Power & Politics

Designed to counter accusations of 'liberal bias' and 'Defund CBC' memes, this 3-hour prime-time political show addresses those complaints by concentrating mostly on Canada's conservative Midwest and center, from Alberta to Ontario (in descending P&P coverage). For an American, this show is puzzling; on the surface, it is quaint and polite but under the benign surface, a parade of guests attack Canada's Prime Minister and his party, The Liberals, despite the country's relatively responsible handling of the pandemic and being the envy of much of the world, including the US. Adding to the confusion, most guests seem to be from obscure lobbying firms, the conservative Postmedia chain and Globe & Mail. Host Vassy Kapelos seems like a congenial sort but too often indulges and even encourages conservative talking points. Overall, it's an interesting view for Americans but it also makes me appreciate our news coverage which, for all its systemic problems, in comparison seems more balanced.

This program was once a relatively lively show with a solid balance between right and left viewpoints. With the hiring of its new AB/SK host, it's veered uncomfortably into pro-Conservative territory, abandoning any pretense of fair and balanced. With guests weighing heavily on the right including ex-Harper aides and current Harper employees as panelists, it's no longer worth watching. She badgers Liberal guests and treats Conservatives with a familial warmth. And forget any news from Dr. Henry in BC; Kapelos will pre-empt her portion for interviews with Moe, Kenney, Ford or even cutting away for a Trump speech.

CBC has failed Canadians with the biased perspectives put forward by Vasey and her favourite guests. Totally unethical and Canadians from coast to coast deserve better. I support defunding of this particular show. It gives CBC bad name