Carney government unveils National A.I. Strategy

The Graham Richardson Show - June 12, 2026

It's The Graham Richardson Show - where we talk politics and also have a little bit of fun! You can catch Graham every single Friday from Noon until 2PM. On today's show: * The Friday Five: The Gordie Howe 'Bridge To Nowhere', the Carney Liberals' National Food Strategy, the Safe Social Media Act, FIFA comes to Canada, and a W5 investigation leads to a guilty plea. * The Big Conversation: Graham is joined by Shane Nedohin, a Canadian Armed Forces veteran and supporter of Alberta independence, for a frank and honest conversation about why so many Albertans feel they would be better off leaving Canada. * Adam van Koeverden, Canada's Secretary of State for Sport, talks about the benefits of hosting the FIFA World Cup and addresses concerns about the cost to taxpayers. * Canada Post has announced another round of cuts to home delivery, converting another 485,000 homes to community mailboxes. Graham speaks with Ariane Sauvé, the courier's Director of Public Relations. * Outside The Bubble: MPs Philip Earle (Liberal, Newfoundland) and Fraser Tolmie (Conservative, Moose Jaw) join Graham to discuss the urban-rural divide, the importance of resource economies, and finding political common ground. * Graham speaks with Brampton teacher Georgia Risnita about why she's pushing for a ban on heading in kids' soccer. Her plea comes after her father, a former pro-soccer player, was found to have CTE after his death from dementia last year. We also uncover the latest science on CTE in sports, as we check in with concussion expert Dr. Charles Tator. * Have Your Say: Your texts on today's stories. Plus, what made Graham smile this week!

The Gordie Howe International Bridge will not open this weekend

After 48 hours of conflicting reports and rumors, the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the $6.4 billion crossing between Windsor and Detroit has been postponed indefinitely, largely thanks to political posturing from the White House. Vassy Kapelos tackles the latest developments with AM800 Windsor host Mike Kakuk. On today's show: * CTV National News senior correspondent Judy Trinh joins Vassy with the details of the Carney government's long-awaited Online Harms legislation, which includes a U-16 social media ban. * Talk Science To Me with CTV Science and Technology specalist Dan Riskin: New study shows that working from home is bad for your mental health. * The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Mike LeCouteur, Rob Benzie, and Marieke Walsh. * Vassy in joined by Conservative MP Luc Berthold to discuss his private member's bill, which is seeking changes to the Youth Criminal Justice Act. His legislation is motivated by the tragic death of his son, who took his own life at the age of 28 following years of struggle with substance abuse and mental health. * Kimberly Carson, the CEO of Breast Cancer Canada, joins Vassy to discuss the federal government's new advisory panel on preventive health care.

Bank of Canada Governor warns interest rate hikes are on the table

On Wednesday, the Bank of Canada held its key interest rate at 2.25 percent, but Governor Tiff Macklem laid out possible scenarios where the interest rate could rise if economic conditions worsen. Vassy speaks with CTV Chief Financial Correspondent Amanda Lang. On today's show: * Is the Gordie Howe Bridge going to open on Monday? At the moment, it's still unclear. Vassy speaks with former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder and Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens. * The Explainer with Ottawa-based mortgage agent Frank Napolitano: What the Bank of Canada's warning on interest rates means for your mortgage. * The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Jeff Rutledge, Stephanie Levitz, and Laura D'Angelo. * Vassy speaks with Ontario's D.C. Representative David Paterson about the uncertain opening of the Gordie Howe Bridge, as well as Premier Ford's trade mission to the United States this week. * CTV Quebec Bureau Chief Genevieve Beauchemin updates us on the latest opposition to the planned Alto high-speed rail line, which would connect Toronto to Quebec City. The Parti Quebecois now says it won't support the project if they win this Fall's provincial election.

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre launches campaign against Alberta separation

On Monday, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre spoke at a Royal Canadian Legion branch in Downtown Calgary, making his pitch for a united Canada ahead of this Fall’s referendum vote. He says Alberta doesn’t need its own country, and that it just needs better policies from the feds. Vassy Kapelos checks in with Mike Lake, the Conservative MP for Leduc-Wetaskiwin. On today's show: * Prime Minister Carney confirms that the Gordie Howe Bridge, linking Windsor to Detroit, will finally open this week. Construction began in 2018, but the project has stalled several times since then. And as we approach Friday’s grand-opening, the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority hasn’t confirmed the launch date. AM800 Windsor host Mike Kakuk drops by with the latest. * Money Talk with John Klotz: How to financially plan for the future without panicking. * The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Jamie Ellerton, Sharan Kaur, and Nojoud Al Mallees. * Canada’s former top soldier is warning the Carney government against pivoting to China at the expense of Ottawa’s relationship with Washington. Vassy chats with Wayne Eyre, a Retired General and Canada’s former Chief of Defense Staff. * CTV's Abigail Bimman chimes in with an update on the Gordie Howe Bridge, and offers the latest on Doug Ford's trip to Washington.

Louise Arbour officially sworn in as Governor General

Arbour, a former Supreme Court Justice, succeeds Mary Simon as Canada's 31st Governor General. Tim Powers fills in for Vassy Kapelos in Hour 1. * Alberta Premier Danielle Smith used a keynote address on Friday to urge her UCP Party to vote against Alberta separation in Fall's provincial referendum. Similar words have been echoed by Pierre Poilievre, the leader of Canada's Conservatives. We dig deeper with Lori Williams, a Professor of Political Science at Calgary's Mount Royal University. * The FIFA World Cup arrives in Canada this Friday. All in all, the cost to host this global tournament is going to fall just shy of $1 billion, which is almost $82 million per game. In fact, the costs for security alone are in the hundreds of millions. Is it worth it? We pick the brain of Canadian economist Moshe Lander. * Tech Check with Carmi Levy: The Carney government's A.I. strategy pledges thousands of jobs, but lacks safety details. Vassy Kapelos is back in the hosting chair for Hour 2. * The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Sabrina Grover, Tom Mulcair, and Tim Powers. * The Globe And Mail is reporting that the Carney government will move forward with a potential ban on some social media platforms for Canadians 16-and-under. Vassy is joined by Professor Amanda Third, who is part of the ongoing review for Australia's social media ban. * CTV National News senior political correspondent Mike LeCouteur joins Vassy with more on Louise Arbour's installation as Governor General.