A heated on-air confrontation unfolded on CBC as Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre clashed with senior journalist Rosemary Barton during a live interview, turning the discussion into one of the most tense political exchanges on Canadian television in recent weeks.

The interview focused on public trust in government, media credibility and allegations surrounding political influence in Ottawa. Poilievre accused the Liberal government of a lack of transparency and repeatedly challenged what he described as “closed-door decision-making” and insider politics.

Barton pushed back strongly, questioning the evidence behind his claims and pressing him to clarify whether he was accusing specific officials or MPs of wrongdoing. The exchange became increasingly sharp, with both sides speaking over each other as the discussion moved from policy into broader arguments about media accountability and political narrative.

No formal findings of corruption or illegal activity were presented during the broadcast, and no authorities have announced any investigation linked to the claims raised in the interview.