The House

CBC
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Aug 16, 2025 • 49min

Did Putin triumph over Trump at the Alaska summit?

What did the Trump-Putin summit achieve — and what comes next for Ukraine? CBC senior defence reporter Murray Brewster helms this security-focused episode of The House, featuring a debrief with former U.S. diplomat Michael Carpenter on what came out of the sit-down between the U.S. and Russian presidents late Friday in Alaska. Then, two Canadian experts — a former NATO assistant secretary general and a former naval commander — dive deep into whether Canada can realistically reduce its dependence on U.S. military equipment and support.Also: as global leaders watch closely for what could happen next in Ukraine, Chief of the Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan discusses what possible role Canada could have in any ceasefire — and whether armed forces have the bench strength for a prolonged engagement.Finally, Canadian researcher and author Alicia Wanless joins The House to explain why she believes the world’s democracies should look to the past — the far past — as governments continue to fight against disinformation.This episode features the voices of:Michael Carpenter, former U.S. ambassador and permanent representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, now senior fellow for transatlantic affairs at the International Institute for Strategic StudiesWendy Gilmour, former NATO assistant secretary general for defence investment Mark Norman, retired vice-admiral of the Royal Canadian NavyGeneral Jennie Carignan, chief of the defence staffAlicia Wanless, author and director of the Information Environment Project at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace 
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Aug 9, 2025 • 50min

Should Canada come clean and admit it won't meet its climate goals?

Canada has just five years to meet its 2030 climate target: a 40 per cent reduction in emissions below 2005 levels. CBC’s David Thurton covers climate change and the environment for the Parliamentary Bureau, and this week guest hosts a special edition of The House to take stock of why climate experts fear the 2030 goal will not be met. In an age of weakening interest in climate change as other crises take centre stage — is there even the political will to get it done?This episode features the voices of:Mikyla Tacilauskas, Salvation Army outreach and housing services managerSimon Donner, co-chair of the Net-Zero Advisory BodyNichole Dusyk, senior policy advisor at the International Institute for Sustainable DevelopmentDave Sawyer, principal economist at the Canadian Climate InstituteSerge Dupont, head of Bennett Jones’ Public Policy GroupEulalie Reesink-Babillon, with the climate action group Last GenerationBenjamin Welchner, with the climate action group Last GenerationShannon Joseph, chair of Energy for a Secure FutureOliver Anderson, vice-president of communications and growth for water charity AquaAction
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Aug 2, 2025 • 50min

Need more Canadian energy? Atlantic Canada has a plan for that

A new nuclear reactor. A natural gas pipeline extension. Thousands of offshore wind turbines. Atlantic provinces have ambitious ideas to generate and transmit more energy across Canada, all under one banner. As Prime Minister Mark Carney renews his call for nation-building projects to strengthen the Canadian economy, will this network of ideas, the Eastern Energy Partnership, make the cut? And how realistic – and expensive – are these plans? CBC's provincial affairs reporter in New Brunswick Jacques Poitras speaks to New Brunswick's premier and the federal minister in charge of the Atlantic, Sean Fraser, as well as First Nations leaders, experts and stakeholders about what it could mean for power in eastern Canada for generations to come.This episode features the voices of:John Herron, New Brunswick Minister of Natural ResourcesJoanna Bernard, New Brunswick Regional Chief for the Assembly of First NationsChief Terry Richardson, Pabineau First NationBrad Coady, vice-president of business development for NB PowerLori Clark, President and CEO of NB PowerDavid Coon, leader of the Green Party of New BrunswickHeidi Leslie, CEO of Crux Energy ConsultingScott Urquhart, CEO of Aegir InsightsLarry Hughes, energy expert at Dalhousie UniversitySusan Holt, premier of New BrunswickSean Fraser, minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
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Jul 30, 2025 • 49min

Canada’s landmark decision to recognize a Palestinian state | As It Happens

If you want to stay up to date this summer on everything going on in the world, The House is recommending As It Happens. Meet people at the centre of the day’s most hard-hitting, hilarious, and heartbreaking stories – powerful leaders, proud eccentrics, and ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. And plenty of puns too.In this episode:One day after the UK makes a similar statement, Ottawa announces plans to recognize Palestinian statehood in September. We'll reach Canada's former Ambassador to the United Nations. The head of the Stephen Lewis Foundation tells us what a new million-dollar donation will mean for organizations whose capacity to help was suddenly slashed when the Trump Administration cut billions in USAID funding.A Maui resident tells us he and his neighbours were lucky to avoid any major damage after living through a tsunami warning last night. But that doesn't mean they should be any less prepared next time.A St. John's fire chief tells us about the fires that destroyed two historic fishing stages last night and how it felt to watch them burn, helpless to stop the flames.Canada's 18-year-old swimming sensation Summer McIntosh is chasing five individual golds this week at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore. Her mother, a former Olympic swimmer herself, tells us what it's like to watch her daughter lean all the way in.A man in Argentina was shocked, outraged and then really, really embarrassed after a Google Street View camera captured him in his yard – fully naked with his bottom on full display.As It Happens, the Wednesday Edition. Radio that imagines he'll be happy when the whole incident is in the rearview.You can find As It Happens wherever you get your podcasts: https://app.magellan.ai/listen_links/cqSNA1
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Jul 26, 2025 • 50min

Is Trudeau’s reformed Senate working? Here’s what senators say

Paula Simons, an Alberta Senator known for her community activism, and Leo Housakos, a Quebec Senator representing Conservative interests, delve into the profound changes in the Senate over the last decade. They discuss Trudeau's reforms aimed at diminishing partisanship and increasing senator independence. Simons defends the impact of these changes, while Housakos argues the Senate is losing its influence. The conversation raises critical questions about representation, regional disparities, and the Senate's evolving role in Canadian legislation.
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Jul 19, 2025 • 49min

Carney's big building dreams meet First Nations' reality

Prime Minister Mark Carney met with First Nations leaders this week to get their support for his nation-building plans — but some right-holders left with more questions than answers or outright blasted the meeting. Host Catherine Cullen checks in with Northern and Arctic Affairs Minister Rebecca Chartrand and Regional Chief of the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations Terry Teegee on the sidelines of the summit in Gatineau, Que.Then, ahead of next week’s premiers’ meeting in Huntsville, Ont., Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe explains why he believes a deal with Trump on tariffs is likely, but he doesn’t think “elbows up” is the right way to get there.Plus, as federal data shows inequality is widening and the federal government is going big on military spending and national projects, two economists offer their views on the most pressing priorities for Canadians and whether Ottawa’s spending matches their needs.Finally, two Hill watchers weigh in on the uphill path Carney faces on trade and energy projects, as well as the Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's shift in tone.This episode features the voices of:Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic AffairsTerry Teegee, Regional Chief of the British Columbia Assembly of First NationsScott Moe, Premier of SaskatchewanDon Drummond, economist and fellow-in-residence at C.D. Howe InstituteArmine Yalnizyan, economist and Atkinson Fellow On The Future Of WorkersChristopher Nardi, parliamentary reporter for the National PostStephanie Levitz, senior reporter for the Globe and Mail Ottawa bureau
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Jul 12, 2025 • 49min

Exclusive: Pierre Poilievre talks trade, Alberta byelection

Once again, U.S. President Donald Trump is threatening to slap more tariffs on Canada — and Pierre Poilievre has thoughts. The Conservative leader speaks with Catherine Cullen in his first national English interview with CBC since becoming party leader to discuss how he’d tackle the Canada-U.S. trade war differently and why he thinks he deserves a second shot at holding a seat in the House of Commons.Then, national security expert Wesley Wark explains why Trump’s latest move should elicit a bigger response from north of the border.Plus, the new head of the Royal Canadian Air Force, Lt.-Gen. Jamie Speiser-Blanchet, tells The House her priorities for the new role in a “volatile and uncertain” time.Finally, as Prime Minister Mark Carney’s chief of staff and the new Clerk of the Privy Council officially take the reins of the federal government, Janice Charette, a former clerk who assisted with the Carney transition, and Ian Brodie, former chief of staff to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, lift the curtain on the high-pressure roles and examine the challenges of executing the prime minister’s ambitious agenda.This episode features the voices of:Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party of CanadaWesley Wark, senior fellow at the Centre for International Governance InnovationLt.-Gen. Jamie Speiser-Blanchet, commander of the Royal Canadian Air ForceJanice Charette, former Clerk of the Privy CouncilIan Brodie, former chief of staff to Prime Minister Stephen Harper
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Jul 5, 2025 • 57min

Canada’s long hot trade summer, explained

Inu Manak, a Trade Policy Fellow with the Council on Foreign Relations, joins Maninder Sidhu, Canada’s Minister of International Trade, and Dimitry Grozoubinkski, Australian trade consultant and author, to unpack Canada’s trade challenges. They discuss the ramifications of retracting the digital services tax amidst U.S. pressures. Insights are shared on the impact of tariffs on Canadian dairy and beef industries. Lastly, Grozoubinkski critiques political misinformation in trade discussions, offering a refreshing perspective on navigating current global trade dynamics.
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Jun 28, 2025 • 50min

Trump's cut off Canada-U.S. trade talks. Now what?

Join former Deputy Prime Minister John Manley as he analyzes the fallout from Trump ending trade talks with Canada, emphasizing negotiation strategies needed in this complex landscape. Political strategist George Soule discusses the NDP's challenges and opportunities in a two-party system. The conversation also touches on the new Canada Disability Benefit, with personal stories highlighting the struggles and bureaucratic hurdles faced by disabled Canadians. Lastly, hear funny yet impactful political advice from seasoned veterans on navigating the political arena.
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Jun 25, 2025 • 33min

House Party: What needs to get done in this hot political summer?

As summer break begins, political leaders are gearing up for a busy season ahead. Discussions revolve around PM Mark Carney's urgent U.S.-Canada trade deal and Pierre Poilievre's strategy for a crucial by-election. The complexities of Canadian politics unfold—from addressing Indigenous consultation to tackling economic sentiments. Authentic messaging becomes key for upcoming elections, as leaders navigate internal dynamics and shifting voter expectations. Unique insights into Quebec's landscape and humorous cultural interludes enrich the analysis.

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