Rob Breakenridge Show

In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, we’ll focus on the major development that occurred this week in Alberta: the announcemengt from Premier Danielle Smith of an October referendum on Alberta’s future.The question itself is controversial though: it's not one where the outcome means Alberta separates from Canada, but it’s not a meaningless question, either. It’s muddled enough that neither sides seems to happy.We’ll hear from Thomas Lukaszuk, founder of the group Forever Canadian. The first part of the premier’s question does mirror the Forever Canadian petition question, although Lukaszuk maintains their efforts were to head off a separatist referendum. We’ll get his thoughts on how we got to this point, the remarkable scenes this week at the committee tasked with reviewing his petition, and the campaign pivot for Forever Canadian now that this referendum campaign is underway.We’ll also find out how this is being received on the independence side of this debate and what now for the separation movement, as we’re joined by Derek Fildebrandt, president, publisher, and CEO of the Western Standard. We’ll get his reaction to Smith’s announcement and framing of the question and how this ensuing campaign is shaping up. Plus, we’ll look at the influence of the separatist movement within the UCP and how much of a threat now exists to Smith’s leadership. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, we hear from Martha Hall Findlay, director of the School of Public Policy at the University of CalgaryAmid shifting global circumstances and economic pressures here at home, Hall Findlay is calling for a strategic rethink of Canada’s energy priorities - specifically as it applies to the Alberta-Ottawa memorandum of understanding (MOU).One of the pillars of that agreement is the multi-billion-dollar Pathways carbon capture project - a project that Hall Findlay has long championed. But now, in her words, it’s time for a “better pathway,” which means postponing the carbon capture project and prioritizing major projects such as a pipeline to the west coast.While carbon capture is an expensive endeavour with negligible impacts on global climate, Hall Findlay argues that energy infrastructure and resource development can have a hugely beneficial impact when it comes to both the Canadian economy and the global supply. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, a closer look at some key debates raging in Alberta as we speak with Peter Guthrie, former UCP MLA and cabinet minister who is now leader of the upstart Alberta Progressive Tory Party.We’ll delve into the debate around Alberta’s electoral boundaries and whether the government’s rejection of the report from the Electoral Boundaries Commission is part of an effort to draw a more favourable electoral map.We’ll also discuss the latest developments around October’s Referendum Day: How the government is using public resources to campaign for a ‘yes’ vote on their nine chosen questions - and the ongoing shenanigans and uncertainty around a possible vote on separation.Plus, we’ll find out more about Guthrie’s efforts to bring oversight to government decisions around spending and the awarding of contracts - and how procedural changes have stymied those efforts Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, we’ll break down the latest floor crossing in Canadian politics: the shocking defection of Marilyn Gladu from the Conservatives to the Liberals. How does an ardent social conservative and harsh critic of the Liberal government - not to mention, a critic of previous floor-crossers - suddenly find herself standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Prime Minister Mark Carney?We’ll hear from political writer and commentator Spencer Fernando and get his analysis of what this means for the Liberals’ quest for a majority government ahead of three key by-elections on Monday. Plus, what is the potential fallout now for embattled Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre?Plus, we’re joined in this episode by writer, journalist, and academic John Fraser to discuss his new book, “The Governors General: An Intimate History of Canada’s Highest Office.” We’ll get Fraser’s thoughts on why the role remains so crucial to Canada’s system of government and why it’s so often misunderstood and underappreciated by Canadians. We’ll also delve into the many fascinating personalities who have held this office - and who Fraser sees as having elevated the position (such as Massey, Vanier, and even Clarkson) to those who have tarnished the office (Julie Payette’s “catastrophic” tenure stands out). Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, a closer look at the link between oil & pipelines and our trading relationship with the United States. Recent headlines would suggest that a new pipeline to the U.S. may be back on the table and that this could play a key role in CUSMA re-negotiations.We’re joined in this episode by Adam Waterous, CEO of Waterous Energy Fund and Executive Chairman at Strathcona Resources. He’s urging government, industry, and Canadians to pay close attention to what’s happening here and to understand the tremendous leverage Canada has right now with regard to American energy needs and energy security. Reviving Keystone XL - or a similar project - could be a win-win for Canada and the U.S. and could help us secure a beneficial trade deal with our most important trading partner. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, a deep dive on the conflict that is dominating global headlines and rattling global markets - how does this all end for Iran’s regime and the Iranian people?We’ll speak with Kaveh Shahrooz - he’s a lawyer and human rights activist and also a senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute.We’ll hear his case for why this military intervention was moral and justifiable and why he’s been frustrated with Canada’s shifting position. We’ll also look at where things stand now with an isolated and degraded regime, but a regime that remains in place for now.Plus, we’ll take a closer look at why the Iranian people have been rising up in protest against the regime and also why Iran’s rulers have been so hell-bent on acquiring a nuclear arsenal. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, we’ll look at the bleak state of Alberta’s finances in the aftermath of a new budget awash in red ink.The new budget forecasts a deficit of $9.37-billion followed by subsequent deficits for the foreseeable future - all of which violates the government’s own fiscal framework. Spending has reached a record level of almost $84-billion and the budget has become even more reliant on resource revenues. Approximately $24-billion in resource revenue would be needed by next year just to balance the budget.Debt is set to surpass $100-billion, leaving a mounting annual cost of servicing that debt - now over $3-billion.So what’s become of the government’s commitment to fiscal conservatism and responsible fiscal management? What’s it going to take to bridge this huge gap between what the government believes it needs to spend versus what’s its prepared to raise in revenue?We’ll speak with Kris Sims, Alberta Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation and get her assessment of this budget and where things are headed fiscally in Alberta. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, the latest on the Canada-U.S. relationship amid new threats from Donald Trump and a hopeful sign in the U.S. Congress as the House of Representatives voted to end tariffs on Canada.Of course, this doesn’t end all of this trade drama and it may not even end these specific tariffs. There is still a pending U.S. Supreme Court decision on the legality and constitutionality of many of Trump’s tariffs and there is also still the CUSMA/USMCA renegotiations. Trump’s sudden focus on the new Gordie Howe International Bridge shows the degree to which all of this is still very volatile and unpredictable.We’re joined in this episode by Bryan Riley, director of the Free Trade Initiative at the Washington, DC-based National Taxpayers Union. We’ll get his thoughts on the significance of this week’s developments, and also take a broader look at the negative impact of tariffs and trade barriers, why free trade is worth preserving, and whether it’s possible to rebuild a pro-trade consensus. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, we’ll take a closer look at the state of the Conservative Party of Canada and the leadership of Pierre Poilievre.Conservatives are gathering in Calgary this weekend for their annual convention, which will feature an important speech from Poilievre before a leadership review.We’ll speak with Ben Woodfinden, who’s a senior advisor with Meredith, Boessenkool, & Phillips and a former communications director for Pierre Poilievre. We’ll get his perspective on how secure Poilievre’s position in, how the leader has shaped the party and Canadian conservatism, and what to expect in 2026.Plus, the latest from the premiers’ gathering this week in Ottawa amid questions about Alberta separation, foreign interference, and the possibility of building a new pipeline to the west coast. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, a conversation with Kaveh Shahrooz about the protests in Iran and whether this constitutes a new revolution that could finally spell an end to the Khomeinist Islamic Republic.Kaveh is a lawyer and human rights activist, as well as a senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, and has been closely following events in Iran. After more than two weeks of protests, the situation appears at a tipping point. The Iranian regime has cracked down hard on protesters, but is this movement now too big to stop?We’ll also have the latest on Prime Minister Mark Carney’s high-stakes visit to Beijing. Will Canada make a trade breakthrough with China? And, if so, at what cost? Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show:* A closer look at the challenges facing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre as 2025 draws to a close. Two MPs have defected to the Liberals and rumours continue to swirl about further floor-crossings. Poilievre, of course, is set to face a leadership review next month in Calgary. We’ll hear from conservative political strategist Cole Hogan.* We’ll discuss the aftermath of the horrific terror attack on Jews is Australia and the threat posed by antisemitism around the world and here at home. What more needs to be done? We’ll speak with Nico Slobinsky from the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs.* Plus, a closer look at the problems ailing Canada’s immigration system. A new paper from the C.D. Howe Institute lays out how Canada undermined its skills-based immigration system. We’ll hear from co-author Christopher Worswick. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Rob Breakenridge Show, a look at the ongoing debate over direct democracy and elections rules in Alberta - and the changes now being made through the government’s new Bill 14.Introduced on Thursday, the bill - among other things - gives the Alberta government more control over referendum petitions and clears a path now for the separatist side to start gathering signatures. The bill also bans new political parties from using certain word and phrases linked to existing party - a move that will prevent the Progressive Conservative Party from rising again.Interestingly, the bill doesn’t touch the rules around voter recall. At last count there were 14 approved recall campaigns, all targeting UCP MLAs.We discuss all of this, and the implications for Alberta politics, in our conversation with political commentator Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe

It was a day of great significance Thursday in Calgary as Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney signed off on a new memorandum of understanding (MOU).In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, we’ll take a closer look at this energy agreement and what it all means. The MOU identifies a proposed new pipeline to the west coast as being a project that’s in the national interest. That new pipeline, though, is linked to the Pathways carbon capture project and a higher industrial carbon price to back that up.Alberta does win concessions on two major fronts: the oil and gas emissions cap and the Clean Electricity Regulations will no longer be in force in the province. The west coast tanker ban could also be adjusted as needed to accommodate a new pipeline.We’ll hear comments from Carney, Smith, as well as BC Premier David Eby. We’ll also have a conversation with Adam Legge, president of the Business Council of Alberta - they’re quite encouraged by this agreement. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe