While National Newswatch does not keep an archive of external articles for longer than 6 months, we do keep all articles written by contributors who post directly to our site. Here you will find all of the contributed and linked external articles from Chantal Hébert.
For Mark Carney, this was a week to remember. Wining and dining the big players in big money, then flying over to France to be wined and dined by the EU. Plus Stephen Harper standing side by side with Mark Carney's position on the US. All this while Pierre Poilievre had to sneak out a back door from his own...
Prime Minister Carney is in Banff, Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre is in New York, and for this moment at least, they're towing somewhat the same line. They're putting Canada first in the trade fight against the United States, leaving criticism of each other in the background. The latest on where we are on this story, and a lot more, with...
It's been a week. Canada/US relations have never been so low. Attacks on each other's trade strategies, attacks on our sovereignty, even a pathetic, rather lame attack on one of the Great Lakes that shares our joint border. Sounds like enough for a final, special summer episode of Good Talk.
It's our first summer of 26 special Good Talk and there's lots to talk about. This week it's wildfires and the smoke they cause, upsetting the Canada/U.S. relationship. Not to mention the renegotiated Gordie Howe Bridge deal. For Pierre Poilievre its whether his leadership can survive much longer with internal fights breaking out all the time. Chantal Hebert and Bruce...
Sometimes sport can be such a nice distraction. Like last night. Canada's first-ever win in World Cup Soccer. And what a win, 6-0 in front of a home crowd in Vancouver. Nice distraction for the PM, who was in attendance, after what some felt was a bended-knee performance for Donald Trump at the G7 in France. He wasn't alone. What...
Lots of good talk on Good Talk this week, starting with Chantal and Bruce on Mark Carney's trip to Paris today and his talks with Emmanuel Macron. France is hosting the G7 next week, but for many, it's really a G6 with Donald Trump's America, no friend of the group. That and CUSMA and social media bans top the discussion...
First up this week, Prime Minister Carney summed up a critical week in the Canada-US trade discussions with the phrase, "some progress". So what does that mean? Plus the AI strategy. Then both Bruce Anderson and Chantal Heebert discuss the fall of an iconic broadcast network -- CBS and the "60 Minutes" debacle.
How do you MAGA - Make America Great Again? According to Mark Carney, the answer is, MCS, Make Canada Strong. That was part of the message the PM gave American business leaders in New York yesterday and guess who was clapping? Pete Hoekstra, one of Donald Trump's leading Canadian critics, is the U.S. ambassador to Canada. It's been quite a...
As weeks go by, this couldn't have been worse for Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. It's one thing to get in a fight with Ottawa, even a neighbouring Premier, but your own party? Your own cabinet? Or both? Over a referendum. That's just one of the topics up for discussion with Chantel Hebert and Bruce Anderson. Also on tap, Breaking News...
Mark Carney says Canada can become an energy superpower, given its potential in oil, gas, electricity, solar, and wind. But as we are seeing now, to get there, some old promises need to change. Is that price too high? Is the Liberal Party's unity at stake? Just some of the questions and one of the issues for Chantal and Bruce...
Former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney says the federalist side is dragging its feet in organizing for a likely referendum on separation in Alberta. Are they, and if so, why? There's a lot happening on the Alberta story, and it seems to get messier by the week. Bruce and Chantal have their Good Talk thoughts on this and more.
The message from Mark Carney to Conservative MP Jamil Jivani was very clear -- there's only one player on the Canadian team negotiating with the US and that's his government. But is there? Jivani is in Washington again saying he's working for Canada. The plot thickens. Plus, Avi Lewis passes up another opportunity to run for the party he leads...
The Prime Minister keeps his cool in public, but he's said to sometimes lose that cool in private. Doesn't suffer fools well and demands action not foot dragging. This week we saw him come close to bluntly telling the Americans to back off with the demands and get with the program on trade talks. That's just one of the things...
Almost two months ago, Pierre Poilievre seemed to have rounded a corner. The "attack dog" politician became, or so it seemed, the friendly one, talking about respect and a time for unity. Well those days are gone, long gone, after a week where the old Poilievre seemed back in full force. Bruce and Chantal are back with their assessments of...
A terrible crash of an Air Canada jet in New York becomes a language crisis at the top of the country's national airline. The airline employs more than 35 thousand people, about a third of them in Montreal. But their Montreal based CEO speaks only English and this week that became painfully clear. Bruce and Chantal have their thoughts on...
The Conservative leader went on the most popular podcast in the United States yesterday and kept the conversation going for more than two hours and twenty minutes. And if you believe Bruce and Chantal he did very well. Will it make a difference? Also on Good Talk, the Iran war and America's allies, just where do they, including Canada, stand...
Within hours of the US and Israeli attack on Iran and the assassination of that country's leader, Mark Carney was out with his initial thoughts on the conflict. Since then there's been some clarification on what he meant but there's also been some concern in Liberal circles. Chantal and Bruce have their thoughts on this and a lot more on...
Pierre Poilievre is getting generally pretty good reviews for his major speech yesterday outlining his vision for Canada-U.S. relations. Before a pretty Conservative business audience in Toronto, he also went after Donald Trump -- something he hasn't done in the past with so much vigour. It wasn't just what he said but the way he said it. Chantal Hebert and...
A new poll in the United States has Americans being told that there's a real chill from Canadians about their southern neighbours, and the word "hate" is used. Feelings are strong, but that strong? Bruce and Chantal on that, plus Alberta calls for a referendum on October 19th, but no question yet on separation. Plus more on leadership challenges for...
Remember that old saying "Stick a fork in him, he's done"? Some people are beginning to say that about Donald Trump, which may well work in Canada's favour. A little early or no? Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson on that, and also more on the possible Alberta referendum and Washington's supposed involvement.
Not even a week after Pierre Poilievre's resounding victory at the leadership review vote in Calgary, the Conservative leader found himself struggling. Why? Because he seemed offside on strategy with the often referred to "Godfather" of his party, Stephen Harper. It was a big week for Harper as he was in Ottawa to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his first...
Alberta is at the centre of two major stories as the week ends -- Pierre Poilievre is in Calgary tonight waiting for his party's verdict on his leadership. Meanwhile Albertans who want out of Canada say they have the White House on their side and some of the things being said by Trump officials would seem to agree. Bruce and...
Alberta is at the centre of two major stories as the week ends -- Pierre Poilievre is in Calgary tonight waiting for his party's verdict on his leadership. Meanwhile Albertans who want out of Canada say they have the White House on their side and some of the things being said by Trump officials would seem to agree. Bruce and...
First, Mark Carney said the rupture is real and our days tied to the US are over. Twenty four hours later, Donald Trump implies "You better be careful Mark". More Trumpian insults directed at Canada followed So now, its game on, the fight is real and who knows just where it will all end up. So while Carney and his...
Mark Carney was in China for the past few days and leaves with a pocketful of deals. Sounds good but how good is it? Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson are here with their assessment of risks and rewards. It's a busy Good Talk with more on the agenda, from the resignation of Quebec's premier to what exactly is Canada's position...
The year is off to a fast start, and so is the Good Talk panel. How worried should Canada be after the US invasion of Venezuela and Donald Trump's constant threats towards some of his closest neighbours? Also, Chrystia Freeland pulls the plug on her Ottawa career and sets up shop in Ukraine. All that and more in our first...
The year is off to a fast start, and so is the Good Talk panel. How worried should Canada be after the US invasion of Venezuela and Donald Trump's constant threats towards some of his closest neighbours? Also, Chrystia Freeland pulls the plug on her Ottawa career and sets up shop in Ukraine. All that and more in our first...
For the third time in a month a Conservative jumps ship, with two of them joining the Liberals. Will there be more? The Liberals need at least one more to form a majority. All this is happening while the government struggles to pass new legislation. Ottawa starts to close down for the holidays and Good Talk assesses where things stand...
A week ago the talk was all about pipelines. Remember those days? Things have changed a lot in a mere seven days. It's been quite the week, especially in Quebec, where there are lessons for politicians across the country. Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson join the virtual discussion table again for some Good Talk.
Twelve hundred people were on their feet in Calgary yesterday applauding Mark Carney and Danielle Smith for the deal they signed that could lead to a new pipeline to move Alberta oil to markets. But there was a cost too ...Carney lost a minister, and the BC government and indigenous groups are more than a little bit upset. What happens...
Another week where there's lots to talk about with Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson. The US is playing hardball through its ambassador to Canada over which jet fighter we "must" buy, while Sweden sends its King and Queen to push its option. And then there's the pipeline story -- could a deal between Ottawa and Alberta be close on that...
The numbers certainly conclude that if all opposition MPs vote against the budget then the government will fall. But will that happen and will it happen next week? All that on the heels of the budget and the latest major projects list? That and this question -- Is Mark Carney still green? All this with Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson...
Budgets, especially minority government budgets, always bring a degree of parliamentary drama. But this week, a Conservative member added to the excitement by crossing the floor to join the Liberals. But at the end of the day, does it make a difference? That and a lot more with Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson joining Good Talk for their weekly commentary.
As if there isn't enough going on with trade talks broken down with the U.S., new trade possibilities with China, and a crucial budget set for Tuesday, Canadians could be facing an election within a week. And then there's the case of "Profanity Pete" the US Ambassador to Canada. Let's get some analysis with Bruce Anderson and Chantal Hebert as...
Donald Trump has terminated the trade talks with Canada after Ontario ads running in the U.S. use Ronald Reagan's voice condemning tariffs. Is this serious or just Trump bluster? Meanwhile, the Carney government's first budget is now just days away, and the PM says Canadians will need to make sacrifices. And, Pierre Poilievre has another bad week. All this and...
There are going to be a lot of special programs done in the next few weeks, leading up to the 30th anniversary of the 1995 Quebec Referendum. A night that those of us who witnessed it will never forget. Tension and emotion ruled the evening. Chantal, Bruce and I were all in different roles watching the story unfold, and this...
When Donald Trump and Mark Carney met in the White House for the first time a few months ago, the meeting looked, and was, tense. Not so this latest time. Smiles, laughs and lots of almost boyish banter. What was that all about? Has anything really changed? Could a deal be in the offing, or was it all for the...
Everyone knew this was coming, but now we are here. It's the great pipeline battle playing out between Ottawa and Alberta, and between Alberta and BC. What's at stake? Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson are here to discuss this and what it means for Mark Carney, the upcoming budget, and the future of the country. And, Donald Trump's "war within"...
The U.S. Ambassador to Canada was in Banff yesterday for what turned out to be a tense conversation with former Canadian diplomat Colin Robertson. The ambassador, a seasoned American politician, and Robertson, no stranger to Canada-U.S. relations, went at it over some of the things that have been said between the two countries this year. Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson...
Keir Starmer with help from the royals sucked up to Donald Trump this week in a big way. Does that work? Is there something for Canada to learn? Plus, you never want to lose a senior cabinet minister, unless. Unless you think you are better off without that person. What is the case with Chrystia Freeland? And, Jimmy Kimmel. There's...
Five projects, two in BC, one in Saskatchewan, one in Ontario and one in Quebec headline Mark Carney's initial nation building push. Surprisingly perhaps, the list got a big thumbs up from Alberta's premier. Just a few days before Parliament returns what does that say about how the government will fare when the action begins in the House of Commons...
Recent polls suggest Canadians are now more concerned about basic economic issues than they are about the Carney-Trump talks. Housing, affordability, inflation and government spending top the list. All this in the run up to an expected October budget, but also at a time when hugely expensive "nation building projects" are on the table. How do you square cuts and...
Four months and a day since the election and the summer ends with signs that the Carney government is moving on some of its major agenda promises. Or is it? That's the line item for Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson on this our final summer special before our new season begins next week.
The statistics are pretty impressive ..Canadians are staying home or at least they are staying away from the U.S. in this summer of 2025. THis doesn't look like a one off, it could become generational. The deadline for a new trade deal between Canada and the U.S. is one week from today, what are the chances? Chantal Hebert and Bruce...
The rush to get to nation-building projects has seen at least two governments, Ottawa and Queen's Park in Ontario, push for legislation that will speed the process along. That has caused some concern by those who feel the push may be too fast. Chantal Hebert and Rob Russo are here to talk about that and much more.
The upcoming G7 in Alberta will host some of the world's top leaders. The agenda has been carefully planned. But will all those plans be derailed because of Israel's attack on Iran and the chaos that may have on the world? Plus, the new Carney government is making a lot of commitments and they all add up, but where's the...
Nothing usually ends well when you get into a relationship with Donald Trump. Just ask Elon Musk. But none of that is getting in the way of secret or private talks between Trump and Mark Carney. So what's going on and just what is possible dealing with a guy who doesn't even believe in the deals he himself signs. Rob...
The royal visit, the throne speech and the first question period are over. Performative arts mostly. Now the real work of building the so-called "new Canada" begins. What's the plan, and how will they get there? It starts with a first minister's conference this weekend. Chantal and Rob have their thoughts on that.
Ten weeks ago today Mark Carney became the country's 24th prime minister. Many Canadians really didn't know that much about him at the time. In those ten weeks we've seen a lot in terms of how he works, what he decides and who helps him achieve his goals. What have we learned about him that we didn't know the day...
It's only been a few days since the election but already some signs of discontent on Parliament Hill. Conservatives sure, that's expected. But some Liberals who thought they should be in cabinet aren't, and they aren't happy either. Is this all meaningless inside the Ottawa bubble stuff or is it something Mark Carney should watch out for? That and a...
Lots to discuss after a week where Mark Carney sits down with Donald Trump in the White House, Pierre Poilievre fights to hold on to his leadership, and a new prime minister tries to build a cabinet that can deliver on the promises that won an election. But we start with a new Pope, and what that could mean. Chantal...
If you thought Monday would answer everything, think again. It's left a lot of questions: How will Carney deal with Trump? Will Poilievre hang on to his job after losing his seat, the election, and perhaps even his house? What will happen to the NDP? There are lots of questions for Chantal Hebert and Rob Russo on this week's Good...
The final Good Talk before Monday's election decision. Millions of Canadians are about to decide, if they haven't already in advance polls, just which party and which leader they want to form a government. It's a significant decision, and the challenges facing Canada on multiple fronts will not be easy to manage. Chantal Hebert and Rob Russo bring us the...
Four leaders, one moderator, two hours of debate. In a five week campaign did those two hours change the shape of Canada's election race? That's the question for Chantal Hebert and Rob Russo on this week's Good Talk. Plus, how did the debate organizers allow a fringe advocacy group disguised as reporters to take over the post-debate platform?
We've passed the halfway point of the campaign with the television debates just around the corner. And you have to wonder when the Conservatives, or at least some of them, start to question the validity of the polls, that there's trouble in the Tory ranks. Both Rob Russo and Chantal Hebert have been travelling this week, one on the west...
As the week ends thousands of Canadians are out of work because of the Donald Trump tariffs. Thousands more could be soon. But that's not all as grocery prices and a lot more will soon start going up as well. The trade war is on. The question now is how will it impact the federal election campaign as it approaches...
It was bad enough last week when Doug Ford told Pierre Poilievre he didn't have time to campaign for him. But now Ford's top strategist says Poilievre is heading for defeat unless he changes his campaign. And he has the polls to back that up. On the face of it the Conservative leader has big crowds, but behind the scenes...
The election will be called this weekend and the country's voters will be determining Canada's future. There could be as many as six main leaders but the main context will be between Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre. Are they ready for the five or six weeks ahead? Chantal Hebert and Rob Russo are here for some Good Talk on that.
Day One of the Carney administration reveals a much smaller cabinet, almost half the size of previous ones of late. But is this all about optics or does it really mean a slimmer, more accountable and effective "war" cabinet for the fight ahead? Chantal and Rob tackle that question along with the latest rumblings about what's really happening in the...
In two days, LIberals will have a new leader, and the country will know who their next Prime Minister will be. It's a huge decision and the consequences for the party and the country are significant. Chantal and Rob set the scene on that, plus where we are in the trade war with a guy who changes his mind almost...