It's Political with Althia Raj
Toronto Star
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Probing and insightful conversations with Canada's top political insiders, hosted by Althia Raj. A bi-monthly political podcast from the Toronto Star.
Episode results
It's Political with Althia Raj
3 days ago
What will it take to fix Canada’s housing crisis?
Whether you’re trying to buy a house or struggling to find a decent and affordable place to rent, it seems Canadians across this country are experiencing the housing crisis in one form or another. This week on “It’s Political,” we look at this growing problem and what politicians have done to address it.
We’ll first look at the problem from different perspectives with the help of several experts, including: Carolyn Whitzman, the expert advisor to the Housing Assessment Resource Tools Project at the University of British Columbia; Adam Vaughan, the former MP for Spadina—Fort York and one of the architects of the Liberal government’s national housing strategy; Mike Moffatt, the senior director at the Smart Prosperity Institute; Rebekah Young, a vice-president and head of Inclusion and Resilience Economics at Scotiabank; Garima Talwar Kapoor, the director of Policy and Research at Maytree; Myriam Mekni, the executive director of the Catholic Centre for Immigrants in Ottawa; Adrian Schut, the director of construction at Habitat for Humanity in greater Ottawa; and Victoria Gibson, the Toronto Star’s affordable housing reporter.
Then we’ll let politicians have their say. Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath, Moncton Mayor Dawn Arnold and Calgary Coun. Courtney Walcott offer their experiences and perspectives. Then, the opposition critics for housing, Conservative MP Scott Aitchison and NDP MP Jenny Kwan, sit down to offer their solutions.
Finally, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser addresses concerns the government’s ambitious immigration targets might deepen the housing crisis, and lead to more polarization.
Clips this week were sourced from the House of Commons, CPAC, CBC, and TVO.
This episode of “It’s Political” was produced by Michal Stein and Althia Raj. Kevin Sexton and Katie Jensen mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.
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It's Political with Althia Raj
May 5, 2023
Where can Justin Trudeau take the Liberals now?
As Liberals from across the country gather in Ottawa for the party’s first in-person national convention since the pandemic, “It’s Political” digs into Justin Trudeau’s record as party leader and his time as prime minister. With bleak polling numbers and an ambitious Conservative opponent, how can the Liberals correct their course?
First, we sit down with Trudeau’s former principal secretary Gerald Butts. Then we’ll hear from Abacus Data’s David Coletto who has some new numbers.
We’ll also bring you a conversation with longtime Liberals: Prince Edward Island Senator Percy Downe, former PMO executive director of policy and cabinet affairs Marci Surkes, and MPs Nathaniel Erskine Smith and Kody Blois.
Finally, we’ll also hear from the outgoing chair of the Young Liberals of Canada Lucas Borchenko about some of the policies younger Liberals — those who pushed the party to adopt marijuana legalization and gay marriage — are championing now.
Clips this week were sourced from CPAC, The House of Commons, CBC, CTV, Global, the Guardian, and Pierre Poilievre’s Facebook page.
“It’s Political” is produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Kevin Sexton mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.
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It's Political with Althia Raj
May 19, 2023
Danielle Smith vs. Rachel Notley: What's at stake in the Alberta election?
This week on “It’s Political” we check in on the Alberta election. NDP Leader Rachel Notley and UCP Leader Danielle Smith are in a hotly contested race and there’s lots at stake for Albertans and all Canadians.
First, Toronto Star reporter Kieran Leavitt brings us a report from Lethbridge, in a riding the NDP needs to win if it is to form government. Then, we’ll hear from Abacus Data’s David Coletto and from pollster Janet Brown about their competing polls and what they tell us about the state of the race in Alberta. Finally, we’ll sit down with experienced conservative adviser Ken Bossenkool, from Meredith Boessenkool Policy Advisors, Graham Thomson, a long-time columnist in Alberta, and Lisa Young, political science professor at the University of Calgary, to talk about Thursday’s debate and why this election is important.
Clips this week were sourced from CPAC, Rachel Notley’s YouTube channel, The U.C.P.’s YouTube channel, Danielle Smith’s Twitter page, CBC, and CTV
This episode of “It’s Political” was produced by Althia Raj. Kevin Sexton mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.
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This Matters | Daily News Podcast
May 5, 2022
Introducing ‘It’s Political with Althia Raj,’ a new Canadian politics podcast
This Matters would like to let you know about another Toronto Star podcast launching today. ‘It's Political with Althia Raj’ is the Star’s new Canadian politics podcast. Every two weeks, Raj brings listeners behind the scenes on Parliament Hill with exclusive interviews, in-depth reporting and thoughtful analysis. Join us as we explore the ins and the outs of the drama unfolding in Ottawa with humour and intelligence.The first episode drops Thursday, May 5. Listen and follow or subscribe at thestar.com/itspolitical.
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CBC News At Issue
May 25, 2023
Could opposition pressure tactics force an interference inquiry?
Will the opposition parties pull their support for the Liberals over their refusal to hold a public inquiry on foreign interference? Plus, Albertans head to the polls on May 29. How will it shape the future of the province and its relationship with Ottawa? Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hébert, Althia Raj Andrew Coyne and Kelly Cryderman.
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