WELCOME TO THE MWSA PODCAST FOR TUESDAY, FEB. 11th We begin with our weekly conversation with Mercedes Stephenson – Global News Ottawa Bureau Chief – and Host of the West Block. This time out, we get clarification on the latest ‘Tariff’ announcement earlier this week by President Donald Trump – focusing on Steel and Aluminum – and what’s being done to ‘counter’ the tariffs, on our side of the border. Next – we continue the conversation surrounding Steel and Aluminum tariffs. We catch up with Carlo Dade – Director of Trade and Trade Infrastructure with the “Canada West Foundation” – for his views on just how much of an impact the taxation would have on these industries – and our overall economy. And finally – ahead of a ‘surprise’ announcement from Apple next week, we speak with The Gadget Guy Mike Yawney to ‘speculate’ what may be coming down from the ‘tech giant’ – and according to Mike – it may just be a revamp of the ‘budget friendly’ – iPhone SE.

WELCOME TO THE MWSA PODCAST FOR MONDAY, FEB. 10th We begin with the latest polling data on Canada’s leadership – at the Federal level. We catch up with Darrell Bricker, CEO of ‘Ipsos Public Affairs’ – for details on the latest views of Canadians – and who they’d like to see running our country. Next – last week’s explosive allegations about operations and ‘conflicts of interest’ at Alberta Health services continues to send shockwaves across the Province. We caught up with Dr. Paul Parks, Physician and past President of the ‘Alberta Medical Association’ for his views on the controversial allegations. And finally – could it be a ‘gamechanger’ in the battle against opioid addiction? We catch up with Dr. Ted Jablonski for details on a newly approved ‘opioid-free’ painkiller in the US. Dr. J explains how the new drug works – and when we might see it being used here in Canada.

Daniel Vanson, A self-taught at home cook and blogger of ‘A Canadians Cooking’

Gitane De Silva, who served as Alberta’s senior representative to the U.S. during Trump’s first term. The principal of GDStrategic

Kevin Reed, a partner at RF Piper and a retired Canadian Forces Honorary Colonel who served from 2009 to 2018

WELCOME TO THE MWSA PODCAST FOR FRIDAY, FEB. 07th We begin with our weekly conversation with Mayor Jyoti Gondek. This time out, the Mayor brings us details on her meetings earlier this week in Ottawa at the “Big City Mayor’s Caucus” – and an update on the seemingly never-ending Green Line LRT ‘saga’ Next – it’s been a real ‘rollercoaster’ of a week when it comes to Canada – U.S. relations. From the extension of the ‘Tariff Deadline’ by President Donald Trump – to a rise in Canadian Nationalism….We get a full breakdown of the ‘week that was’ from Global News Washington Correspondent, Reggie Cecchini. And finally – throw on your ‘stretchy pants’! In honour of the ‘Super Bowl’ – we get some ‘Super’ suggestions on the best-bets to keep your HUNGRY crowd happy at the big game! We dig into some tasty-tips on what to best serve-up at the party from Daniel Vanson – the self-taught Chef behind the food blog “A Canadians Cooking”.

Peter Demong, Ward 14 Councillor

Nick Welsch, Owner of Twisted Steel Blacksmithing

Paul Deegan, CEO of Deegan Public Strategies, he was an executive at BMO and CN

Tegan Hill, Director, Alberta Policy Fraser Institute

WELCOME TO THE MWSA PODCAST FOR THURDAY, FEB. 06th What is President Donald Trump’s “Big Picture” goal for his Presidency? Could it be ‘Global Economic Domination’? Well – according to some – that may be the case. We catch up with Ian Lee, Professor of Business from Carleton University – who explains why he believes the President’s Plan has been clearly laid out – and shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. Next – the rampant ‘tariff talk’ – and threat of a trade war has highlighted the need for Canadians to branch out and make some new trade connections – globally. We discuss the importance of diversification in ‘trade’ - with Peter Donolo, Vice-Chair of the ‘Canadian International Council’ – and former Director of Communications to Prime Minister Jean Chretien. And finally – in our regular segment with Ellen Parker – CEO of Parker PR, Ellen explains the importance of bringing interns into your business and investing in future professionals. Ellen explains the benefits of taking on interns for the ‘culture’ of a business – and the win-win created by mentoring.

David Moscrop, a political theorist, a contributing columnist for the Washington Post, and the author of Too Dumb for Democracy?

Mark Parsons, Chief Economist, ATB Financial

WELCOME TO THE MWSA PODCAST FOR WEDNESDAY, FEB. 05th Confessing your nationalism… the pride you have for your country - it’s sometimes not so easy….BUT – perhaps the recent Tariff Talk – and the threat of ‘Trade War’ with our American neighbours – may be just the ‘push’ we Canadians need to pump up our national pride. We examine the topic of “National Pride” with Journalist - and Author - David Moscrop. Next – how much do you know about your ‘power bill’ – and whether you’re getting the best ‘bang for your buck’ – when it comes to paying for electricity and heat in your home? It can be a confusing topic – so we decided to get some answers and advice from someone ‘in the know’ – Joel MacDonald, Economist and Founder of EnergyRates.ca And finally….it’s the ‘sport sensation’ – that’s sweeping the nation. Have you tried “Pickle Ball”? It’s one of the most popular sports in the world right now – and here in Calgary we have more than a few enthusiasts grabbing their paddles and lacing up their shoes to take to the court. We learn all about the local pickleball scene with Cat Hackman, President of the Calgary Pickleball Club.

 Katrya Bolger, a journalist whose work has appeared in the Globe and Mail, the Montreal Gazette, and New Canadian Media

Lesley Keyter, The Travel Lady

Marco Beghetto, vice-president, communications, Canadian Trucking Alliance

WELCOME TO THE MWSA PODCAST FOR TUESDAY, FEB. 04th   With the threat of 25% Tariffs on American goods ‘off the table’ for 30-days – where do we go from here – and what does this mean for Canadian businesses and consumers with a potential ‘trade war’ still in the conversation? We get the thoughts of Mercedes Stephenson - Global News Ottawa Bureau Chief & Host of “The West Block”. Next – we continue our ‘tariff talk’ with Gary Mar – President and CEO of the Canada West Foundation. We get Mr. Mar’s thoughts on why President Trump pushed the ‘pause button’ on implementing the Tariffs this week – and what we can do as a country to lessen the impact of a looming ‘trade war’ – with our biggest trade partner. And finally - as Valentine’s Day approaches, Canadians are celebrating the idea of finding their “perfect match.” But….in this unique case – that ‘match’, comes with 4 legs! We speak with Gary Hiney – a Red Deer man suffering from vision loss – about the “Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides”. We hear about the important service they provide – and get details on how YOU can make a difference, and lend a hand to someone in need of a Guide Dog.

Lieutenant-General J.O. Michel Maisonneuve, (Ret’d), Political Military Advisor and former Assistant Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff of Canada

Russ Prefontaine, President of Fratello Coffee Roasters, a Calgary-based coffee roaster