The long-awaited Carney-Trump summit in the Oval Office left the Canadian delegation feeling encouraged, though the U.S. president still taunted the prime minister over Canada becoming the 51st American state. 

Former Quebec premier Jean Charest, also a member of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Council on Canada-U.S. Relations, joins the show to explain why he believes Canada could ultimately have reason to thank the president.

Then, two former top political staffers share their thoughts on the critical meeting and discuss the future of the Canada-U.S. trade and security relationship and how it could influence Carney’s cabinet picks.

Plus, as the Conservative Party asks itself tough questions about what to do next following a stinging election loss, Globe and Mail senior reporter Stephanie Levitz compares notes with Catherine Cullen on what she’s hearing inside the Conservative caucus and whether Pierre Poilievre is safe as party leader.

Finally, MPs who lose their seats in the election are quietly packing up and saying goodbye. Liberal Marc Serré, Conservative Rick Perkins, New Democrat Peter Julian and the Bloc’s Julie Vignola share the lessons they’ve learned from hard losses, and the joys and sacrifices of political life.

This episode features the voices of:

• Jean Charest, former Quebec premier and former deputy prime minister
• Brian Clow, former deputy chief of staff to Justin Trudeau
• Gerry Keller, chief of staff to former foreign affairs John Baird
• Stephanie Levitz, senior reporter for the Globe and Mail
• Julie Vignola, former Bloc Québécois MP 
• Rick Perkins, former Conservative MP
• Peter Julian, former NDP MP
• Marc Serré, former Liberal MP