West of Centre

Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman spearheaded the Chicago School, popularizing free-market ideas that reshaped American conservatism. But Canada has its own counterpart: the so-called “Calgary School,” a loose group of University of Calgary academics whose ideas helped shape this country’s right-of-centre movement. Their influence can be seen in the policies and perspectives of conserv...

Everything we know about “the West” seems to be shifting this week. On a global scale, the U.S. has upended the post-war international order by slapping tariffs on dozens of countries, effectively shredding free trade. Closer to home, former Reform Party leader Preston Manning warns of a potential “West wants out” scenario if the Liberals form government again. How real are these threats? West of...

West of Centre is hitting the road to Medicine Hat for a special live show at the Esplanade centre on April 16! Join host Kathleen Petty and producer Falice Chin, along with a lineup of insightful guests, as they delve into the city’s “Gas City” reputation and the challenges of transitioning away from local natural gas. The conversation will also tackle issues like Western alienation in Premier Da...

For the first time in months, U.S. President Donald Trump isn’t calling Canada’s prime minister the “governor of the 51st state.” But Prime Minister Mark Carney insists the “old relationship” between Canada and the United States — anchored by deep economic, security and military ties — has come to an end. Meanwhile, the first week of the election campaign has been consumed by tariff tensions, ecli...

After what feels like the longest federal election buildup in recent memory, the race is finally about to begin. New Liberal leader Mark Carney is barely out of the gate and already showing signs of impatience — and inexperience — under media scrutiny. With a compressed timeline and an unpredictable political climate, parties are scrambling to sharpen their messages and connect with voters. Just d...

The border between Canada and the United States may seem fixed today, but more than a century ago, it was anything but. In this episode of West of Centre Short, host Rob Brown explores the political storms of the 19th century — when Canadians feared American annexation, tariffs fueled tensions, and the idea of manifest destiny shaped expansionist ambitions. Historian Elizabeth Jameson explains how...

Canada has a new prime minister and a smaller cabinet with several familiar faces. As Mark Carney takes charge amid a trade war with the U.S., his first diplomatic stop isn’t Washington but France and the UK. Meanwhile, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Ontario Premier Doug Ford clash over whether to use oil exports as leverage. With an election looming, tensions rise between Carney and Pierre Po...

Donald Trump’s tariffs have triggered a political earthquake in Canada, rattling markets and forging a rare alignment among leaders from Doug Ford to Danielle Smith to Justin Trudeau. In response, Canada is pushing back with counter-tariffs, boycotts, and sharp rhetoric aimed south of the border. With public sentiment shifting and emotions running high, what opportunities and risks do these tensio...

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Donald Trump remain at odds over tariffs in what The Wall Street Journal labels the “dumbest trade war in history.” While automakers have secured a temporary reprieve, other sectors face an uncertain future. Federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller responds to Trump’s accusation that Canada’s border-security and fentanyl efforts are “not good enough...

Political leaders across the spectrum are promising major infrastructure projects to strengthen Canada’s economy and sovereignty. In this West of Centre Short, host Rob Brown speaks with Zach Parston, a major projects advisor lead with KPMG Canada, about what it would take to modernize the country’s infrastructure. His plan includes a national corridor, preapproved industrial zones, expanded ports...

Alberta is back in the red, with the government forecasting a $5.2-billion deficit for Budget 2025 — its first in years. Finance Minister Nate Horner warns the financial picture could worsen, especially if Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs take effect. Despite the bleak outlook, the UCP government is introducing a personal income tax cut. Critics argue the budget lacks focus — or a real plan for the...

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith moves to regain control of the narrative after weeks of distancing herself from allegations of political interference — now at the center of a series of Globe and Mail reports and a wrongful dismissal lawsuit filed by a former Alberta Health Services CEO. While the NDP brands the controversy "CorruptCare," Smith pushes back, arguing AHS resisted change and acted too...

This week, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is juggling two battles—diplomatic in Washington and defensive at home. As she joins Canada’s premiers in efforts to counter looming U.S. tariffs, a political storm brews in Alberta. Former Alberta Health Services CEO Athana Mentzelopoulos has filed a wrongful dismissal lawsuit, alleging she was fired for investigating what she believed were questionable p...

Across Canada, more young people are ditching progressive politics and embracing conservatism. In this West of Centre Short, host Anis Heydari explores why Gen Z is swiping right — politically. Calgarians Sally Zhou, 24, and Chase Zaba, 18, share what drew them to the Conservative Party of Canada.

For years, Canadians have listened to Trump supporters boasting: “Make America great again.” And most have sat quietly and done nothing. Not anymore. Threats of U.S. tariffs and annexation have sparked a wave of patriotism across Canada. Former Alberta premier and federal cabinet minister Jason Kenney joins West of Centre to reflect on this moment, discussing with host Jason Markusoff what it reve...

Tariffs today, tariffs tomorrow, or tariffs on April 1? As Donald Trump keeps Canada guessing, Ottawa scrambles to prepare a response. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is spotlighting border security, while federal leaders hint at a bailout package for businesses and workers — echoing pandemic-era relief. Speaking of pandemic flashbacks, Alberta’s COVID response task force report is stirring old deb...

What might a federal relief package for industries and workers look like if Ottawa is preparing for devastating U.S. tariffs? Federal Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc visited Calgary to meet with business leaders and Premier Danielle Smith. In this new supplemental segment called West of Centre Short, host Rob Brown asks LeBlanc how a federal plan might take shape, wh...

Political and business leaders are expressing caution about Canada’s potential use of retaliatory tariffs in response to Donald Trump’s renewed trade threats. Critics warn that Canada’s economic leverage may fall short, risking significant harm to key industries. The premiers appear divided on the issue, despite Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s insistence that “country comes first.” In Trump’s first we...

Danielle Smith charts her own path through choppy waters. Ahead of the first ministers' meeting in Ottawa, the Alberta premier heads to Mar-a-Lago to meet Donald Trump, then refuses to back a united Canadian response to a potential trade war. While Ontario Premier Doug Ford calls for the country to use “every tool in our toolbox" against the proposed American tariffs on Canadian goods, Smith draws...

The Liberal Party of Canada is under immense pressure to select a new leader in record time — two months. Parliament is prorogued while Trump’s threats over tariffs and Canadian sovereignty ramp up. Who will actually want to lead a party in turmoil into what could be a massive defeat in the next federal election? Host Kathleen Petty is joined by Ian Brodie, former chief of staff to Prime Minister...

A UCP leadership review. A shifting conversation on the border, brought on by Donald Trump’s tariff threats. Naheed Nenshi taking the reins of the NDP, and the new fight ticket heading into the next provincial election. And that’s just to name a few of the big Alberta political stories this year. Host Kathleen Petty is joined by Zain Velji from Northweather, Alex Boyd from the Toronto Star and the...

When Donald Trump refers to the “great state “of Canada and threatens 25 percent tariffs, there’s bound to be a strong reaction. Ontario wants to retaliate. Alberta wants to negotiate. Also on the pod, Rachel Notley resigns her Edmonton seat and several bizarre references to “horse hands”.Panelists include Keith McLaughlin, Lisa Young and Erika Barootes.

Alberta appears finished with “cash cow” photo radar. The province announced a big cut in “fishing holes”. And the UCP government was fishing for support for a Sovereignty Act motion against the federal emissions cap. The NDP did not bite. West of Centre guests this week are Carrie Tait, Rick Bell and Lori Williams.

The President-elect has threatened a 25 percent tariff on Canadian goods in an effort to stop illegal drugs and migrants from getting into the U.S. Danielle Smith has jumped on board. Also on the pod, the escalating battle between Alberta and Ottawa over the federal emissions cap and using the Sovereignty Act to fight it. West of Centre host Kathleen Petty is joined by Janet Brown, Alex Boyd and C...

A car insurance overhaul, a fiscal update, and the appointment of a new chair at AIMCo. Finance Minister Nate Horner is behind all of it. And he faced some tough questions about a big jump in insurance rates and a possible budget deficit next year. West of Centre host Kathleen Petty is joined by Emma Graney, Zain Velji and Evan Menzies.