Juno News: Straight Up

Could the B.C. election be David Eby’s biggest blunder?

Straight Up with Marc Patrone — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 20:53:19 GMT

British Columbia is heading to the polls on October 24 following Premier David Eby’s snap election call two years ahead of schedule. Eby has framed the election around the threat posed by U.S. President Donald Trump and the economic challenges facing Canada, while many are calling it political opportunism following the departure of the B.C. Conservatives’ leader.

On today’s episode of Straight Up with Marc Patrone, political commentator Leo Knight joins to speak on the state of B.C. politics and the risks Eby may be taking by calling an early election given his track record.

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The discussion looks at the Conservatives’ recent leadership turmoil, the departure of Kerry-Lynne Findlay, and the installation of interim leader Lorne Doerkson.

Knight also points out divisions within the B.C. NDP and misgivings over Eby’s time as Premier. Specifically, he points to the province’s $13.8-billion projected deficit and a range of provincial issues as potential challenges for the government, along with other significant shortcomings in infrastructure and housing.

Our discussion then turns to the federal implications of the B.C. election and how it might impact Prime Minister Mark Carney’s ability to maintain his slim parliamentary majority and whether this might influence Carney’s thinking about calling an early federal election of his own.

EXCLUSIVE: Poilievre sounds alarm on Carney’s EU alliance

Straight Up with Marc Patrone — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 17:46:33 GMT

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada is not looking to join the European Union, but he does want a “unique alliance” with Brussels. What exactly does that mean? Canada already has free trade with Europe and is already part of NATO. So Canadians are asking what additional commitments Carney has in mind, and whether they could affect our laws, taxes, immigration or sovereignty.

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On today’s episode of Straight Up, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre joins Marc Patrone to discuss the proposed EU alliance, the breakdown in Canada-U.S. trade talks and what he believes the government needs to do to protect Canadian interests. Poilievre says Canadians, not European institutions, should control Canada’s borders, immigration policies, taxes and laws.

Poilievre also says his recent conversations with Americans left him optimistic about restoring tariff-free trade. He argues that there is little appetite in the United States for tariffs on Canadian goods and that both countries would benefit from getting back to the negotiating table.

They also discuss investment in Canada, with Poilievre saying the country needs action rather than more summits and speeches, calling for faster approvals of major projects, changes to tax policy and shorter permitting timelines.

Watch the latest episode of Straight Up with Marc Patrone

Poilievre takes tariff-free trade pitch straight to Americans

Straight Up with Marc Patrone — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:30:41 GMT

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is taking his tariff-free trade pitch directly to Americans, arguing Canada and the United States should tear down trade barriers as tensions between the two countries escalate.

On today’s episode of Straight Up with Marc Patrone, political strategist Georganne Burke weighs in on Poilievre’s New York media tour and why she believes he is trying to repair Canada-U.S. relations while Prime Minister Mark Carney takes a more confrontational approach.

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“My mission here is to fight for my country, not to score political points domestically,” Poilievre told CNBC. “Politics ends at the border.”

Poilievre argues tariff-free trade would lower costs and grow paycheques on both sides of the border, while calling on Canada to cut taxes, accelerate project approvals and unleash its natural resources to become the “richest country” in the world.

Burke also addresses speculation that Poilievre’s U.S. tour is aimed at shoring up support within his own party. While acknowledging internal Conservative tensions could be a factor, she argues his primary goal is reaching Americans directly and rebuilding the cross-border relationship.

Plus, Burke takes aim at Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer over her opposition to Enbridge’s Line 5 pipeline and questions why Ontario Premier Doug Ford has remained relatively quiet despite repeatedly attacking U.S. President Donald Trump.

Finally, Burke weighs in on whether Poilievre should seek a meeting with Trump, arguing a public meeting may be inappropriate for an opposition leader but that he could work through senior administration officials, congressional leaders or private backchannels to get his message to the president.

Americans FURIOUS over CBC editorial directive

Straight Up with Marc Patrone — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 21:20:50 GMT

Former CRTC commissioner and Calgary Herald publisher Peter Menzies is blasting the CBC over its short-lived direction to reporters not to call the 9/11 attacks terrorism, calling the decision “ridiculously bureaucratic.”

On today’s episode of Straight Up with Marc Patrone, Menzies weighs in on the CBC controversy, its rapid reversal following criticism from the Liberal cabinet, and the Republican Party’s decision to bar the public broadcaster from its convention.

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“There is no question that the 9/11 attacks were terrorism,” Menzies said, arguing journalism’s first obligation is to the truth and the CBC went too far in applying its editorial policy.

Menzies also questions whether political pressure prompted the CBC’s reversal, saying it appears “somebody in cabinet said jump and the CBC said how high.” He calls on the taxpayer-funded broadcaster to disclose whether government officials contacted CBC executives before it changed course.

Plus, Menzies weighs in on the Republican Party barring the CBC from its convention, saying he opposes excluding journalists from political events even when he disagrees with their coverage.

Finally, Menzies argues the controversy exposes a CBC culture increasingly disconnected from mainstream Canadians, while making the case that Canada still needs a public broadcaster to serve northern communities and other “news deserts.”

Former Conservative MP warns anti-Trump bravado could cost Canadians their jobs

Straight Up with Marc Patrone — Sun, 06 Sep 2026 18:46:00 GMT

Former Conservative MP Michelle Ferreri is warning that Canada’s escalating trade war with the United States could cost Canadians their jobs, arguing the public wants Ottawa to stand up to Donald Trump without paying the economic price.

On today’s episode of Straight Up with Marc Patrone, Ferreri takes aim at Prime Minister Mark Carney’s handling of the trade dispute, warning that retaliatory measures and shrinking access to the U.S. market could hammer Canadian workers and businesses.

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“The bravado of standing up to the guy that people don’t like is all fine and well until you get punched in the face,” Ferreri said, arguing Canadians need to “stop talking about Trump” and focus on the impact on Canadian jobs.

Ferreri also blasts Carney for warning Canadians they will have to make economic sacrifices without spelling out the cost or recalling Parliament. She argues Canada remains dangerously dependent on the U.S. market while failing to tear down interprovincial trade barriers and expand its energy exports.

Plus, Ferreri takes aim at Carney’s leadership and his ties to former McKinsey executive Dominic Barton, while claiming Liberal MPs have privately expressed dissatisfaction with the prime minister.

Finally, Ferreri weighs in on Canada’s growing relationship with China, arguing Canadians need to decide whether closer ties with Beijing are worth weakening the country’s longstanding economic relationship with the United States.

Canada risks energy crunch as U.S. turns to Venezuela: Kirk Lubimov

Straight Up with Marc Patrone — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Business consultant and commentator Kirk Lubimov is warning that Canada’s escalating trade fight with the United States could backfire, as tariffs squeeze Canadian industries and Washington looks elsewhere for energy.

On today’s episode of Straight Up with Marc Patrone, Lubimov breaks down the latest Canada-U.S. trade tensions, including President Donald Trump’s threat to block Bombardier sales in the U.S. and Canada’s roughly $20 billion in retaliatory tariffs.

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“This is such a good example because Bombardier is heavily involved into the U.S. economy,” Lubimov says, pointing to the thousands of American jobs tied directly and indirectly to the Canadian aerospace giant.

Lubimov also weighs in on the collapse of Canada-U.S. trade talks, arguing tariffs are particularly damaging to deeply integrated industries such as auto manufacturing, where parts can cross the border several times before a finished vehicle rolls off the line.

Plus, Lubimov takes aim at Ottawa’s efforts to attract investment while Canadian projects remain tangled in regulation, questioning how the government can sell Canada to foreign investors when domestic companies are reluctant to put their own money on the line.

Finally, Lubimov warns Canada could lose ground in its most important energy market as the U.S. turns increasingly to Venezuelan heavy crude. With Canadian export capacity constrained and new pipelines potentially years away, he says the country risks losing investment and being left with nowhere to ship additional oil production.

Ambassador Hoekstra confirms Canada-U.S. trade deal is close

Straight Up with Marc Patrone — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 20:52:23 GMT

U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra is offering insight into the emerging U.S.-Canada trade agreement after President Donald Trump delayed his planned 50% tariffs on Canadian goods.

Hoekstra told Juno News that negotiators on both sides are working to put the agreement into writing, with a few remaining details to be finalized before the deal is formally announced.

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He discusses what the agreement could mean for Canadian and American farmers, the auto sector, steel and aluminum, dairy and broader tariff arrangements between the two countries.

Hoekstra also addresses the possibility of reviving the Keystone XL pipeline, saying increased access to Canadian oil could play an important role in strengthening North American energy security.

He discusses growing U.S. concerns over Chinese electric vehicles entering Canada and the potential security implications for the North American auto industry.

Hoekstra also makes the case for a stronger economic and military partnership between Canada and the United States, including closer cooperation on China, NORAD and Arctic security.

Watch the latest episode of Straight Up with Marc Patrone

Thank you to Byrna for sponsoring today’s episode: https://www.junomarketplace.com/byrna

Stockwell Day warns of impending mass immigration crisis

Straight Up with Marc Patrone — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 19:54:39 GMT

Former Harper-era cabinet minister Stockwell Day is sounding the alarm over Canada’s immigration system, warning that mass immigration and weak enforcement will have serious consequences for the country.

Day warns that Canada cannot afford to send a signal that its borders are wide open, pointing to what he describes as the chaos unfolding in Spain as a warning for Canada.

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He says the scale of immigration over the past decade has created serious pressures on housing, infrastructure and health care, while questioning how carefully newcomers are being screened and whether Canada is properly enforcing deportations.

Day also argues that immigration has become a political issue for the federal Liberals, saying governments have an electoral interest in attracting new Canadians in key ridings.

He also discusses the media’s treatment of Conservative leaders and the internal pressure now facing Pierre Poilievre.

Watch the latest episode of Straight Up with Marc Patrone

EXCLUSIVE: Former Harper advisor says Conservatives need to stop fighting and start winning

Straight Up with Marc Patrone — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 01:46:20 GMT

Dimitri Soudas, a longtime Conservative strategist who served as Stephen Harper's communications director and later as executive director of the Conservative Party, joins Straight Up with Marc Patrone to discuss the debate over Pierre Poilievre's leadership, public disputes among prominent Conservatives, and the party's path forward.

Soudas says the public clashes among Conservative figures, former staffers and insider voices have become a distraction from the party’s larger goal of returning to government. While he says debate and disagreement are part of any political movement, he argues personal disputes cannot be allowed to fracture the broader Conservative coalition.

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Discussing recent tensions surrounding the BC Conservative leadership race and the fallout involving Caroline Elliott and members of her campaign team, Soudas argues Conservatives need to focus on bringing more people into the movement rather than pushing supporters away. “Politics is about making additions, not about making subtractions,” he says.

Soudas also addresses the ongoing criticism and counter-criticism involving Pierre Poilievre and political strategist Kory Teneycke, arguing the party’s leader has a responsibility to rise above internal battles.

“One person, Kory Teneycke, is a party member, a Conservative... The other person is supposed to be the prime minister in waiting. Why is he wasting time on Kory Teneycke?” Soudas says.

While praising Poilievre as “probably the hardest working politician I have ever met,” Soudas argues the Conservative leader’s focus should be on showing Canadians he is ready to govern.

Soudas also outlines what he believes to be the path forward for Conservatives, urging the party to “ignore the noise,” focus on the job ahead, and become a government-in-waiting.

Watch the latest episode of Straight Up with Marc Patrone

Andrew Lawton: Carney Liberals are “finishing the job” on Trudeau's war on faith

Straight Up with Marc Patrone — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 01:49:00 GMT

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The Carney Liberal government has banned references to God at official Canadian Armed Forces ceremonies, ordering military chaplains to replace prayers with non-religious “spiritual reflections” at events such as Remembrance Day services, graduations, and changes of command.

Conservative MP Andrew Lawton joins Marc Patrone to …

Premier Smith tells Juno News: "It's a hard no" to energy war with U.S.

Straight Up with Marc Patrone — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 16:18:09 GMT

On today’s episode of Straight Up, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith joins Marc Patrone from Charlottetown, P.E.I., following meetings with Canada’s premiers and Prime Minister Mark Carney to discuss the country’s response to escalating trade tensions with the United States.

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Is China meddling in Alberta's independence movement?

Straight Up with Marc Patrone — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:55:02 GMT

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Alberta lawyer and independence advocate Jeff Rath is sounding the alarm on Chinese influence in Alberta, alleging that foreign interests are affecting the province’s political landscape and the future of the sovereignty movement.

On today’s episode of Straight Up with Marc Patrone, Rath details what he describes as a growing …

EXCLUSIVE: Peter MacKay warns against Carney's massive defence spending

Straight Up with Marc Patrone — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:35:29 GMT

On today’s episode of Straight Up, former defence minister Peter MacKay joins Marc Patrone to discuss Canada’s commitment to dramatically increase defence spending and whether the country can afford it.

MacKay also weighs in on Canada’s fiscal outlook, the state of the economy, and what he sees as missed opportunities to strengthen the country’s finances through pipelines, LNG exports, and resource development.

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They also discuss Canada’s relationship with the United States, the future of free trade, China’s growing influence, and how Ottawa is handling its most important international partnerships.

Finally, MacKay shares his perspective on the ongoing conflict with Iran, NATO’s role in global security, and whether he would ever consider returning to political life.

Trudeau says immigration relies on "shared values"

Straight Up with Marc Patrone — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:43:00 GMT

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Over the weekend, Justin Trudeau told a Finnish audience that successful immigration relies on “shared values” and integration, rather than ancestry. He went on to admit that Canada had made mistakes on immigration that needed adjustment.

The comments are surprising from a leader who long defended his government’s immigration …

Is Carney's condo bailout dead?

Straight Up with Marc Patrone — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 01:04:00 GMT

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Last week, Prime Minister Mark Carney and BC Premier David Eby announced a joint project to buy up over 2,200 vacant, unsold condominiums and convert them into affordable housing.

The plan immediately triggered intense blowback from all fronts, with critics blasting it as a taxpayer-funded bailout that artificially protects de…

EXCLUSIVE: Jamil Jivani launches Task Force to End Liberal Racism

Straight Up with Marc Patrone — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 21:59:39 GMT

On today’s episode of Straight Up, Conservative MP Jamil Jivani joins Marc Patrone to discuss his newly launched parliamentary task force aimed at confronting what he calls “Liberal racism” in Canadian institutions.

The Task Force to End Liberal Racism will take stock of how diversity and inclusion policies are being applied across federal programs and p…

Trump kills possible trade deal with Canada?

Straight Up with Marc Patrone — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 14:04:10 GMT

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On today’s episode of Straight Up, Marc Patrone breaks down President Trump’s latest comments suggesting that an updated free trade agreement with Canada may not be coming.

Speaking to reporters, Trump said he’s “not looking to renew” the deal, and outlined his right to terminate the pact as a key component of the agreement.

Th…

Melissa Lantsman on Mark Carney's caucus crackdown

Straight Up with Marc Patrone — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 23:57:52 GMT

Conservative MP Melissa Lantsman joins Marc Patrone to discuss growing unrest inside Prime Minister Mark Carney’s caucus, as reports emerge of tighter internal discipline and frustration among Liberal MPs behind closed doors.

Lantsman weighs in on Carney’s leadership style and whether efforts to clamp down on dissent are exposing deeper divisions within …

Canada’s recession reality

Straight Up with Marc Patrone — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 20:59:24 GMT

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On today’s episode of Straight Up, host Marc Patrone is joined by former Liberal MP and Canadians for Affordable Energy president Dan McTeague to discuss Canada officially slipping into recession and the growing affordability crisis facing Canadians.

The two examine criticism surrounding Prime Minister Mark Carney’s response t…

Carney embraces “Make America Great Again”?

Straight Up with Marc Patrone — Fri, 29 May 2026 20:08:16 GMT

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Prime Minister Mark Carney is striking a dramatically different tone toward the United States, telling an audience in New York that “Canada Strong will help make America great again.” But is this a genuine shift in strategy, or a response to mounting economic and political pressure?

On this episode of Straight Up, host Marc Pa…