Canada's auto industry is on the brink. Should it be saved?

U.S. President Donald Trump is clear and consistent: he wants Canadian auto sector jobs on his side of the border. He's refused to craft a side deal on autos and has plainly said he'll increase tariffs until it makes no economic sense for Canada to build cars. This week on "It's Political" we look at whether the auto industry is worth saving, and how it could be propped up – despite the uncertainty Trump creates. Then, we'll shift gear and talk about uncertainty of a different kind. In Alberta, this week, the UCP government invoked the notwithstanding clause to end a three-week teacher strike. What's behind the move? We'll talk to the Alberta Federation of Labour which is trying to organize a potential general strike, and a constitutional lawyer about the greater meaning and consequence of Alberta's decision. In this episode: 3:23 — Saving the auto sector with Unifor Local 200 President John D'Agnolo, Former Toyota Canada executive Stephen Beatty, Centre for Future Work Director Jim Stanford, and Western University's Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing's Managing Director Brendan Sweeney. 41:33 — The fight against Alberta's use of the notwithstanding clause with Alberta Federation of Labour President Gil McGowan 55:48 — Why the debate over the notwithstanding clause matters with Conway Litigation Partner and constitutional lawyer Marion Sandilands. "It's Political" is produced by Althia Raj and Kevin Sexton. Our sound engineer is Matt Hearn. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel. Some of the audio clips this week were sourced from ParlVu, CPAC, the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, the Alberta Federation of Labour's Facebook page, CTV, Global, CP24, CBC, 10 Tampa Bay, Fox News, and the Manitoba Museum. Listen here and follow or

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Canada's auto industry is on the brink. Should it be saved? is an episode from It's Political with Althia Raj by Toronto Star.

This episode is 01:04:24 long.

This episode was published on Oct 31, 2025.

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