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
Finally a Chance to Talk About Something Other Than Tariffs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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 con…
The Puck Drops on Federal Election in Canada [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:46
In Episode 64, Frank covers the Canadian election from top to bottom, including addressing unflattering comments about Canada as a country from the leader of the Bloc Quebecois and the Premier of Alberta. Frank addresses…
Canada's New Prime Minister Joins Tariff/Sovereignty Debate [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:17
In Episode 63, the focus of discussions in on two main topics: new Prime Minister Mark Carney's early days at the helm of Canada, and tariffs. Frank discusses Carney's decision to travel to Europe before the US, a move t…
The Future of Canada-US Relations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:30
In Episode 62, Frank is joined by Chris Krueger of TD Cowen's Washington Research Group to discuss the first 30 days of the Trump Administration, and the on-going trade war with Canada. Chris outlines his biggest surpris…
Canada's Acute Case of Tariffitis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:30
Episode 60 is dominated by recent events in Ottawa, a period Frank describes as the most chaotic in his lifetime. Frank first dissects the decision by Chrystia Freeland to resign from her post as Minister of Finance prio…
Post Election Hangover – Now What? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:22
Frank is back from a vacation in the Far East, and he is fired up to talk about the US Election and its implications for global geopolitics. We cover Trump's controversial cabinet picks. Frank is supportive of Marco Rubi…
The US Election – Post Mortem with Chris Krueger and Rona Ambrose [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:29
In this special edition of Geopolitics, we check in on a post-election panel discussion at the 25th Annual TD Securities Portfolio Management and Market Structure Conference. With Frank Mckenna out of the country, Geopol…
The Long Road to the US Election Nears an End – or does it? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:37
In Episode 57, Frank invites Chris Krueger, TD Cowen's Washington politics expert, to the podcast to discuss the upcoming November 5th US Election and key factors that will determine who wins the Presidential race. Frank…
Canada's Provincial and Federal Election Watch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:52
Episode 56 is a mostly Made in Canada geopolitical discussion. Frank covers the NDP decision to end its supply and confidence agreement with Prime Minister Trudeau and his Liberal Party, leading to speculation of a snap…