The Grey Cup deadline on a memorandum of understanding between the prime minister and the premier is about to come and go, but it’s not necessarily a disaster, as Danielle Smith works to secure a "new, grand bargain" for Alberta.

This week on West of Centre, host Kathleen Petty is joined by Mount Royal University political scientist Duane Bratt; Alberta-based politics reporter for the Toronto Star, Alex Boyd; and the CBC's own writer and producer Jason Markusoff.

Are there finally signs of life from the Alberta NDP? After months of virtual silence, the panel breaks down a new ad from the Opposition many felt was missing in action.

The premier will be held to account for the United Conservatives’ member policy declarations at the party’s upcoming AGM, but in her bid to keep her base happy, one panellist asserts she may have created a poison pill for herself.

And a little bit of trivia about why you keep hearing the word “tranche” when it comes to the running list of nation-building major projects announced by the federal government. (Hint: it has to do with the background of a certain former central banker.) 

Host: Kathleen Petty | Producer and editor: Diane Yanko | Guests: Alex Boyd, Duane Bratt, Jason Markusoff

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first budget dropped this week, but it has been buried in the news by MP exits and mounting pressure from Albertans using the UCP’s own legislation to seek accountability.

This week on West of Centre, host Kathleen Petty is joined by longtime policy advisor Ken Boessenkool, who worked with former Prime Minister Stephen Harper; Zain Velji, one third of The Strategists podcast who has worked on campaigns for the Alberta NDP; and Globe and Mail energy reporter Emma Graney.

Listen as the panel explores how the biggest economic announcement of the year has been overshadowed by an internal crisis for the federal Conservative party and why “democratic reform is for losers." You'll also hear more sports analogies to describe current events than you thought possible, and learn about... Mr. Muffins?!

Host: Kathleen Petty | Producer & editor: Diane Yanko | Guests: Emma Graney, Ken Boessenkool, Zain Velji

Alberta’s UCP government used the biggest hammer in its toolbox this week to force teachers back to work.

The provincial government invoked the notwithstanding clause, arguing families needed certainty. The move has certainly raised the ire of many Albertans, along with the wider labour movement, which has promised consequences. Already, the education minister is the target of the first recall petition approved under Alberta’s Recall Act.

This week on West of Centre, host Kathleen Petty is joined by Colin Aitchison, press secretary to the education minister in Jason Kenney’s UCP government; former Alberta NDP cabinet minister Shannon Phillips; and University of Alberta political scientist Jared Wesley.

Together, they scratch their heads at how a grassroots effort to affirm Alberta’s place in Canada with the "Forever Canadian" petition outgrew every expectation. When combined with the teachers’ movement, the panel sees it as a shock to the political system in Alberta.

Host: Kathleen Petty | Producer & editor: Diane Yanko | Guests: Colin Aitchison, Shannon Phillips, Jared Wesley

With the ballots finally counted and the results official, Alberta’s 2025 municipal election cycle is one for the books. New regulations brought in by the provincial government for voters casting ballots for mayor, councillor and school trustee saw a requirement for a new attestation form, a ban on electronic tabulators in favour of hand counting, and the addition of political parties to Calgary and Edmonton. This week on West of Centre, host Kathleen Petty is joined by journalist and editor of The Sprawl, Jeremy Klaszus; Edmonton Journal civic affairs columnist Keith Gerein; and Mount Royal University political science professor Lori Williams. With the elections in many cities and towns hampered by long lines and slow processing times, the panel suggests some of the changes amount to a real problem for democracy.

Host: Kathleen Petty | Producer & editor: Diane Yanko | Guests: Jeremy Klaszus, Keith Gerein, Lori Williams

No gold stars this week for either the Government of Alberta or the Alberta Teachers' Association, as both sides have failed to strike a potential deal on a labour dispute that has kept around 750,000 students out of class for the foreseeable future. This week on West of Centre, host Rob Brown, along with University of Calgary political science professor Lisa Young, Evan Menzies of Crestview Strategy and Cheryl Oates of The Discourse podcast delve into why this is not a normal strike, but is ultimately about the future of public education in Alberta. Also, a newly-released third-party investigation into procurement at Alberta Health Services has found no evidence of wrongdoing by anyone in government. But the judge who wrote the report acknowledged he couldn’t make any definitive statements based on the restrictions limiting the scope of his probe, and the panel believes there are still some outstanding questions. Finally, the panel weighs in on Alberta’s plans to leave Wild Rose Country in the dust in favour of the motto "Strong and Free" as it redesigns its licence plates, and whether this move is a matter of provincial pride or is steering attention away from bigger issues.

Host: Rob Brown | Producer & editor: Diane Yanko | Guests: Cheryl Oates, Evan Menzies, Lisa Young

There are now two proposed pipelines without private proponents on the table. The first: Alberta's idea for a bitumen pipeline to northern British Columbia has become a political hot potato. The second, Keystone XL, may potentially be back from the dead (just in time for Halloween!) as possible leverage with U.S. President Donald Trump, to lubricate relief from steel and aluminum tariffs. On West of Centre this week, host Kathleen Petty is joined by Erika Barootes, who once served as the premier's principal secretary; Keith McLaughlin, who was chief of staff to several ministers in Rachel Notley's NDP government; and CBC producer and writer, Jason Markusoff. They dive into the possibility that the federal energy minister is dodging Ottawa's role in the Alberta-B.C. pipeline dispute, why pipeline politics are so intertwined with a new U.S. trade deal, and whether Alberta Premier Danielle Smith was right all along when it came to her honey versus vinegar approach to dealing with Trump. 

Host: Kathleen Petty | Producer & editor: Diane Yanko | Guests: Erika Barootes, Keith McLaughlin, Jason Markusoff

Alberta is laying the groundwork for a new bitumen pipeline to B.C.'s northwest coast. But Danielle Smith's government's plan isn't just about a pipeline -- it's a test of political will. 

In this week's episode of West of Centre, our panel digs into how this proposed project is a bold political play by the premier that's straight out of a "choose your own adventure" gamebook, with two very different endings. The push for a new West Coast pipeline and a new, grand bargain with Ottawa is Smith's preferred path. The premier expects that pipeline to be on the list of the next round of major projects that the federal government unveils by Grey Cup. But what happens if this plan fails? The push toward Alberta's sovereignty, an idea that's been getting new oxygen at the Alberta Next panel consultations, could be the next path. 

Host Kathleen Petty is joined this week by Rick Bell, a columnist with Postmedia; Rob Breakenridge, a columnist and podcast host at The Line; and pollster and political analyst Janet Brown. They break down how this isn't just a political story; it's about the very identity of Alberta. 

Host: Kathleen Petty | Producer & editor: Diane Yanko | Guests: Rick Bell, Rob Breakenridge, Janet Brown

Is “pragmatism” a good principle when it comes to tackling climate change? What does this big buzzword adopted by the Prime Minister and others in his government even mean, anyway? 

As the Canadian Climate Institute concludes there’s no way Canada will meet its emission reduction targets for 2030 or even 2035, our expert panel dives into the disconnect between the country’s net-zero targets and the lack of a clear, short-term plan to get there. 

West of Centre host Kathleen Petty is joined by Bill Whitelaw, executive director of Rextag; climate policy strategist Jeremy van Loon; and Globe and Mail energy reporter Emma Graney. They examine the effectiveness of key initiatives, including the Pathways Alliance carbon capture project, the evolution of industrial carbon pricing, and how the concept of “pragmatism” fits into the politics of it all. 

Host: Kathleen Petty | Producer & editor: Diane Yanko | Guests: Bill Whitelaw, Emma Graney, Jeremy van Loon

The Alberta government is making headlines with its plan to add a “CAN” citizenship marker to driver’s licences, a move Premier Danielle Smith says will safeguard elections and improve efficiency. At the same time, she’s pressing for greater provincial control over immigration, even as the province faces the threat of a teachers’ strike, a ballooning deficit and renewed talk of sovereignty.

West of Centre host Kathleen Petty explores whether Smith is energizing her base or distracting from core issues with Real Talk podcast host Ryan Jespersen, former Tory aide Tom Olsen, and ex-Trudeau adviser Jessie Chahal. The panel weighs whether the UCP government’s priorities align with what Albertans really want.

Host: Kathleen Petty | Producer & editor: Falice Chin | Guests: Ryan Jespersen, Tom Olsen, Jessie Chahal

This fall, Calgary and Edmonton voters will face a first in Alberta history: municipal candidates backed by political parties.

The provincial government has launched the move as a pilot project, but it’s already stirring debate. Critics warn it could erode the independence of city politics, while supporters say it may bring clarity and accountability to local campaigns.

West of Centre Short host Rob Brown speaks with Kennedy Stewart, a former Vancouver mayor and longtime political science professor, who has run both as an independent and as part of a party slate. From spending caps and donor lists to door knockers and party discipline (or lack thereof), Stewart lays out how partisanship reshapes city campaigns and governance — for better and worse.

Host: Rob Brown | Producer & editor: Falice Chin | Guest: Kennedy Stewart

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first five “nation-building” projects are out — but there’s no oil pipeline, at least not yet. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s unusually upbeat response raised eyebrows, suggesting she may know something the rest of us don’t. Both she and Carney hint that bigger announcements could come by year’s end.

West of Centre host Kathleen Petty is back to dissect the politics behind the nudge-nudge, wink-wink with Zain Velji of The Strategists podcast, conservative strategist Amber Ruddy, and Toronto Star journalist Alex Boyd.

Together, they dig into what Carney’s cautious list means for Alberta, the federal government, and where it leaves Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.

In the second half, Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon joins the conversation to explore why Alberta and Quebec may be more alike than different when it comes to their battles with Ottawa. Plamondon, who hopes to be Quebec’s next premier, has pledged to hold another referendum on separation by 2030 if his party forms government. 

After all, what’s more Albertan than obsessing about Quebec?

Even Alberta politics needs a pause now and then. While there are no new episodes in August, we'll be back in September, ready to dive headfirst into the political drama this province never fails to deliver. Enjoy the quiet while it lasts.

Please rate and review us if you can. It helps others discover the pod.

More than halfway through a turbulent political year, Alberta sits at the crossroads of a global trade war, a federal-provincial power struggle and a simmering separatism debate. This week on West of Centre, host Rob Brown brings together former federal cabinet minister Monte Solberg, political strategist Stephen Carter, and University of Calgary political scientist Lisa Young to take stock of Canada and Alberta’s political landscape before the podcast breaks for the summer.

The panel sizes up three major players: rookie Prime Minister Mark Carney, who’s set an ambitious tone but faces high-stakes tests ahead; Pierre Poilievre, whose leadership hangs in the balance after his election defeat; and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who remains strong in the polls while stoking talks of sovereignty. The trio weighs in on their performance so far — and what could make or break them in the months ahead.

The episode wraps with a look at Alberta’s changing municipal politics, where party slates are on the ballot for the first time in Calgary and Edmonton. While voters claim to dislike partisanship in city hall, Carter argues party structures could either streamline councils or turn them into battlegrounds. With federal, provincial, and municipal politics all in flux, the rest of 2025 promises anything but quiet.

West of Centre has recorded its biggest audience and download numbers ever this year. Thank you for listening! We’ll be back in September with Kathleen Petty returning to the host chair.

Host: Rob Brown | Producer & editor: Falice Chin | Guests: Monte Solberg, Lisa Young, Stephen Carter

As the Aug. 1 trade deadline approaches, Donald Trump’s administration is threatening to hike tariffs on non-CUSMA-compliant Canadian goods from 25 to 35 per cent, while leaving existing levies on potash and energy unchanged. Gitane De Silva, former Canada Energy Regulator CEO and Alberta’s ex-representative in Washington, doubts a deal will be struck by Friday. She says Canada is smart to keep negotiations focused and quiet, while leveraging its deep economic integration with the U.S.

De Silva urges Ottawa to avoid broad retaliation but suggests targeted responses and shifts in consumer behaviour are already shaping U.S. decisions. She questions whether Trump even wants a short-term deal, given his push to renegotiate CUSMA. Canada, she argues, should aim for certainty in key sectors like autos and energy while being realistic about what it may need to concede. Despite the turbulence, she’s cautiously optimistic Canadians are adapting to a new era of trade uncertainty.

At home, De Silva weighs in on Alberta’s push for a new pipeline to Prince Rupert, B.C., calling it feasible but dependent on meaningful backing from both levels of government. She says regulatory clarity under Bill C-5 is lacking, and Indigenous consultation — especially in B.C.'s unceded territories — remains a key challenge. She suggests Ottawa could seek legal clarity via a Supreme Court reference. Despite the obstacles, she sees this as a moment for Canada to assert its value as a reliable supplier of food, fuel and stability in a shifting global landscape.

Host: Rob Brown | Producer & editor: Falice Chin | Guest: Gitane De Silva

In the dead of summer, a shift in tone appears to be taking hold between Canada’s premiers and the prime minister.

On this week’s West of Centre, three Alberta-based journalists examine what may be driving Premier Danielle Smith’s recent change in rhetoric. At the latest premiers’ summit, Smith downplayed talk of a new oil pipeline and instead emphasized on shared priorities with B.C. Premier David Eby — including ammonia exports, LNG expansion and increasing Trans Mountain’s capacity.

Meghan Potkins of the Financial Post offers a reality check on the private sector’s appetite for a new pipeline. Lisa Johnson of The Canadian Press and Alex Boyd of the Toronto Star explore whether more in-person engagement — and a new prime minister — may be shifting the dynamic among provincial leaders. And to what political end?

The panel also unpacks renewed controversy over coal payouts. The Alberta government is now facing millions more in potential liabilities after reversing its policy on coal development in the Rockies — raising the prospect of further legal and political fallout.

Attention then turns to the Battle River–Crowfoot byelection, where federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre faces a ballot featuring some 200 names. Is it a genuine complaint, or a pre-emptive explanation for what could be a lower vote share in one of the country’s safest Conservative ridings?

The episode ends on a sobering note. Globe and Mail reporter Carrie Tait was recently targeted with surveillance. The panel reflects on rising hostility toward journalists, and how it threatens not just the press, but the public’s access to information.

Host: Rob Brown | Producer & editor: Falice Chin | Guests: Meghan Potkins, Lisa Johnson, Alex Boyd

Canada’s sluggish gross domestic product (GDP) per capita has been branded an economic “emergency.” Yet the headline figure could soon rise even if Prime Minister Mark Carney does little to spur productivity. Ottawa is slashing the intake of international students and temporary foreign workers — a move that will shrink the population denominator and nudge the stat upward, even as total output may slip and social programs face restraint.

In this episode of West of Centre Short, host Rob Brown asks University of Calgary economist Gillian Petit to dissect the metric politicians love to wield. GDP measures total output, while GDP per capita divides that sum by the population. Petit says the simple math offers an easy snapshot but can mislead when used alone.

For a true read on prosperity, Petit argues Canada needs a broader dashboard that weighs productivity, fairness and long‑term well‑being. Building that tool, she warns, will be a lot tougher than quoting a single number.

Host: Rob Brown | Producer & editor: Falice Chin | Guest: Gillian Petit

The Alberta Next tour is only two stops in and critics already say it feels less like a neutral consultation than a sales exercise for provincial moves, including setting up an Alberta pension plan, a provincial police service and a homegrown tax collection agency.

Former NDP staffer Shannon Greer likened the events to a timeshare presentation, citing high‑production videos, tightly managed messaging and survey questions that she said steered respondents. Former UCP staffer Colin Aitchison acknowledged some questions were leading but argued Premier Danielle Smith could have staged a purely partisan event or gone straight to a referendum if she wanted a predetermined outcome. Neither were surprised the town halls attracted separatists and federalists alike.

Meanwhile, NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi — newly sworn in as MLA for Edmonton–Strathcona — is launching a counter roadshow dubbed the “Better Together” summer tour built around a pro‑Canada message. Journalist Jason Markusoff questions whether either program will achieve its aims.

The competing tours unfold amid friction on two fronts: between Alberta and Ottawa, and between the province and municipalities — both centred on jurisdictional reach. While Smith accuses the federal government of overstepping, several mayors accuse her government of doing the same on local matters ranging from bike lanes to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies.

Host: Rob Brown | Producer & editor: Falice Chin | Guests: Colin Aitchison, Shannon Greer, Jason Markusoff

A northern Alberta First Nations leader is raising concerns about a proposed $16-billion carbon capture project, warning his community could pursue legal action if the federal government fails to properly consult Indigenous groups.

In an interview on West of Centre Short, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Chief Allan Adam said his community has not received credible information about the environmental risks of the Pathways Alliance project — particularly the injection of carbon into underground salt plains.

Adam also criticized the Carney government’s Bill C-5, which aims to fast-track infrastructure projects deemed to be in the national interest. He’s so opposed to the bill, he’s opted not to attend the prime minister’s meeting with fellow chiefs in Gatineau this week.

At the heart of Adam’s concerns is a long-standing call for revenue sharing. He said that unless First Nations are offered a more equitable stake in resource development, especially on Treaty land, conflict and legal challenges will continue.

Host: Rob Brown | Producer & editor: Falice Chin | Guest: Allan Adam

Can Pierre Poilievre survive the summer — and is a new oil pipeline imminent? Those questions are fuelling chatter on rooftop patios, at pancake breakfasts and in political backrooms across Calgary during 10 days of Stampede networking.

On this week’s episode of West of Centre, conservative strategist Tom Olsen shares what politicians and staffers are really saying — and whether they believe Poilievre deserves another shot after losing the federal election. Jessie Chahal, a former adviser to prime minister Justin Trudeau, thinks Conservatives across Canada are more divided than they let on. And NDP strategist Cheryl Oates argues the party is doing everything it can to tip the scales in Poilievre’s favour — including, in her view, the decision to hold the leadership review in Calgary.

First, though, Poilievre must win his byelection in Battle River–Crowfoot. Victory is expected, but the panel debates what kind of margin he needs to maintain the confidence of his party.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Carney is signalling a shift on energy policy, calling a new oil pipeline proposal “highly likely.” That statement comes just as the premiers of Alberta and Ontario sign memorandums of understanding aimed at boosting interprovincial trade — and reviving the idea of an east–west pipeline. But how close are we to a private-sector proponent stepping forward and shouting, “Yahoo!”?

Host: Rob Brown | Producer & editor: Falice Chin | Guests: Tom Olsen, Jessie Chahal, Cheryl Oates

Despite wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, a resurgent Donald Trump threatening global trade, and the world increasing supply, crude prices haven’t swung wildly like they once did. In fact, 2024 marked one of the most stable years for oil prices in decades, and the first half of 2025 has more or less followed suit.

So what’s behind this unusual calm in a chaotic world?

On this episode of West of Centre Short, energy analyst Susan Bell of Rystad Energy breaks down what’s anchoring post-pandemic global oil prices — and why Canada has proven more resilient than expected. From OPEC’s evolving playbook to U.S. shale discipline and the impact of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, we unpack the new rules of the game. That includes the political calculus behind Saudi Arabia’s more cautious approach, as it balances domestic reforms, regional influence and long-term energy strategy.

But the era of stability may not last. Bell flags the early warning signs — and what could trigger the next big shift.

Host: Rob Brown | Producer & editor: Falice Chin | Guest: Susan Bell