It’s make or break for the Liberals as they begin to pitch their election-year budget. But are its goodies strong enough to change the channel on SNC-Lavalin? We go behind-the-scenes with insiders about what goes into crafting one.

In this episode: Edward Goldenberg, former senior political advisor to prime minister Jean Chrétien; Rachel Curran, former policy director to prime minister Stephen Harper; Michele Cadario, former deputy chief of staff to prime minister Paul Martin and B.C. premier Christy Clark. Hosted by Althia Raj.

Detailed show notes:

(2:40) ‘Unimpressed’ Liberals on new challenge to caucus camaraderie

(3:33) Jean Chrétien’s two-week budget notice

(7:40) Michele Cadario recalls how stakeholders door-knocking “never really stops”

(10:38) Fielding cabinet ministers’ wishlists

(12:07) “The budget isn’t a group writing exercise”

(12:20) The “watershed” budget of 1995

(13:38) Experts share their take inside the budget lock-up in Ottawa

(14:25) Former Parliamentary budget officer Kevin Page IDs the theme behind the Liberals’ 2019 budget

(16:46) That time a prime minister’s balanced budget excitement didn’t translate for voters

(18:28) Putting deficit numbers into perspective

(19:45) It’s a “great” political opportunity in opposition votes - Michele Cadario

(24:11) Conservative MP Michael Chong: “The Liberals are clearly making a very desperate attempt to change the channel from their refusal to address this violation of our constitution

(25:57) Liberal MPs talk about loyalty to the party