Big tent party

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and several prominent federal Conservatives, including leader Pierre Poilievre, had a showdown with Calgary's mayor over a local noise bylaw. It was a master class in political communication by Jeromy Farkas, according to one panellist, in a battle with the Conservative political machine over how long and how loudly people are allowed to party in the Stampede city.

Sounding off with host Kathleen Petty this week:

• Alex Boyd, Calgary-based writer for the Toronto Star.
• Rob Breakenridge, a columnist and podcast host at The Line.
• Jason Markusoff, producer and writer for the CBC.

The panel also dissects the nine referendum questions on immigration and constitutional reforms on the fall ballot in Alberta, musing whether they're moot when voters are being asked to contemplate breaking apart the country.  

• Host: Kathleen Petty
• Guests: Alex Boyd, Rob Breakenridge, Jason Markusoff
• Producer: Diane Yanko