Playbook Canada

Sell baby, sell: Inside Canada’s energy pitch | Heather McPherson

Playbook Canada

Show Notes

POLITICO’s Deborah Kahn joins from CERAWeek in Houston to unpack Canada’s latest pitch to the global energy market with hosts Nick Taylor-Vaisey and Mickey Djuric. Then, as the NDP prepares to elect a new leader, Nick and Mickey dig into a race defined more by low energy than momentum, and Mickey speaks one on one with one of the front-runners, Edmonton MP Heather McPherson. Finally, the pair digs into the prime minister’s pick for parliamentary budget officer – and why it feels like déjà vu.

More from Playbook Canada

Oct 22, 2026

Alberta’s referendum is over. Danielle Smith’s fight inside her own party is just beginning. Nick Taylor-Vaisey and Mickey Djuric discuss what’s next for a premier who’s made all sides furious. Plus, Mark Carney is back on the road — and Ottawa’s budget is only weeks away.

Oct 17, 2026

NDP Leader Avi Lewis joins Nick Taylor-Vaisey for a bonus episode of “Playbook Canada.” In a wide-ranging interview, they discuss the prime minister’s popularity, fishbowl culture, how to talk to Albertans about oil, what socialism means today, the U.S. politicians Lewis is watching and what he’s learned about his late father Stephen’s legacy. They also discuss Bill C-39, the government’s latest major-projects bill.

Oct 15, 2026

Mickey Djuric joins Nick Taylor-Vaisey from Calgary to discuss the stakes in Alberta’s referendum debate and where things go after Monday's vote. They hear from key players, including separatist leader Mitch Sylvestre. And Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon shares notes on the fall political season. Plus, 200 seconds with “Unity Bus” driver Thomas Lukaszuk.

Oct 8, 2026

A leaked draft offers a peek at an EU-Canada relationship. Or is it a partnership? Just don’t call it associate membership. Guest host Camille Gijs, POLITICO’s senior trade reporter in Brussels, tells Nick Taylor-Vaisey the idea was “born dead” — in the words of one diplomat. Also, Ottawa reacts to the PQ victory in Quebec. Europe doesn’t. And Europe and China arrive at a make-or-break moment. Plus, Eurovision!

Oct 1, 2026

Today on Playbook Canada, poll analyst Philippe J. Fournier joins Nick Taylor-Vaisey to discuss the ups and — for Christine Fréchette — serious downs of the Quebec election campaign. Fournier brings all the data to the conversation. Also, Prime Minister Mark Carney drops in on two high-stakes provincial campaigns. And a whiff of patronage returns to the Senate. Plus, 200 seconds with Sen. Colin Deacon.

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