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: 50

Geopolitics with Frank McKenna
Podcast Episodes
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…
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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…
10 Predictions for Geopolitics in 2023 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:15
The start of a new year is always a great time for predictions, so we decided to challenge Frank to provide his thoughts on ten of the most important geopolitical matters impacting Canada and the rest of the world order.…
Donald Trump and His Legal Woes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:21
In Episode 34, Frank breaks down the legal woes of Donald Trump and is left to wonder "is it possible to be President of the United States while in jail?" Of all the cases in front of the former President, Frank thinks i…
Talking Canadian Politics with Rona Ambrose [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:52
Episode 33 of our monthly podcast series on Geopolitics is a special bonus for our listeners. In this episode, we listen in on a recent interview with The Honorable Rona Ambrose conducted at our 23rd Annual TD Securities…
The UK's Lost Trusst in its Leader [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:15
In Episode 32, Frank addresses the rhetoric from Alberta's new Premier Danielle Smith who he believes will need to tone down the message in order to be electable next May. The theme of inflation is prevalent, with Frank…