At Issue

Cut through the spin with Canada’s top political journalists. Host Rosemary Barton and columnists Althia Raj, Chantal Hébert and Andrew Coyne break down the week’s biggest political stories shaping the country. Brought to you by CBC News: The National. New episodes drop every Friday.

Website : http://www.cbc.ca/thenational

RSS Feed : https://www.cbc.ca/podcasting/includes/atissue.xml  

Last Episode : June 20, 2025 8:10am

Last Scanned : 2.8 hours ago

Episodes

Episodes currently hosted on IPFS.

1
Carney bulldozes his nation-building bill through Parliament
At Issue this week: The Liberal government pushes to expedite Prime Minister Mark Carney’s contentious major projects bill, despite objections from Indigenous communities. Canada commits to a new relationship with India. And Pierre Poilievre starts a podcast. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
Published 06/20
1
Carney and Trump hold private tariff talks
At Issue this week: Sources tell CBC/Radio-Canada that Carney and Trump have shared private calls and texts about tariffs. Premiers pitch their infrastructure projects to the prime minister. And does a new border security bill go too far? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
Published 06/06
1
Canada caught in Trump tariff uncertainty
At Issue this week: How will another week of back-and-forth on tariffs from the U.S. change Canada’s negotiating position? The changing dynamics in the House under a new government. Plus, the prime minister looks to sell his plans to the premiers.  Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
Published 05/30
1
Carney sets up throne speech
At Issue this week: Prime Minister Mark Carney sets the stage for a throne speech with a mandate letter outlining tasks and priorities for his cabinet. Canada looks beyond the U.S. for allies. And, Liberal MPs will soon decide whether to give themselves the powers to order leadership reviews. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
Published 05/23
1
Carney’s first moves
At Issue this week: Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new minority government faces multiple challenges, but where should he start? What’s next for the Conservatives and Pierre Poilievre? Plus, can the Green Party find a role on Parliament Hill? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
Published 05/02
2
Did the federal leaders’ debate change anything?
Major party leaders meet in Montreal for the English-language leaders' debate with less than two weeks until Canada votes. And event organizers are forced to cancel the post-debate news conferences over security concerns. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
Published 04/18
2
Will politics ever be less partisan? At Issue answers your questions
Rosemary Barton and The National’s At Issue panel bring the political discussion to Halifax, answering questions from Canadians about the biggest issues on the federal campaign trail. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
Published 04/12
2
Poilievre pulls big crowds, but does it matter?
In this special Canada Votes edition live from Halifax, The National’s At Issue panel breaks down the latest from the federal election campaign trail, including rally stops in Alberta and an appearance by former Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper. Plus, how party leaders are dealing with the media. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
Published 04/11
2
What does Carney’s cabinet say about his priorities?
In a special edition of At Issue: Prime Minister Mark Carney unveils his lean new cabinet but what do his picks reveal about his priorities? Plus, how does Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre adjust his campaign for the Carney era? Rosemary Barton hosts Andrew Coyne, Althia Raj and Aaron Wherry.
Published 03/15
2
Are Canada-U.S. tariff meetings getting anywhere?
At Issue this week: With U.S. President Donald Trump refusing to bend on tariffs, is there any point in Canadian politicians travelling to Washington for further talks? As Mark Carney gets ready to take over as Prime Minister, who will fill his cabinet? Plus, can 24 Sussex Drive be saved? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
Published 03/14
2
Carney’s landslide Liberal victory
At Issue this week: Mark Carney handily won the Liberal leadership, how his victory could shape the next government and the looming federal election. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
Published 03/10
2
Is Canada’s trade war strategy working?
At Issue this week: Canada and the U.S. trade shots in a bitter trade war, but is Ottawa’s strategy working? Liberal leadership hopefuls gear up for the convention that will decide Canada’s next Prime Minister. And, how will Canadians remember Justin Trudeau? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Andrew Coyne and Althia Raj.
Published 03/07