Episode description

Donald Trump is headed back to the White House on Monday, meaning his tariff threats could become a reality and wreak havoc on the Canadian economy. So what’s Canada’s opening move if Trump charges forward? Host Catherine Cullen checks in with premiers at their important meeting in Ottawa this week to strategize a response, but not everyone is on the same page. Canada’s ambassador to the U.S. joins the show to discuss the federal government’s plan, and an economics professor explains which provinces are the most at risk.

Next, an author and staff writer for The Atlantic explains why, of all the policies Trump has flirted with over the years, the incoming president is so wedded to the idea of tariffs and how Canada should prepare itself for a possible trade war.

Finally, as more candidates step up or step back from the Liberal leadership race, two Parliament Hill watchers break down the contest so far and the questions the candidates will need to address.

This episode features the voices of:

• Ranj Pillai, Premier of Yukon
• Scott Moe, Premier of Saskatchewan
• Wab Kinew, Premier of Manitoba
• Kirsten Hillman, Canada’s ambassador to the United States.
• Trevor Tombe, economics professor at the University of Calgary
• David Frum, staff writer with The Atlantic
• Tonda MacCharles, Ottawa bureau chief for the Toronto Star
• Christopher Nardi, parliamentary reporter for the National Post