In this explosive episode of Inside Politics, Kevin Klein is joined by Winnipeg Sun columnists Lawrence Pinsky and Robert-Falcon Ouellette to break down Premier Wab Kinew’s controversial plan to restrict social media access for youth—and slap tech companies with billion-dollar fines.

Sounds bold. But is it realistic… or just political theatre?

The panel digs into the real questions:

Can the government actually control social media use? Will this protect kids—or push them to find workarounds? Is this about safety… or control? And why are politicians who rely on social media suddenly trying to regulate it?

From failed attempts in other countries to the growing frustration among parents and voters, this conversation pulls no punches. You’ll hear arguments on responsibility, freedom, government overreach—and whether this plan is even enforceable.

Plus, the discussion goes deeper: 📉 Are politicians distracting from bigger issues? 📢 Is social media shaping politics more than ever before? 🗳️ Why are voters tuning out—and does it matter?

This is the debate everyone is having—but few are willing to say out loud.

👉 Watch now and decide for yourself.

💬 Join the conversation: Should kids under 16 be banned from social media? 👍 Like, subscribe, and share to support independent local journalism. 📰 Read more at WinnipegSun.com

#InsidePolitics #Manitoba #WabKinew #SocialMediaBan #CanadaPolitics #FreeSpeech #BigTech #News #WinnipegSun

A ballooning deficit, rising food bank use, stalled pipelines and a growing sense of economic unease—this week’s episode of Inside Politics doesn’t hold back.

Host Kevin Klein is joined by Winnipeg Sun columnists Lawrence Pinsky and former Liberal MP Robert-Falcon Ouellette for a fast-paced, sharply divided discussion on Canada’s spring economic update—and what it means for everyday Canadians.

The headline number is hard to ignore: a federal deficit nearing $70 billion. But what grabbed the panel’s attention is what’s behind it. Pinsky calls the government’s plan “depressing” and warns Canada is on a “path to decline,” arguing that borrowed money and increased spending are masking deeper structural problems. His criticism of a proposed “sovereign wealth fund”—which he describes as “a sovereign debt fund”—adds fuel to an already fiery debate.

Ouellette offers a more measured view, pointing to an unexpected surge in oil revenues that helped soften the blow. Without it, he suggests, the deficit could have been far worse. But even he acknowledges underlying risks, noting that government spending appears to be propping up economic growth at a time when many Canadians are struggling to keep up.

And that’s where the conversation hits home.

From grocery store choices shifting from butter to margarine, to the growing number of working Canadians relying on food banks, the panel agrees on one point: the cost of living is squeezing households harder than ever. Klein presses the question many are asking—what is the government actually doing to create jobs and make life more affordable?

The discussion then pivots to energy—always a flashpoint in Canadian politics. With renewed talk of pipelines, including U.S. support for a revived Alberta route, the panel debates whether Canada is missing a critical economic opportunity. Pinsky argues the project has already been studied “to death” and should be moving forward, while Ouellette cautions that consultation and environmental considerations remain essential.

Hovering over it all is a deeper concern: national unity. With Alberta frustration growing and economic disparities widening, Klein raises the stakes—what happens if the provinces driving Canada’s economy feel pushed too far?

It’s a blunt, often uncomfortable conversation—but one that reflects the mood of a country facing tough questions.

For listeners looking to understand where Canada is headed—and why so many are worried—this episode of Inside Politics is one to follow.

In this episode of Inside Canadian Politics, Kevin Klein is joined by Winnipeg Sun columnists Lawrence Pinsky and former Liberal MP Robert-Falcon Ouellette for a sharp, wide-ranging discussion on the direction of Canada—and the decisions shaping its future.

At the centre of the conversation is Prime Minister Mark Carney’s newly announced advisory council on Canada-U.S. trade. Is it a serious effort to strengthen negotiations, or a strategic move to manage risk and share accountability if talks falter? The panel digs into what’s really driving the decision—and who is actually influencing Canada’s negotiating strategy.

From there, the discussion expands to the growing tension in Western Canada. With frustration building over energy policy, stalled development, and federal priorities, are we seeing the early signs of a deeper national divide? The conversation explores Alberta’s rising discontent, questions around representation, and what it could mean for the future of Confederation.

The episode also tackles declining voter turnout and public disengagement. Are Canadians losing faith in politics—or are political decisions themselves driving people away from the process?

It’s a candid, thoughtful exchange that cuts through talking points and gets to the core issues: affordability, leadership, national unity, and trust in government.

If you’re trying to make sense of where Canada is heading, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.