Northern Ontario remains in the grip of one of the worst wildfire seasons in recent memory, and the smoke has become an international issue. After President Donald Trump and U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra criticized Canada's approach to wildfire prevention and forest management, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford fired back. You'll hear all sides of the debate in today's episode.

Scott argues that Canadians should try something that's becoming increasingly rare: ignore who is making the argument and focus on whether the argument has merit. If devastating wildfires and hazardous smoke are becoming an annual event, is it time to rethink Canada's forest management strategy? Scott examines the politics, the responses from both governments, and why finding long-term solutions should matter more than partisan talking points.

President Trump delivered a prime-time address to the nation Thursday night, alleging that China interfered in the 2020 U.S. Presidential election and claiming intelligence officials concealed key information from the public and the President. Scott breaks down the major allegations, what was presented, and how the media and political establishment have responded to the speech.

Plus, Prime Minister Mark Carney defends Canada's agreement to open the Gordie Howe International Bridge, but questions remain about the details after differing accounts emerged from American officials and media reports. Why hasn't the full agreement been released? Scott examines what we know—and what we still don't. Also, Ontario Premier Doug Ford provides an update on the province's ongoing wildfire response, including support for thousands of evacuees forced from their communities.

This episode is sponsored by TheCaulkingStore.com

The Bank of Canada left interest rates unchanged at 2.25%, but yesterday's announcement raised more questions than it answered. Scott breaks down the mixed messaging from Governor Tiff Macklem and explains why the Bank is talking about economic improvement while continuing to warn Canadians about significant risks and uncertainty.

Also on today's episode: Ontario Premier Doug Ford responds to questions about MPP expense claims after controversy over taxpayer-funded hotel stays. President Trump announces a policy change aimed at putting more U.S. veterans behind the wheel of commercial trucks, replacing drivers who fail to meet training standards. And a new invoice reveals taxpayers covered roughly $160,000 in airplane catering during one of Prime Minister Mark Carney's trips.

Announcement: Tomorrow's episode will feature full analysis of Mark Carney's news conference and President Trump's prime-time address to the nation. You won't want to miss it.

Today's Scott Fox After 9 Express gets straight to the stories everyone is talking about. Scott examines the debate surrounding Canada's wildfires, asks whether climate change is really the driving force behind them, and questions whether higher taxes have ever prevented a natural disaster. Plus, with the United States moving toward permanent Daylight Saving Time, Scott explains why Ontario should seriously reconsider following suit.

Also on today's episode: outrage over Ontario MPP expense claims after large hotel bills are revealed, Prime Minister Mark Carney hires an American political operative with ties to Hillary Clinton as the new COO in his office, and Scott asks whether the Bank of Canada is missing an opportunity to give Canada's economy a boost by lowering interest rates.

Presented by The Caulking Store.

Scott covers a wide range of the biggest stories making headlines in this express edition of Scott Fox After 9. Hear the latest on Canada-U.S. trade negotiations as the U.S. Ambassador to Canada shares a new detail about the talks, while President Donald Trump explains why American forces are now protecting the Strait of Hormuz. Scott also examines Canada's carbon capture plans from a conservative perspective and breaks down comments from Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and the Toronto Police Chief following the mass shooting at the Salsa on St. Clair festival.

Plus, Ron Butler weighs in on Canada's growing appetite for hosting major sporting events, questions emerge over whether federal politicians improperly used FIFA World Cup tickets, Canada Post spent nearly $200 million pursuing green initiatives while relying on taxpayer bailouts, several Canadian diplomats have resigned or been dismissed while under investigation, an Ontario MPP is facing allegations of misspending taxpayer money on hotel stays, and Scott shares his thoughts on why it's time to move from "bail" to "jail" when dealing with repeat violent offenders.

Prime Minister Mark Carney is defending the new agreement to finally open the Gordie Howe International Bridge between Windsor and Detroit, calling it a good deal for Canada. But would any Prime Minister ever admit to signing a bad deal? Scott breaks down what was announced, what's still unknown, and why Canadians should always look beyond the government's talking points before deciding whether an agreement is truly in the country's best interest. Also on today's episode, President Donald Trump reflects on the life and legacy of the late Senator Lindsey Graham following news of his passing.

Scott also argues that municipal politicians who dramatically increased property taxes shouldn't expect another term in office as voters prepare to head to the polls this fall. Plus, is Canada's political mood beginning to shift? Scott examines what he sees as a growing wave of negative mainstream media coverage surrounding Pierre Poilievre's leadership and explains why that excessive coverage may be a sign that Canadians are becoming increasingly frustrated with the economy.

It's Listener DM's Friday on Scott Fox After 9!

In between listener comments and questions, you will hear Prime Minister Mark Carney speak to reporters in Saudi Arabia about Canada's trade negotiations with the United States, why Canada doesn't publicly call out some country's human rights record, and how he believes Canada is viewed on the world stage.

Today's Listener DM's cover a wide range of topics including the dangers of riding with your feet on the dashboard, whether Canada is "cooked," if another federal election could happen before Mark Carney's term is over, media bias, government spending priorities, the decline of local radio, an update on Scott's political aspirations, and whether the recent Toronto Maple Leafs moves have finally convinced Scott to jump back on the bandwagon.

Rogers has announced it is shutting down six local radio stations across Canada, including community news stations that thousands of Canadians relied on every day. Scott explains why this decision is about far more than declining advertising revenue. What does the loss of local journalism mean for public safety, accountability, and the communities left behind? And should Canada's largest media companies be allowed to continue consolidating while reducing local service? Rogers says the move reflects changing audience habits and advertising pressures, while critics argue it's another major blow to local journalism.

Plus, Scott breaks down Prime Minister Mark Carney's remarks from this week's NATO summit. The Prime Minister repeatedly warned that Canada faces growing threats and announced additional defence spending, but never clearly identified who or what those threats are. Scott examines the messaging, what was said, what wasn't, and why Canadians deserve greater clarity about the security challenges their government says the country now faces.

On today's episode of Scott Fox After 9, Prime Minister Mark Carney announces Canada will spend $100 billion on a new fleet of German-built submarines, one of the largest military procurement decisions in Canadian history. Scott breaks down what the purchase means, why the government says it's necessary, and the questions Canadians should be asking about the price tag, priorities, and long-term strategy.

Also today, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Ontario Premier Doug Ford announce renewed plans for a pipeline connecting Alberta to Ontario. But there's one important question: they made essentially the same announcement one year ago today. So what has actually been accomplished over the past 12 months?

This episode is proudly sponsored by The Caulking Store in Mississauga. Visit thecaulkingstore.com for professional-grade caulking products and expert advice.

Listener Note: There will not be a new episode tomorrow. New episodes return Thursday, July 9.

Today's episode of Scott Fox After 9 begins with some well-deserved praise for Summer McIntosh, who made history by breaking another world record in the pool, and for Canada's Men's National Soccer Team after an impressive run at the FIFA World Cup.

The main focus is Canada's proposed new pipeline agreement between Alberta and Ottawa. Hear from Dan McTeague of Canadians for Affordable Energy, who has analyzed the numbers and raises serious concerns about what the project could ultimately cost Canadian taxpayers. Former Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault also explains why he opposes the plan. Plus, U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra discusses the potential for a new Canada–U.S. trade deal and why he believes some Canadian politicians have made negotiations more difficult. Finally, hear Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre speaking to thousands at the Calgary Stampede as he outlines his plan to restore affordability for Canadians.