MBP Intelligence Briefing

This week on the MBP Intelligence Briefing, Shannon Phillips, Ken Boessenkool and Tyler Meredith welcome back Ben Woodfinden for an inside look at the Conservative Party of British Columbia's historic election victory. After spending the past month in British Columbia serving as Director of Communications for Lorne Doerkson and the party, Ben shares his firsthand experience inside the campaign war room, how the team built a winning strategy in just weeks, and what the result means for the province's political future.

In this episode:

• Inside the BC Conservative War Room: Ben describes the challenges of assembling a campaign almost overnight following a snap election. From building the team and refining its strategy to getting television ads on air, he explains how an experienced group of political operatives navigated a chaotic opening week and delivered a majority victory.
• Introducing Lorne Doerkson to British Columbians: With just weeks to establish a relatively unknown leader, the campaign focused on presenting Doerkson as an authentic, approachable and credible Premier. Ben discusses the leader's roots in Williams Lake, his personal connection to resource communities and the messaging that helped introduce him to voters across the province.
• A Government for All of British Columbia: Ben explains how the campaign connected affordability, healthcare and resource development to a broader economic vision. From forestry and mining to LNG and electricity, the Conservatives emphasized economic growth across every region of the province while tailoring messages to local concerns.
• Building a Platform Under Pressure: With limited time to develop a comprehensive policy agenda, Ben reveals how the campaign organized its platform around five priorities and balanced ambitious commitments with fiscal realities. The conversation explores why platforms can be as important defensively as offensively, and how governing will differ from campaigning.
• Lessons from a Winning Conservative Campaign: Ben reflects on the importance of tone, debate preparation, traditional media and digital communications. He shares why the campaign deliberately emphasized seriousness over anger, how the team approached its growing lead in the polls, and what other conservative parties might learn from the BC victory.

The MBP Intelligence Briefing is completely free to listen to and watch, and completely ad-free. Subscribe wherever you listen or watch, and share the show with someone who follows Canadian politics and public policy.

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This week on the MBP Intelligence Briefing, Shannon Phillips is joined by Ken Boessenkool and Tyler Meredith to examine the prospects for corporate tax reform ahead of the November 5 federal budget. The panel examines calls for a sweeping review against targeted measures to encourage investment, then turns to Alberta’s referendum results, the rejection of separation and the implications of the province’s immigration questions for Premier Danielle Smith and Ottawa.

In this episode:

• Corporate Tax Reform & the Federal Budget: With Ottawa facing fiscal pressures, the panel debates whether broad tax reform is politically and economically practical. Tyler examines Canada’s investment competitiveness and the risk that uncertainty could delay capital spending; Ken calls for specific, actionable proposals rather than another open-ended review. They discuss provincial coordination, the mega deduction, investment tax credits and whether a review focused on fairness, sustainability and simplicity would deliver what business advocates expect.
• Alberta’s Referendum & Canadian Unity: Following Albertans’ vote against separation, Shannon, Ken and Tyler assess the result and Danielle Smith’s political position. Ken argues that Albertans can disagree with federal politics while remaining committed Canadians, and questions the premier’s approach to the separatist movement. The panel considers the referendum’s constitutional questions and the implications for Alberta–Ottawa relations.
• Immigration Questions & Political Fallout: The panel examines Alberta’s referendum questions on immigration, temporary residents and access to public services. Shannon discusses temporary-resident numbers, the province’s earlier efforts to attract newcomers and the practical implications of proposed restrictions. Ken questions using referendums to make complex immigration policy, while the conversation explores federal–provincial tensions, electoral strategy and the responses of Alberta’s political parties.

The MBP Intelligence Briefing is completely free to listen to and watch, and completely ad-free. Subscribe wherever you listen or watch, and share the show with someone who follows Canadian politics and public policy.

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This week on the MBP Intelligence Briefing, Shannon Phillips is joined by Ken Boessenkool, Tyler Meredith and special guest Claire Seaborn, a lawyer with Torys LLP and former senior federal government advisor, to examine whether Bill C-39 can accelerate major project approvals without compromising environmental protections or Indigenous consultation. The panel also discusses Alberta's October 19 referendum, Prime Minister Mark Carney's campaign appearances and the implications for Canadian unity.

In this episode:

• Bill C-39 & Building Canada Strong: The federal government's proposed overhaul of major project approvals, including its one-year federal decision timeline, streamlined permitting and changes to environmental assessments. Claire Seaborn explains why the process could still take more than two years, the importance of coordinating federal departments and the potential for increased litigation. The panel examines Indigenous consultation, species-at-risk protections, government capacity and whether faster approvals will provide the certainty investors need to move projects forward.
• Alberta's Referendum & National Unity: With Albertans preparing to vote on October 19, the panel examines the separation question and nine additional referendum questions covering immigration and constitutional changes. Shannon, Ken and Tyler discuss Prime Minister Mark Carney's rallies in Calgary and Edmonton, Premier Danielle Smith's position, the growing opposition to the nine questions and the political implications for Alberta's separatist movement. They also consider voter turnout, regional support for separation and what the results could mean for Canadian unity.

Shannon Phiilips speaks at the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPHo4TqmlAg

The MBP Intelligence Briefing is completely free to listen to and watch, and completely ad-free. Subscribe wherever you listen or watch, and share the show with someone who follows Canadian politics and public policy.

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This week on the MBP Intelligence Briefing, Shannon Phillips is joined by Ken Boessenkool and Tyler Meredith to discuss Ottawa’s latest overhaul of defence procurement, the sweeping changes proposed under Bill C-39, and the political implications of the Parti Québécois forming a minority government.

In this episode:

• Defence Procurement & Crown Corporation Reform: Ottawa’s plan to transform the Defence Investment Agency into a Crown corporation, and whether the new structure will accelerate military procurement, strengthen Canada's domestic defence industry and improve coordination across government. The panel debates the risks of adding another layer of bureaucracy, the role of private-sector expertise and whether Prime Minister Mark Carney can overcome entrenched institutional resistance.
• Bill C-39 & Building Canada Strong: The federal government's proposed changes to major project approvals and labour legislation, including a one-year federal review timeline, expanded ministerial powers and potential challenges involving Indigenous consultation and environmental protections. The panel examines the Liberals' accelerated parliamentary process, Conservative support for the legislation, the likelihood of amendments and whether the Senate could delay passage before the end of the year.
• Quebec Election Results & National Unity: The Parti Québécois wins 59 seats and forms a minority government, raising renewed questions about Quebec sovereignty and the possibility of another referendum. The panel discusses the collapse of the Coalition Avenir Québec, the emergence of Éric Duhaime's Conservatives, the changing political landscape in Quebec and what the election results could mean for federal-provincial relations and the Carney government.

The MBP Intelligence Briefing is completely free to listen to and watch, and completely ad-free. Subscribe wherever you listen or watch, and share the show with someone who follows Canadian politics and public policy.

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This week on the MBP Intelligence Briefing, Shannon Phillips is joined by Ken Boessenkool and Tyler Meredith for a wide-ranging discussion on the Pacific Link Pipeline and LNG investment, the choices facing Ottawa ahead of the federal budget, and a busy election season in Alberta, Quebec and British Columbia.

In this episode:

• Pacific Link Pipeline & Alberta: Ottawa’s designation of the Pacific Link Pipeline as a project of national interest, how a 35–43.7 billion publicly backed pipeline could be financed, the risks to Alberta and Ottawa, CCUS and royalty questions, and whether expanding pipeline capacity can help diversify Canadian energy exports beyond the United States. The panel also looks at what the announcement means for Alberta’s October 19 referendum and the national unity debate.

• Federal Budget: What Ottawa needs to balance as it prepares its next budget, from investment and competitiveness to affordability and rising borrowing costs. The panel looks at Canada’s changing interest-rate environment, the pressures created by higher yields, and why increasingly attractive risk-free returns could make it harder to unlock the private investment Canada needs.

• Election Season: With voters heading to the polls in Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia, the panel looks at which results could matter most to Ottawa. They discuss the changing political landscape in Quebec, the implications of Alberta’s referendum, what a change of government in B.C. could mean for federal-provincial relations, and the potential consequences for upcoming health-transfer negotiations.

The MBP Intelligence Briefing is completely free to listen to and watch, and completely ad-free. Subscribe wherever you listen or watch, and share the show with someone who follows Canadian politics and public policy.

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MBP Intelligence Briefing has relaunched with a new format, now completely free to listen to and watch, and completely ad-free. This week, Shannon Phillips is joined by Ken Boessenkool and Tyler Meredith for a wide-ranging discussion of the federal government’s new labour legislation, the future of Canada’s largest airports and the newly called BC election.

In this episode:

• Labour Reform: The government’s proposed changes to the Canada Labour Code, new guardrails around Section 107 and back-to-work intervention, and what the changes mean for organized labour, employers and future labour disputes.
• Canada’s Airports: Ottawa’s plan to open Canada’s largest airports to private investment, the role Canadian pension funds could play, what it could mean for airport fees and public revenue, and the challenge of getting accountability and regulation right.
• B.C. Election: The rapidly changing political landscape as British Columbians head to an October election, the challenges facing David Eby and the B.C. Conservatives, and how affordability, Donald Trump and the federal government could shape the campaign.

MBP Intelligence Briefing is now completely free to listen to and watch, and no ads. Subscribe wherever you listen or watch, and share the show with someone who follows Canadian politics and public policy.

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Ben Woodfinden is joined by Ken Boessenkool and Tyler Meredith for a wide-ranging discussion of Canada’s investment push, its evolving relationship with Europe and what to watch as Parliament returns.

In this episode:

• Canada Investment Summit: The government’s first Canada Investment Summit, the new “mega deduction,” major investment commitments and whether they can translate into real capital and new projects.
• Canada and Europe: The push for a closer relationship with the European Union, what “associate membership” could actually mean and the opportunities and challenges of deeper economic, regulatory and defence cooperation.
• Parliament Returns: What to watch as MPs return to Ottawa, from shifting dynamics inside the Liberal and Conservative caucuses to upcoming legislation and the government’s fiscal agenda.

YouTube Video Credits: CBC News, CTV News, Global News, 4K Films By Adnan, Videoscape, Pierre Poilievre, balcony et-al, Luis Vega, Shape Properties, GommeBlog, Exploring Stunning Landscapes From Above, Motion Array

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Ben Woodfinden is joined by Ken Boessenkool and Shannon Phillips for a wide-ranging discussion of the biggest political developments across Canada, from the escalating Canada–U.S. trade war to the Quebec election campaign and growing turmoil inside the B.C. Conservative Party.

In This Episode:

• Canada–U.S. Trade War: What comes next after the collapse of trade negotiations, escalating tariffs and a fundamental shift in the Canada–U.S. relationship.
• Quebec Election: The changing dynamics of the campaign, the resurgence of the CAQ, the Parti Québécois challenge and the possibility of an unpredictable five-way race.
• B.C. Politics: The turmoil inside the B.C. Conservative Party, the departure of multiple MLAs, Carolyn Finley’s upcoming by-election and whether the political instability could create an opening for the B.C. NDP.

The MBP Intelligence Briefing delivers exclusive, insider insight into the policies, decisions, and dynamics shaping Canada’s political and economic landscape.

Hosted by Ben Woodfinden, Director of MBP Intelligence and Senior Advisor at Meredith Boessenkool & Phillips, the series features weekly conversations with MBP partners Ken Boessenkool, Tyler Meredith, and Shannon Phillips, along with a monthly guest bringing fresh perspective from business, media, or public policy.

Listeners can expect a mix of roundtable discussions unpacking the week’s biggest developments and in-depth interviews exploring emerging ideas and long-term trends. From fiscal outlooks and trade strategy to the forces influencing governance, regulation, and public life, each episode delivers context and clarity rooted in real experience inside government, policy, and politics.

This is your exclusive MBP Intelligence Briefing, context, clarity, and strategy for Canada’s evolving political economy.

You’re listening to the first 10 minutes of this week’s episode, the full one-hour roundtable is now available exclusively to members of MBP Intelligence.

Want the Full Episode?

Become a member to unlock:

• The full, ad-free weekly MBP Intelligence Briefing podcast (1-hour roundtable)
• Exclusive reports, policy briefings, and member newsletters
• Invitations to private discussions and events
• Access to a growing community of policymakers, business leaders, and thinkers shaping the national conversation

Join MBP Intelligence here:⁠ https://mbpolicy.com/intelligence/⁠

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In this week's special edition of the MBP Intelligence Briefing, Ben Woodfinden is joined by Diamond Isinger, trade expert, policy strategist and Fellow at the UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, along with Ken Boessenkool and Tyler Meredith, for an in-depth discussion of the escalating Canada–U.S. trade war following the collapse of negotiations with the Trump administration.

The panel begins with Prime Minister Carney’s decision to suspend negotiations and walk away from a potential agreement rather than accept significant last-minute U.S. demands. With new Section 338 tariffs now in effect and Canada preparing dollar-for-dollar retaliation, they examine what went wrong at the negotiating table, whether the United States remains a credible negotiating partner, and why the current trade fight could become a prolonged conflict.

The conversation then turns to the future of CUSMA and whether the agreement still offers Canada meaningful protection as the United States increasingly acts outside its existing trade commitments. They discuss how Canada should retaliate, what support affected businesses and workers may need, and why trade diversification and new international investment relationships are becoming increasingly important.

Finally, the panel considers the broader implications for Canadian sovereignty. If Washington is seeking to restrict Canada’s ability to negotiate trade agreements with other countries, they argue, the dispute is no longer simply about tariffs—it raises fundamental questions about Canada’s economic independence and its ability to pursue its own relationships around the world.

In this episode, they discuss:

• Why Prime Minister Carney walked away from the latest Canada–U.S. trade negotiations.
• Whether last-minute U.S. demands reveal a deeper problem with Washington as a negotiating partner.
• What the new Section 338 tariffs and Canada’s planned retaliation mean for the escalating trade war.
• Whether CUSMA still provides Canada with meaningful protection and preferential access to the U.S. market.
• How Canada can design targeted tariff and non-tariff retaliation that creates political and economic pressure in the United States.
• What support Canadian businesses and workers may need if the trade war becomes prolonged.
• Why trade diversification and new investment relationships are becoming increasingly important.
• What potential U.S. restrictions on Canada’s relationships with other trading partners could mean for Canadian sovereignty.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The MBP Intelligence Briefing delivers exclusive, insider insight into the policies, decisions, and dynamics shaping Canada’s political and economic landscape.

Hosted by Ben Woodfinden, Director of MBP Intelligence and Senior Advisor at Meredith Boessenkool & Phillips, the series features weekly conversations with MBP partners Ken Boessenkool, Tyler Meredith, and Shannon Phillips, along with a monthly guest bringing fresh perspective from business, media, or public policy.

Listeners can expect a mix of roundtable discussions unpacking the week’s biggest developments and in-depth interviews exploring emerging ideas and long-term trends. From fiscal outlooks and trade strategy to the forces influencing governance, regulation, and public life, each episode delivers context and clarity rooted in real experience inside government, policy, and politics.

This is your exclusive MBP Intelligence Briefing, context, clarity, and strategy for Canada’s evolving political economy.

You’re listening to the first 10 minutes of this week’s episode, the full one-hour roundtable is now available exclusively to members of MBP Intelligence.

Want the Full Episode?

Become a member to unlock:

• The full, ad-free weekly MBP Intelligence Briefing podcast (1-hour roundtable)
• Exclusive reports, policy briefings, and member newsletters
• Invitations to private discussions and events
• Access to a growing community of policymakers, business leaders, and thinkers shaping the national conversation
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Join MBP Intelligence here: https://mbpolicy.com/intelligence/

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