The best of Newstalk 580 CFRA for Thursday, April 9th, 2026.

The best of Newstalk 580 CFRA for Thursday, April 9th, 2026.

Top sound bites from all of 580 CFRA's programming

Top sound bites from all of 580 CFRA's programming

580 CFRA Top Sound Bites

The Daily Review

580 CFRA

PODCAST: The Daily Review for Thurs. April 9th, 2026

A trio of federal byelections are scheduled for next Monday, across various areas of Ontario and Quebec. But instead of needing 2 wins to secure a majority government, the Carney Liberals only need one, as longtime Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu has crossed the floor to join the Red Team. In a statement to her Sarnia constituents, Gladu says the community wants ‘serious leadership’ and ‘a real plan’ to build a stronger and more independent Canadian economy. She argues that joining the Liberal Party presents the opportunity and responsibility to build Canada’s strength and success with a ‘more constructive and collaborative approach’. Meantime, some political experts are now dummying down the importance of those 3 byelections, as 2 of them are being held in Liberal strongholds. We tackle every single political angle with the help of Éric-Antoine Ménard. He is the Vice-President and Head of Quebec Operations at NorthStar Public Affairs. Turning our attention to local news, an Ottawa city councillor’s push to explore private transportation service in rural areas has hit a dead end. It happened, not thanks to an outnumbered vote, but a 12-12 stalemate. So where does Rideau-Jock councillor David Brown go from here? He joins us in Hour 2. Plus, the Ottawa Senators are getting some much-needed help on the blueline, as Thomas Chabot returns way ahead of schedule! CFRA’s Chris Holski explains why he’s watching another Canadian team instead.

A trio of federal byelections are scheduled for next Monday, across various areas of Ontario and Quebec. But instead of needing 2 wins to secure a majority government, the Carney Liberals only need one, as longtime Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu has crossed the floor to join the Red Team. In a statement to her Sarnia constituents, Gladu says the community wants &lsquo;serious leadership&rsquo; and &lsquo;a real plan&rsquo; to build a stronger and more independent Canadian economy. She argues that joining the Liberal Party presents the opportunity and responsibility to build Canada&rsquo;s strength and success with a &lsquo;more constructive and collaborative approach&rsquo;. Meantime, some political experts are now dummying down the importance of those 3 byelections, as 2 of them are being held in Liberal strongholds. We tackle every single political angle with the help of &Eacute;ric-Antoine M&eacute;nard. He is the Vice-President and Head of Quebec Operations at NorthStar Public Affairs. Turning our attention to local news, an Ottawa city councillor&rsquo;s push to explore private transportation service in rural areas has hit a dead end. It happened, not thanks to an outnumbered vote, but a 12-12 stalemate. So where does Rideau-Jock councillor David Brown go from here? He joins us in Hour 2. Plus, the Ottawa Senators are getting some much-needed help on the blueline, as Thomas Chabot returns way ahead of schedule! CFRA&rsquo;s Chris Holski explains why he&rsquo;s watching another Canadian team instead.

Hour 2 of Ottawa Now for Thurs. April 9th, 2026

Kristy Cameron is back in the saddle, and the O-Train is back in the news for all the wrong reasons. Single-car service will continue on Line 1 for at least the next 6 weeks, as OC Transpo and Rideau Transit Group work tirelessly to address issues with the train’s axles. In an update that was delivered earlier today, Director of Rail Operations Troy Charter is hopeful that double-car O-Train service could resume at the end of May. However, there is still no timeline to begin final testing on the East Extension, nor is there a timeline to open the line between Blair and Trim. That’s because staff have uncovered new – and significant – damage. Boy, how the tables have certainly turned. Laura Shantz of Ottawa Transit Riders pays us a visit in Hour 1. Meantime, a crucial joint meeting is happening at City Hall next Friday. It will feature the Emergency Preparedness and Protective Services Committee, as well as the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee. And over the coming weeks, city councillors will be casting their ballots for, or against, no-protest zones near designated facilities. Barrhaven West councillor David Hill joins the program to discuss further. But first, we bring you up to speed on today’s top headlines.

Kristy Cameron is back in the saddle, and the O-Train is back in the news for all the wrong reasons. Single-car service will continue on Line 1 for at least the next 6 weeks, as OC Transpo and Rideau Transit Group work tirelessly to address issues with the train&rsquo;s axles. In an update that was delivered earlier today, Director of Rail Operations Troy Charter is hopeful that double-car O-Train service could resume at the end of May. However, there is still no timeline to begin final testing on the East Extension, nor is there a timeline to open the line between Blair and Trim. That&rsquo;s because staff have uncovered new &ndash; and significant &ndash; damage. Boy, how the tables have certainly turned. Laura Shantz of Ottawa Transit Riders pays us a visit in Hour 1. Meantime, a crucial joint meeting is happening at City Hall next Friday. It will feature the Emergency Preparedness and Protective Services Committee, as well as the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee. And over the coming weeks, city councillors will be casting their ballots for, or against, no-protest zones near designated facilities. Barrhaven West councillor David Hill joins the program to discuss further. But first, we bring you up to speed on today&rsquo;s top headlines.

Hour 1 of Ottawa Now for Thurs. April 9th, 2026

Tim Powers hosts ‘The Daily Debrief’ political panel discussion with Brian Platt, Bloomberg News Reporter, Robert Benzie, Queen’s Park Bureau Chief for the Toronto Star, and Mike Le Couteur, Senior Political Correspondent, CTV National News.

Listen to The Vassy Kapelos podcast on the iHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Follow us on Twitter at @VassKapelosShow and on Instagram at @VassyKapelosShow.

Tim Powers hosts &lsquo;The Daily Debrief&rsquo; political panel discussion with Brian Platt, Bloomberg News Reporter, Robert Benzie, Queen&rsquo;s Park Bureau Chief for the Toronto Star, and Mike Le Couteur, Senior Political Correspondent, CTV National News.
Listen to The Vassy Kapelos podcast on the iHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Follow us on Twitter at @VassKapelosShow and on Instagram at @VassyKapelosShow.

PODCAST: The Daily Review for Thurs. April 9th, 2026

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