Craney's tariff turmoil, Kinew's pipeline politics, and Polievre’s fight

This week’s episode of Inside Politics with Kevin Klein pulls no punches as host Kevin Klein sits down with columnists Geoff Currier and Royce Koop for a no-holds-barred roundtable on the political storms shaking Ottawa and beyond.

Forget the Spin—Here's the Trouble

From failed trade talks to rising tariffs, the panel drills into the growing silence from Prime Minister Mark Carney as Canada inches toward August 1 without a deal with the United States. Carney, once sold to voters as the polished negotiator who would protect Canadian interests, is now backtracking on campaign promises and warning Canadians to brace for tariffs. But what’s he doing about it? Not much, according to Klein, who criticizes the Prime Minister for his silence and for hiding the details from Canadians.

“We deserve answers,” Klein said. “Instead, we’re getting silence.”

Pipeline Paralysis

The gloves come off as the conversation shifts to Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew’s refusal to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan—an agreement to support critical national infrastructure like energy pipelines.

Kinew blamed the delay on the need to consult Indigenous communities, but Klein calls it “political spin,” adding that signing an MOU doesn’t stop consultation, it starts progress. Koop and Currier agree—suggesting Manitoba is shooting itself in the foot by walking away from energy projects that could pull the province out of economic stagnation.

“We keep talking about solutions,” said Klein, “but all we get is more talk.”

Polievre’s Crossroads

The episode also tackles Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre’s political gamble in Alberta’s crowded by-election, where over 100 names have flooded the ballot. While some question whether Poilievre has the voter appeal to carry the party to victory, others suggest this is just another example of a broken system that discourages serious debate and confuses voters.

“If he loses, he’s done,” said Currier. “Even if he wins, questions about his leadership aren’t going away.”

Debt, Taxes, and the Growing Divide

In a fiery finish, the trio confront Canada’s soaring debt, record-high taxes, and a growing sense that Ottawa is more focused on protecting public sector jobs and appeasing lobbyists than serving average Canadians. CBC raises, transfer payment dependency, and the collapse of affordability all come under fire.

“We’re paying more in taxes than we do for food, clothing, and shelter combined,” Klein warns. “And no one in power seems to care.”

If you’re tired of empty promises and political theatre, Inside Politics offers the unfiltered discussion you won’t find anywhere else. Don’t miss it.

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