Episode Details

The scramble for CUMSA has begun. Lobbyists are lobbying. Negotiators are negotiating. And, while that’s all kicking off, there’s another less visible channel of diplomacy. The Canada-US Interparliamentary Group.  A network of Canadian MPs, senators, and members of Congress who meet every year to keep our relationship going and talk through issues that could otherwise spiral into major disputes. 

This episode, host Sam Konnert takes a look inside the network of politicians trying to keep the Canada-US relationship running smoothly, and speaks with Canadian Senator Michael MacDonald and Politico reporter Nick Taylor-Vaisey.

Host: Sam Konnert

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)

Guests: Nick Taylor-Vaisey, Michael L. MacDonald

Background reading:

• U.S. facing headwinds in trade negotiations with Canada, U.S. ambassador says – CTV News
• Polls show Americans dislike Canada more than ever, and that's bad news for the trade war – Yahoo News
• U.S.–Canada Tariffs: Timeline of Key Dates and Documents
• Canada, allies say they're ready to help secure Strait of Hormuz, but don't say how – CBC News
• G7 Foreign Ministers’ Statement on support to partners in the Middle East
• Conservative campaign manager shrugs off polls showing Liberals have significant lead – CBC News
• Most NDP leadership candidates say they’re in no hurry to become MPs – Global News

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On the next episode of Off The Record, we’re asking you: What is a piece of fake news that you fell for? AI slop? An April Fools’ joke? Or something altog