOU signed by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Danielle Smith last year. But no announcements have been scheduled. On today's show:

Prime Minister Carney is denying reports that he's considered proroguing Parliament if the Liberals secure a majority government in the upcoming byelections. They are slated to be held on April 13th in Ontario and Quebec. Bob Fife from The Globe And Mail joins us with the inside scoop. On today's show:

The former journalist and activist won a decisive victory with 52% support on the first ballot. On today's show:

Free For All Friday - Hour 1 Amanda Galbraith breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers. Free For All Friday - Hour 2 Contributors from all over the country join The Roundtable to discuss the top stories of the week. Today’s edition features Beyond A Ballot podcast host Rachael Segal and Enterprise Canada vice-president Laura D’Angelo. Topic 1: Canada's NDP will choose a new leader this weekend. What’s next for the New Democrats? Topic 2: Canada's affordability debate: Is the Carney government doing enough to help Canadians struggling with the cost of living? Topic 3: Michael Ma’s recent Parliamentary Committee controversy begs an important question: Does Canada have a China problem? Topic 4: We have a case of 'Hoodie Gate' in the B.C. Legislature. Don't worry, we'll explain everything. Topic 5: HBO’s brand-new Harry Potter reboot.

Canada spent just over $63 billion on defense in 2025, meeting the alliance's funding targets for the first time. We check in with Prime Minister Carney as the show unfolds. On today's show:

Premier Wab Kinew says the best thing to do about high gas prices in Canada is for the US to end its war in Iran. On today's show:

The two Air Canada pilots killed in Sunday's crash have been identified as the NTSB has begun investigating the cause of the tragedy. On today's show:

The Air Canada Jazz flight carrying 72 passengers from Montreal’s Pierre Elliot Trudeau airport collided with a fire truck on landing at LaGuardia last night at around 11:30pm Sunday night. On today's show:

Free For All Friday - Hour 1 Amanda Galbraith breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers. Free For All Friday - Hour 2 Contributors from all over the country join The Roundtable to discuss the top stories of the week. Today’s edition features Bluesky Strategy Group vice-president Jordan Paquet and Canadian Shield Institute managing director Vass Bednar. Topic 1: Pierre Poilievre’s Joe Rogan Experience: How the leader of Canada's Conservatives handled his appearance on the world’s biggest podcast. Topic 2: Ontario Premier Doug Ford made waves this week when he congratulated a homeowner for shooting a robber who broke in. Our panelists dig into those comments, as well as the wider issue of rising crime. Topic 3: Canada has slipped to 25th in the World Happiness Rankings, according to this year’s World Happiness Report. So why exactly is that frown not turning upside down as often? Topic 4: This Hour Has 22 Minutes recently made a spoof of 'The Pitt', a rising star in today's TV series lineup. The skit itself made fun of Canadian healthcare. Good satire or done in poor taste?