The Take with Tom Clark

Is Donald Trump dangerous for democracy? In our final instalment of our U.S. Election Watch, host Tom Clark sits down with Ali Velshi of MSNBC. They discuss the final stretch of the campaign trail and what has driven Americans to such polar ends of their political spectrum. While some polls are predicting a Biden win, Ali Velshi points out that the information we take in depends on the media bubble we're in. As someone covering many of America's swing states, he sees the race as much tighter. 

And as for Canada? "Canada would do better under a more normal president." That's not necessarily democratic or republican, but either way, we are paying close attention.

Former US Ambassador to Canada Bruce Heyman joins us on The Take as America inches closer to election day. What does either election result mean for trade and business across the border? The Democrats may be broadly aligned with our hearts, but are the Republicans better suited for our wallets? If a change in government should occur, how would this affect foreign relations for America on a broader scale? Listen to hear Bruce's take on the US-Canada relationship and what the outcome of this election spells for our country.

As Trump and Biden simultaneously and separately present to the American people, it’s clear we are observing a steep divide, not a debate. Host Tom Clark turns to former CBC journalist Neil Macdonald, to discuss the situation from a Canadian perspective. Both Tom and Neil spent time covering Washington for different Canadian networks, and beyond the smart banter between the two, a really crisp perspective emerges on how Canada should respond to the populism and shocking conduct we are strangely becoming accustomed to.

Vice Presidential debates are sometimes an afterthought, but not this time. With a record 57 million viewers, the Harris-Pence (+fly) debate was watched closely as America's contenders for second office communicated their messages. Canada was mentioned in the first minute of questioning, contrasted to the high death toll from covid cases in our neighbours to the south.

Host Tom Clark and our US-Canada relations expert Monique Smith unpack what Canada should consider from the answers given by both candidates. Tune in to hear what we need to pay attention to within layers of government beyond the oval office.

The Take shifts focus to the weeks leading up to the U.S. Election with a 5-part series on what this means for Canada. In this episode, host Tom Clark speaks to Christopher Sands, the Canada Institute Director at the Wilson Centre. What can we learn from the first presidential debate and how will the ideas play out in Canada-US relations? Is this the most important election of our lifetime, or will it facilitate a transition into a new era? Tune in to find out.

Perdita Felicien has won 10 Canadian National Championships and her Canadian record for the 100 metres hurdles still stands. She is a celebrated Olympic athlete, national figure, author, and broadcaster, covering Canada’s major sports moments. The global pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented halt to many sports activities and the massive industry that surrounds it. As the industry reopens, now is the time to consider change and improvement. The Take turns to Perdita Felicien to talk about her experiences in Canada’s sport sector and her ideas for where we’re headed as a country.

While the Canadian economy slowly reopens, Canada’s largest company is moving at warp speed. In this episode of The Take, host Tom Clark invites Shopify’s CEO Tobi Lütke to discuss his recent declaration “digital by default” in this transformational time for his company, and beyond. Bold statements like this have kept us so keenly focused on Shopify’s every move. And Tobi walks the talk. What becomes so apparent in this interview is not how fast he is driving us into the future, but that he is most interested in building the roads to bring us along. Infrastructure is massively undervalued, as he points out. Tune in to hear Tobi’s take for the tech sector and beyond as 2020 continues to be the year of extraordinary change.

Season two of The Take resumes with beloved Canadians Mark Critch and Melissa Royle Critch for an uplifting segment on finding moments of humour and relief in a very stressful time. Host Tom Clark draws out the Eastern Canadian resilience that is hearty, sometimes dark humoured, and above all, demonstrates our strength in unity. The future of live entertainment may be uncertain, but Mark and Melissa remind us that our need for moments of laughter and wit has never been more clear.

During this unprecedented time, The Take turns its attention to the COVID-19 global pandemic. The economic reality of the pandemic indicates a return to activities is needed as soon as it is safe to do so. Our leaders in government are tasked with the responsive effort, but how will they coordinate with each other? With industry? Will the approach be interventionist or will it involve incentivising programs? Our guest, former Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter discusses the patchwork response to the recovery effort, and how authorities must design a coordinated a way forward.

The “America First” sentiment certainly sets a tone in a time of global crisis. The longstanding friendship between Canada and the United States is experiencing a moment. Fear, protection, and worry all contribute to the dialogue. Global’s Monique Smith, formerly Ontario’s first appointed Representative to Washington, joins Tom Clark to discuss the longer term outlook. Now, and in post-COVID-19 era, collaboration must prevail.