Canada has some of the strongest legal protections for abortion in the world. So why do reproductive-rights advocates say the fight is changing rather than ending? This week on Balance of Power, Annalise Klingbeil sits down with Frédérique Chabot, executive director of Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights, to talk about where the abortion fight is happening now. First: abortion may be legal in Canada, but access is shaped by geography, the health-care system and provincial policy. Fred explains why her organization is also watching the politics of trans rights and gender-affirming care — and the political strategies that can move from one issue to another. Then: the fight moves online. Fred breaks down what she calls the “betrayed woman” narrative: messaging that draws on real frustrations with women’s health care to encourage women to reject hormonal contraception. They talk about influencers, algorithms, misinformation and why the digital information environment has become a new front in reproductive health. Finally: where does a national reproductive-rights organization focus when health care is largely delivered by the provinces? Fred talks about connecting the dots between local fights and national trends, the future of public health care, and what Action Canada is watching across the country. Abortion access, gender-affirming care, contraception, misinformation and the changing politics of reproductive rights. Welcome to Balance of Power. Have a comment or idea? Email us at <a href="mailto:suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.ca" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.ca</a> Join the Strategists Podcast Network Patreon for extended episodes and ad-free listening:<a href="https://patreon.com/strategistspod" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">patreon.com/strategistspod</a> Guest:Frédérique Chabot — Executive Director, Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights<a href="https://www.actioncanadashr.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights</a> Get your tickets for The Strategists Live!:<a href="https://strategistliveshow.ca/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">strategistliveshow.ca</a><hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Canada has some of the strongest legal protections for abortion in the world. So why do reproductive-rights advocates say the fight is changing rather than ending? This week on Balance of Power, Annalise Klingbeil sits down with Frédérique Chabot, executive director of Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights, to talk about where the abortion fight is happening now. First: abortion may be legal in Canada, but access is shaped by geography, the health-care system and provincial policy. Fred explains why her organization is also watching the politics of trans rights and gender-affirming care — and the political strategies that can move from one issue to another. Then: the fight moves online. Fred breaks down what she calls the “betrayed woman” narrative: messaging that draws on real frustrations with women’s health care to encourage women to reject hormonal contraception. They talk about influencers, algorithms, misinformation and why the digital information environment has become a new front in reproductive health. Finally: where does a national reproductive-rights organization focus when health care is largely delivered by the provinces? Fred talks about connecting the dots between local fights and national trends, the future of public health care, and what Action Canada is watching across the country. Abortion access, gender-affirming care, contraception, misinformation and the changing politics of reproductive rights. Welcome to Balance of Power. Have a comment or idea? Email us at suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.ca Join the Strategists Podcast Network Patreon for extended episodes and ad-free listening: patreon.com/strategistspod Guest: Frédérique Chabot — Executive Director, Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights Get your tickets for The Strategists Live!: strategistliveshow.ca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Canada has some of the strongest legal protections for abortion in the world. So why do reproductive-rights advocates say the fight is changing rather than ending? This week on Balance of Power, Annalise Klingbeil sits down with Frédérique Chabot, executive director of Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights, to talk about where the abortion fight is happening now. First: abortion may be legal in Canada, but access is shaped by geography, the health-care system and provincial policy. Fred explains why her organization is also watching the politics of trans rights and gender-affirming care — and the political strategies that can move from one issue to another. Then: the fight moves online. Fred breaks down what she calls the “betrayed woman” narrative: messaging that draws on real frustrations with women’s health care to encourage women to reject hormonal contraception. They talk about influencers, algorithms, misinformation and why the digital information environment has become a new front in reproductive health. Finally: where does a national reproductive-rights organization focus when health care is largely delivered by the provinces? Fred talks about connecting the dots between local fights and national trends, the future of public health care, and what Action Canada is watching across the country. Abortion access, gender-affirming care, contraception, misinformation and the changing politics of reproductive rights. Welcome to Balance of Power. Have a comment or idea? Email us at <a href="mailto:suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.ca" rel="noopener noreferrer">suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.ca</a> Join the Strategists Podcast Network Patreon for extended episodes and ad-free listening:<a href="https://patreon.com/strategistspod" rel="noopener noreferrer">patreon.com/strategistspod</a> Guest:Frédérique Chabot — Executive Director, Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights<a href="https://www.actioncanadashr.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights</a> Get your tickets for The Strategists Live!:<a href="https://strategistliveshow.ca/" rel="noopener noreferrer">strategistliveshow.ca</a> Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

The Abortion Fight Has Changed

What happens when Alberta separatists take their campaign south of the border and start fighting with each other along the way? This week on Balance of Power, Annalise Klingbeil and Shannon Phillips look at the Globe and Mail’s reporting on Alberta separatists, Republican operatives, and efforts to win support in Washington. First: the separatist movement. What does the infighting tell us about the people behind the campaign, how much does foreign attention matter, and why is the bigger problem less about campaign technology than who has access to Alberta’s voter data? Then: the referendum. With less than two weeks to go, Annalise and Shannon look at whether “No to the Nine” has broken through, how advance voting changes the final stretch, and what the campaigns still need to do before Albertans cast their ballots. Plus, for Patreon subscribers: British Columbia’s election campaign. Shannon breaks down the NDP’s decision to raise taxes on high-income earners, the political risk of confirming voters’ fears about New Democrats, and whether a populist economic pitch can actually work. And Finally: Quebec. A new sovereigntist government puts national unity back at the centre of the conversation, with big implications for immigration, healthcare, and Alberta. Separatists, foreign influence, referendum strategy, BC taxes, Quebec sovereignty, and what happens when the girls start fighting. Welcome to Balance of Power. Mentioned in this episode:2025 National Security Strategy — White Househttps://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-National-Security-Strategy.pdf Get tickets to The Strategists Live:Edmonton - October 13 at the Horowitz TheatreCalgary - October 27 at the Bella Concert Hall<a href="https://strategistsliveshow.ca" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://strategistsliveshow.ca</a>Have a comment or idea? Email us at <a href="mailto:suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.ca" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.ca</a> Join the Strategists Podcast Network Patreon for extended episodes and ad-free listening:<a href="https://www.patreon.com/strategistspod" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/strategistspod</a><hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

What happens when Alberta separatists take their campaign south of the border and start fighting with each other along the way? This week on Balance of Power, Annalise Klingbeil and Shannon Phillips look at the Globe and Mail’s reporting on Alberta separatists, Republican operatives, and efforts to win support in Washington. First: the separatist movement. What does the infighting tell us about the people behind the campaign, how much does foreign attention matter, and why is the bigger problem less about campaign technology than who has access to Alberta’s voter data? Then: the referendum. With less than two weeks to go, Annalise and Shannon look at whether “No to the Nine” has broken through, how advance voting changes the final stretch, and what the campaigns still need to do before Albertans cast their ballots. Plus, for Patreon subscribers: British Columbia’s election campaign. Shannon breaks down the NDP’s decision to raise taxes on high-income earners, the political risk of confirming voters’ fears about New Democrats, and whether a populist economic pitch can actually work. And Finally: Quebec. A new sovereigntist government puts national unity back at the centre of the conversation, with big implications for immigration, healthcare, and Alberta. Separatists, foreign influence, referendum strategy, BC taxes, Quebec sovereignty, and what happens when the girls start fighting. Welcome to Balance of Power. Mentioned in this episode: 2025 National Security Strategy — White House https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-National-Security-Strategy.pdf Get tickets to The Strategists Live: Edmonton - October 13 at the Horowitz Theatre Calgary - October 27 at the Bella Concert Hall https://strategistsliveshow.ca Have a comment or idea? Email us at suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.ca Join the Strategists Podcast Network Patreon for extended episodes and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when Alberta separatists take their campaign south of the border and start fighting with each other along the way? This week on Balance of Power, Annalise Klingbeil and Shannon Phillips look at the Globe and Mail’s reporting on Alberta separatists, Republican operatives, and efforts to win support in Washington. First: the separatist movement. What does the infighting tell us about the people behind the campaign, how much does foreign attention matter, and why is the bigger problem less about campaign technology than who has access to Alberta’s voter data? Then: the referendum. With less than two weeks to go, Annalise and Shannon look at whether “No to the Nine” has broken through, how advance voting changes the final stretch, and what the campaigns still need to do before Albertans cast their ballots. Plus, for Patreon subscribers: British Columbia’s election campaign. Shannon breaks down the NDP’s decision to raise taxes on high-income earners, the political risk of confirming voters’ fears about New Democrats, and whether a populist economic pitch can actually work. And Finally: Quebec. A new sovereigntist government puts national unity back at the centre of the conversation, with big implications for immigration, healthcare, and Alberta. Separatists, foreign influence, referendum strategy, BC taxes, Quebec sovereignty, and what happens when the girls start fighting. Welcome to Balance of Power. Mentioned in this episode:2025 National Security Strategy — White Househttps://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-National-Security-Strategy.pdf Get tickets to The Strategists Live:Edmonton - October 13 at the Horowitz TheatreCalgary - October 27 at the Bella Concert Hall<a href="https://strategistsliveshow.ca" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://strategistsliveshow.ca</a>Have a comment or idea? Email us at <a href="mailto:suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.ca" rel="noopener noreferrer">suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.ca</a> Join the Strategists Podcast Network Patreon for extended episodes and ad-free listening:<a href="https://www.patreon.com/strategistspod" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.patreon.com/strategistspod</a> Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

The Girls Are Fighting

What happens when a government calls a snap election two years early — and the opposition is still trying to figure out who it is? This week on Balance of Power, Shannon Phillips and Leah Ward are joined by Nikki Hill, co-host of the Left East to West podcast, to break down David Eby’s surprise election call, the collapse and reconstruction of the B.C. Conservatives, and why British Columbians are heading back to the polls on October 24. First: how did we get here? From the razor-thin 2024 result and the folding of B.C. United, to repeated Conservative leadership turmoil and a caucus that has struggled to hold itself together, Nikki walks through the political chain reaction that brought B.C. to another election. Then: why now? The panel looks at Eby’s argument for a fresh mandate amid a one-seat majority, the trade war, forestry, major projects, housing, healthcare and affordability — and whether voters will see the election as necessary or simply opportunistic. Plus, for Patreon subscribers: what does a truly snap election look like on the ground? Candidate recruitment, campaign managers, swing seats, resource triage, municipal-election overlap, and what organizers actually do when they suddenly have just over a month to build a campaign. A snap election, a fractured right, a one-seat majority, and 32 days to figure out what comes next. Welcome to Balance of Power. Have a comment or idea? Email us at <a href="mailto:suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.ca" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.ca</a> Join the Strategists Podcast Network Patreon for extended episodes and ad-free listening:<a href="https://www.patreon.com/strategistspod" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/strategistspod</a> Guest:Nikki Hill — co-host of Left East to West<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@LeftEasttoWest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@LeftEasttoWest</a><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/left-east-to-west/id1870368396" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/left-east-to-west/id1870368396</a> Get your tickets for The Strategists Live!:Edmonton - October 13: <a href="https://strategistliveshow.ca/calgary" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://strategistliveshow.ca/calgary</a>Calgary - October 27: <a href="https://strategistliveshow.ca/edmonton" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://strategistliveshow.ca/edmonton</a>(yes you read those links correctly)<hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

What happens when a government calls a snap election two years early — and the opposition is still trying to figure out who it is? This week on Balance of Power, Shannon Phillips and Leah Ward are joined by Nikki Hill, co-host of the Left East to West podcast, to break down David Eby’s surprise election call, the collapse and reconstruction of the B.C. Conservatives, and why British Columbians are heading back to the polls on October 24. First: how did we get here? From the razor-thin 2024 result and the folding of B.C. United, to repeated Conservative leadership turmoil and a caucus that has struggled to hold itself together, Nikki walks through the political chain reaction that brought B.C. to another election. Then: why now? The panel looks at Eby’s argument for a fresh mandate amid a one-seat majority, the trade war, forestry, major projects, housing, healthcare and affordability — and whether voters will see the election as necessary or simply opportunistic. Plus, for Patreon subscribers: what does a truly snap election look like on the ground? Candidate recruitment, campaign managers, swing seats, resource triage, municipal-election overlap, and what organizers actually do when they suddenly have just over a month to build a campaign. A snap election, a fractured right, a one-seat majority, and 32 days to figure out what comes next. Welcome to Balance of Power. Have a comment or idea? Email us at suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.ca Join the Strategists Podcast Network Patreon for extended episodes and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/strategistspod Guest: Nikki Hill — co-host of Left East to West https://www.youtube.com/@LeftEasttoWest https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/left-east-to-west/id1870368396 Get your tickets for The Strategists Live!: Edmonton - October 13: https://strategistliveshow.ca/calgary Calgary - October 27: https://strategistliveshow.ca/edmonton (yes you read those links correctly) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when a government calls a snap election two years early — and the opposition is still trying to figure out who it is? This week on Balance of Power, Shannon Phillips and Leah Ward are joined by Nikki Hill, co-host of the Left East to West podcast, to break down David Eby’s surprise election call, the collapse and reconstruction of the B.C. Conservatives, and why British Columbians are heading back to the polls on October 24. First: how did we get here? From the razor-thin 2024 result and the folding of B.C. United, to repeated Conservative leadership turmoil and a caucus that has struggled to hold itself together, Nikki walks through the political chain reaction that brought B.C. to another election. Then: why now? The panel looks at Eby’s argument for a fresh mandate amid a one-seat majority, the trade war, forestry, major projects, housing, healthcare and affordability — and whether voters will see the election as necessary or simply opportunistic. Plus, for Patreon subscribers: what does a truly snap election look like on the ground? Candidate recruitment, campaign managers, swing seats, resource triage, municipal-election overlap, and what organizers actually do when they suddenly have just over a month to build a campaign. A snap election, a fractured right, a one-seat majority, and 32 days to figure out what comes next. Welcome to Balance of Power. Have a comment or idea? Email us at <a href="mailto:suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.ca" rel="noopener noreferrer">suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.ca</a> Join the Strategists Podcast Network Patreon for extended episodes and ad-free listening:<a href="https://www.patreon.com/strategistspod" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.patreon.com/strategistspod</a> Guest:Nikki Hill — co-host of Left East to West<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@LeftEasttoWest" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/@LeftEasttoWest</a><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/left-east-to-west/id1870368396" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/left-east-to-west/id1870368396</a> Get your tickets for The Strategists Live!:Edmonton - October 13: <a href="https://strategistliveshow.ca/calgary" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://strategistliveshow.ca/calgary</a>Calgary - October 27: <a href="https://strategistliveshow.ca/edmonton" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://strategistliveshow.ca/edmonton</a>(yes you read those links correctly) Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

How Did We Get Here?

What happens when a seat everyone assumed was safely Conservative suddenly flips? This week on Balance of Power, Annalise Klingbeil, Leah Ward and Shannon Phillips break down the Calgary-Shaw by-election upset, what actually drove the result, and why everyone seems to be taking a different lesson from the same vote. First: the shock. The NDP wins a seat it had no business winning based on recent history, without an obvious right-wing vote split. Was it candidate quality, ground game, referendum anger, dissatisfaction with the UCP, or some combination of all of it? Then: what the result means for Calgary politics. The panel looks at Kyle Campbell’s appeal, the role of healthcare, schools and affordability, whether the referendum actually moved votes, and why “no safe Conservative seats in Calgary” is suddenly a much more credible political message. Plus, for Patreon subscribers: the campaign mechanics behind the result. Why advance voting is changing how campaigns organize, how parties pull identified supporters to the polls early, and whether the UCP simply got out-organized on the ground. Calgary-Shaw, candidate recruitment, referendum politics, Nenshi momentum, ground game, and what happens when a supposedly safe seat stops looking safe. Welcome to Balance of Power. Have a comment or idea? Email us at suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.ca Join the Strategists Podcast Network Patreon for extended episodes and ad-free listening:https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspod<hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

What happens when a seat everyone assumed was safely Conservative suddenly flips? This week on Balance of Power, Annalise Klingbeil, Leah Ward and Shannon Phillips break down the Calgary-Shaw by-election upset, what actually drove the result, and why everyone seems to be taking a different lesson from the same vote. First: the shock. The NDP wins a seat it had no business winning based on recent history, without an obvious right-wing vote split. Was it candidate quality, ground game, referendum anger, dissatisfaction with the UCP, or some combination of all of it? Then: what the result means for Calgary politics. The panel looks at Kyle Campbell’s appeal, the role of healthcare, schools and affordability, whether the referendum actually moved votes, and why “no safe Conservative seats in Calgary” is suddenly a much more credible political message. Plus, for Patreon subscribers: the campaign mechanics behind the result. Why advance voting is changing how campaigns organize, how parties pull identified supporters to the polls early, and whether the UCP simply got out-organized on the ground. Calgary-Shaw, candidate recruitment, referendum politics, Nenshi momentum, ground game, and what happens when a supposedly safe seat stops looking safe. Welcome to Balance of Power. Have a comment or idea? Email us at suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.ca Join the Strategists Podcast Network Patreon for extended episodes and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when a seat everyone assumed was safely Conservative suddenly flips? This week on Balance of Power, Annalise Klingbeil, Leah Ward and Shannon Phillips break down the Calgary-Shaw by-election upset, what actually drove the result, and why everyone seems to be taking a different lesson from the same vote. First: the shock. The NDP wins a seat it had no business winning based on recent history, without an obvious right-wing vote split. Was it candidate quality, ground game, referendum anger, dissatisfaction with the UCP, or some combination of all of it? Then: what the result means for Calgary politics. The panel looks at Kyle Campbell’s appeal, the role of healthcare, schools and affordability, whether the referendum actually moved votes, and why “no safe Conservative seats in Calgary” is suddenly a much more credible political message. Plus, for Patreon subscribers: the campaign mechanics behind the result. Why advance voting is changing how campaigns organize, how parties pull identified supporters to the polls early, and whether the UCP simply got out-organized on the ground. Calgary-Shaw, candidate recruitment, referendum politics, Nenshi momentum, ground game, and what happens when a supposedly safe seat stops looking safe. Welcome to Balance of Power. Have a comment or idea? Email us at suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.ca Join the Strategists Podcast Network Patreon for extended episodes and ad-free listening:https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

No Safe Seats

What happens when the agency responsible for running Alberta’s referendum is already warning that it is stretched too thin? This week on Balance of Power, Annalise Klingbeil, Leah Ward and Shannon Phillips look at growing concerns around Elections Alberta, the referendum process, and what happens when public confidence starts to erode before voting day even arrives. First: referendum watch. With hundreds of thousands of special ballots already requested, confusing paperwork in the mail, and Elections Alberta itself warning about chronic understaffing, does the agency have the resources it needs to administer one of the biggest votes in Canadian history? Then: the trade war enters a new phase as Canadian counter-tariffs take effect. Mark Carney is leaning into a new style of direct-to-camera political communication, while Leah and Shannon argue that Ottawa still has much more work to do to protect workers if the economic pain deepens. Plus, for Patreon subscribers: Calgary city hall erupts over a confidential budget leak, Jeremy Farkas calls bullshit, and the panel asks what happens when politicians decide the rules no longer apply to them. Elections Alberta, special ballots, public trust, tariffs, EI reform, and whether it’s time to pull the fire alarm. Welcome to Balance of Power. Have a comment or idea? Email us at <a href="mailto:suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.ca" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.ca</a> ﻿Join the Strategists Podcast Network Patreon for ad-free episodes and access to extended episodes of Balance of Power:<a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspod" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspod</a><hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

What happens when the agency responsible for running Alberta’s referendum is already warning that it is stretched too thin? This week on Balance of Power, Annalise Klingbeil, Leah Ward and Shannon Phillips look at growing concerns around Elections Alberta, the referendum process, and what happens when public confidence starts to erode before voting day even arrives. First: referendum watch. With hundreds of thousands of special ballots already requested, confusing paperwork in the mail, and Elections Alberta itself warning about chronic understaffing, does the agency have the resources it needs to administer one of the biggest votes in Canadian history? Then: the trade war enters a new phase as Canadian counter-tariffs take effect. Mark Carney is leaning into a new style of direct-to-camera political communication, while Leah and Shannon argue that Ottawa still has much more work to do to protect workers if the economic pain deepens. Plus, for Patreon subscribers: Calgary city hall erupts over a confidential budget leak, Jeremy Farkas calls bullshit, and the panel asks what happens when politicians decide the rules no longer apply to them. Elections Alberta, special ballots, public trust, tariffs, EI reform, and whether it’s time to pull the fire alarm. Welcome to Balance of Power. Have a comment or idea? Email us at suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.ca ﻿Join the Strategists Podcast Network Patreon for ad-free episodes and access to extended episodes of Balance of Power: https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when the agency responsible for running Alberta’s referendum is already warning that it is stretched too thin? This week on Balance of Power, Annalise Klingbeil, Leah Ward and Shannon Phillips look at growing concerns around Elections Alberta, the referendum process, and what happens when public confidence starts to erode before voting day even arrives. First: referendum watch. With hundreds of thousands of special ballots already requested, confusing paperwork in the mail, and Elections Alberta itself warning about chronic understaffing, does the agency have the resources it needs to administer one of the biggest votes in Canadian history? Then: the trade war enters a new phase as Canadian counter-tariffs take effect. Mark Carney is leaning into a new style of direct-to-camera political communication, while Leah and Shannon argue that Ottawa still has much more work to do to protect workers if the economic pain deepens. Plus, for Patreon subscribers: Calgary city hall erupts over a confidential budget leak, Jeremy Farkas calls bullshit, and the panel asks what happens when politicians decide the rules no longer apply to them. Elections Alberta, special ballots, public trust, tariffs, EI reform, and whether it’s time to pull the fire alarm. Welcome to Balance of Power. Have a comment or idea? Email us at <a href="mailto:suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.ca" rel="noopener noreferrer">suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.ca</a> ﻿Join the Strategists Podcast Network Patreon for ad-free episodes and access to extended episodes of Balance of Power:<a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspod" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspod</a> Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Pull the Fire Alarm

Is Alberta separation gaining ground, and can it be stopped? In the debut episode of Balance of Power, Annalise Klingbeil, Leah Ward and Shannon Phillips unpack new polling showing 29% of Albertans would vote to leave Canada, and why that number could shift quickly in a referendum. They debate the messaging war behind separatism, the silence from business leaders, and what a Brexit-style shock could mean for the province. Plus: what an Edmonton community league on the brink of closure reveals about volunteer burnout, third spaces, and the state of democratic participation. And finally, Mark Carney’s new national auto strategy — billions in public money, shifting EV rules, and a fundamental question: if companies want to sell cars in Canada, should they be required to build them here? Welcome to Balance of Power. Have a comment or idea? email us: suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.ca<hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Is Alberta separation gaining ground, and can it be stopped? In the debut episode of Balance of Power, Annalise Klingbeil, Leah Ward and Shannon Phillips unpack new polling showing 29% of Albertans would vote to leave Canada, and why that number could shift quickly in a referendum. They debate the messaging war behind separatism, the silence from business leaders, and what a Brexit-style shock could mean for the province. Plus: what an Edmonton community league on the brink of closure reveals about volunteer burnout, third spaces, and the state of democratic participation. And finally, Mark Carney’s new national auto strategy — billions in public money, shifting EV rules, and a fundamental question: if companies want to sell cars in Canada, should they be required to build them here? Welcome to Balance of Power. Have a comment or idea? email us: suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.ca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Alberta separation gaining ground, and can it be stopped? In the debut episode of Balance of Power, Annalise Klingbeil, Leah Ward and Shannon Phillips unpack new polling showing 29% of Albertans would vote to leave Canada, and why that number could shift quickly in a referendum. They debate the messaging war behind separatism, the silence from business leaders, and what a Brexit-style shock could mean for the province. Plus: what an Edmonton community league on the brink of closure reveals about volunteer burnout, third spaces, and the state of democratic participation. And finally, Mark Carney’s new national auto strategy — billions in public money, shifting EV rules, and a fundamental question: if companies want to sell cars in Canada, should they be required to build them here? Welcome to Balance of Power. Have a comment or idea? email us: suggestionbox@balanceofpowerpod.ca Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

An Orgy of Bribery

A political podcast for people who know politics isn’t polite. We talk about who holds power, how it’s used, and why the process can make even reasonable people swear. Serious conversations with real-world stakes.<hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

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Politics

A political podcast for people who know politics isn’t polite. We talk about who holds power, how it’s used, and why the process can make even reasonable people swear. Serious conversations with real-world stakes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A political podcast for people who know politics isn’t polite. We talk about who holds power, how it’s used, and why the process can make even reasonable people swear. Serious conversations with real-world stakes. Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

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Balance of Power

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