Tariff Debate Takes Centre Stage

Tariff Debate Takes Centre Stage

Author: TD Securities February 27, 2026 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 "monumental" Supreme Court ruling on tariffs, Trump's pivot to Section 122 flat tariffs and Jameson Greer's suggestion that Canada needs to accept some tariff level as part of CUSMA negotiations, a point Frank pushes back on given it defeats the notion of a "free trade agreement." He also discusses the prospect of US military action in Iran, the latest on Venezuela and the possible revitalization of Keystone XL. This podcast was recorded on February 26, 2026 Chapter Headings: 01:36 - Frank's Musings on Supreme Court Changes and a Solution for Cuba 10:39 - Supreme Court Ruling on IEEPA Tariffs and Trump's Pivot to 122 18:08 - Does Canada Have to Accept Tariffs in a renewed CUSMA? 23:52 - Trump's Plan to Replace Income Tax with Tariff Revenues 27:26 - Will Trump Attack Iran? 33:34 - The Latest in Venezuela 35:27 - South Bow Discusses Revitalizing Keystone XL

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
The Dog Days of Summer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:00
With the ink not yet dry on the Canada-US trade agreement, Frank attempts to separate signal from noise in analyzing winners and losers in bi-lateral trade negotiations between the two countries. With an all-out trade wa…
The Iranian Quagmire [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:53
In Episode 80, Frank jumps right into the tariff fray with a review of the recent 50% tariffs imposed by the United States on $20 billion worth of Canadian imports, suggesting that the maneuver is in part designed to eli…
An Early Look at Midterm Elections [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:31
In Episode 79, Frank welcomes back his friend and colleague Chris Krueger, Head of Global Macro Research for TD Securities and an expert on Washington politics, to discuss the upcoming US Midterm elections in November. B…
Geopolitics meets Major League Baseball [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:53
Frank and Peter found heaven in the May episode of Geopolitics with the marriage of a live audience for Episode 78 before a Jays game at the Rogers Center and a special guest appearance in the second half of this podcast…
A 24 Hour Geopolitical News Cycle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:14
Episode 77 covers a wide range of topics on the geopolitical landscape including the recent assassination attempt on President Trump, the implications on global energy markets of UAE's decision to exit OPEC and which per…
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…
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…