Franks Funk

Franks Funk

Author: TD Securities September 24, 2025 Duration: 48:57
Frank comes to the September podcast taping in a somber mood, strange for someone who prides himself as the eternal optimist. What has Frank in a mood? Well, he lists several issues with the current US Administration that has him questioning the United States's position as leader of the free world. Meanwhile he is very concerned about the prospect Trump triggers the shotgun clause on CUSMA wiping out the existing agreement, a possibility allowed under Article 34.6 of the Agreement. Hence the need for Canada's Prime Minister Carney to continue to strengthen trading relationships outside of the US such as was evidenced with his recent meeting with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Frank likes the appointment of Dawn Farrell to head the Major Projects Office and is bullish on the prospects that the one project, one review, one decision two-year time frame for Major Projects is realistic. Frank provides his thoughts on free speech in the wake of Charlie Kirk's assassination and on Putin's addiction to War. Finally, Frank cracked his familiar smile again when talking about his beloved Blue Jays as we do at the end of every podcast. This podcast was recorded on September 23, 2025 at 6 pm EST Chapter Headings: 00:52 Frank's Somber Mood Towards Canada-US Relations 06:33 Will Trump Renegotiate or Blow-Up CUSMA? 20:50 Carney Branches Out Trading Relationships 23:09 Dawn Farrell and Canada's Five Major Infrastructure Projects 28:58 Canada Joins Other G7 Countries in Recognizing Palestinian State 34:33 The Polarized US Political Landscape 41:26 Putin's Addiction to War

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
Trump's Iran Conundrum [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:39
In Episode 76, Frank ponders the potential outcomes of the War in Iran and its impact on other global geopolitical events. He believes that despite a wide bid-ask spread in peace negotiations between Iran and the US that…
Tariff Debate Takes Centre Stage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:37
What if Cuba became a territory of Canada? What if Justice Alito suddenly retired this summer? These are just two of Frank's more provocative thoughts in this month's episode of Geopolitics. Frank also addresses the "mon…
Is Chaos a Distraction? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:23
Two weeks have passed since Frank last spoke to listeners. Since then, it has been chaos in global geopolitical circles, with Frank wondering whether some of this noise is meant to distract from issues the US Administrat…
December Musings and Predictions for 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:03
Episode 72 of Geopolitics is a mix of current events and predictions for 2026. Frank discusses the U.S.'s recently released National Security Strategy that some pundits believe is akin to the original Monroe Doctrine pub…
Carney Travels the World While Managing Complex Domestic Agenda [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:39
Frank comes out on fire in Episode 71 when questioned on his recent travels to the Middle East, describing the region as hot, and clearly justifying the Prime Minister's recent outreach for partnerships with countries in…
Trade Update and Canada's Budget – Rona and Frank Debate [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:49
Episode 70 of Geopolitics is a bonus episode taken from a panel at our recent Portfolio Management and Market Structure Conference. Frank McKenna is joined by his TD colleague The Honorable Rona Ambrose, Deputy Chairwoma…
Never a Dull Moment in Washington [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:03
In Episode 69, Frank invites Chris Krueger, Strategist with TD Cowen's Washington Research Group, to join the pod to help navigate the fast-moving developments in Washington including the government work stoppage, Canada…
CUSMA, Ukraine and Gerrymandering in Frank's Crosshairs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:32
Frank is back after a month off with a lot to cover in the current Episode 67. He starts with a review of Canada's handling of forest fires, an area where Canada is arguably a world leader, and what can be done in the ne…
Iran Takes Center of World Geopolitical Stage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:52
Frank's focus during the June episode of Geopolitics was on analyzing the fluid situation in the Middle East following Israel's 12-day war with Iran and the US's decision to bomb Iran's nuclear facilities. Stepping back…