POWER PLAY Kicks Off Five Weeks Early, Premiering Today, Tuesday, August 4 on CTV News Channel

To tweet this release: TORONTO (August 4, 2015) – As Canada heads into the longest federal election campaign in recent history, POWER PLAY returns for new episodes a full five weeks ahead of schedule, kicking off today, Tuesday, Aug. 4 at 5 p.m. ET on CTV News Channel. As Canadians prepare to head to the polls on Monday, Oct. 19, POWER PLAY delivers unparalleled insight and commentary on the latest from the campaign trail, featuring regular appearances by campaign war room staffers as they cover every turn in the race to form Canada’s next government. The source for coverage of all matters political, POWER PLAY will also deliver the latest coverage of the Mike Duffy trial when it resumes in Ottawa next week. Hosted by veteran Canadian journalist Don Martin, POWER PLAY is the political television program of record for Canadians across the country, highlighting the people and players that dominate the political scene in Canada. POWER PLAY airs Monday-Friday at 5 p.m. ET on CTV News Channel, and is also available on CTV News GO, and on demand on the CTV News Video Player at CTV.ca. “One of the most respected journalists on Parliament Hill, Don’s in-depth understanding of the machinations of Canada’s political landscape combined with his irreverent style make POWER PLAY a vital go-to source for Canadians,” said Wendy Freeman, President, CTV News. “As the election heats up, we are pleased to return POWER PLAY to air five weeks ahead of its typical schedule in an effort to serve Canadians with the best and most comprehensive political picture in Canada.” Also, returning this week to coincide with the early return to air of POWER PLAY is Martin’s popular blog Don’s Last Word. With new entries available on Fridays, Martin’s weekly blog delivers his trademark incisive commentary and a supplementary look at Canada’s political scene at the close of each week. As host of POWER PLAY since 2010, Martin brings more than three decades of experience to his role. Previously a national affairs columnist based in Ottawa, Martin wrote regularly about federal politics for The Calgary Herald and National Post with a special eye on western issues of interest to his favourite province, namely Alberta. Prior to helming POWER PLAY, he spent some 30 years covering politics, starting with Calgary city hall and moving to the provincial legislature before heading to the nation’s capital in 2000. He authored the bestseller King Ralph in 2002, a biography on the life and times of Alberta Premier Ralph Klein, and in 2006 published Belinda on the private and political life of Belinda Stronach.