In this gripping episode (Erika apologizes for her lack of voice), we delve into the heart of Canada's 2025 federal election, where Mark Carney's Liberals are surging ahead but face stiff competition from Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives. The campaign is dominated by concerns over Donald Trump's tariffs and threats to Canadian sovereignty, shifting the focus to which party can best navigate these challenges. We explore the latest poll numbers and are joined by Jason Krips, CEO of the Alberta Forest Products Association, who discusses the impact of U.S. tariffs on the forestry industry. Don't worry, the "Allegations" and new statement of defense make the episode, as does Premier Smith's overtaking the airwaves this week. 

With a federal election call looming, The Discourse dives into the latest polling shake-up: the Liberals are surging, Poilievre is scrambling, and the NDP is disappearing. Cheryl and Erika debate whether Carney’s carbon tax cut is a game-changer or just clever spin, and if the Conservatives can pivot before it’s too late.

Meanwhile, in Alberta, the UCP’s latest scandal heats up—lawsuits, RCMP investigations, and a very questionable government response. Is this headed for court or a quiet settlement? Plus, Cheryl dreams up Poilievre’s lost Axe the Tax photo op, and Erika takes bets on whether she’ll actually vote Conservative.

After a week off, The Discourse is back, and Alberta politics is as chaotic as ever. We break down Alberta MLA Scott Sinclair’s budget rebellion and why getting booted from the UCP was inevitable, the RCMP’s deep dive into the AHS scandal (sorry, “The Allegations”), and the looming federal election now that Mark Carney has taken the Liberal helm. With caucus drama, corruption probes, and a political reset in Ottawa, there’s no shortage of hot takes.

We’re back to weekly episodes, so make sure you subscribe on YouTube, Apple, and Spotify to stay up to date. Follow us on X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest takes. See you next Thursday at 5 AM! 🚨

Cheryl Oates and Erika Barootes break down Alberta’s 2025-26 budget, tackling its $5.2B deficit, tax cut, healthcare, and education spending. Is this truly a conservative budget (Erika says no!), and what does it mean for Albertans?

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Erika and Cheryl break down the latest developments in the UCP procurement scandal. Former Infrastructure Minister Pete Guthrie has resigned, citing concerns about government transparency. A lucrative land deal and more details about private surgical contracts are raising more questions. 

Plus, questions are swirling about UCP influence over the Edmonton Police Commission, and the Premier’s handling of the controversy (or lack thereof).

🔹 Key topics in this episode:

New episodes drop every Thursday at 5 AM—follow, subscribe, and stay tuned for our Budget Special on February 28!

📢 Join the conversation: What should this scandal be called? Comment below or hit us up on X, Instagram, and TikTok.

🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts!

It’s been a rough week for the Alberta government. The former CEO of Alberta Health Services, Athana Mentzelopoulos, has filed a $1.7 million lawsuit against the province, setting off a chain reaction that now includes cabinet ministers breaking ranks and a major press conference from Premier Danielle Smith.

In this episode, Erika and Cheryl break down:

🎧 Plus: What does this mean for the UCP’s healthcare reforms? Are they losing momentum just as they try to reshape the system? And Erika dives deep into changes the government is making to the way mental healthcare is delivered and opens up about her own struggles.  

📌 Also in this episode:

👀 Next week: Special Pre & Post Budget Episodes!

🔔 New episodes every Thursday at 5 AM.

The AHS bombshell that could bring down Alberta's Premier.

Plus, US tariffs are coming for your wallet: Hidden costs in your grocery cart and a hit to Alberta businesses.

Join us as we expose the explosive AHS scandal threatening the government, and get expert insights from Alberta Food Producers Association Executive Director, Bianca Parsons, on how tariffs will affect you and local industries.

In a surprising twist, this episode explores how Premier Danielle Smith's diplomatic dance intersects with Justin Trudeau's unexpected moment of diplomatic finesse. Our hosts reveal a rare moment of cross-party solidarity, where even New Democratic and Conservative voices grudgingly acknowledge Trudeau's strategic tariff negotiations. 

Dive into the chaos of Alberta politics as we unpack the controversial COVID-19 report and explore Alberta’s uneasy ties with the Trump era. Plus, we dig deep into coal mining drama and the UCP’s policy flip-flops.

We dive into Premier Danielle Smith's US strategy, her approach to President Trump’s tariff threat and what it reveals about her political calculus and end goals.

Tune in for sharp analysis, a few laughs, and some unexpected common ground.