This week’s episode of Inside Politics with Kevin Klein featured a pointed and in-depth conversation about Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new federal cabinet — a lineup that has sparked strong reactions across the country, particularly in the West. Klein was joined by political scientist and Winnipeg Sun contributor Royce Koop for a no-spin discussion that raised questions about executive leadership, patronage politics, and national unity. While both agreed Carney deserves time to prove himself, they voiced concern over what they see as early missteps. “I really wanted to see that senior executive in him,” Klein said, referencing Carney’s campaign image as a sharp, results-oriented leader. “Instead, I saw a lot of recycled faces and political appointments that looked more like payback than a fresh start.” Koop echoed the concern. “Half the cabinet is made up of Trudeau-era ministers,” he said. “People who were directly tied to some of the biggest policy failures in recent memory. If this was Carney’s chance to signal a break from the past, it didn’t come through in these appointments.” Both pointed to examples: Sean Fraser, once at the centre of the immigration and housing files, is now Justice Minister. Former Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, now Housing Minister, led during British Columbia’s most intense housing crisis. And Evan Solomon, a former broadcaster with no clear public record in artificial intelligence, was named Minister of AI. “Where’s the accountability? What’s the mandate?” Klein asked. “If you can’t measure someone’s performance, you can’t manage it. That’s business 101.” The pair also raised regional concerns. For the first time in years, Winnipeg has no cabinet representation. Cities like Calgary, Regina, and Saskatoon were also left out — while Brampton, Ontario, landed three ministers. “This is why Western Canadians talk about separation,” Klein said. “There’s no voice at the table for us. One city in Ontario gets three cabinet seats and the entire Prairies get one?” Koop agreed and warned that the imbalance risks fueling national division. “These aren’t unreasonable concerns,” he said. “Resource development, trade, affordability — the federal government is supposed to help solve these national issues, not deepen the divide.” Despite the criticism, both Klein and Koop noted a few promising moves. Anita Anand, now Minister of Foreign Affairs, was called a “serious upgrade.” And Tim Hodgson, a newcomer with a strong financial background, was praised as a potentially strong Natural Resources Minister. But they emphasized urgency. “People who were struggling a year ago are still struggling today — and in many cases, it’s worse,” Koop said. “Cost of living, housing, trade, and the economy. These issues haven’t been resolved, and this cabinet has to act fast.” Klein wrapped the episode by calling on the Prime Minister to offer weekly updates on trade talks with the U.S., and to assign a dedicated cabinet member to handle Canada-U.S. relations. He warned against repeating the Trudeau-era habit of slow communication and vague promises. “Canadians don’t want slogans,” Klein said. “They want straight answers and real solutions. Carney said he was different. Now he has to show us how.”

In the latest episode of Inside Politics with Kevin Klein, the gloves come off as the panel dives deep into Canada’s political inertia, economic drift, and failure to act on urgent national priorities. With guests Royce Koop, political science professor at the University of Manitoba, and veteran columnist Jeff Courrier, this week’s discussion is a wake-up call for anyone concerned about where the country is headed. The panel kicks off with a pointed review of newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first official trip to Washington to meet with Donald Trump. The verdict? Optics over outcomes. Carney’s brief remarks were overshadowed by Trump’s 26-minute monologue, which included a jab at Canada’s negotiators and a backhanded claim that he helped Carney win the election. The meeting produced no real progress on tariffs, including a new one targeting Canada’s film industry, an issue already affecting Manitoba productions. “Nothing has changed,” said Courrier. “We’re right where we were before the meeting, only with more talk and fewer results.” Klein added that recent policy decisions at home are compounding damage to Manitoba's film industry. He highlighted the cancellation of direct flights from Winnipeg to Los Angeles—routes previously supported by now-scrapped subsidies—as another example of the bad policy undercutting local opportunity. “We’re doing more to hurt ourselves than to help ourselves,” Klein said bluntly. The discussion expanded to Canada’s broader economic performance. From missed mining opportunities to the outmigration of skilled workers, the group pointed to structural problems that go beyond partisan politics. Koop noted that the federal government shows little urgency, even as businesses pull back from investing and major employers leave the country. “We’re not even in a hangover yet,” Koop warned. “We’re still knocking back drinks.” The group also explored how Canada continues to lose out by failing to pitch itself to investors aggressively. While Trump courts industry and talent with incentives, Canada piles on red tape, taxes, and bureaucracy. “Why are we not out there selling Canada?” Klein asked. “We have clean power, abundant land, and educated people—but we’re not making it easy to invest or grow here.” Koop delivered one of the episode’s most sobering takeaways: Canadians are electing politicians “to manage our slow decline.” It's a line Klein repeated—and emphasized—as a reality check for voters and business leaders alike. If you're tired of rehearsed talking points and looking for hard truths, Inside Politics with Kevin Klein delivers a raw, unfiltered take on the news that matters. This isn’t political theatre—it’s the conversation many Canadians have behind closed doors, finally brought into the open.

In this episode of Inside Politics with Kevin Klein, viewers get a front-row seat to an unfiltered conversation on what Canada’s new political reality looks like post-election, and what it means for the future of the federation. Kevin is joined by Winnipeg Sun columnist and political scientist Royce Koop and veteran broadcaster Jeff Currier, and they waste no time diving into what’s next for Prime Minister Mark Carney. Carney’s upcoming visit with U.S. President Donald Trump kicks off the episode, with all three guests questioning how Canada’s new leader will handle trade, tariffs, and Trump’s unpredictable playbook. There’s also pointed discussion about the fallout of Canada's tariffs — and how Canadian business leaders quietly say they’re doing more harm than good. The panel doesn’t shy away from the growing rift between Ottawa and the West. With Alberta and Saskatchewan flirting with separation rhetoric and Premier Danielle Smith’s government gathering nearly enough signatures for a referendum, the conversation explores whether Canada’s federal structure is still working — or beginning to unravel. Royce questions whether Carney is genuinely different from Trudeau regarding economic and environmental policy. At the same time, Jeff raises the alarm that Carney’s support in Quebec could come at the cost of alienating resource-rich provinces. There’s sharp criticism of federal seat distribution that favours declining populations in the East, while provinces like Alberta remain underrepresented. The show also takes a hard look at Pierre Poilievre’s future. Despite winning the popular vote in several regions, the Conservative leader couldn’t shake media-driven comparisons to Donald Trump. But was the real problem the campaign team’s strategic misfires? Royce thinks the party is right to stick with him, and reminds viewers of a similar turnaround once achieved by Stephen Harper. Finally, there’s a discussion of the NDP’s collapse, its future relevance, and whether the Liberals will use the Bloc or NDP to hang on to power, and for how long. This week’s Inside Politics is packed with sharp analysis and straight talk. You'll want to watch the entire episode if you care about Canada’s future, especially Western Canada’s role.

Former Provincial Minister Kevin Klein teams up with Winnipeg Sun columnist and political science professor Royce Koop and former city councillor Brian Mayes to unpack what happened in Canada tonight — and where things are headed next.

We’ve watched for far too long. It’s up to you. Show up. Vote.

With just days left before Canadians head to the polls, Inside Politics host Kevin Klein sat down with political analyst Royce Koop and columnist Jeff Currier for an adult discussion on what’s shaping the federal election. The panel agreed: the NDP is facing a collapse not seen in decades, and it could be the very thing that hands Mark Carney the Prime Minister’s office. Royce Koop pointed to Jagmeet Singh’s missed opportunities to force an election when the Liberals were at their weakest — a decision that may now cost his party dearly. But the conversation didn’t stop there. Klein and his guests tackled whether local riding changes could flip Winnipeg seats, whether Canadians have short memories when it comes to Liberal scandals, and why a minority government — not a majority — could be the most likely outcome. The episode also dives into how leadership perceptions, media bias, and even the shadow of Donald Trump have influenced the race. With concerns about voter remorse already rising, the panel explores whether Canadians are about to face a harsh reality check after election day. For sharp insights, strong opinions, and some surprising predictions, catch the full conversation on Inside Politics.

There was a time when Canada stood for opportunity. You worked hard, you got ahead. You saved, and you bought a home. You earned an education, and doors opened. That belief — that promise — built this country. But today, that promise is broken. A recent federal report by Policy Horizons Canada, Future Lives: Social mobility in question, paints a bleak picture of 2040. The report wasn’t leaked by critics or spun by commentators. It came from inside the government. Our own tax-funded research warns that we’re on track to become a two-tier society.

The response to my recent column on the Liberal government’s quiet interest in taxing your home equity was predictable — but revealing.