March 24, 2026
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Canadaland Politics
#174 How to Cut A Trade Deal Amid Trump’s Tariff Chaos
The scramble for CUMSA has begun. Lobbyists are lobbying. Negotiators are negotiating.
Sam Konnert
Producer/Host
Noor Azrieh
Host/Producer
Aviva Lessard
Senior Producer
Caleb Thompson
Audio Editor
max collins
Director of Audio
Jesse Brown
Host & Publisher

The scramble for CUSMA has begun. Lobbyists are lobbying. Negotiators are negotiating. And, while that’s all kicking off, there’s another less visible channel of diplomacy. The Canada-US Interparliamentary Group.  A network of Canadian MPs, senators, and members of Congress who meet every year to keep our relationship going and talk through issues that could otherwise spiral into major disputes. 

 

This episode, host Sam Konnert takes a look inside the network of politicians trying to keep the Canada-US relationship running smoothly, and speaks with Canadian Senator Michael MacDonald and Politico reporter Nick Taylor-Vaisey.

 

Host: Sam Konnert

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)

 

Guests: Nick Taylor-Vaisey, Michael L. MacDonald

 

Background reading:

 

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And did you know we have a monthly supporter exclusive show? Last episode, we talked about rabbit holes.

 

On the next episode of Off The Record, we’re asking you: What is a piece of fake news that you fell for? AI slop? An April Fools’ joke? Or something altogether more sinister… 

 

Call in and let us know on Thursday, March 26th from 4:30pm to 6:30pm EST by going to callinstudio.com/show/canadaland or dialing in at 888-401-7056 when the time comes, so mark your calendars!

 

If you want to hear that (or if you want to catch up on all the great episodes of Off The Record you’ve missed!) become a supporter at canadaland.com/join or call in on March 26th and we’ll give you a free month of Canadaland premium.

 

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