Brian interviews Eugene Lang. Eugene is an assistant professor in the school of policy studies at Queen’s University, a senior fellow at the Bill Graham Centre for Contemporary International History at the University of Toronto and a fellow at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute. Eugene Lang talks about Justin Trudeau’s barren business legacy: “The business Liberal, sometimes called a blue Liberal, used to be found with relative ease in Ottawa. Over the past decade, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has more or less driven that species into extinction. Canadian business, the economy and public finances have suffered as a result“

Tonight Brian has a panel discussion on how Canada should and is responding to Trump’s threats of Tariffs, economic coercion and Canada becoming the 51st State. His guests are: Murray Simser, CEO of Citizn, a democracy app, and Nicolas Ruszkowski, a Public Affairs Government Affairs expert.

Brian welcomes on two guests.

First is Ron Camilleri, who performs as a hugely successful Elton John tribute band. Local resident Ron Camilleri has had a storied history in the Canadian music business. He’s succeeded in three sides of the business - as a record industry executive, as an original music composer for television and film but perhaps his greatest success has been his recent foray as a performer. His band "Elton Rohn" has been called the best Elton John tribute in the world. They perform in Markham next week.

Next is Janet Lopinski. Dr. Lopinski, Senior Director, College of Examiners and Academic Programs at The Royal Conservatory has enjoyed a multi-faceted career as a pianist, teacher, adjudicator, lecturer, and author, and has inspired and mentored students and teachers across North America. She is also the founder and president of the Canadian Chopin Society, which presents the Canadian Chopin Piano Competition every five years. The Sixth Canadian Chopin Piano Competition will be held from January 9 - 13, 2025 at the TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning in Toronto.

Brian welcomes on two guests.

First is Diane Francis. Diane is a prominent columnist for the National Post, widely recognized for her insightful commentary on political, economic, and social issues. She frequently analyzes and critiques policies, offering bold and thought-provoking perspectives. Known for her sharp wit and informed opinions, Francis has written extensively on topics ranging from global trade to national governance. As a journalist and author, Diane Francis has built a reputation for delving into critical issues that shape the economic and political landscape, positioning her as a significant voice in Canadian media and beyond. Her work continues to inspire discussion and influence policy dialogue. She thinks we would negotiate with US a customs union like the EU.

Next, he speaks with Douglas Elliott. Douglas is a civil litigator and constitutional lawyer who has closely tracked Donald Trump’s career and his legal battles. He talks tonight about Donald Trump’s threats to take over Canada. Douglas Elliott believes we need to stand up firmly for Canada and be prepared to retaliate.

Brian catches up with Peter Dickinson. Peter is the editor of the UkraineAlert blog at the Eurasia Center and the publisher of Business Ukraine and Lviv Today magazines. Born in the United Kingdom and a permanent resident of Ukraine for nearly twenty years, Peter has worked to develop awareness of Ukrainian current affairs and issues in English-speaking countries. Peter established himself as a journalist and media manager in Kyiv, helping to launch and manage a range of media products in Ukraine over the past fifteen years. He talks about the current situation in Ukraine, as we start 2025 and about Donald Trump to take office again. How will Trump impact the war?

Brian interviews Laura Babcock. Laura has a passion for people, politics and progress. She is a proud mom, advocate for social justice, traveler, owner of Powergroup Communication, current affairs pundit, former CBC journalist and host of the O Show. Laura Babcock talks tonight about Canadian politics including Trudeau, Poilievre and how Trump impacts everything.

Brian hosts a political panel round table discussing Trudeau’s future, federal politics and the key issues. His guests are:

• Kim Wright of Wright Strategies and an NDP supporter. She has been involved in politics & campaigning since 1990
• Sara MacIntyre of the Convenience Industry Council of Canada and a past communication director for PM Stephen Harper and BC Premier Christy Clark
• Marc Kealey, principal of K&A Inc., a notable Canadian based public policy, research and public affairs firm and he served as chief of staff to former Prime Minister John N. Turner.

Brian interviews Marie McGregor Pitawanakwat. Marie is an Anishinaabe kwe (woman) from Daawganing on Manitoulin Island in Northeastern Ontario, Canada. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA), a Master of Business Administration (MBA), and a Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA). Marie is a dedicated housing advocate committed to ending homelessness among Indigenous women. She serves as the Chair of the National Indigenous Women's Housing Network (NIWHN), a movement focused on improving living conditions for Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse individuals across Turtle Island. Her lived experiences and professional endeavors have made Marie a prominent figure in advocating for housing rights and addressing homelessness among Indigenous populations in Canada.

Brian interviews Peter Biro. Peter is the Founder and President of democracy think-tank, Section 1, Senior Fellow of Massey College, an Adjunct Professor at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law where he teaches Constitutional Law. Peter Biro has, for many years, been writing and speaking about the notwithstanding clause and calling either for its repeal or for laws limiting its use and modifying its operation. Section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, also known as the notwithstanding clause, is one of the Constitution’s most controversial and least well understood provisions. By invoking the notwithstanding clause, the government can insulate a law from the strongest order a court can issue, which is to strike down the law because it infringes a Charter right or freedom.

Brian interviews John Wright. John has four decades of experience in polling and public affairs consulting. He provides public opinion measurement, interpretation, and advice and counsel to senior executives and public affairs/public relations leaders. He’s a nationally known figure and much sought-after speaker with over four decades of expertise in public opinion and market research, global polling, public and corporate affairs strategy, communications, branding, and media relations. John Wright talks about the political situation in Canada following Chrystia Freeland’s resignation Monday.