Western Standard Shows

NATION OF PEOPLE | Canada’s trade war is forcing us to ask: Who are we?

Western Standard Shows

Show Notes

As Mark Carney looks to Europe and other global markets amid the worsening Canada-U.S. trade war, Natalie St. Hilaire and Randy Royer ask how Canada became so dependent on its southern neighbour in the first place. Royer says decades of economic complacency, weak investment and growing reliance on the American market left Canada dangerously exposed when Donald Trump turned toward protectionism. They also examine what makes Canadian political culture different from the U.S., how the 1982 Constitution changed that relationship and whether Canada can rebuild its economic independence.

»»» Subscribe to the Western Standard: https://www.westernstandard.news/subscription

For breaking news, videos, opinion and in-depth coverage: https://www.westernstandard.news/

Follow the Western Standard on X: https://x.com/WesternStandard Follow the Western Standard on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westernstandardonline/ Sign up for Western Standard newsletters: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/788568/130204520588249083/share

Support independent journalism in Western Canada: https://www.westernstandard.news/subscription

More from Western Standard Shows

Oct 18, 2026

Marty is joined by entrepreneur and Sovereign CEO podcast host Karla Treadway for a wide-ranging conversation ahead of Alberta’s referendum. They discuss advance voting, long lines at polling stations, Mark Carney’s visit to Alberta, the final rallies before the vote and Karla’s perspective on Alberta independence. They also look at Ontario politics, Canada’s trade mission to India, Chrystia Freeland’s new book, David Eby’s troubles in B.C. and more.

Oct 18, 2026

Natalie St. Hilaire and Randy Royer deliver their final analysis ahead of Alberta’s referendum and look beyond the vote to what comes next. They discuss Western alienation, constitutional reform, citizen-led engagement, relations with Indigenous nations, cooperation with other Western provinces and the political risks facing Alberta after the results are known. Their central conclusion is that, regardless of the outcome, Alberta will need to clearly define what it wants and begin building a broader public process around that vision.»»» Subscribe to the Western Standard: https://www.westernstandard.news/subscription?utm_source=youtubeFor breaking news, videos, opinion and in-depth coverage: https://www.westernstandard.news/?utm_source=youtubeFollow the Western Standard on X: https://x.com/WesternStandardFollow the Western Standard on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westernstandardonline/Sign up for Western Standard newsletters: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/788568/130204520588249083/shareSupport independent journalism in Western Canada: https://www.westernstandard.news/subscription

Oct 18, 2026

Natalie St. Hilaire and Randy Royer look back at the major ideas, guests and lessons from the first 16 episodes of Nation of People. From Western alienation and Danielle Smith’s approach to citizen assemblies, Indigenous partnerships, constitutional reform and participatory democracy, they pull together the themes that have shaped the series so far and ask what Alberta can build from here.

Oct 18, 2026

Nigel Hannaford is joined by economist Jerome Gessaroli to examine the competing messages coming from Prime Minister Mark Carney. While Carney talks about turning Canada into an energy superpower, Gessaroli questions whether his support for government-directed investment, closer alignment with Europe and a new bloc of middle powers could limit the private investment and major projects Canada needs.

Oct 17, 2026

Derek Fildebrandt, Cory Morgan, Nigel Hannaford and Dave Naylor break down the final days of Alberta’s referendum campaign, including Jason Kenney’s call for the UCP to distance itself from independence supporters and what that could mean for Danielle Smith’s coalition. The panel also looks at Mark Carney’s final-week push in Alberta, the remaining referendum questions, possible constitutional reform and what comes next once the votes are counted.Support the channel: www.youtube.com/@WesternStandard?sub_confirmation=1»»» Subscribe to the Western Standard: https://www.westernstandard.news/subscription?utm_source=youtubeFor breaking news, videos, opinion and in-depth coverage: https://www.westernstandard.news/?utm_source=youtubeFollow the Western Standard on X: https://x.com/WesternStandardFollow the Western Standard on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westernstandardonline/Sign up for Western Standard newsletters: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/788568/130204520588249083/shareSupport independent journalism in Western Canada: https://www.westernstandard.news/subscription

See all episodes →