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: 55

Geopolitics with Frank McKenna
Podcast Episodes
Ottawa Fighting Battles on Several Flanks in Canada [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:30
In our last episode before the calendar turns to 2024, the conversation begins in Israel where Prime Minister Netanyahu struggles to maintain support for his war against Hamas. Next, we shift to Russia, where President P…
The Political Pendulum Shifts Right [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:41
Episode 46 covers a lot of geography. We start with a review of recent victories by right wing leaders in Argentina and Netherlands, which Frank believes is part of the natural pendulum swinging opposite incumbent center…
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…