The Vassy Kapelos Show

It's the Graham Richardson Show - where we talk politics and also have a little bit of fun! You can catch Graham every single Friday from Noon until 2PM. On today's show: The Friday Five: Trade talks heat up ahead of Tuesday's U.S. Midterms. U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra warns that Canada could be blamed for Republican losses. The latest from the E.U.-Canada Summit in Montreal. Lessons from Ontario's municipal elections. Budget 2026 arrives next week. The Big Conversation: Canada's Auditor General Karen Hogan joins Graham to discuss her reports on the CAF's management of ammunition stockpiles, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan being over-budget. Life with Canada's Best: Dave Chilton, author of 'The Wealthy Barber', joins Graham to chat about his pending retirement and the lessons he's learned over 35 years of advising Canadians' on personal finances. CTV's Katie Griffin speaks with voters in key states ahead of the November 3rd U.S. Midterms. A new poll sheds light on Canadians' changing attitudes toward immigration in this country. Graham speaks with Andrew Parkin, the Executive Director of the Environics Institute. Canada's former Ambassador to the United Nations, Bob Rae, joins Graham with his thoughts on Canada's new National Security Strategy. Graham goes 1-on-1 with Cameco CEO Tim Gitzel, who says the federal government is unfairly advantaging CANDU reactor technology in its Nuclear Energy Strategy. Have Your Say: Carney says Canada is pursuing E.U. 'associate membership'. What made Graham smile this week: It took 57 painful years, but the Milwaukee Brewers are champions of baseball!

Despite reports to the contrary, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says discussions will still include 'Associate Member' status for Canada, while Carney says the summit in Montreal isn't a 'marketing exercise' and the terminology doesn't matter. Vassy goes 1-on-1 with Canada's Defense Minister David McGuinty ahead of the first official meetings. On today's show: CTV U.S. political analyst Eric Ham joins Vassy for a look at how the U.S. Midterms are shaping up in the final days of the campaign. Talk Science To Me with CTV Science and Technology specialist Dan Riskin: Breast milk antibodies protect against RSV, influenza, and respiratory viruses. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Mike LeCouteur, Rob Benzie, and Laura Stone. Vassy talks Budget 2026 with economist Don Drummond. Belgium's Ambassador to Canada joins Vassy to discuss the E.U.-Canada Summit.

U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra told a closed-door meeting on Tuesday that Ottawa could be blamed if key races in next week’s Midterm elections go against U.S. President Trump’s Republican Party. The sources said Hoekstra expressly mentioned races in Michigan and Maine, where the Republicans need to win if they hope to hold onto the U.S. Senate. The Daily Debrief Panel digs into the comments, and the latest developments on Canada-USA trade talks. On today's show: The Bank of Canada has raised its key interest rate for the first time since 2023. BMO Chief Economist Doug Porter joins Vassy with instant analysis. What is the 'Super El-Nino' and how will it impact Canada's Winter weather in 2027? The Weather Network's Doug Gillham joins Vassy for this week's Explainer segment. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Stephanie Levitz, Laura D'Angelo, and Jeff Rutledge. A coalition of health organizations are calling on the feds to finally implement new vaping regulations that have sat on the books since 2021. Foram Patel, a Senior Policy Specialist at the Heart and Stroke Foundation, joins Vassy to explain why they are making the call to action now. Vassy goes 1-on-1 with Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Neepinak to discuss the results of this week's First Ministers meeting.

Graham Richardson fills in for Vassy Kapelos today. She will be back in the hosting chair tomorrow. Tuesday marks the first time that Prime Minister Carney has publicly commented on the resumption of trade talks between Canada and the United States - just a week before the U.S. Midterms take place. Graham is joined by Scotty Greenwood, a former U.S. diplomat to Canada, for reaction and analysis. On today's show: Graham speaks with Sean Strickland, the Executive Director of Canada's Building Trades Unions, following his testimony at committee today on Bill C-39. Money Talk with John Klotz: Preparing for retirement, and the next chapter of your life. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Jamie Ellerton, Sharan Kaur, and Nojoud Al Mallees. Graham speaks with Jon Allen, Canada's former Ambassador to Israel, about the stakes in today's national elections and how they are widely seen as a referendum on Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership. CTV's Rachel Aiello dissects what's included in Canada's MAiD legislation update, which was tabled in the House of Commons today.

Multiple government and industry sources close to trade discussions between Canada and the United States tell CTV News the momentum of the talks, combined with U.S. President Trump’s political vulnerabilities ahead of the U.S. Midterms, leads them to believe there is considerable appetite from the White House to strike a deal with Canada. Vassy is joined by CTV National News Ottawa Bureau Chief Graham Richardson for the latest details. On today's show: Vassy goes 1-on-1 with Parliamentary Budget Officer Annette Ryan, who has a new warning about the national debt ahead of the 2026 Federal Budget. Tech Check with tech analyst Carmi Levy: A.I. generated content can plant fake memories. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Tim Powers, Tom Mulcair, and Zain Velji. Vassy speaks with Dinesh Patnaik, India's High Commissioner, as Canada and India seek to sign a free trade deal before the end of 2026. CTV B.C. legislative reporter Rob Buffam joins Vassy for a post-mortem on the B.C. election.

It's the Graham Richardson Show - where we talk politics and also have a little bit of fun! You can catch Graham every single Friday from Noon until 2PM. On today's show: The Friday Five: U.S. President Donald Trump hints that a trade deal with Canada might happen before November's Midterms. Prime Minister Carney fires back at U.S. election interference claims. The B.C. election hits the final stretch, as voters head to the ballot box on Saturday. Carney's controversial trip to Turkiye. An update on the tragic CFB Wainwright fire. The Big Conversation: Vassy Kapelos joins Graham to break down U.S. President Trump's comments on a possible trade deal. Graham goes 1-on-1 with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith following Monday's referendum results. Meet Brady Rogers, who was elected to Kelowna City Council after his unenthusiastic campaign signs went viral. CTV B.C. legislative reporter Rob Buffam joins Graham with an election campaign update, as the polls are mere hours away from opening. Former Ottawa Mayor Larry O'Brien joins Graham to talk about his new book - a prescription for handling Trump's trade war. Dozens of Canada's top scientists have signed a letter urging the Carney government to amend Bill C-39. Graham speaks with one of them, Dr. Sally Otto, from the University of British Columbia. Have Your Say: Is Trump going to blink on tariffs? What made Graham smile this week: Calgary Flames goalie Devin Cooley's amazing postgame interview.

It's the first ever bilateral visit by a Canadian Prime Minister to Turkiye, and Mark Carney is already facing criticism from some groups over that country's human rights record. Vassy is joined by CTV National News senior correspondent Abigail Bimman, who is with the Prime Minister in Ankara. On today's show: Vassy goes 1-on-1 with Eleanor Olszewski, Alberta's lone federal Cabinet Minister, to discuss the results of Monday's referendum. CTV Chief Financial Correspondent Amanda Lang dissects why more economists are predicting the Bank of Canada will raise interest rates before the end of the year. Talk Science To Me with CTV Science and Technology specialist Dan Riskin: Why lying down makes things hurt less. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Marieke Walsh, Laura Stone, and Brian Platt. Cybersecurity expert David Shipley joins Vassy to discuss the Crime Stoppers data breach, and what it says about Canada's privacy laws.

Tim Powers guest hosts for Vassy Kapelos, who is on the way back from Alberta. And in a provincial address Tuesday evening, Premier Danielle Smith says she will respect Albertans’ vote after the majority opted to stay in Canada. CTV's Rachel Aiello has the key takeaways from Smith's address. On today's show: Tim is joined by CTV National News Alberta correspondent Kathy Le, who is hearing from the family of one of the soldiers hospitalized with severe burns after the CFB Wainwright tragedy. Tim speaks with Chris Kilford, an External Fellow at the Queen's University Centre for International and Defense Policy and a former Senior Canadian Military Attaché to Turkey. They discuss Prime Minister Carney's first bilateral visit to Turkey, a trip that few Canadian Prime Ministers have taken. The Explainer with immigration lawyer Chantal Desloges: How is Quebec's immigration system different than other provinces? The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Jordan Paquet, Sabrina Grover, and Stephanie Levitz. CTV U.S. political analyst Eric Ham breaks down how the trade war is factoring into key U.S. Midterm election races with less than 2 weeks left in the campaign.

Tim Powers guest hosts for Vassy Kapelos, who is on assignment in Alberta. And that is where we start today's program. About 75 percent of ballots cast in Monday's referendum were against Alberta pursuing a binding vote on separating from the rest of Canada. If the separatists would have won Monday's vote, a separate vote would have been held at a later date, and could have altered the province's permanent future. On today's show: Tim speaks with Stephen Carter from the pro-federalist group Alberta's Voice about the referendum results. Wainwright Mayor Bruce Pugh joins Tim to discuss how the community is coping with the aftermath of Saturday's deadly fire at CFB Wainwright, which claimed the lives of 4 CAF members and injured many others. Money Talk with John Klotz: Taking the fear out of your financial plan. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Jamie Ellerton, Sharan Kaur, and Nojoud Al Mallees. Tim speaks with The Globe And Mail's Europe correspondent Paul Waldie about what's driving a wave of violent protests in multiple E.U. countries. Hear Vassy's interview with General Jennie Carignan, Canada's Chief of Defense Staff, about the CFB Wainwright tragedy.

Tim Powers guest hosts for Vassy Kapelos today, as parts of Alberta continue to mourn. A weekend incident at CFB Wainwright happened during live fire training on Saturday, leaving 4 people dead and dozens injured in what the Defense Minister called 'one of the hardest days that the Canadian Armed Forces has had to face at home in peacetime'. On today's show: Vassy Kapelos joins us live from Calgary to discuss both the tragedy at CFB Wainwright and today's historic Alberta referendum vote. Tech Check with tech analyst Carmi Levy: What we know about reports of Starlink not working for Ukraine's military, and why a dollar store phone charger is at the centre of a lawsuit after a family's SUV went up in flames. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Tom Mulcair, Zain Velji, and Graham Richardson. Hear Vassy's conversation with former Alberta Premiers Rachel Notley and Jason Kenney ahead of tonight's referendum vote. TSN Rugby Analyst Gareth Rees joins Tim with a breakdown of an historic victory for the Canadian National Women's Rugby Team.

It's the Graham Richardson Show - where we talk politics and also have a little bit of fun! You can catch Graham every single Friday from Noon until 2PM. On today's show: The Friday Five: Zelenskyy says Trump has betrayed him. Prime Minister Carney speaks ahead of Monday's Alberta referendum. The U.S. Ambassador to Canada's stern warning on election interference, and what happens if Canada is found dipping their toes into the upcoming Midterms. The Snowbirds' play - or shall we say 'fly' - their final show. Plus, a Lotto Max jackpot reaches $90 million! The Big Conversation: Elenore Olszewski, the Federal Minister of Emergency Management and the Liberal MP for Edmonton Centre, tackles the significance of Monday's referendum. She is also the only Carney Cabinet Minister who is based in Alberta. Life With Canada's Best: Darrell Fox, the younger brother of Terry Fox and the Executive Producer of the new documentary ‘Run Terry Run’ . Are provinces following the science on ditching Fall time changes? Graham speaks with Patricia Lakin-Thomas, a Professor at York University's Department of Biology. Duane Bratt, a Professor of Political Science at Mount Royal University, explains the 'other nine' Alberta referendum questions. Conservative MP Fraser Tolmie joins Graham live from Moose Jaw ahead of the Snowbirds' final air show. Dr. Bolu Ogunyemi, the President of the Canadian Medical Association, on the urgent call for more healthcare funding ahead of the 2026 Federal Budget. Have Your Say: Your thoughts on Monday's massive Alberta referendum.

With 4 days to go until the October 19th final vote, hundreds of thousands of Albertans have already casted their ballots at advanced polling stations. Vassy goes 1-on-1 with Corey Hogan, the Liberals' lone MP in Calgary, who says he's satisfied there hasn't been any U.S. interference in the separatism campaign. On today's show: In a bombshell interview with U.K. media personality Piers Morgan, Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelenskyy says he feels betrayed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Vassy speaks with Bill Browder about the latest developments with the President's controversial deal to lift Russian sanctions. Meet Zed Dhallan, the entrepreneur who created his own colon cancer test after he was denied provincial screening for being too young. Not long after that rejection, he was diagnosed with the disease at Age 35. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Mike LeCouteur, Marieke Walsh, Laura Stone, and Rob Benzie. Vassy speaks with Elliott Pence, the founder of Canadian defence company Dominion Dynamics, which is partnering with Ukraine to build military drones. Postmedia columnist Rick Bell joins the show with his take on the political stakes ahead of the October 19th referendum in Alberta.

Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelenskyy says his country has been hit by multiple Russian attacks without advance notice from U.S. intelligence partners. This comes amid multiple reports that U.S. President Trump had threatened to cut off intelligence support for Ukraine - unless it stopped attacking Russian oil refineries. Vassy speaks with Retired General Tom Lawson, a former Chief of the Defense Staff of Canada. On today's show: Vassy is joined by The Atlantic's David Frum with his take on Trump's Russian diesel deal. New analysis from the C.D. Howe Institute has found that Canadians’ ability to save and repay debt is sharply divided across income and generational lines. Vassy speaks with the report's author Peter MacKenzie. The Explainer with Canadian economist lecturer Moshe Lander: Why the bond market is increasingly worried about national debt. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Laura D'Angelo, Jeff Rutledge, and Stephanie Levitz. Former Toronto homicide detective Mark Mendelson joins Vassy with his reaction to the Toronto Police charging three Canadian Armed Forces members in a brazen armed kidnapping.

Advance voting has begun for one of the most consequential ballots in recent Canadian political history. Albertans are now able to cast a ballot either in favor, or in opposition, of separating from the rest of Canada. Vassy speaks with former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney about what's at stake. On today's show: Vassy goes 1-on-1 with Canada's Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin, discussing the new federal Heat Pump Rebate and Canada's emissions reduction track. Money Talk with John Klotz: What to know if you're in the market for your first home. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Sharan Kaur, Jamie Ellerton, and Nojoud Al Mallees. Ontario has become the latest province to at least partially end biannual time changes. Are they following the science? Vassy digs deeper with CAMH sleep expert Dr. Michael Mak. U.S. President Trump is defending his decision to lift sanctions on Russian diesel following a bipartisan backlash.

It's the Graham Richardson Show - where we talk politics and also have a little bit of fun! You can catch Graham every single Friday from Noon until 2PM. And we wish you all a very safe and happy Thanksgiving Weekend! On today's show: The Friday Five: The Parti Quebecois takes Quebec, but fall short of a majority. Canada's jobs report for September is out, and it's bad. Canada influences a pivotal U.S. Senate race. Canada's Conservatives support Bill C-39. And when it comes to Canada-USA trade talks, there remains no movement. The Big Conversation: Canada's 2026 job gains were quickly erased in a cruel September. Graham speaks with economist Moshe Lander about the stunning data. Life with Canada's Best: Meet Bob Gibson, a Canadian veteran with ALS pushing the federal government to fund research into the disease's little-known link to military service. Retail analyst Bruce Winder discusses why the new federal grocery rebate is falling short for many Canadians. The Toronto Star's Rob Benzie has an update on the RCMP investigation into the Ford government's Greenbelt scandal after 1,100 days. Graham speaks with Jeremy MacDonald, a Superintendent of Security for the Arctic Region, as we delve inside the Canadian Coast Guard's mission to assert arctic sovereignty. Janet Leith, President of the Ontario Dental Association, discusses the latest shortcomings in the Canada Dental Care Program. Have Your Say: Canada's gloomy job numbers, plus the Conservatives' polling problem. What made Graham smile this week: It's Thanksgiving!

The richest man on Planet Earth is no stranger to commenting on other countries' politics. This week, Canada is apparently on the mind of Tesla founder Elon Musk, as he reacted to the Parti Quebecois' election victory. In a series of posts, Musk encouraged Quebec, Alberta, and Saskatchewan to seek independence from the country they live in. Prime Minister Carney reacts to Musk's comments, while the Daily Debrief Panel dissects those soundbites from a political perspective. On today's show: Vassy goes 1-on-1 with Liberal Caucus Chair James Maloney amid the fallout from the Carney government's MAiD decision. Heather McPherson, the NDP MP for Edmonton Strathcona, discusses why she's pushing for an emergency debate in Parliament over the Alberta referendum on October 19th. Infectious diseases specialist Dr. Lisa Barrett has a reality check on the 'Russian Plague', and addresses the ongoing fears surrounding a future outbreak. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Marieke Walsh, Mike LeCouteur, Laura Stone, and Rob Benzie. CTV U.S. political analyst Eric Ham weighs in on Trump-endorsed Senate candidate Mike Rogers now running anti-tariff ads ahead of America's Midterms. CTV's Jeremie Charron has the details on a new $2 billion federal rebate program, aimed at encouraging Canadians to switch to heat pumps this Winter.

It's a decision that has been years in the making. On Wednesday, Canada's Justice Minister announced that the Carney government will table legislation to indefinitely pause the expansion of medically assisted death for Canadians whose sole underlying condition is a mental illness. The Daily Debrief panel weighs in on the politics around Canada's MAiD regime. On today's show: Vassy goes 1-on-1 with Stephen Fuhr, the Secretary of State for Defense Procurement, on why the government is converting the new Defense Investment Agency into a Crown corporation just a year after it was launched. B.C. Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson joins Vassy to discuss the B.C. election campaign. The Explainer with CJAD Montreal host Elias Makos: What exactly do Quebec separatists want? The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Laura D'Angelo, Jeff Rutledge, and Paul Wells. Weeks of violent protests across France show no signs of slowing down, as the Macron government scrambles to deal with multiple political crises. Vassy speaks with European political expert Professor Laurie Beaudonnet from the University of Montreal. CTV's Rachel Aiello joins us with all the details on the Justice Minister's MAiD announcement.

Parti Quebecois leader Paul St. Pierre Plamondon campaigned on a promise to hold a referendum on Quebec independence, but not until after U.S. President Donald Trump leaves office. CTV Quebec Bureau Chief Genevieve Beauchemin joins Vassy with a breakdown of the Quebec election results. On today's show: A new report from the Institute for Research on Public Policy is highlighting the gaps between political rhetoric and actual action on diversifying Canada's trade economy. Vassy is joined by Chris Ragan, the Founding Director of McGill University's Max Bell School of Public Policy. Money Talk with John Klotz: The key highlights from the annual IPC Wealth Conference in Ottawa. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Jamie Ellerton, Sharan Kaur, and Nojoud Al Mallees. Vassy goes 1-on-1 with Conservative MP Scott Aitchison, the eighth member of the Conservative caucus to either resign or cross the floor since the 2025 Federal Election. CTV National News correspondent Judy Trinh has an update on the investigation into a Canadian intern at NATO, who is on trial for espionage.

In this 4-part series, Vassy Kapelos is joined by psychotherapist Jentzen Michael Shea for an in-depth discussion about various aspects of understanding grief. We examine how it impacts our lives and explore strategies for addressing and dealing with grief when it becomes an impediment to our mental health.

Graham Richardson fills in for Vassy Kapelos today, as Quebec heads to the ballot box. La Presse Ottawa Bureau Chief Joel-Denis Bellevance joins Graham with a breakdown of what's at stake, as Quebecers vote for their next government. On today's show: The Globe And Mail's Carrie Tait joins Graham with details of an investigation into Alberta separatist leaders, and their ties to U.S. political operatives. Tech Check with tech analyst Carmi Levy: How much time do Canadians annually waste looking for something to watch? The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Tim Powers, Zain Velji, and Tom Mulcair. A recent study has found that Military members are twice as likely to develop ALS. Graham is joined by ALS Society of Canada CEO Tammy Moore, who is calling on the federal government to fund research. CTV's Rob Buffam breaks down B.C. NDP leader David Eby's promise to raise taxes on high-income earners if he's re-elected later this month.