CBC News | Power & Politics

U.S. President Donald Trump accused both Iran and Israel of violating a fragile ceasefire early Tuesday — saying 'they don't know what the f--k they're doing' and demanding Israel recall planes — but later said the ceasefire was in effect. Canada's Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Jennie Carignan discusses how the military ensured the safety of Canadian personnel when Iran targeted a U.S. military base in Qatar, and the feasibility of Canada reaching a five per cent of GDP NATO defence spending target. Plus, former U.S. ambassador to NATO Douglas Lute analyzes what's at stake for the alliance as its summit in the Netherlands gets underway.

Former Canadian diplomats posted in Israel and Iran break down the U.S. president's claim that Iran and Israel have 'fully agreed' to a ceasefire beginning overnight Monday, despite a lack of immediate verification from Iranian or Israeli officials. Plus, retired vice-admiral Mark Norman evaluates how much the security pact that Canada and the European Union signed Monday can bolster Canada's defence industry, and the message it sends to Washington about Canada's push to be less reliant on the U.S.

Both halves of Bill C-5 passed in the House of Commons before it rose for the summer on Friday, but Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith broke with the party to vote against measures to enable the fast-tracking of major projects. Conservative deputy leader Melissa Lantsman tells Power & Politics why her party supported the legislation, and says 'no one group has a veto' to projects despite many Indigenous communities' objections to the bill and B.C.'s objection to a bitumen pipeline.

Industry Minister Mélanie Joly discusses the prime minister's intention to raise — or lower — tariffs on U.S. steel and aluminum at the end of the leaders' 30-day deadline for a trade and security deal, and lays out her government's new plan to support the steel industry by putting a quota on some foreign imports. Plus, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says Canada is pushing for 'maximum restraint' as the U.S. considers whether it will enter the Israel-Iran war, and details measures to help Canadians leave the region.

Parliamentary secretary to the prime minister Kody Blois defends his party's effort to rush its bill on projects of 'national interest' through the House of Commons this week, despite mounting concerns from Indigenous leaders, environmental groups and other Liberals. Then, Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler explains his objections to both Bill C-5 and an Ontario bill that allows the province to suspend municipal and provincial laws to speed up projects, and why he says it will be a 'long, hot summer' if the federal bill passes.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said he and U.S. President Donald Trump 'agreed to pursue negotiations toward a deal within the coming 30 days' following meetings at the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alta. Canada's U.S. Ambassador Kirsten Hillman discusses the 'acceleration' officials agreed to in the meetings. Plus, Everett Eissenstat, Trump's representative at the G7 summit in Charlevoix, Que., contrasts the ongoing summit with the issues that led to Trump's dramatic withdrawal from the final communique in 2018.

The G7 summit in Alberta ended without a joint statement on the war in Ukraine, with a senior Canadian government source saying the U.S. resisted pointed language that it feared could jeopardize negotiations with Russia. Plus, in an exclusive interview with the NATO secretary general, Mark Rutte says the alliance 'simply cannot, going forward, defend ourselves' with two per cent of GDP defence spending. He says he's 'fairly confident' Canada and its allies can reach five per cent.

Former Canadian head of mission in Iran Dennis Horak and former Canadian ambassador to Israel Jon Allen discuss why Israel decided to strike at the heart of Iran's nuclear program despite the risk of regional escalation, and evaluate whether Iran has the capacity for greater retaliation after initial volleys of dozens of missiles. Plus, our political insiders weigh in on what Prime Minister Mark Carney can accomplish when he's face to face with U.S. President Donald Trump at the G7 summit in Alberta next week.

Following a Global News report that says an Indian agent closely surveilled former NDP leader Jagmeet Singh and caused the RCMP to put him in police protection, World Sikh Organization legal counsel Balpreet Singh argues Canada's G7 invitation to India's leader tells Sikh Canadians that their 'lives simply don't matter.' Plus, former Canadian ambassador to the UN Louise Blais and former G8 sherpa Sen. Peter Harder weigh in on the invitation, and whether Canada is right to not pursue a joint communique from a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump.

CBC's Kate Simpson and Radio-Canada's Louis Blouin explain what sources told them about a document being passed between Ottawa and Washington, which outlines the details for a possible deal. Former defence minister David Pratt reacts to one source who says the document states Canada's willingness to join the U.S. president's proposed 'Golden Dome' security program. Plus, Supreme Court of Canada Chief Justice Richard Wagner discusses why he believes the rule of law and the legitimacy of courts are under attack around the world.

NBC senior correspondent Jay Gray joins Power & Politics from a confrontation between protesters and National Guard troops deployed by President Donald Trump in Los Angeles, as California's governor accuses Trump of the 'acts of a dictator.' Auditor General Karen Hogan says the estimated cost of Canada's F-35 fighter jet program has gone from $19 billion in 2022 to $27.7 billion in 2024, partly because the Defence Department relied on outdated information. Plus, a former Canadian ambassador to Saudi Arabia and an international affairs expert discuss whether Canada was right to invite controversial international players to the G7 summit next week.

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada will reach NATO's two per cent of GDP defence spending target this fiscal year — a dramatic acceleration from his previous 2030 timeline. U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra tells Power & Politics that the U.S. is 'thankful' for the spending and says it shows 'clear progress' for trade and security talks between the president and prime minister. Then, Canada's top military commander, Gen. Jennie Carignan, argues the increased cash can build capacity in the armed forces despite procurement and staffing limitations.

Energy Minister Tim Hodgson defends a new Liberal bill's ability to speed up the approval of projects of 'national interest,' despite critics' concerns about Indigenous consultation and environmental assessment. Plus, Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal — who represents the riding where Canada has accused Indian government agents of involvement with the killing of a Sikh separatist — opposes Prime Minister Mark Carney's decision to invite Indian Prime Minister Narenda Modi to the G7 Summit in Alberta.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have been speaking privately in hopes of reaching a trade deal and lifting tariffs, Industry Minister Mélanie Joly confirmed Thursday. Radio-Canada's Louis Blouin reports the latest details. Plus, Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., Mayor Matthew Shoemaker discusses what the damage to the steel industry from 50 per cent U.S. tariffs will mean for his city.

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada is in 'intensive' talks with the U.S. about the doubling of steel and aluminum tariffs, and is 'preparing reprisals' in case talks fail. President and CEO of the Canadian Steel Producers Association Catherine Cobden tells Power & Politics that the increased tariffs could weaken the steel sector 'in a matter of days.' Plus, Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson says ‘there’s still a lot of unity' among premiers despite continued splintering over pipelines since Monday's first ministers' meeting.

The Liberals table their Strong Borders Act they say will protect Canada's sovereignty, strengthen the border and keep Canadians safe. Guest host J.P. Tasker asks Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree what border czar Tom Homan had to say about it. Plus, U.S. President Donald Trump confirms steel and aluminum tariffs will double as of Wednesday. The CBC's Katie Simpson's has the latest from Washington.

Prime Minister Mark Carney spells out his criteria for what qualifies as a project of 'national interest.' While there are no specific examples coming out of the first ministers' meeting, Carney says it will be a 'living list.' Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy Dominic LeBlanc, and the premiers of Alberta, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador join Power & Politics live on set in Saskatoon.

Canada's national fire preparedness rating has moved to its highest alert level. Power & Politics speaks to Minister of Emergency Management Eleanor Olszewski as thousands across the prairies have been forced to evacuate their homes. Plus, premiers will meet with Prime Minister Mark Carney next week to decide on some specific nation-building projects that will be fast-tracked for approval. New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt says it 'will be like The Hunger Games.'

A U.S. federal appeals court is pausing a ruling that would block U.S President Donald Trump's broadest tariffs while the White House appeals. Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield led one of the two lawsuits that saw the federal trade court declare the tariffs illegal, and says the Trump administration's attacks on judges are 'as low as it gets' and a symptom of repeated losses. Plus, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne says the competing decisions to block and then maintain the tariffs demonstrate 'how volatile' the situation with the U.S. is.

May 6, 2024 - The federal government has tabled a bill aimed at countering foreign interference, just days after a public inquiry said attempts by other countries to meddle in Canada's last two elections undermined Canadians' trust in democracy. Former CSIS director Ward Elcock brings us his assessment. Plus, two Middle East experts walk us through a potential ceasefire proposal between Hamas and Israel.

May 3, 2024 - Canadian police have arrested members of an alleged hit squad investigators believe was tasked by the government of India with killing prominent Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, B.C. last June. The CBC's Evan Dyer brings us up to speed on everything we know about today's arrests. Plus, the Public Inquiry Into Foreign Interference released its first report. We ask Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc about these two major developments.

May 2, 2024 - Canada's greenhouse gas emissions rose in 2022 as the economy rebounded from the pandemic, according to new figures released by the federal government. Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault tells Power & Politics that Canada is still on track to meet its 2030 reduction goals — and meeting that goal requires an emissions cap on the oil and gas sector. Plus, B.C. wants to roll back part of its drug decriminalization policy. Power & Politics speaks with Vancouver Police Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Wilson.

April 12, 2024 - Power & Politics speaks to Housing Minister Sean Fraser as the Liberals lay out their full plan to address the housing crisis. Plus, we ask Alberta Premier Danielle Smith why she's threatening to block municipalities from cutting their own deals with Ottawa.