Finally a Chance to Talk About Something Other Than Tariffs

Finally a Chance to Talk About Something Other Than Tariffs

Author: TD Securities May 22, 2025 Duration: 50:34
For the first time in four months of our podcast series, the focus of Frank's attention is not centered around tariffs. This month Frank starts with a detailed analysis of Prime Minister Carney's cabinet, a carefully constructed team of ministers balancing geographic, gender and ethnic interests from across the country. Frank addresses comments from Alberta's Premier Danielle Smith on separation, suggesting she would be better off leading than following her base of support. On a positive note, Smith seemed more bullish on the prospects for energy infrastructure builds across the country following comments from Quebec Premier Legault, who previously did not support building pipelines through his province. Frank discussed Prime Minister Carney's visit to the Whitehouse where he received good marks for his messaging on Canada's sovereignty which did not require confrontation with the President. We then move the discussion to global issues, covering handshake trade deals, the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, which Frank suggests are closer to the end than the beginning, and the recent flare up between Pakistan and India in Kashmir. He finishes with a suggestion that the Jays are better than their record, a point of view that was not supported by the normally bullish podcast host. This podcast was recorded on May 21, 2025. Chapter Headings: 01:28 - The Carney Cabinet 06:21 - Smith and Alberta Separation 12:50 - Spending on Energy Infrastructure 21:53 - Bullish Tone for Canada 28:50 - Carney and Trump 34:36 - Trump and Tariffs 40:30 - Is Trump's Nobel Prize Slipping Away? 43:31 - India-Pakistan Flare Up

Each month, Peter Haynes sits down with Frank McKenna for a conversation that cuts through the noise of global headlines. The Geopolitics with Frank McKenna podcast provides a rare perspective, shaped by McKenna’s unique blend of experience as a former Canadian Premier and Ambassador to the U.S., now serving as Deputy Chair at TD Securities. This isn't a theoretical discussion; it's a practical analysis of how international tensions, trade disputes, and shifting alliances directly impact markets and business strategies. You’ll hear nuanced takes on the stories dominating the news, grounded in a deep understanding of both political corridors and boardrooms. Haynes guides these monthly dialogues to unpack complex issues with clarity, making the forces shaping our world accessible and relevant. For anyone looking to comprehend the real-world implications of global power dynamics, this series offers essential listening. The insights throughout this podcast come from a place of firsthand experience, offering listeners a valuable lens on the interconnected nature of policy and finance. Tune in for thoughtful, forward-looking conversations that go beyond the soundbite.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 53

Geopolitics with Frank McKenna
Podcast Episodes
The Washington Circus [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:19
Episode 45 comes at you straight from TD's 24th Annual Portfolio Management and Market Structure Conference, held November 2nd. Frank is joined on stage by Chris Krueger of TD Cowen's Washington Research Group for a pane…
Unpacking Canada's Diplomatic Row with India [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:59
Frank McKenna, a proud Canadian, shows his true passion for Canada in Episode 44 first defending Canada in its diplomatic dispute with India over the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar a Canadian Member of the Sikh diaspora…
More of the Same [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:50
Episode 43 is entitled "More of the Same" because Frank returns to common threads from previous episodes namely Trudeau, climate, immigration, war, and Trump. Frank discusses recent meetings with members of the Prime Min…
The Not So Summer Doldrums [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:28
In Episode 42, Frank checks in from his summer location in New Brunswick for a wide ranging discussion on a busy geopolitical calendar. We start close to home with a recap of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's recent s…
Breaking Down a Russian Coup Attempt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:43
In Episode 41, Frank breaks down the startling developments that unfolded in Russia over the weekend, with the mercenary Russian army known as the Wagner Group apparently turning on President Putin and leading to a near…
In Conversation with Chris Krueger, Washington Research Group [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:23
In Episode 39, Frank invites his new colleague from TD Cowen's Washington Research Group, Chris Krueger, to the monthly podcast for a discussion on US politics. The two geopolitical experts discuss potential solutions to…
Geopolitics Gone Crazy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:36
In Episode 38, Frank returns from a busy schedule of travelling the world this past month and provides a live eye view on several important hot button geopolitical topics. He has just returned from a visit to the Middle…
Where is Roxham road? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:44
In Episode 37, Frank deep dives the immigration complexities of North America, in particular the issue of refugees seeking asylum from the USA into Canada via irregular ports of entry not covered under existing immigrati…
The Never-Ending Confidential Documents File [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:42
Episode 36 returns to addressing the geopolitical topics of the day. The episode begins with a discussion of the document storage security breaches by various important US politicians, a story that is keeping cable telev…