Canada’s Central Bank lowered rates this week to the surprise of no one. Tens of thousands of jobs were lost over the summer, and inflation, if not easing, does appear to be contained. But as the Bank said in its statement, the path ahead will still be very much determined by what happens on trade. Host Amanda Lang speaks to Tiff Macklem, Governor of the Bank of Canada, about the decisions ahead and how friction with the US will continue to affect our economy.

Canada just recorded a quarter of negative growth and sits on the edge of a potential recession. U.S. tariffs continue to hit the economy hard. Meanwhile, the country is plowing ahead with plans to build mega projects and diversify trade. We are, to put it mildly, at a pretty consequential fork in the road.

Host Amanda Lang talks to one of Canada's top economists, Frances Donald, about the challenges ahead and the surprising case for optimism. As chief economist at RBC, Canada's biggest bank, Donald’s insights and pronouncements on both the Canadian and the U.S. economies are vital. And in this climate of unprecedented uncertainty, needed more than ever.

One thing most people assume about stock markets is that they're an accurate reflection of what's happening in the economy. Yet nothing about markets or politics feels typical right now. Despite global tariffs and unprecedented uncertainty, markets continue to soar. Howard Marks is co-chair of Oaktree Capital Management. He's something of a legend in the investing world and in-depth regular memos are must-reads among those in the industry and well beyond. He speaks with host Amanda Lang about what’s going and what it all means.

Jean Chretien, Canada’s oldest living prime minister, isn't taking Western separatism lying down. Having seen Canada through the threat of Quebec separation, his Clarity Act of 2000 could find new currency today. Chrétien — now 91, mentally sharp and still not pulling his punches — talks to host Amanda Lang about Donald Trump, Team Canada and his message to Alberta.

This episode originally aired on June 12, 2025

In her incredible career as a journalist and author, Sally Armstrong told stories no one else would about the atrocities of war and became a towering figure for women's rights. She speaks with host Amanda Lang about the ongoing fight for rights, the ‘small group of greedy men' who start wars and how a former phys-ed teacher at a magazine called Homemaker became a groundbreaking war correspondent.

This episode originally aired on May 1, 2025.

Once eradicated in Canada, measles is making a comeback in Canada. Is it part of a bigger, post-pandemic trend we're seeing of vaccinations declining? What will it take to get public health back on track? Host Amanda Lang talks to Dr. Joss Reimer, president of the Canadian Medical Association, and Dr. Michael Gardam, a leading infectious disease expert about confronting misinformation, acknowledging COVID mistakes and why we’re still not ready for another emergency.

This episode originally aired May 15, 2025.

Canadians are feeling patriotic these days and acutely aware of what we think makes Canada great. But like a lot of good things, our successes should not be taken for granted. In fact, it's been suggested that our democratic processes have fallen so far over time, we’ve lost sight of what "good" even looks like. Host Amanda Lang talks to Andrew Coyne about his new book The Crisis of Canadian Democracy, and how Canada’s political system and structures are under siege.

The housing market dominates conversation for many Canadians, especially when it comes to the lack of affordable homes. Absent a trade war, it is the subject that ranks most important to many of us. And it’s not just about the real estate market — housing now dominates the Canadian economy. Peter Gilgan founded the largest private home builder in North America, Mattamy Homes. He talks to host Amanda Lang about what’s been driving up prices, the impact of investors and his bet on modular home building.

The risks the world faces today feel not just numerous, but in some cases existential. Ian Bremmer is one of the top political scientists and risk experts in the United States. He’s the head of Eurasia Group, a global consultancy, a highly regarded media commentator and the author of 11 books. He talks to host Amanda Lang about America’s ‘dysfunctional democracy’, the threats leading up to the midterm elections and how Canada lacks the infrastructure of a sovereign nation.

The One Canadian Economy Act is supposed to streamline new projects in Canada, including big resource projects. Can the government pursue these nation-building efforts while also answering other aims, including securing sovereignty over Canada's Arctic and working in partnership with Indigenous groups? Sean Boyd helped grow Agnico Eagle into the largest miner in the country and one of the biggest builders in the Arctic. He talks to host Amanda Lang about why his company is so invested in Canada, the importance of building trust on big projects and why the Northwest Passage needs to be developed.