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.

In a charged interview on the Ben Mulroney show—hosted by Alex Pierson in his absence—Kevin Klein, president of the Winnipeg Sun and former Manitoba cabinet minister, weighed in on the financial crisis looming over Canada as the federal government, now led by Mark Carney, prepares to roll out another $130 billion in new spending. Pierson expressed frustration over the country’s ballooning $1.4 trillion debt and rising inflation, joking that Canadians might soon need to start OnlyFans accounts to help pay the tab. Klein didn’t disagree, pointing out that debt servicing costs now surpass provincial transfer payments and noting the real concern isn’t just the spending—it’s how Ottawa plans to fund it. According to Klein, the answer may lie in a home equity tax, a concept quietly explored multiple times by the Liberals and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation despite repeated public denials. Klein argued that the federal government sees untapped home equity—worth trillions nationwide—as a lucrative source of future revenue. He warned that this could soon be sold to the public as a so-called “fairness tax,” targeting Canadians who’ve been responsible with their finances. The discussion turned to the broader implications of this fiscal path: $40 billion in recent federal spending approved via special warrants while Parliament was closed, another $150 million sent to the CBC under the label of “emergency funding,” and widespread economic strain across households. Klein and Pierson both questioned the lack of transparency and accountability in these moves, drawing comparisons to executive overreach and pointing out that few Canadians are seeing real benefits. With a possible Liberal majority on the horizon, Klein urged voters—especially younger generations—to pay close attention to fiscal policy, not personalities, before it’s too late. Read Klein's column for all the details on Home Equity Tax here: https://winnipegsun.com/opinion/columnists/klein-beware-the-next-liberal-tax-may-be-on-the-roof-over-your-head