The Strategists

Shannon Phillips and Stephen Carter dive into Alberta's "Forever Canada" petition campaign. Can Thomas Lukaszuk actually collect 294,000 signatures to keep Alberta in Canada? Should opposition parties work within grassroots campaigns or build their own parallel structures? And how many signatures can one person realistically gather in a day without violating the laws of physics? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch this episode on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod

Shannon Philips and Stephen Carter unpack the recent Air Canada labour issues. What can the labour movement learn from CUPE's apparent success? Was the government justified in getting involved? And who is going to scrape Carter off the mat after Shannon's done beating him into a pulp? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody but Shannon in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch this episode on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod

Step right up to The World Famous Annalise and Carter Show, the three-ring political circus you didn’t know you needed. In the municipal ring, Stephen Carter spins three slates in the air, keeping each campaign teetering but never tumbling. Over in the federal ring, Canada’s trade spat with Trump transforms into a roaring grassroots rally. And in the provincial ring, Carter unleashes a fiery high-wire takedown of the Alberta NDP’s fumbles - all while Annalise, the unflappable ringmaster, keeps the whole spectacular from collapsing into chaos.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch this episode on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod

Stephen Carter and Zain Velji discuss just how hard it is to get attention in the summer months before discussing daddy Carney's deal deadline. Is anyone tuned in to the political scene right now? What happens if Carney doesn't get a deal by August 1? And when did Zain start letting Carter ask questions? Zain Velji, as always, picks (most of) the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch this episode on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips dive into a dumpster fire of dumpster fires and try to extinguish what they can. How bad are competing leadership reviews. Is it possible to fix the Alberta Next panels? And does Carter actually know any Coldplay songs? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch this episode on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod

Stephen Carter and Shannon Phillips tackle the issues that just won't die. What's next for the Alberta Next panel? Can the PC party rise from the dead? And who wears sneakers to a Stampede event? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch this episode on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod

Stephen Carter, as Minister of Podcasts gathers Zain Velji and Corey Hogan to convene the Ministry of Podcasts for the first time. Zain grills the Member from Calgary Confederation on everything from what really goes on in the House, to what the inflight entertainment options are on "the people plane". Get ready to hear about Parliament like you never have before!

Zain Velji and Stephen Carter do something they swore they would never do: dive into the listener mailbag. They answer your questions about politics, political strategy, and most importantly, Zain's love of Swiss Chalet. This time you pick the questions, and nobody is keeping anybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch this episode on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod

Shannon Philips and Stephen Carter dive into the biggest story happening right now, the Drake/Kendrick/Jagmeet feud. Then they fill time with a few with some minor issues like the G7 and Pierre Poilievre's upcoming leadership review. How is Carney doing at the G7? What would be some strategies to help or hurt Poilievre's leadership prospects? And what is SZA? A band? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to our exclusive Discord.https://www.patreon.com/c/strategistspodYou can also watch this episode on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/@strategistspod