Canadian politics may not always grab international headlines, but the debates happening from Parliament Hill to provincial legislatures are shaping everything from healthcare and climate policy to Indigenous reconciliation and Canada’s role on the world stage.
From rigorous policy analysis and insider perspectives to lively debates and progressive commentary, Canadian political podcasts bring clarity to the issues that matter most to Canadians. Here are some of the best podcasts dedicated to Canadian politics, shows that will help you understand not just what’s happening in Ottawa and beyond, but why it matters and what it means for the future of the country.
The House
Contemporary politics often resembles constant discord. Catherine Cullen provides clarity, making political developments comprehensible. Each Saturday she travels from Parliament Hill across Canada conducting thorough interviews, documentaries and weekly news analysis spanning the entire political landscape—because democratic discourse matters.
The Numbers
Éric Grenier and Philippe J. Fournier offer distinctive insights and examination of Canadian federal and provincial political landscapes.
The Strategists
Political strategists Stephen Carter, Corey Hogan and Zain Velji analyze current events, critique tactical decisions and reveal behind-the-scenes decision-making. Characterized as “the least deliberate podcast of all time,” “shockingly insightful” and “sports talk radio for politics.”
West of Centre
Kathleen Petty conducts interviews with politicians, commentators and western Canadian thinkers, exploring the concerns, priorities and political landscape of Albertans and those residing West of Centre.
Curse of Politics
Politics, simultaneously rewarding and relentless. Air Quotes Media presents “Curse of Politics,” featuring unfiltered, candid commentary and laughter from backroom campaign operatives who witnessed politics behind closed doors.
Nation to Nation
Nation to Nation examines weekly political developments impacting Indigenous communities across Canada, connecting audiences with policymakers in Ottawa and nationwide.
Uncommons with Nate Erskine-Smith
A dialogue series led by MP Nate Erskine-Smith featuring specialists, parliamentary colleagues and elected representatives from various political backgrounds.
Coastal Front
Coastal Front, a Vancouver media organization, delivers comprehensive journalism and commentary focused on governmental transparency across Canada. The Coastal Front podcast, hosted by Andrew Johns, presents discussions on commerce, governance and society, examining narratives that define local, provincial and national landscapes.
The Big Story
A comprehensive examination of contemporary Canadian issues, cultural trends and influential figures.
The Hatchet
The Hatchet, a weekly podcast and newsletter hosted by Arshy Mann, reveals dynamics of power and wealth in Canada through distinctive, compelling journalism that uncovers how the nation truly operates.
Canadaland
Canada’s premier journalistic source exists in podcast form, delivering exclusive reporting, incisive political commentary and media critique unavailable elsewhere, keeping audiences informed on current national developments.
The Beaverton Weekly Report
Weekly, Beaverton editor-in-chief Luke Gordon Field convenes a comedian panel to discuss, satirize and improvise on current events before testing their knowledge in a low-stakes quiz. The Beaverton Weekly Report offers humorous examination of world affairs, comparable to CNN but more entertaining and with fewer pharmaceutical advertisements.
The Decibel
Context matters. The Globe and Mail presents a Canadian daily news podcast airing weekdays, examining stories shaping global events through conversations with journalists, specialists and individuals directly involved in current affairs.
Front Burner
Front Burner, a daily news podcast running Monday through Friday, delves deeply into narratives defining Canada and global affairs. Host Jayme Poisson interviews leading journalists covering major developments to provide comprehensive understanding.
#onpoli
#onpoli, a TVO podcast, explores Ontario’s political landscape. Hosts Steve Paikin and John Michael McGrath conduct frank conversations offering deeper insights into how politics influences everyday life, providing comprehensive perspective on provincial affairs.
At Issue
Navigate political rhetoric with Canada’s leading journalists. Host Rosemary Barton alongside columnists Althia Raj, Chantal Hébert and Andrew Coyne analyze the week’s most significant political developments. Produced by CBC News: The National, releasing new episodes Fridays.
The CGAI Podcast Network
The Canadian Global Affairs Institute produces the CGAI Podcast Network, offering weekly exploration of energy, defense and international affairs topics relevant to Canadian audiences.
It’s Political with Althia Raj
Penetrating, revealing discussions with Canada’s premier political figures, conducted by Althia Raj. A twice-monthly political podcast from the Toronto Star.
On The Ledge – your Ontario politics podcast
The Ledge, noun: colloquial term for the legislative assembly, commonly employed by legislative press corps members. The podcast releases weekly episodes during Ontario Legislature sessions, occasionally convening emergency broadcasts to address urgent provincial political matters during legislative recesses.
The Backbench
When your group chat’s a mess and your feed’s full of chaos, it’s tough to sort truth from noise. Canadaland Politics (formerly The Backbench) delivers straight talk, smart takes, and the political stories that count. Every Tuesday, we ask tough questions and break things down so you can think critically about any viewpoint.
As It Happens
A news show that embraces entertainment. As It Happens brings listeners face-to-face with the individuals at the heart of the day’s most impactful, amusing, and moving stories, influential figures, quirky characters, and everyday people facing remarkable situations. Wordplay abounds. Presented by Nil Köksal and Chris Howden, the program stands as one of Canada’s most enduring and cherished broadcasts. (Yes, they actually played a role in making the beaver a national symbol.)
The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge
The Bridge examines current affairs, exploring subjects including government, healthcare, innovation, and beyond.
Do you know of another Canadian politics podcast that you think should be on this list? Let me know
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