The House

Over the past 10 years, the Senate has witnessed extraordinary change — namely a radical overhaul to do away with formal partisanship. The driver behind that? Former prime minister Justin Trudeau. But now that he’s gone, will those changes stick?In a special documentary edition of The House, guest host J.P. Tasker carves out some frank and revealing conversations with Senators Andrew Cardozo, Marc Gold, Leo Housakos, Paul Prosper, Paula Simons and Pamela Wallin about their place of work. Professor and author Jonathan Malloy also weighs in on representation in the Senate and whether reform is realistic, while Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon explains the new government’s strategy when it comes to dealing with the chamber of sober second thought.This episode features the voices of:Marc Gold, former senator & government representative in the SenateSenator Andrew CardozoSenator Leo HousakosSenator Paul ProsperSenator Paula SimonsSenator Pamela WallinJonathan Malloy, political science professor at Carleton UniversitySteven MacKinnon, government House leader

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Trevor Mercredi, Grand Chief of Treaty 8 First Nations, raises flags about the government's fast-paced infrastructure bill, citing concerns over Indigenous rights. Steven MacKinnon, Government House Leader, defends the urgency, emphasizing national interests. They delve into the geopolitical implications of Canada's military stance, especially in light of upcoming NATO discussions. Experts dissect the balance between rapid project approvals and essential environmental safeguards, while also addressing the political dynamics between Liberals and Conservatives that could impact future governance.

President Trump's early exit from the G7 sparked debate about its impact on multilateral dialogue. Without him, did Canada seize the opportunity to push its agenda? The podcast dives into the dynamics of the summit, discussing critical issues like climate change and trade tensions. Trudeau's remarks intensified the atmosphere, while the looming 30-day trade deadline added pressure. Finally, the hosts mix serious international politics with light-hearted banter about pronunciation debates, making for an engaging discussion on global leadership.

Anita Anand, Canada's new Minister of Foreign Affairs, discusses the critical G7 meeting and the implications of the Israel-Iran conflict. Jason Stanley, a philosophy expert on fascism, argues the U.S. is drifting away from democracy and suggests how world leaders should approach Trump. Peter Boehm, a seasoned G7 sherpa, provides insights into Trump's behavior at international summits. The conversation also touches on Canada's military spending and its role in navigating the complexities of global diplomacy.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced Canada will increase defence spending to 2% of GDP, meeting our NATO commitment 5 years earlier than expected. After a decade of nudging, foreign allies are celebrating the military investment. But where exactly will the extra $9.3 billion come from? Catherine Cullen, Jason Markusoff and Daniel Thibeault analyze the strategy behind the sudden funding increase, the government’s capacity to move quickly, and what might end up getting left behind.Correction: At the 25:45 mark in this episode, Catherine Cullen says the government has to spend money on programs such as the Canada Pension Plan. The CPP is in fact funded not by the government but by employers and employees who pay into it.